Planning to head to Japan soon? Japan Rail (JR) Pass prices increased by nearly 70% in October 2023. Read on to find out everything you need to know — and whether it’s still worth the purchase.
When travelling to a foreign land, it’s always about making wise financial decisions that’ll allow you to spend more comfortably in other aspects. So when you end up in a place like Japan where food and experiences are unparalleled, it often means looking out for good deals on accommodation and transport to make the numbers work.
Now enter the Japanese transport system — hyper-efficient, clean, and everything you can dream of. But quality comes at a cost, right? As a result, many tourists have relied heavily on the JR Pass to travel around, simply because the cost savings truly speak for themselves.
But with JR Group’s most recent announcement about the substantial price hikes on the pass, tourists are now asking the million-dollar question: Is the JR Pass still worth it?
To help you figure it out, we’ve combed the Web to get the lowdown on what the price hike entails, and whether it’s still worth purchasing. Read on! 👇
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The JR Pass — What Is It?
Image credits: Klook
Created by the JR Group, the JR Pass is a discounted rail ticket that offers ticker holders an unlimited number of JR train rides over a specific number of days. For tourists looking to traverse the entire country, this makes a lot of financial sense, as there are six regions covered by JR pass — which is pretty much the whole of Japan.
Image credits: JR Pass
As a tourist, you can purchase either a consecutive 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day pass — giving you the option to plug and play, especially on longer trips. Do note that the passes have to be bought before arrival in Japan!
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The Price Increase From October 2023
It’s no secret that JR Passes are presently pretty pricey, but it makes sense because the savings stack up. But with the revised prices kicking in from October 2023, it’s safe to say that tourists are beginning to wonder if the cost is now justifiable. Here’s a breakdown of the prices, before and after the hike:
| Pass Type | Current Price (¥) | New Price (¥) | Percentage Increase |
| Ordinary 7-day | 29,650 (~S$280.40) | 50,000 (~S$472.90) | 69% |
| Ordinary 14-day | 47,250 (~S$446.90) | 80,000 (~S$756.60) | 69% |
| Ordinary 21-day | 60,450 (~S$571.70) | 100,000 (~S$945.75) | 65% |
| Green 7-day | 39,600 (~S$374.50) | 70,000 (~S$662) | 77% |
| Green 14-day | 64,120 (~S$606.40) | 110,000 (~S$1040.30) | 72% |
| Green 21-day | 83,390 (~S$788.70) | 140,000 (~S$1324.05) | 68% |
Source: JR Pass
Yikes.
Is The JR Pass Still Worth It After The Price Increase?: Find out more here
Benefits of the JR Pass
Image credits: Klook
As you can tell, the price hikes are pretty substantial — with prices almost akin to a flight ticket. But before we raise our torches and pitchforks, it’s also important to explore the benefits of the JR Pass.
1. Perfect For Long-Distance Travel
The JR trains run through the entire country, from Kyushu to Hokkaido. So if you’re planning to do an epic run-and-gun round trip in 21 days or less, then the JR Pass, despite its substantial increase in price, may be a worthy option! After all, it’s important to note that the price hike is not isolated — the cost of regular tickets is also expected to go up in October.
2. A More Convenient Way To Travel
While you don’t need a pass in order to utilise the train services, the JR Pass has been a longstanding tourist favourite for reasons that go beyond its cost-saving benefits. Purchasing a single JR Pass for the entirety of your trip saves you the hassle of constantly having to purchase single-trip tickets — saving you time since you won’t have to worry about navigating the busy and oft-overwhelming train stations and ticketing machines. It’s a lifesaver especially during rush hour and during the holidays!
Did we mention that your JR Pass also allows you to make seat reservations? This is particularly useful during peak travel periods, as it means you won’t run the risk of having to stand for long journeys.
3. All Aboard The Cute Express!
What is a trip to Japan without taking their cute character trains? Known as JR’s Joyful Trains, you get to experience riding on uniquely-themed rail cars on specific routes across Japan.
For instance, the popular Pokémon With You train comes dressed in all things Pokémon — with a playroom filled with pokéballs, puzzles, and tons of fun activities for kiddos. You can also find other unique themes like the iconic Anpanman, and even a travelling cafe — the FruiTea Fukushima Train — that features food and beverages created from local produce.
Image credits: Japan Rail Pass
4. Enjoy Eye Candy For Miles
It’s no secret that Japan has some of the most scenic views. And it’s also no secret that the JR lines, given their ubiquity, have some of the most scenic train routes available! If you love the idea of plugging into your favourite tunes and watching the magnificent world go by, then the JR Pass may be your ticket to unlimited views, with the best seats in the house!
Enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji when you take the Tokaido Shinkansen line between Tokyo and Kyoto or embark on an otherworldly adventure, the Kurobe Gorge Railway takes you through the Japan Alps, where you’ll be greeted by stunning views of majestic mountains, tranquil rivers, and lush forests.
5. New From October 2023 — More Train Services & Discounts For JR Passholders
If it’s of any consolation, the new JR Passes will now allow tourists to ride the Nozomi and Mizuho trains, which is huuuuge, considering how much more convenient travelling will get. (For context, Nozomi trains are the fastest express service on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines, while Mizuho trains service the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines).
Of course, you will still have to get an upgraded ticket to access these lines, but it is nothing compared to having to pay for an entirely new ticket.
Another new benefit JR Passholders get to enjoy is more discounts at select attractions, thanks to an expanded list of partner companies. While there isn’t any concrete information yet, you can expect quite an exciting variety coming your way!
Is The JR Pass Still Worth It After The Price Increase?: Find out more here
Considerations To Think About
Image credits: EHL Insights
1. Are You Travelling To Multiple Cities?
If you’re planning to do some hardcore (and we mean hardcore) cross-country travelling, then the JR Pass makes the most sense — as they are great for getting from one major city to another with ease. However, if you’re only intending on spending time in 1- 2 cities throughout your entire trip, then you may be better off without the JR Pass, especially with the price hike.
This is simply because sticking to just JR trains and bus services within the cities requires a lot of planning and coordination, which can be a huge damper on your holidays. For example, if you’re spending a considerable amount of time within Tokyo, there are plenty of train networks that intersect — so sticking to just one train provider can be pretty inconvenient. And in some cities like Osaka and Kyoto, JR services are pretty limited, which means you may end up having to pay extra for those local subway, bus, and non-JR train rides.
Instead, consider purchasing the more affordable regional passes or simply purchase your tickets on-demand.
2. What Type Of Tourist Are You?
We know this question sounds slightly vague. But if you’re the sort that prefers to take the road less travelled, then perhaps the JR Pass may not necessarily be the best option. While it’s fair to assume that JR transportation can be found in just about any city in Japan, it usually only covers the more populated areas. So if you’re on a mission to live like a local and explore the nooks and crannies, you’d be better off purchasing train tickets on the go.
❗ Our tip? Even if your travel plans aren’t concrete, put together a list of possible places of interest and check to see if JR trains run through these locations first.
3. Do You Need To Take A Train?
While Japan is known for its state-of-the-art Shinkansen, there are plenty of other convenient transportation options that can take you across the country for just a fraction of the cost of a JR Pass.
This brings us to our next point…
Is The JR Pass Still Worth It After The Price Increase?: Check out our guide on the best things to do in Kyoto & Osaka
…Are There Alternatives to the JR Pass?
Image credits: Unsplash
Definitely! Japan’s reputation as being an efficient and convenient country isn’t for nought. In fact, your next best alternative is taking a bus. With a dense network of daytime and overnight highway buses available, you can actually save more time and money if you play your cards right! But fair warning though — this option is only ideal if comfort is not your main priority.
Willer Express:
This is one of the largest budget bus services in Japan. With more than 120 bus routes across the country, you can rest assured knowing that you can commute in peace. What we like about Willer Express is that they also have passes that are sold based on shorter travel periods, 3, 5, and 7 days, to be exact. Plus, you don’t even have to use them consecutively — as long as they are used within two months, you can enjoy travel for travel’s sake.
Prices for Willer’s Japan Bus Pass start from just ¥10,200 (~S$96.60) for the 3-day non-consecutive pass. If you really want to save money, book an overnight bus ride to save on a night’s accommodation!
Is The JR Pass Still Worth It After The Price Increase?: Find out more here
So… Is The JR Pass Still Worth It
Here’s our verdict. If you’re planning a short 7-day visit to Japan, you may be better off without the JR Pass, simply because the prices just don’t add up. But we still recommend considering the JR Pass if you’re planning a longer multi-city trip. Ultimately, it boils down to some meticulous trip planning to make sure that you can reap the full benefits of the JR Pass.
In the spirit of travel and wanderlust, we think this may also be a good time to consider alternative forms of transportation — allowing you to really experience Japan through a very different lens. But whatever option you choose, just remember to use your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates, so that you can save even as you spend.
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Safe Travels!
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