Brace yourselves, because, from 1 October 2023 onwards, prices for Japan’s Regional JR Passes are set to increase by 50% (yikes 😭). Here’s everything you need to know.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, take a deep breath because we’ve got some bad news flying in fast… Recently, we published this article on Japan’s nationwide JR Passes increasing prices by nearly 70% in October 2023. This time, prices for Japan’s regional JR passes are set to rise by 50% more from 1 October 2023, up to 30,000 yen 🥹 Read on for more deets on the updated prices 👇
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What Does The Regional JR Pass Entail?
Image credits: Trainline
The Regional JR Pass offers unlimited travel to travellers who wish to explore certain regions or areas in Japan such as the Hokkaido Rail Pass for those who want to venture around the lavender fields of Furano or experience the Snow Festival in Sapporo. Or, the Kansai Wide Area Pass, for those who wish to visit a larger area of Kansai, Okayama, Takamatsu, Kinosaki Onsen, Amanohashidate, and the Wakayama area.
These passes are sold according to different regions, durations, and flexible days for travellers to select according to their itinerary.
Prices For Japan’s Regional JR Passes Are Set To Increase From 1 October 2023 Onwards: Check out the list of regional passes sold by JR Group here
The Price Increase From 1 October 2023 Onwards
According to Japan’s Transport Authority, prices will be revised from 1 October 2023 onwards to expand the lines covered by the JR Regional Passes and to introduce automatic ticket gates. The number of seats allocated for reservations will also be increased for select passes, and pass holders will now have access to certain perks such as discounts at select stores.
The prices for JR East and JR Central, which cover the more popular Tokyo, Nagano, and Tohuku regions, hit the hardest. Here’s the breakdown of some regional pass types JR Group offers and the new prices that we’ll see from October onwards.
Pass Type | Current Price (¥) | New Price (¥) | Percentage Increase |
5-Day JR East Tohoku Area Pass 👉 Kanto & Tohoku regions | ¥20,000 (~S$186.64) | ¥30,000 (~S$279.96) | 50% |
3-Day JR Tokyo Wide Pass | ¥10,180 (~S$95) | ¥15,000 (~S$139.98) | 47% |
5-Day Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass 👉 Connects Nagoya with Takayama & Osaka with Kanazawa | ¥14,260 (~S$133.07) | ¥19,800 (~S$184.77) | 39% |
5-Day Kansai Wide Area Pass 👉 Himeji & Nara | ¥10,000 (~S$93.32) | ¥12,000 (~S$111.98) | 20% |
5-Day Hokkaido Rail Pass | ¥19,000 (~S$177.31) | ¥20,000 (~S$186.64) | 5% |
Source: The Straits Times
Prices For Japan’s Regional JR Passes Are Set To Increase From 1 October 2023 Onwards: Find out more here
What Does This Mean For You?
Image credits: Tokyo Cheapo
For travellers on a budget, this news might feel like a stab in the back as you’ll have to factor in the increase in transportation costs and reconsider your itinerary. However, for those who appreciate Japan’s railway system’s high level of convenience, this price hike might be seen as a small price to pay for a hassle-free experience.
❗Just remember to book in advance, take advantage of discounts and promotions, and select the right pass for your itinerary to save more in your wallet!
Prices For Japan’s Regional JR Passes Are Set To Increase From 1 October 2023 Onwards: Check out our guide to if the Japan Railway Pass is still worth it despite the price increase
Are There Any Other Alternatives?
Image credits: Japan Guide
Besides the JR Pass, you can choose to consider in-country flights and busses as a viable option. Although not as quick and convenient compared to the railway system, prices are still relatively reasonable. And of course, don’t forget to lock down the best yen rates on your YouTrip app for bigger savings!
💴 Psst, at the time of writing (2 Aug 2023), the current rate as shown on the YouTrip app at 11:26 AM is S$1 to 107.2 yen, compared to Google’s rate of S$1 to 107.26 yen.
Prices For Japan’s Regional JR Passes Are Set To Increase From 1 October 2023 Onwards: Check out our guide to free things to do in Tokyo
Lock In The Best Yen Rates All Day
The price hike of Japan’s regional JR Passes may come as a downer to some, but with some careful planning and compromises, Japan still remains one of the best countries to explore and build your own unforgettable adventure! As usual, don’t forget to bring your handy dandy YouTrip card along for the best rates all day! Plus, our YouTrip Perks come in handy when getting extra cashback and discounts on your flight tickets, Japan accommodations, and theme park tickets. Every penny saved is a penny earned.
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! 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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