With the JR Pass price increase, most of us would prefer a more affordable alternative to the JR Pass. Well, we’ve got eight lined up for you — including other train & bus passes. Have your pick!
Japan has become a beloved holiday destination for many Singaporeans. From its ancient temples that stand juxtaposed against futuristic skyscrapers to the iconic cherry blossoms of spring and vibrant foliage of autumn, what’s not to like? One of the most popular transport options for tourists travelling around the country is the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), offering unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) trains for a fixed duration. However, with recent price increases and fluctuations in currency exchange rates, budget-conscious travellers are seeking more affordable alternatives. In this guide, we have 8 JR Pass budget alternatives for you to pick from, ensuring you can make the most of your Japan adventure without breaking the bank!
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What is the JR Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass, commonly known as JR Pass, is a cost-effective ticket available exclusively to foreign tourists visiting Japan. It grants unlimited access to the extensive Japan Railways (JR) network, including the Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express trains, local JR lines, and some buses and ferries operated by JR companies across the country. With various durations ranging from 7 to 21 days, travellers can explore Japan conveniently and economically. The JR Pass offers not only the freedom to travel between major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka but also the flexibility to venture off the beaten path to scenic regions and cultural destinations.
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JR Pass Budget Alternatives:
1. Single-journey Shinkansen Tickets
Best for: Travelling between 1–2 cities
Get to experience the thrill of travelling on the Shinkansen without buying the JR Pass! These tickets are ideal for those planning one-way or round-trip journeys between cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. You can opt for a single-journey, one-way, or round-trip ticket that allows you to enjoy the Shinkansen experience without the hefty price tag of a JR Pass.
However, bear in mind that the further you travel on the Shinkansen, the more expensive it gets. For example, a single-journey ticket from Tokyo to Osaka starts from S$122.25, compared to Tokyo to Hiroshima which starts from S$162. There are also additional fees for seat reservations starting from S$4.50, depending on the distance travelled.
Single-journey Shinkansen tickets can be purchased online or in person at major JR Stations, although discounts are available through certain channels, often requiring a level of proficiency in Japanese.
Pro-tip: Remember to use YouTrip perks to book your Shinkansen tickets and get up to 5% cashback from Klook!
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2. Regional JR Pass
Best for: In-depth exploration of a specific region

Image credits: H.I.S Travel
If you are exploring a specific region of Japan, you can consider purchasing a regional JR Pass. These passes offer unlimited travel within a designated area, providing an affordable and convenient way and cost a fraction of the price of a JR Pass. Some of the specific regions included are, Hokkaido, Kansai, Kanto, Kyushu, Tohoku, Nagano, and more!
These passes are exclusively available to international tourists in Japan. However, recent price adjustments have seen increases ranging from 5% for the five-day Hokkaido Rail Pass to as much as 50% for the JR East Tohoku Area Pass, which covers the Kanto and Tohoku regions.
The JR group mentioned that this price increase would enable them to serve a wider range of lines that the pass covers and introduce automated ticket gates. Passholders will also get discount perks at selected stores. Check the routes in your itineraries to ensure that purchasing a Regional JR Rail pass is worth your money.
Apart from the six regional JR passes, there are actually many more variations of Regional JR Passes that cover smaller but popular areas, such as:
Pass | Coverage | Price |
---|---|---|
JR Tokyo Wide Pass | ✅ Greater Tokyo region: unlimited travel on JR trains (including both Shinkansen and limited express trains) ✅ Selected non-JR trains in the Kanto Region around Tokyo ✅ For 3 consecutive days | JPY 15,000 (~S$132.20) |
Hokuriku Arch Pass | ✅ Unlimited travel on JR trains in the Hokuriku region ✅ From Tokyo to Osaka, including Nara and Kyoto for 7 days | JPY 30,000 (~S$264.40) |
Mt Fuji Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini | ✅ Unlimited travel on designated trains in Shizuoka Prefecture ✅ Selected bus and ferry lines around the Mount Fuji area ✅ For 3 consecutive days | JPY 6,500 (~S$57.30) |
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3. Seishun 18 Kippu
Best for: Those who prefer the scenic route

Image Credits: JR Times – JAPAN RAIL CAFE
The Seishun 18 ticket (青春18きっぷ) is a special-discounted pass offered by Japan’s national rail operator, JR, three times annually—during summer, winter, and spring. This ticket allows travellers to enjoy up to five non-consecutive days of unlimited travel on JR local and rapid trains, presenting an exceptionally affordable means to explore Japan at a leisurely pace. Note, this ticket is only applicable for non-Shinsanken, normal JR trains.
Named after the youth who often use them, Seishun 18 tickets come at a price of JPY12,050 (~S$106.20) each, providing ultimate value with unlimited travel at just JPY2,410 (~S$21.24) per day. Despite ticket sales periods typically coinciding with school holidays, there is no age limit or nationality restrictions to purchase and use these tickets.
Season | Validity | Period of sale |
---|---|---|
Spring | 1 March to 10 April | 20 February to 31 March |
Summer | 20 July to 10 September | 10 July to 31 August |
Winter | 10 December to 10 January | 1 December to 31 December |
* You can purchase the Seishun 18 tickets at most JR stations across Japan.
The Seishun 18 Kippu is a transferable ticket, allowing for it to be used by either one person on five days or shared amongst up to five different people. If you’re sharing the ticket as a group, make sure that you always travel together so that each person can use up one day of the ticket’s validity. Some usage examples:
- 1 individual using the ticket for all 5 days (can be a different individual each day)
- 2 individuals sharing it for 2 days (1 individual using it for 1 day each)
- 3 individuals sharing it on 1 day (1 individual using it for 2 days)
- 5 individuals sharing it all at once on the same day
Do note that you will not be able to use the automated gates as you’ll need to present this ticket to station staff at the manned gate. They’ll then stamp the ticket showing the current date which will begin the onset of the journey. For group travel, one field will be stamped for each member of the group, ensuring clear documentation of usage.
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👉 Discount Passes
Best for: Those exploring popular tourist attractions
Some regions of Japan offer discounted passes for transport and attractions for tourists. These usually feature transport to hop on and off along popular tourist destinations which is ideal for people exploring the usual tourist attractions or visiting the city for the first time. Some examples of the passes are:
4. Discount Pass: Hakone Freepass

Image Credits: MaaS Japan
The Hakone Freepass (~S$53.79) is an economical and convenient option for exploring the Hakone area. You can purchase the Freepass online or at any Odakyu Line station (e.g. Shinjuku, Odawara), and Hakone-Yumoto Stations, and so on. It allows you to ride on up to eight types of transport from buses and trains to sightseeing cruises in the area.
The Freepass also gives you discounts at selected shops and attractions. The tickets can be purchased for two or three-day durations. Using the Freepass is simple. Just show your pass when you are getting on or off the different forms of transportation, that is it!
The price of the pass will differ depending on the departure station.
Departure Station | Valid for 2 days | Valid for 3 days | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Adult | Child | Adult | Child | |
Shinjuku | JPY 6,100 (~S$53.80) | JPY 1,100 (~S$9.70) | JPY 6,500 (~S$57.30) | JPY 1,350 (~S$11.90) |
Machida | JPY 5,820 (~S$51.30) | JPY 6,220 (~S$54.85) | ||
Fujisawa | JPY 6,050 (~S$53.30 | JPY 6,450 (~S$56.85) | ||
Odawara | JPY 5,000 (~S$44.10) | JPY 1,000 (~S$8.80) | JPY 5,400 (~S$47.60) | JPY 1,250 (~S$11) |
With this pass, you can get on and off freely from these places:
- Hakone Tozan Line
- Hakone Tozan Bus (designated areas)
- Hakone Tozan Cable Car
- Hakone Ropeway
- Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
- Odakyu Highway Bus (designated areas)
- Tokai Bus (designated areas)
- “Kanko Shisetsu-meguri” Bus (Tourist-Attraction Sightseeing Bus) (Hakone Tozan Bus)”
Pro-tip: Remember to use YouTrip perks to book your Hakone Free Pass Voucher and get up to 5% cashback from Klook!
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5. Discount Pass: Nikko Pass

Image credits: Japan Guide
There are 2 types of passes: Nikko World Heritage Area and Nikko All Area pass.
1. The Nikkō World Heritage Area Pass: This two-day pass, priced at S$18.69, includes a round-trip train journey (additional fees may apply for limited express trains), unlimited train travel within the Nikkō region, and unrestricted access to designated local bus routes.
2. The Nikkō All Area Pass: Offering a four-day validity period priced at S$42.15 includes the train and bus rides of the World Heritage Area Pass, along with extended bus routes, enabling you to explore the region’s attractions more extensively.
You can also enjoy discounts at Nikko Natural Science Museum, Nikko Kirifuri Skate Center (outdoor rink in the winter), Kosugi Hoan Museum of Art, Nikko, Nikko Astraea Hotel, Akechidaira Ropeway and more!
Prices for Nikko Passes are as such:
World Heritage Area Pass | All Area Pass | |
---|---|---|
20 April to 30 November | JPY 2,120 (~S$18.70) | JPY 4,780 (~S$42.15 ) |
1 December to 19 April | JPY 2,120 (~S$18.70) | JPY 4,160 (~S$36.70 ) |
Pro-tip: Remember to use YouTrip perks to book your The Nikkō World Heritage Area Pass and get up to 5% cashback from Klook!
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6. Buses
Best for: Budget travel, offering a guaranteed seat and no transfer hassles

Image credits: Japan Travel
Take the more scenic route with buses! Opting for the bus as your transport alternative presents a more budget-friendly choice for those seeking to save on travel expenses. While this mode of transit may not be as fast as trains, it compensates with its affordability. This makes it an attractive option for travellers who are not pressed for time and are keen on reducing travel costs. Not only are the buses in Japan an affordable way to travel, but you can also experience the famous Japanese service areas when the bus stops for a refreshment break.
If you’re planning to travel by bus often during your trip, consider the Japan Bus Pass, akin to the JR Pass, offered by transportation provider Willer Express. Providing unlimited travel on its extensive bus network throughout Japan, excluding Hokkaido and Okinawa, for a specified number of days. Travellers can choose between a Mon-Thu Pass, valid only from Monday to Thursday, or an All Day Pass usable on any day. Prices start from JPY 10,200 (~S$89.65) depending on the travel duration and type of pass.
Mon to Thurs Pass | All Day Pass | |
---|---|---|
3 Days | JPY 10,200 (~S$89.65) | JPY 12,800 (~S$112.50) |
5 Days | JPY 12,800 (~S$112.50) | JPY 15,300 (~S$134.50) |
7 Days | JPY 15,300 (~S$134.50) | – |
If you’re keen on saving time as well, there are overnight buses that are great for long-distance travelling. Some overnight buses in Japan feature reclining seats, and even have blankets, curtains for privacy and outlets to charge your phone.
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7. Car Rentals
Best for: More remote destinations

Image Credits:Travel and Leisure Asia
The next alternative seems pretty obvious – renting a car. This is highly advisable if you’re planning to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations that are difficult to reach by other means. Rental cars are ideal for exploring remote areas, especially in regions like Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa. However, they are not recommended for major city-to-city travel as cities have many other more cost-effective options.
With renting a car and driving overseas, comes the basic prerequisites of having the right licence, understanding the country’s traffic laws, and getting familiar with driving in a new foreign country.
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8. Domestic Flights
Best for: Reaching remote destinations like Okinawa or when flights are cheaper than the Shinkansen

Image Credits: One Mile at a Time
The last option domestic flights might not always be cheap, but it’s worth looking out for especially since prices for flight tickets are dynamically priced and can have really attractive discounts. With the increasing prices of JR Pass, discounted flights might just be more worth it. So remember to check the flight options as well, when comparing prices of transportation. Do note that this option may require additional costs like airport transport and baggage fees.
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For All The Budget-Conscious Travellers!

Since the JR Pass price increase in October 2023, the JR Pass isn’t as affordable as it used to be. But, if you plan your trip carefully you can still find cheaper transport alternatives that work for you. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to make the switch from SGD to JPY on your YouTrip app to get the best rates all day!
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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Happy Travels!
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