Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Japan with the JR Pass
Japan is full of surprises, where ancient traditions meet modern vibes.
From the neon lights of Tokyo to the lip-smacking street food in Osaka, there’s so much to see and do that Japan will always be on your bucket list - even if you’ve visited more times than you can count.
But let’s be real, exploring all that can get pricey. That’s where the JR Whole Japan Rail Pass comes in.
If you want to travel around Japan easily and save some cash, the JR Pass is one of those things you didn’t know you needed until you try it.
With unlimited access to Japan's extensive rail network, you can zip between must-see spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, and beyond. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get one:
What is the JR Pass?
The JR Pass stands as a versatile and cost-effective travel companion.
There are two types of passes the Whole Japan Pass and regional passes.The JR regional passes allow travellers to explore specific areas of Japan at a discounted rate.These passes are designed to cater to tourists and provide unlimited travel within a designated region for a set period.
On the contrary, the Whole Japan pass is a multi-use ticket that opens the doors to a world of exploration, granting access to an extensive network of major JR national trains, including the renowned Shinkansen bullet trains and the convenient Narita Express.
JR passes are available for three durations: 7, 14, or 21 days.
Whether embarking on your maiden journey to Japan or becoming a well-travelled visitor, the JR Pass will consistently prove its worth by helping you budget your trip.
Unlimited Rides | JR Whole Japan Pass |
JR Trains | All trains on the nationwide JR (Japan Railway) network: JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku, JR Kyushu |
Shinkansen Bullet Train | Tokaido Shinkansen line, Sanyo Shinkansen line, Kyushu Shinkansen line, Akita Shinkansen line, Hokkaido Shinkansen line, Hokuriku Shinkansen line, Joetsu Shinkansen line, Tokoku Shinkansen line, Yamagata Shinkansen line |
Limited Express & Express | All |
Rapid & Local Trains | All |
Tokyo Monorail | To and from Haneda Airport |
JR Ferry | Only the JR-West Miyajima Ferry Hydrofoil ferry service by JR-Kyushu between Hakata and Pusan (Korea) is not included. |
Local JR Buses | Local lines of JR Bus; validity for certain routes is subject to change. JR Buses: JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Tohoku Bus, JR Kanto Bus, JR Tokai Bus, West Japan JR Bus, JR Chugoku bus, JR Shikoku Bus, JR Kyushu Bus |
Non-JR Trains (for transfer to remote JR lines) | Only for transfers to specific stations in Aoimori Railway, IR Ishikawa Railway, and Ainokaze Toyama Railway |
Ordinary vs. Green Pass
Before you buy your JR Pass, remember that there are two kinds.
The Ordinary Pass is your budget-friendly option, perfect for hopping into the comfortable coach class.
Trust us, even the coach class in Japan is top-notch: super clean and cosy.
So, the Ordinary Pass is your go-to choice if you're travelling during the quieter, non-peak times.
Now, if you feel like a little extra splurge, there's the Green Pass.
This one gets you into the swanky Green class, usually found on long journeys.
During peak season, like cherry blossom time, the trains can get jam-packed in coach class. That's when the Green Pass shines.
It's your golden ticket to a more spacious and serene ride, ensuring you can grab a comfy seat.
Ultimately, Green Car seats are comfier and fancier, with electric reclining and reading lights.
But here's the catch: with a Green Car Pass, you've got to reserve your seat ahead of time, and you can't do it online.
You have to go to a JR ticket office to make a reservation, and it won't cost you extra, but it's a bit less convenient than the regular pass.
The prices of these passes vary, you can have a look at them below.
Ticket prices may vary. Please click here for updated prices.
Eligibility
The Japan Rail Pass is like an exclusive ticket to adventure, but it's only available to specific folks.
If you're not a Japanese national and planning a 15- or 90-day trip to Japan, you're in luck!
You can get your hands on this pass. Japanese nationals living abroad for at least 10 years can use the pass.
Here's the catch: To use the Japan Rail Pass, you must enter Japan with a temporary sightseeing visitor visa for 15 or 90 days.
Good news for passport holders from 68 countries - you'll automatically get this visa when you arrive in Japan, as long as your stay is for non-paid activities and is 90 days or less.
But if you're not in that group, no worries! You need to apply for a temporary visitor visa before you set foot in Japan.
What does JR Pass Cover?
JR Hokkaido Pass
Sprawling wilderness, ancient forests, crystalline lakes in shades of blue, fields filled with vibrant alpine wildflowers and rustic and unspoiled hot springs bubbling away; all of this is Hokkaido.
One of the biggest challenges when exploring Hokkaido is the sheer expanse of this island; everything is spread out, so how does one nature-loving traveller see it all?
Pass Type | Prices |
Ticket prices may vary. Please click here for updated prices.
JR East Pass - Tōhoku, Nagano and Niigata
Beyond the bustling streets of Tokyo is the Tōhoku region with its six incredible prefectures: Miyagi, Yamagata, Iwate, Fukushima, Akita, and Aomori.
Hugging the picturesque west coast is the Niigata Prefecture, a true paradise for skiing and hiking enthusiasts.
This region isn't just about outdoor adventures; it's also home to the rugged and remote Sado-ga-shima island, where even more treasures await.
Pass Type | Prices |
Ticket prices may vary. Please click here for updated prices.
JR Hokuriku Pass- Osaka and Kyoto
Apart from the nationwide Japan Rail Pass, the JR Hokuriku Area Pass is your ticket to discovering central Japan's diverse and captivating regions, including travelling from Tokyo to Osaka and Kyoto.
With this pass, you can explore the historic city of Kanazawa, famed for its Edo-era districts and Kenrokuen Garden, often called one of Japan's most beautiful gardens.
Venture to Toyama to witness the breathtaking Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and the serene Gokayama UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fukui offers the peaceful Eiheiji Temple and the intrigue of the Fukui Dinosaur Museum.
For relaxation, indulge in the soothing hot springs of Kaga Onsen.
The pass also facilitates a visit to Shirakawa-go's iconic gassho-zukuri farmhouses, the engineering marvel of Kurobe Dam, and even a journey to the charming town of Takayama.
Pass Type | Prices |
Ticket prices may vary. Please click here for updated prices.
JR Tokyo Wide Pass- Tokyo, Greater Tokyo and Mount Fuji
The JR Tokyo Wide Pass provides unlimited travel on JR East trains and Shinkansen within the designated area.
For SGD 87, you get three days of unlimited travel on JR trains (including Shinkansen bullet trains) in Tokyo and beyond.
This JR Pass includes Narita Express between Tokyo Station and Narita Airport, Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport, other prefectures in the wider Kanto region (e.g., Chiba, Kanagawa, Ibaraki), easy train access to Mount Fuji, discounted access to GALA Yuzawa ski resort in Niigata, and access to Karuizawa in East Nagano.
Remember that this JR Wide Pass is valid only for three days and is not ideal if you want to explore urban Tokyo.
The Osaka Loop
The Osaka Loop Line, also known as the Osaka Kanjo Line, is a rail line that forms a circular route through downtown Osaka.
It consists of two lines, one running clockwise and the other counterclockwise.
Starting its journey at the Osaka Station, the line provides essential connections for travellers in the city.
While Umeda Station serves other metro lines, only Osaka Station services the JR lines.
It's important to note that the Osaka Loop Line also connects to various other railway lines not operated by the JR Group, with 12 out of its 19 stations offering these connections, so best to be careful and prepared whilst travelling.
JR Kyushu Pass- North, South and all Kyushu Areas
The JR Kyushu Pass offers ideal flexibility for exploring Kyushu, with various pass types catering to Northern Kyushu, Southern Kyushu, or the entire Kyushu region.
Moreover, this pass allows travellers to choose their seats on local trains, limited express trains, and even Shinkansen, the bullet train.
The JR Kyushu Pass takes you through Japan's Kyushu region, where you can explore diverse destinations.
Start in vibrant Fukuoka, savour local street food, and venture to Kumamoto to visit its iconic castle.Discover the history of Nagasaki, then move on to Kagoshima to admire the Sakurajima volcano.
And there's more; from Miyazaki's scenic coastline to Aoshima Island's cat shrine and Beppu's hot springs, the JR Kyushu Pass is all about having multiple adventures.
You can explore Nagasaki's history, delve into the natural beauty of Kirishima, hike through the ancient forests of Yakushima, and immerse yourself in Sasebo's Huis Ten Bosch.
Make sure you check out the Fukuoka Tower whilst there.
JR West Pass- Kansai Region
The Kansai area in Japan is every traveller’s dream. With the JR Kansai Area Pass, travellers can explore a lot in this region.
The vibrant streets of Osaka and the mouth-watering street food in Dotonbori are among a few things.This JR Pass lets you journey to Kyoto, a city with ancient temples, gardens, and the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine.
You can then head to Nara and check out the Todai-ji Temple.Remember Kobe, a port city renowned for its picturesque harbour and delicious Kobe beef.
This pass allows travellers unlimited access to local JR trains and buses.
Additionally, it grants you the convenience of boarding the Haruka limited express train for transportation to and from Kansai Airport, making it an ideal choice for exploring this culturally rich and historically significant part of Japan.
Pass Type | Prices |
Ticket prices may vary. Please click here for updated prices.
JR Pass Yamanote Line
The JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo is operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East).
This line is the easiest and most convenient way of getting around Tokyo and connects some of the most important districts.
The iconic loop stretches for about 34.5 kilometres with 30 stations.
Those stations include some of Tokyo's hot favourites like the bustling Shinjuku, the trendy Shibuya, the fashionable Harajuku, the historic Ueno, and the electric Akihabara.
With all its attractions and cultural hotspots, this loop takes through the city's pulse.
The JR Yamanote Line is part of the Japan Rail Pass.
When you have a valid Japan Rail Pass, you can use it to ride the Yamanote Line without any additional cost.
JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass- Chugoku
The Chugoku region is yet another beautiful and adventurous region in Japan.It includes Hiroshima, Okayama, and the island of Miyajima, renowned for its World Heritage sites and scenic beauty.
In Hiroshima, visitors can pay homage to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and explore Hiroshima Castle, while Okayama boasts the Korakuen Garden and the iconic Okayama Castle.
On the gorgeous island of Miyajima, the famous floating Torii gate at Itsukushima Shrine and the panoramic views from Mount Misen are a favourite.
Each of these destinations in the Chugoku region offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural splendour for travellers to discover.
The JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass is the perfect companion for a tourist who wants to explore Japan's Kansai and Chugoku regions.
This pass provides unlimited travel on JR trains within these areas, making it a cost-effective choice for travellers looking to visit multiple cities and attractions.
Pass Type | Price |
Ticket prices may vary. Please click here for updated prices.
The Shinkansen Bullet Train
Shinkansen bullet trains are all about speed and convenience in Japan.
With the JR network, these trains achieve remarkable speeds of up to 320 km, ensuring swift and efficient travel to your desired destinations.
Nine distinct Shinkansen lines crisscross Japan, each heading in different directions.
The iconic Tokaido Shinkansen line sweeps southward from Tokyo, linking the capital with vibrant Osaka.
The Sanyo Shinkansen line further extends the journey, connecting Osaka with the charming city of Fukuoka.
From there, the Kyushu Shinkansen line spans the picturesque island of Kyushu, offering north-to-south travel.
The Jr Pass is a fantastic way to explore Japan, providing unlimited access to a vast network of Shinkansen bullet trains.
However, it's important to note that it excludes the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen services.
While the JR Pass covers most Shinkansen services, these two particular express trains are excluded from the pass.
Shinkansen Line | Route and Destinations |
Tokaido Shinkansen | Tokyo – Yokohama – Nagoya – Kyoto – Osaka |
Sanyo Shinkansen | Osaka – Kobe – Himeji – Okayama – Hiroshima – Kokura – Fukuoka (Hakata Station) |
Kyushu Shinkansen | Fukuoka (Hakata Station) – Tosu – Kurume – Kumamoto – Sendai – Kagoshima-Chuo |
Tohoku Shinkansen | Tokyo – Ueno – Omiya – Sendai – Morioka – Aomori |
Joetsu Shinkansen | Tokyo – Ueno – Omiya – Nagaoka – Niigata |
Hokuriku Shinkansen | Tokyo – Ueno – Omiya – Utsunomiya – Koriyama – Fukushima – Yonezawa – Akayu – Kaminoyama-Onsen – Yamagata – Tendo – Sakurambo-Higashine – Murayama – Oishida – Shinjo |
Yamagata Shinkansen | Tokyo – Ueno – Omiya – Utsunomiya – Koriyama – Fukushima – Yonezawa – Akayu – Kaminoyama-Onsen – Yamagata – Tendo – Sakurambo-Higashine – Murayama – Oishida – Shinjo |
Akita Shinkansen | Tokyo – Ueno – Omiya – Sendai – Morioka – Tazawako – Kakunodate – Omagari – Akita |
Hokkaido Shinkansen | Aomori – Okutsugaru Imabetsu – Kikonai – Shin-Hakodate Hokuto |
It's essential for travellers holding a JR Pass to be aware that the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen bullet trains, whether in reserved or non-reserved categories, are not covered by the pass.
These two types of trains specifically operate on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
However, the pass still provides access to other Shinkansen and JR trains, offering extensive coverage for your travel needs across Japan.
And it is speedy; the bullet train time between Tokyo to Osaka is less than 2.5 hours!
Savings with The JR Pass
The JR Pass can offer substantial savings for travellers who plan to make multiple long-distance train journeys within Japan.
Here's an example of potential savings when travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto:
A 7-day JR Pass (covering the entire Japan Rail network) typically costs around SGD 267.
A return ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on a Shinkansen bullet train, including airport transfers, may cost around SGD 311.
In this scenario, the JR Pass provides a cost-saving benefit, as it costs less than purchasing separate tickets for the round-trip between Tokyo and Kyoto.
JR Pass Savings Calculator
See how much you’ll save with JR Pass using the Japan Rail Fare Calculator.
It also helps you plan your trip itinerary with various durations and travel options. Easily choose the one that suits your travel plans!
Bonus: buy any JR Pass on Pelago and enjoy free mail delivery of your Exchange Order (printed vouchers)
When Not to Consider The JR Pass
It’s essential to consider the following situations when a JR Pass might not be the best option:
Staying in one City: If your travel plans involve staying in a single city without inter-city travel, a JR Pass may not be cost-effective. Local transportation options like city subway passes or buses may be more suitable.
Large Group Staying in One City: For large groups primarily exploring one city, such as Tokyo, a private car charter or local transportation options may offer more flexibility and cost savings than a JR Pass.
Short-Term Travel: If your stay in Japan is relatively short (e.g., less than 7 days), the JR Pass might need to provide more opportunities for long-distance travel to justify the cost. In such cases, it's better to purchase individual ticket
Ultimately, purchasing a JR Pass should be based on your specific travel itinerary and whether it aligns with the pass's benefits.
Travellers planning to explore multiple cities and regions by train, especially on the Shinkansen, are more likely to benefit from the JR Pass's cost savings and convenience.
Your JR Pass Activation
To activate your Japan Rail Pass, visit any JR office in Japan, which can be found at major airports like Narita and Haneda and at major train stations across the country.
No prior reservation is needed; walk in during their operating hours.
When you arrive, present your Exchange Order (received when purchasing the pass outside Japan) and your passport for eligibility verification.
At the JR office, you'll choose the activation date for your JR Pass, which can be up to 30 days from the activation date.
Once activated, you'll receive your JR Pass, complete with your name, pass type, and validity period, allowing you to enjoy unlimited travel on JR trains, including Shinkansen, throughout Japan during the pass's validity period.
Travel safely with a JR Pass for the whole of Japan
JR Pass Timetables
Using the JR Pass timetables is a great way to plan your train journeys and make the most of your pass. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively use the JR Pass timetables:
Access the Official JR Pass Timetable: Visit the official website of Japan Railways (JR). Use their dedicated mobile app to access the JR Pass timetables.
Choose the Departure and Arrival Stations: Identify the departure and station you wish to arrive at. Ensure that the JR Pass covers both stations.
Check the Train Type: Determine the train you want to take. Different trains have varying travel times and frequencies, so choose the one that suits your preferences and itinerary.
Find the Arrival and Departure Times: Remember the arrival or departure times of the train you want to catch.
Check for Transfers: If your journey involves transfers between trains, note the transfer stations and the estimated transfer times.
Special Train Services: Watch for special train services like limited express or rapid trains. These may have different fare rules or require additional charges.
Flexibility is key: Timetables are a helpful guide, but train schedules can sometimes change without warning. Always double-check the timetables closer to your travel dates for any updates.
JR Seat Reservation
While not mandatory, reserving a seat is highly recommended in specific circumstances when travelling on the Shinkansen in Japan:
Long-Distance Travel: Long-distance journeys should ensure a comfortable and guaranteed seat, especially during busy travel seasons.
Group Travelers: When travelling with a group, reserving seats ensures your group can sit together and enjoy the journey.
Peak Hours: Shinkansen trains can become crowded during peak travel hours like rush hours or holidays. Reserving a seat helps you avoid standing or searching for available seats.
Consider reserving a seat for oversized baggage on the Tokaido, Sanyo, or Kyushu Shinkansen.
For smaller luggage within the size limit, opt for ordinary seats with overhead compartments or designated storage areas to improve your Shinkansen travel experience in Japan.
Best Time to Book Your JR Pass
Here's some advice on when to book your pass:
Timing: It's recommended to book your JR Pass at least 2 weeks before your planned arrival in Japan. This allows sufficient time for processing and delivery.
Delivery Time
Pelago offers quick delivery for Exchange Orders to specific regions:
For deliveries in Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, you can expect to receive your physical Exchange Order in 3-5 working days.
For global deliveries to other countries, the delivery time may take longer, typically 7-10 working days.
Avoid Purchasing too early
While it's essential to plan ahead, be mindful not to purchase your JR Pass too far in advance of your Japan trip.
The validity of the Exchange Order is limited to 3 months, so ensure that you activate it within this timeframe during your visit to Japan.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you receive your JR Pass promptly and make the most of its benefits during your travels in Japan
Your ultimate Japan holiday awaits with the JR Pass!
Where to Buy the Japan Rail Pass
You have three main options to buy the pass:
Physically in Japan: If you prefer the traditional approach and are already in Japan, you can buy your JR Pass at a physical JR Pass exchange office or sales counter in Japan.
Physically in Singapore: In Singapore or Southeast Asia, you can visit an authorised JR Pass agent or sales office in your region. These offices can provide you with the necessary information and assist you in purchasing your JR Pass. Be sure to check the list of authorized agents and their contact details in your area.
Online (in Singapore): The most convenient option, especially when planning in advance, is to purchase your JR Pass online.