Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) Explained! Price, Purchase, Worth It or Not?

[@gerrygreensmith8776]

My wife and I have used the JR Pass twice on our trips to Japan. Both times 7 day pass with green car. As you say in your video, if you are travelling between Honshu and Kyushu or even Tokyo to Osaka, it makes perfect sense to use. But you need to plan your trip well before activating the pass to get the best use from it. We also used Hyperdia to plan our train journeys on bullet, local and ferry (Myajima) and I was amazed at the punctuality of all connections. We never missed a train. We were in Japan for 2 weeks. First week basically sightseeing around Tokyo area and second week travelling to Nagone, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Oita, Hiroshima and back to Tokyo. On return was able to use the JR pass also on the Yamanote line and back to Narita with the NEX. An excellent way to travel in comfort! Wish I had a magic wand to copy in the UK!!!

[@Japanesquest]

Hi Gerry-san, thanks so much for sharing your experience with the audience! I am sure it will help other travelers tremendously! Pinned your comment!!

[@dana221]

Gerry Greensmith hi did you both have to get it? Or you can just buy one pass and swipe for the other too? Please help

[@DeathByNinjaInc]

You need one per person. Its not a swipe-style pass, its presented to station attendants every time you want to enter a station, or when you get tickets for the shinkansen. Whether you reserve seats or not, you have to see an attendant for tickets.

[@terrileigh3376]

Dave C I don’t get it. Is it like U.K. rail cards? Once you buy you get discounts on your trains? Or once you buy you can literally just get on any train that’s mentioned in the video with no extra cost? (Apart from the faster ones, I know you have to pay for those no matter what).

[@quiksilver0000]

@@terrileigh3376 Hi! It's not a discount, it's literally a "free entry" ticket where you enter via the station attendant as shown in 5:34. You can use it on shinkansens (bullet trains) and on normal trains for JR Yamanote line only. But JR line is the main biggest line in tokyo :)

[@Pampy420]

I seriously love how this guy talks... feels like hes stroking a cat and smoking a cigar... Keep it up, dude!

[@Japanesquest]

Haha, thanks! you made my day :)

[@نورة-د5ف]

😂😂😂

[@Alicenailsart]

whatstroking a cat? XDD

[@claudiatiganescu1826]

Mmm🤔 Pam you sound like you have you done that! 🤨 I hope not though 🥺

[@badabing8884]

Totally worth it if you’re travelling to several cities/places in Japan and staying a week or longer. Also works on JR lines on the Metro in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. So saves you more money.

[@FaizLang]

This is the best explanation for the JR Pass I have found on the internet. Thank you sooo much!

[@Japanesquest]

Glad to hear it! Thanks!

[@ritaschoch2496]

I traveled between Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa about 2 years ago. This explanation of the JR Pass is very much on-point. The question about "Was it worth it?" is a definite yes, as it can be used on local trains in Tokyo. I'd say upgrading to the Green Pass wasn't worth it. The cars were nicer and less crowded than the standard by just a bit, but truly Japanese trains are so clean in general. Also, part of my travel experience is to see the locals, so you get to see more regular Japanese people in the regular cars. Finally, in terms of logistics, the Green cars are at the front and end of the long train, so it's a lot more walking to get there. When you are lugging even a small suitcase around, the walking gets to be onerous, so saving a few hundred steps is wonderful.

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Rita!

[@kithulboy]

I just returned back from 10 day awesome vacation in Japan. I was really happy that I got the Ordinary JR pass and thank for the advise. I used it to travel from Narita to Shinjukku using Narita Express (N'EX) . Luckily my accommodation was in the Yamanote (JR) line where I used the pass extensively to go sight seeing back and forth. Also manage to use the pass to take the Joetsu shinkansen to travel Echigo Yuzawa and back to Tokyo, then back and forth from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka in Hikari Shinkansen which was only 25 mintues slower than the fastest Nozomi shinkansen. Hikari also travel at the same top speed as Nozomi just that it stops at more number of station than Nozomi shinkansen. Even in Kyoto, there are lot of train/sub way lines operated by JR company. so you can use them. It was really worth it man. ... Cheers !! Some exceptions, the pass cannot be used for all buses operated by JR company. I also got docomo 8 days unlimited data sim card before I landed in japan. Without it I would be totally lost ;)

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad to hear you had a great time here in Japan :)

[@Ryououki]

Thank you for this video. I will be travelling in January 2020 and the visuals in your video helped confirm information that I had read about for the JR Pass usage.

[@damianserrano5191]

Thank you! extremely informative, it answer all my questions. I’ll be traveling to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. I was a little worried but now Im good after watching this.

[@Japanesquest]

Someone kindly added Spanish subtitles! I am afraid that I don't know how to check the contributor's name, but just want to say that I am truly grateful! Thank you so much!

[@dayobu]

"The Spanish translation is on point".

[@iBIu3]

Hey, due to your comment I just did the French version ! Took me more time than expected aha =)

[@Japanesquest]

Wow! Thank you so much BleuBizarre!! It must have taken a lot of time and effort. I am sure your subtitles will help many French-speaking travelers. Thank you!! Big hug from Japan :)

[@iBIu3]

My pleasure ! I do like how you explain your stuff and this one didn't help since I was already aware but it could have so it's normal. By the way you don't know anything that would includes bus as well ?

[@Japanesquest]

Would this help? "Japan Bus Pass Perfect Guide! Price, Review, Route and How To! " kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKnUpKKmmN6qZ9U

[@Ninja-Alinja]

I was in Japan for 2 weeks in 2007, about to go again. I had a 7 day pass and strongly recommend it. I went from Tokio to Hiroshima and back, via Himiji, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka. It's so fast, when at the afternoon on Hiroshima I realized the city was booked, I just took a train to Osaka and stayed there and changed direction again the next morning, as the travel times are so short and it's all included once you buy.

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@queenbee6622]

the other guy said there is only one shinkansen train that stops in nagoya? and we cant ride that. but you said you went to Nagoya. how did u do so? my dilemma is i am staying in Nagoya. so i have no idea where to go to use my JR pass we want to go to Hiroshima or sakura or tokyo or mt fuji area. do you know where we can ride in Nagoya?

[@janosulv165]

Finally someone who gives all necessary information without dawdling around, good video and thank you!

[@insmallportions]

This is the most complete information on this topic I have seen. Thanks a lot for this!

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks! Glad to hear it :D

[@anntip1]

I just came back from my trip to Japan for 8 days and throughly love every moment of my trip. The people are ever so helpful and hospitable. I highly recommend getting the JR Pass for travel especially as I had used the pass for travel within Tokyo and for return travel from Tokyo and Kyoto. We vistied Ito Peninsula, Shizouka as well as Nagoya.

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks for sharing your experience! It will help other Japan lovers. Appreciated :)

[@buckpelkey5462]

We love it...great info and funny....glad that your sound quality was improved in this episode.

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks!

[@WhereIsHeist]

It pays off for sure. I did a 7 day green class in 2016 and will be doing a 14 day green class pass in two weeks! Cant wait to spend over two weeks chasing sakura!

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@tomascaslo90]

Most explanatory video of the kind. Very helpful! Thanks!

[@Japanesquest]

Glad you like it!

[@letsexplore8469]

Thanks a lot for the in depth video. I hope you will keep coming up with such good quality information. I intend to be there for Tokyo 2020. And I hope you will continue the high quality of your videos throughout that period as well. Your videos are a great help to travellers and new immigrants. Happy filming. Have a good day.

[@Japanesquest]

Thank you so much! Comments like yours are great motivation :)

[@n20099]

After reading about JR for 2 hours few things were still not clear. I regret i did not see this video earlier and decided to search about JR on youtube only after i exhausted all websites and blogs on JR. Thanks for very explanatory video! Very useful indeed. Why don't you offer JR to upload this on their site :)

[@Japanesquest]

Glad it helped! And that's a great idea! I will try to contact them. Let's see what'll happen :)

[@notapixbygulsensahin]

This was really helpful! Thanks in advance.

[@Japanesquest]

Glad you like it :)

[@ArrisonChan]

Your videos are very informative. I appreciate the effort you put into them and the time taken to do so. This video made me feel much better about purchasing a JR Rail pass :)

[@Japanesquest]

Glad to hear it helped!

[@Oneworld_Mdu]

I will be visiting Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto this coming March, thanks for the useful info

[@mahjowee20]

So informative . Very detailed. Will recommend to friends planning future Japan trips. Arrigato!

[@danieltran2662]

Thanks for the video. Useful information. Can’t wait for my trip to Japan in the next 3 weeks.

[@disguy]

Very helpful! We are planning for our trip at the end of August. We'll be there for 9 days (8 nights) so deciding to buy the 7-day pass is tough. We do plan on going to Kyoto for one of those nights. We just might have to pay as we go for 2 days. Then use the JR pass the last 7 and use it for the Narita Express on the way home.

[@waynekinder]

Great video!! Very informative! I go to Japan in December and wasn't too sure how the JR Pass worked but now I know.

[@mavsterbau]

Thank you for sharing this very helpful information. My family and I will be holidaying in Japan soon and we are very excited! We plan to stay and explore Tokyo for a week then will visit Hokkaido next. Shall we purchase 2 weeks JR pass then?

[@redfish337]

Frankly, it depends entirely on your schedule in Hokkaido and where in Hokkaido you're actually going. If you're only going as far as Hakodate, a JR pass may be worth it. It's about a 4 hour trip each way, and it's so far that even a 1 way trip almost pays for a 1 week JR pass. When compared with flying... all things considered, you'd probably come out about even in terms of time taken and cost, when using a 1 week JR pass. All that said... the Hokkaido shinkansen is not complete and will not be complete for a very long time. Your rate of travel slows down significantly north of Hakodate. The rest of the not particularly long trip to Sapporo is another 4 hours, as the trains have to go far out of their way due to the geography (most shinkansen lines go straight through mountains to save time). Basically, if you plan to go anywhere north of Hakodate, the scale starts heavily favoring flying instead. Domestic flights are usually 10800 yen each, one way,, bought in advance, through ANA... which nails in a fairly favorable price. Or you can bet on getting a better deal in country, with of course a risk of sky high prices as well.

[@mavsterbau]

redfish337 Thank you for the reply. :)

[@opg1987]

Incredibly helpful. Thanks a lot. I have my pass and will be using it in September. :)

[@Japanesquest]

Cool! Enjoy your trip :)

[@Stephen-ix2ny]

Great video! I am planning my first trip to Japan in March of 2018. I am trying to learn everything I can before the trip. I have subscribed to this channel. ありがとうございます！

[@TheInaa9]

HI YUSUKe, thanks for your video. very useful and detailed.

[@Japanesquest]

Glad you like it! :)

[@JhukyBaggett]

Appreciated this video. Thank you so much for doing this!

[@astro5653]

Thanks for explaining this! I've been wondering about how I'd actually go about *using* the JR Pass when needing to go through the ticket gate. I wasn't sure if we were issued a little IC-type card or what.

[@tweetaldana7639]

This is more helpful than the video from JR Pass. Thank you very much :)

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks! Glad you like it :)

[@Ch0cHead]

Very helpful video - and thank you for making it in English (your English was flawless!)

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks! Happy to hear it :)

[@LotsaJelloChannel]

I am here from HelloToyama's recommendation! Great video!

[@Japanesquest]

Wow Thanks! I love that guy! :)

[@coridor45]

Thank you so much! This video helps to explain a lot about shinkansen!

[@Japanesquest]

Glad it was helpful :)

[@Mercury2wo]

Fantastic video! Was so helpful!! Thanks guys!!

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks!

[@arianjoyandong3986]

Hi! Please let me know if a 7 day JR pass would be necessary for the following itinerary, if not can you suggest other travel options? Day 1: Arrival at Narita airport - transfer to Tokyo Day 2: Tokyo Day 3: Hiroshima day tour Day 4: Tokyo to Osaka Day 5: Osaka Day 6: Kyoto Day 7: Osaka to Nagoya Day 8: Departure from Chubu International airport. Thank you so much

[@redfish337]

I don't understand your itinerary. Hiroshima day tour? Hiroshima is much closer to Osaka and Kyoto than it is to Tokyo.

[@26jaschin]

Video is very informative because I am going to use the JR Pass next week. :)

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks for your comment! Have a nice trip :)

[@Gantorin]

Thank you! This answered all my concerns and questions!

[@Japanesquest]

Glad it helped!

[@justfine8647]

I'm planning on visiting Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto are these destinations covered by the JR pass? Amazing video!

[@Japanesquest]

Yes, but if you only stay in those 3 cities, the pass won't pay off. Buying individual tickets is much cheaper. Also, JR pass will take you to these cities, but to move around in each city, you will likely use local buses and trains, which JR pass won't cover. Basically, JR pass is for a long distance trip with bullet trains.

[@creamteam4550]

thankyou so much, i needed this to understand whether i can use it for getting around the tokyo district as well as to osaka!

[@astrokier]

Btw guys, JR pass is brilliant but do not use Klook, their refund process is extremely difficult, you have to post the tickets to their office in China, and that’s not it. They gave you an address which their local Chinese courier is not able to locate when they tried delivering it. Then we asked if Klook can contact the local courier company. You never hear back from them, and when you chase it up: apparently, Klook put a note on the system to say that the parcel (tickets) was being held in customs. How and what did the courier company tried delivery? Or Klook simply does not want to refund?

[@beverlyannecamarillo4219]

Can I get help for this itinerary if I use a JR Pass? Day 1: Arrive at Kansai at around 8pm and will head to Hotel in the Namba Area Day 2: Go Around Kyoto and Nara Day 3: Go around Osaka Day 4: Travel early from Osaka to Mt Fuji Station/ Fuji-Q-Highland Station Day 5: Leave Fuji-Q-Highland to Tokyo in the afternoon Day 6: Go around Tokyo Day 7: Tokyo to Narita Airport in the evening Are the trips covered by the JR Pass?

[@NicKensington]

Bhannee Camarilyo I believe all of these cities\locations would be covered with the JR Pass.

[@xjAlbert]

Thank you for this wonderfully helpful video! You present the information with logic, clarity and charm. I hope to see you in Japan :-)

[@Japanesquest]

Glad you like it! :D

[@Ray-vu6it]

Thank you for your video. We are a family of 3 (child of 5 yrs old) arriving to Japan on April 24th. First question is, I see there is a 50% discount for children 6-11 on the JR Pass. Is a 5 year old then free? Secondly, the JR Pass can be used from Narita airport to Tokyo but if we don't want to activate the pass until April 26th (planning on 7 days from Tokyo to Hiroshima return) so we only have to buy a 7 day pass, how much is the pass from Narita Airport to Tokyo and then the return cost? Returning to Tokyo from Hiroshima on May 2nd, we will spend 9 days in Tokyo using the subway lines during that time. Should we be buying the JR 14 day Pass or is there another pass to use these intercity trains? I've heard something about a Suica pass or Pasmo pass. What are these for and the difference between them? Your assistance on whether to buy the 7 day plus IC cards or 14 day JR Pass would be appreciated. Domo Arigato!

[@redfish337]

Narita to Tokyo is about 1000 yen each way on regular trains (about 90 minutes) by Keisei Line. You can also take a bus for a similar price and time, though I hear they may peculiarly be stricter about luggage. Liner service into town is about 2500-3000 yen each way, would saves about 30 minutes and is a more comfortable experience overall. JR Narita Express goes to Tokyo, and the Keisei Line goes to three stations away Ueno (Keisei line is faster and cheaper- even if you then transfer to Tokyo by JR train- and has a mid-range option as well). You should only buy a 7 day pass. Almost certainly. Just double check your itinerary to make sure you're doing it in 7 days. Buy this for Tokyo: www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/ If you need to use JR or other lines, pay as you go, using a suica or pasmo card. You should always get a suica or pasmo- if you want to turn them back in when finished they only cost you 2 USD. So definitely worth getting even if you only need them a few times. Kids 5 and under are free (up to 2 per adult), BUT, you cannot reserve a seat for them unless you buy a children's pass. So you will either need to sit in the unreserved seat section, or simply not reserve a seat for them (the seats are spacious, many people can fit a carryon in the space in front of them). Also, BTW, each company may have different child policies- but this is what is in effect for JR, which is what handles the shinkansen.

[@Chazfunaccount]

I have two children under 6 year old, 5 and 4. I know they can ride for free but are not guaranteed a seat. Is it still advised to purchase tickets for them? We are arriving in December. Would it be as crowded, where we wouldn’t have 4 seats next to each other?

[@Lufex_]

Thank you so much! Great Video and very informative. Can't wait to visit. ^.^

[@Japanesquest]

Glad to hear it! Enjoy Japan :)

[@alexBb1999]

Thank you for this video! I do have one question. Can I reserve seats for future Shinkansen at the same time as when I pick up my JR pass? It'd be nice to be able to pick up my JR pass and reserve seats for future trains right after getting off the plan in Narita airport.

[@irregularmana6216]

Thank you for this video! your helped me make a decision to get this

[@BBoyTivo]

Very informative video. Thank you for sharing!!

[@Japanesquest]

Glad it helped!

[@PhillippeRezende]

@japanquest or @redfish337 we are travelling to japan for the first time, and like most of the newcomers there is always the question if we are choosing the best options to explore japan. So if any of you could kindly help us with what we do need it would be awesome =) Arrival: 17th April - Haneda airport Departure 4th May - Haneda airport Itinerary: 17 - 19: Haneda - Tokyo (Shinjuko/Ueno/Akihabara area) 20: Fuji five lakes 21: Tokyo 22 - 24: Kyoto 25: Nara (day trip) 26: Kyoto 27 - 31: Osaka 1st May: Tokyo 2nd May: Nikko (day trip) 3 - 4: Tokyo / Haneda Airport We plan on buying a 14 day JR Pass and activate it on the 20th. In every city we will be staying near a JR line station. Will it be worth it? We are also thinking on buying a Pasmo card for the other lines.

[@redfish337]

The general rule, as this video states, is that if you go from Tokyo to Kansai area and back, it's worth a 1 week pass. However, you're taking 9-10 days in Kansai. It's not worth buying a 2 week pass for a trip to Kansai and back for any reasonable itinerary within Kansai. So the crux of the argument is if Nikko and Fuji will justify the extra 150 USD.... and as I've said elsewhere, what you end up getting affects what you do. If you have JR pass, you'd shinkansen part of this cuz it's paid for anyway. If not, you'd almost certainly take a slower, less comfortable route. Tokyo to Nikkou is about 3000 yen and 2.5 hours (or maybe 3 hours for 2000 yen)... or about 5500 yen for an hour 45. See, this is why it's hard to make a call concerning JR pass... what shall we price the Nikko trip as? 4000 yen, 6000 yen, or 11000 yen? If you have a JR pass, you'd just take the fast route that would have cost 11000 yen, and you can see that you'd already be almost all of the way needed to justify the purchase. But if it wasn't included, would you pay the extra 5000 yen to save just 1.5 hours of travel time total? What about the extra 2000 roundtrip for 1 hour total saved roundtrip? Depends on how much you favor money vs time. I think you'll find that you're pretty close to the cusp of whether it's a good deal or not. Not buying a JR pass would mean you could take the faster Nozomi shinkansen to Kyoto and back. But buying a JR pass means you'd speed up your Nikkou trip. perhaps some of your other trips, and overall encourages travel rather than discourage it (eg, if you decide to go to Himeji one day, instead of costing 3000 yen roundtrip should we go?!, it's just, whatever, let's go, it's already paid for!)

[@redfish337]

A few caveats: Fuji Five Lakes isn't really serviced by JR. So I don't really know where you're actually planning to go. It's usually the private Fujikyuko Line, or a bus to get there. JR goes to the other side, but that's not near the Five Lakes. Kyoto is a bus city. There are maybe 1-3 days of itinerary you can put together with a JR pass that will save some money, but it's really overall a bus city. The bus pass is 500 yen a day. Nara has JR access, but the JR station is actually kind of far from the attractions at Nara. Some of the buses may work. The private line that goes to Nara puts you much closer to where you want to be. So, if you have a JR pass active you may as well use the JR line for the sake of the money savings, but if not, the other line is actually preferable. JR Pass isn't that useful for Osaka. It goes a lot of places, but it does so on a loop line, and have poor access to Namba (requires a transfer). Again, it'll save you money there that you probably may as well save if it's free anyway... but it does make you often take a less efficient route... and the fact it's free will make you favor the less efficient route. Again, I think the JR pass will probably come out to your advantage overall if you take it. But it won't be huge unless you add another day trip or so in... also depends a bit on how you plan to get to Fuji.

[@redfish337]

Lastly, you should definitely get a suica or pasmo no matter what. I recommend it even to people who will have a JR pass active the whole time. Sometimes you'll want to take other lines. And sometimes you want to buy a drink at the shinkansen vending machine in 5 seconds instead of 20, or from a snack shop employee on the platform in literally 10-15 seconds instead of having to find your cash and deal with change. It's convenient. And it only costs 500 yen- of which you can technically get 300 yen or so refunded if you turn the card back in.

[@PhillippeRezende]

Hey @redfish, thank you very much for your answer. Clarifying some points. To Fujikawagachiko we will probably take the bus that departs from Shinjuko Station, there we plan on buying the 20.000 Yen ticket for the Sakura Festival (the information we found it will give us free transfer from and to kawagachiko and the festival entrance, on the next morning we will take the bus back to Tokyo, then we will activate our JR pass, on 21th actually. Our concern is that maybe the 14 days JR pass can be more expensive than buying the train tickets individually. Since we are mainly going to use it for the Tokyo - Kyoto, Kyoto - Nara, Kyoto - Osaka, Osaka - Tokyo, Tokyo - Nikko and Tokyo - Haneda.

[@redfish337]

If your trip to Fuji is already included, then I probably lean toward NOT getting a pass. Again, you're really on the cusp, and the most you probably lose or save by buying it is about 10000 yen (80 USD). Buying the pass has certain advantages and disadvantages. Not buying the pass has certain advantages and disadvantages. (eg: JR pass is slower Tokyo to Osaka, but faster Tokyo to Nikko... JR pass allows more flexibility in adding new destinations, but decreases flexibility in your route choice and you're screwed if the pass is lost... and it requires time spent to get the pass, but may save some time overall depending on where you want to go) You're really within the range where it's just preference. But again, without any of Fuji included and with no other day trips scheduled I think it now leans toward NOT buying it.

[@alibaba5013]

From Morocco,thank you for the video

[@redseatcinema]

You're a lifesaver! Thanks, my man! :D

[@VikramPaldr]

Very informative video .Thanks

[@aljbri72]

Please can you make a video about it

[@chayiinlii]

I and my friend will travel to Japan from June 6 to Jun 14 at Narita airport. I'm kinda confusing between 7-days JRP and 14-days JRP. Can you give us some advises? Here is our plan: early Jun 6 @ Narita then take the Hikari to Kyoto Jun 6 - Jun 10: Kyoto June 11: Hakone June 11 - early June 14: Tokyo early June 14: Narita (We will arrive to Japan at 7 am in the morning on June 6 and on June 14, we will need to be at the Narita airport around 7 am to take the 10 am flight.) Thank you very much!

[@redfish337]

1 week pass unless you get to Kyoto and back using another method. Definitely definitely not 2 week pass. That means your pass will expire on the 12th though, so you will just have to pay as you go on 13th and for getting to the airport on 14th.

[@whatsnextnikki]

Hello. We are planning a trip from Osaka-Kyoto-Takayama-Tokyo. Since, it’s not roundtrip, is it still best to purchase a JR pass or is it better to get an IC card instead? Thank you!

[@baekm0ng]

this video is the most informative! but im still hesitating if i should use jr pass, i plan a trip to japan in june, starting from tokyo via haneda, hakone, osaka (+daytrip to kyoto from osaka), and back from kansai airport, do you think jr pass will worth it?

[@redfish337]

No

[@kaiboshtic]

Will be taking the JR from Tokyo to Sendai, but staying in Sendai for a week (not using JR) for work. On the 7th day, travelling to Hokkaido until the day 14 then flying back to Tokyo. Is there such a thing as a flexible pass whereby we can use it for 5 days within a 14 day period? Thank you for your informative video.

[@redfish337]

Only regionally, and by splitting time between two regions, not sure if you'd see any savings. If you want to take shinkansen, getting a 5 days over 14 JR East pass will save you a tiny bit over using shinkansen Tokyo--Sendai and Sendai to Aomori. If you're in Tokyo earlier you'd have 3 more days of use in the region for free. Once you get past Aomori you're under JR Hokkaido jurisdiction (and I don't know anything about it).

[@sanwu853]

Hello, I will be visiting Japan for 13 days, flying into Osaka Airport, leaving from Hanada. I will be staying in Osaka for 2 days, Kyoto 4 day and Tokyo 5 days. from Kyoto, I will do day trip to hiroshima/Miyajima, another day trip to Nara, last day from Kyoto, go to Himeji half day, then to Tokyo. spend couple days in Tokyo, take day trip to Hakone and kawaguchi ko. Should I consider to buy 7 days jr pass, if yes, which day I should activate the pass? thanks

[@HacksignKT]

If I buy one now can I activated later say in September when they open up?

[@SuperRookie117]

Thank you for this video. I'm going to Japan soon and this helped me a LOT. :D Thumbs up.

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks for your comment! Glad you liket it :)

[@Forgen20]

Thank you, this was super useful. Just one question: you said in the video that it was possible to purchase the vouchers either online or through a travel agency. I see that you put the links to how to find the travel agencies in the description, but do you have a link where the voucher can be purchased online? I'd rather order the pass myself if I can. Thanks!

[@Japanesquest]

Here you go! www.japan-rail-pass.com/?ap=oj2402pg

[@Forgen20]

Thank you very much!

[@kiwnk]

Thank you for this video. I was contemplating whether it was worth upgrading to the green car but couldn't find too much information of the differences between the two so this video was very helpful. Also I wanted to ask if there was one train that would travel from Tokyo to Kagoshima without having to transfer? Cheers

[@Japanesquest]

Sorry for the late reply! Unfortunately, there is no direct train between Tokyo and Kagoshima.

[@sandychim7767]

Hi, thanks for the video! We are traveling to Japan this November 2019 flying into Tokyo (Narita), then visiting Kyoto, and then visiting Osaka & (flying out of Kansai) is the JR Pass worth it?

[@Japanesquest]

Not worth it!

[@cokecan1285]

Hi, I will be going to Japan for 9 days (I'm trying to cram as much as I could in the span of 9 days LOL) This is my itinerary: Day 5th-8th: Narita to Tokyo 8-9th: Mt. Fuji 9-11th: Kyoto 11-13th: Osaka 14th(last day): back to Tokyo then to airport My question is if the 7 day pass is worth it and if it is, when should I activate it? Thank you!

[@redfish337]

Assuming you want to take trains and not night buses, it's worth it, and you should get it 8th-14th. Get a 48 or 72 hour metro pass for 5th-8th (depending on how long you'll be there on 5th)... and pay for whatever you like going in to Tokyo from Narita. (cheap Keisei line is easy, slow and about 1100 yen... faster and more comfortable options available for more in the ballpark of 2500 yen... Narita express is a little slower and more expensive, but can be the better option if you'll be staying more to the west or south in Tokyo). A lot of people will exchange at Narita to try to get free travel in to town- but this is also the only place where there may be much of a line- sometimes a significant line... so if a JR pass can only pay one way, it's best for it to pay for the return trip to the airport. However, since you'll actually be coming back in by shinkansen on the 14th... there's really no decision, you need it active on 14th paying for the shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo for it to be worth buying the JR pass to begin with. But the line there means... don't exchange at Narita... exchange at Tokyo or Ueno or whatever cuz you don't want your pass activated yet anyway. It's easier to do it somewhere in Tokyo rather than at the airport if you have a choice, which you do.

[@yourfunsister]

Ok... first of all, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your voice! You sound like a nobleman. But I do have a question: can the bullet train be upgraded to the faster trains from your JR pass or do you have to pay for the faster trains separately?

[@redfish337]

You have to pay separately- in other words, you'd never actually do that. If you get a JR pass you take the 30 minutes slower Hikari.. The difference in price between Nozomi and Hikari shinkansen is almost nothing. (14250 vs 13940 from Tokyo to Osaka). 310 yen difference. It's not like there's a huge price difference between speed tiers. I'm not sure of the exact reason for not letting JR passholders use Nozomi (and Mizuho), but it doesn't have to do with the pass not being priced for it. (Frankly it probably has to do with keeping tourists away from businessmen).

[@yourfunsister]

redfish337 thank you!!

[@jovineasuncion8308]

Do we need to reserve a seat from tokyo to shin hakodate (Hayabusa)?

[@silvialover1]

HI. I have a 28-day trip planned and wouls like to know if 14-day or 21-day jr pass would be worth buying at all. My itinerary is as follows : Arrive Narita Airport Tokyo May 16- May May 23 Osaka/Nara/Kyoto May 23- May 28 Tottori/Hiroshima May 28-31 Aomori June 2-4 Tokyo June 5-12 Depart Narita Airport I'd appreciate any tips/ advice Thank You!!

[@redfish337]

f you don't intend to fly, you'll want a rail pass. Probably two weeks. If you take a day trip or two out from Tokyo a third week can be worth it- in this case, IMHO it should be lined up to expire when you leave Japan (12th). This lets you exchange in Tokyo as opposed to at the airport, saving you a potentially long line. If you won't take any day trips to say Nikkou, Hakone or Kamakura, a two week pass (23rd to 5th, probably) would probably be best. But back to the caveats... Tottori is relatively poorly linked. The 2-3 hour trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima is about 7 hours via Tottori. And while you can take shinkansen the whole way, the trip from Hiroshima to Aomori is quite far and will take 10 or more hours by train (can't use Nozomi with JR pass). If you're okay with that, then you'll definitely get your money's worth with JR pass. However, it is such a distance that flying may be preferable, though that of course has it's own issues.

[@xxbr0kenangel]

very very useful tips! Thank you

[@Gigglebitten]

excellent video! very useful and helpful

[@Japanesquest]

Glad you like it :)

[@Bangbangboom51]

Nice video, We'll be going to Japan next month for 7 days. We'll mainly stay in Osaka for that 7 days and just visit Kyoto, Kobe and nearby cities for a single day each. Do we need JR Pass? Hope you answer my question. Thanks.

[@Japanesquest]

No need :)

[@jdeebz303]

Hey Japanesquest, I am going to Japan from 21 of may to the 31 may and am going from tokyo to kyoto with a few stops in between and around Kyoto. My question is, do you think it would be better to have for the first 7 days and just pay for bullet train back to Narita from Kyoto or would you recommend just paying for transport on first 3 days and getting the Jr pass for my final 7 days ? Thanks!!

[@redfish337]

JR pass is for shinkansen (it works for other stuff, but it's PRICED for shinkansen- there are cheaper passes available for shorter distances). It only makes sense to get JR pass if you can get it to pay for both shinkansen trips.

[@lizvillegas6603]

Thank you for this! I plan to get one when I visit in August. :D

[@Japanesquest]

Cool! Enjoy your trip :)

[@gammatnt]

Subbed, Thank you so much, This helps a lot. I will visit Japan next month.

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks! Enjoy your trip!

[@350raymond]

Very very concise. Nasu san. My only question is if one bought a green pass and decided to take a Grand Class the fare calculation, how is it counted? Perhaps it is easier to relate by quoting a trip from Aomori to Tokyo, Green fare vs Grand Class. How much has the passenger need to pay extra. Thanks in advance.

[@Japanesquest]

Hi redfish-san! I just wanted to say thank you a lot for helping viewers in the comment section. Are you a part of a travel-related organization, or do you have JR Pass's affiliate link? Because I would be happy to introduce your organization or your link in the description! Please feel free to email me if you have any request. [e-mail] I really appreciate your help. Thanks!

[@redfish337]

Hi, I'm currently nobody, I just want people to have as great a time as they can. Thanks for reaching out though! Make sure I don't post any blatantly wrong information by accident. =P

[@Japanesquest]

Haha, understood and thanks! It is incredibly nice of you to reply all those comments. I sincerely appreciate it. Thanks you so much!

[@hazelll3715]

@redfish337 hi it seems like ur a rly informative person so im hijacking this comment but can u pls help im rly confused with all these train passes. Ill be going for a short trip to osaka/kyoto/nara areas. i have researched and seems like i need to buy the kansai WIDE area pass however, it doesnt cover the jr osaka loop line? im planning to go around osaka (dotonbori, den den etc..) and then head to kyoto for maybe a day or two and to nara for a day to see the deers. Could u pls advice me on what train i should get to get around? do i get the kansai wide area pass and take buses around osaka and kyoto?? pls help. much appreciated and big thanks in advance!! :)

[@josephinelam5350]

I am planning 8-day trip to 長野, 金沢, 高山, 白川鄉, 鐮倉, 箱根, Doraemon Museum, etc. Do you think we should buy a JR pass? I like your video. Very useful. Thanks!

[@Japanesquest]

Sounds like one of the bus pass has more value for your trip. For more details, please watch this video from 2:30. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnOadmScjtR_gLc And then, if you have more questions, feel free to let me know :)

[@gregclark228]

Thanks a lot. This video is really useful!

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks!

[@spodface12]

Hi Japanquest, i hope you could answer my question in regards to the Yamanote line in Tokyo... as this is owned by JR does this also fall within the JR pass? and are there manned gates at every station in Tokyo? All the best bud, and thanks for the awesome content ! :)

[@redfish337]

Yamanote is JR, and all JR stations in central Tokyo are manned. You can, however, get unlimited Yamanote (+ a few other stations nearby) for 750 yen a day. This is way cheaper than even the 21 day pass's cost per day. So basically, while it CAN be used with JR pass as additional savings, you generally want as little time in the cities covered by JR pass as possible. ie, you want it to start on your first shinkansen, and end on your last shinkansen. But if there's a little bit left over on either end, or just as a matter of getting to and from your shinkansen, yes, the pass works on Yamanote.

[@JeroenNX]

Really helpful video! Thanks!

[@Japanesquest]

Glad you like it!

[@epicscoreCS2]

How about the non shinkansen trains do you need reservation or is it still 3 first that are non reserved. Going to matsumoto

[@xianglin2737]

I know this question is irrelevant to this video, but how would you suggest getting about and exploring Osaka and Kyoto. I know that taxis are rather expensive in Japan. Also, should I get an IC card?

[@redfish337]

Everyone should get an IC card. As for exploring those places... it depends on where else you're going and what you want to see there. Kyoto is a bus city. It's 500 yen per day. There are a few itineraries you can take with subways and the JR line though... if you're spending several days there you may want to design an itinerary around using the trains for a day or two, and then use the bus to cover the attractions poorly serviced by train. If you're only staying a day or two, then you can't really be efficient about it- you just have to buy whatever you need to do what you really want to see. Osaka is decently serviced by JR lines. However, there is only a loop line, and no circle crossing line, so you probably need to use a subway to reach some of the most popular attractions inside the loop. Osaka actually has quite a few passes, including those which include attractions. You really just need to research it. Just as a rule of thumb though... the BASIC one day passes are usually a good deal no matter what... the more expensive passes often have to be "abused" to make them worth it. I mean, the higher end passes, if they let you do x, y, and z, you really gotta actually do x, y AND z to make it a deal. So, if you have an itinerary well planned out, it may save you money. But if not, stick to the basics. My knowledge of the specifics of Osaka are fairly limited though, so I won't say much else for here- I've always had a JR pass active here... and while a JR pass isn't exactly ideal for Osaka (since the whole middle of the loop-line is more or less unserviced), it still basically gets the job done enough that I just paid as I went if I needed anything else. You'd only worry about other passes if you won't have a JR pass active.

[@brizihappy3792]

thanks for a really informative video :) with regards to the seat reservation, can we make a seat reservation one day before or maybe in the same day? thanks

[@Japanesquest]

Yes you can do so in both cases, as long as they have available seats :)

[@ricardoheinzecacho]

Thank you for such a helpful video. I have a question: I heard that you can purchase the Japan Rail Pass directly in the ticket office at the airport and there is no need to buy in home country as long as you have a tourist status and foreign passport. Can you help me understand if that is correct?

[@redfish337]

You can buy it in Japan now, on a trial basis. But there's a fairly big fee to do it (it's not called a fee- the prices are just higher). You should reserve if possible- buying in Japan is just a safety net for people who do no research or otherwise have some issue getting their pass in time.

[@Sumi-ug9xp]

I am planning on a 2 weeks trip to Japan but I don't know if I should get a 7 days or 14 days pass. I think I will be looking around in Tokyo for a week if not less and then travel to Kyoto and Osaka the following week.

[@redfish337]

Almost certainly 1 week. On that itinerary, if you can get a plane into Tokyo and out of Osaka you can probably avoid getting a pass at all.

[@OneandonlyD]

Can I use the JR pass for buses, taxi n ferry?

[@HelloKyoto]

Nice video! Full of useful information!

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks! Glad you liked it!

[@jenniferobrien9268]

Very informative video!

[@Japanesquest]

Thanks!

[@evicencio31863]

4 years ago, I did went Japan 🗾. JR-Train Pass costs $504.50 for 2 weeks. But the 'Bullet Train' is different. Do I have to added the costs for Osaka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Hokkaido & I can't remember the place that something missing in that place? Tokyo, Yokohama and Kamakura (Beach) is regular train, right?

[@redfish337]

If you're just in Tokyo/Yokohama area there's no reason to get a JR pass. Frankly, if you plan to go to Hokkaido you're probably better off flying.

[@sociallyyoursjhensengo]

Hi! I'm planning to trip around Osaka-Kyoto-Nara-Himeji-Kobe during our 7 Days stay in Osaka. Do you recommend me buying Regional Pass: Kansai Area Pass 4 days which is cheaper compared to National JR Pass which is much expensive? What's your suggestion? Thank you Sir.

[@yifeiwang616]

I'm going Japan this August for the first time. Me and my friends are planning to go Kyoto, Osaka and Nara for three days, and we going to Tokyo for another 4 days. We will arrive and leave Japan from Narita airport. Do you think we should buy this Pass? Thanks!

[@redfish337]

If you have this sort of itinerary it's really helpful to be able to fly into one and out of the other, but since you must use Narita both times, it's probably worth getting. It will almost certainly save you money versus paying everything as you go, but may cost a little more in terms of time. And that becomes the crux of the argument. Your trip is on the short side, and will spend the better part of a day going to and from Kansai region. (Hikari train is 3 hours each way, plus a little extra time to get to and from shinkansen stations). The Nozomi that you have to pay as you go is a little bit faster. But the issue is these only work during "normal" hours... even if you take the earliest possible trip you're still using up a little bit of "usable" time. On the other hand, if you take a night bus, these take a lot longer, but since they run through the night you really don't lose any real time. And they're a lot cheaper than buying a rail pass or taking shinkansen or flights AND you get to avoid spending on lodging for a couple nights. But, frankly, I have trouble sleeping very well on them- they tend to be kept overly warm (not sure about August though- since that is a true summer month and it's miserably hot in the day, and still an aura of heat at night, they probbbbably don't run the heater on full blast inside then). Since your trip is relatively short, it may be considered a bit of a sprint, so even taking the bus you may still be super energetic, and it will save you (usable) time and money. BUT, if it's going to wipe you (or anyone else) out, that'd be a total waste right? The shinkansen is really really easy to use... but the highway bus system is more of an adventure- English is rare. Shinkansen is definitely the more simple and comfortable way, and railpass is recommended if you take that route. Bus has perks, and while it's not exactly roughing it to take one- it is a lot less comfortable. Do what is best for you.

[@yifeiwang616]

redfish337 wow thank you so much for this! I guess it'll be easier to get JR Pass for me then:) thank you!

[@wardsworld]

Thanks a lot for the links and the info. Actually, I'm traveling for 1 week, landing in Narita and flying from Osaka, so my plan is mainly Tokyo -> Kyoto -> Osaka. I used the website you shared, it seems actually better in my case not to buy the Rail Pass. Did you have similar questions before? what do you think? :)

[@redfish337]

Since I just answered this one post down, I was gonna let this one pass, but I'll give you a break. Correct. Don't get a pass.

[@TBoutiqueOnline]

Hi Yusuke Nasu-San, thx for your explanation. I still a little puzzle. I will be flying to Kansai and travel to stay at Osaka for 9 days. We will only travel around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Nagoya. Not going to Tokyo or so. We are 2 adults and 1 kid, shall I buy JR pass to save the time travel between all these places with Osaka? Thx!

[@Japanesquest]

Nope. The pass won't pay off. Buying one of the prepaid cards such as SUICA, IKOKA, PASMO and using it saves a lot more of your both time and money :)

[@TBoutiqueOnline]

Thanks alot for your reply!

[@asa50foto]

I'm going to travel to Japan for 30 days, which recommends that I use the JRPass for the whole time. Thank you.

[@redfish337]

You should run a JR pass for as much time as is useful for your itinerary. Also, after 21 days, you have to have a second pass, so the price will spike up considerably. I would recommend you get a pass (probably a 2 week), and spend some time at the beginning and/or end in whichever city or cities you fly into or out of. You won't need a JR pass active while in those cities. It's cheaper to use other tickets. Also, to be clear- even if you travel between different cities, a JR pass isn't necessarily worth getting. If you fly into Tokyo, stay there two weeks, take a train to Osaka/Kyoto area and stay there for two weeks, you don't need a JR pass. It just depends on where you want to go.

[@christinengo307]

Hello! We will arrive at Narita on 3/22/19 and depart Narita 4/2. We will stay in KEIO Shinjuku. Will leave for Kyoto 3/26 and then to Osaka and return to Tokyo 4/1. Should we purchase the 7-day JR pass and activate for 3/26 when we leave for Kyoto OR purchase the 14-day pass so that we can use the NRT Express and the Yamamoto Line? Just trying to see if it's worth the price difference. Thank you for your help!

[@redfish337]

7-day pass, 26th to 1st as stated. Unfortunately you couldn't line up with either of the trains to/from the airport, but you're still almost certainly better off buying only a 1 week. It's 33000 yen for 1 week, and 52000 yen for 2 weeks. So you need to make up 19000 yen just to break even. Since you are staying less than 2 weeks, you can get a roundtrip NEX ticket for 4000 yen (there are cheaper options and more expensive faster options as well... but this is an easy, comfortable option at a decent price). So even though there are cheaper options, I'll price it at 4000. So that means you need to spend 15000 yen while in Tokyo on 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 25th and 2nd. And actually probably significantly more than 15000 in order to justify locking you into taking JR trains for the sake of saving money. And that's just not going to happen unless your schedule has very very far day trips every day.

[@randerson920]

Hi, I will be traveling to Tokyo at the end of October. I am flying into Narita airport and plan on staying in Tokyo. I mainly plan to visit places inside Tokyo & Kyoto. I wanted to know if it is necessary for me to purchase a JR Pass or just use Tokyo services?

[@Japanesquest]

Please check around 2:45. I believe it should help :)

[@RositaCusters]

Hi, @Japanesquest thank you for your video. I still have a question: we want to travel for 3 weeks in Japan. Start in Tokyo and end up in Tokyo. We want to travel through Honshu, Shikoky and Kyushu . Ofcourse we will stay a few days in several places. But as the JR-pass contains consecutive days to use, it seems to me that we have to buy a three weeks pass? Or am I wrong?

[@redfish337]

It depends on your itinerary. But generally I'd recommend staying 1 week in Tokyo so you can just get by with a 2 week pass. If you don't want to stay a whole week in Tokyo then it's still probably better to just get a 2 week pass and use a domestic flight on the other end. It's probably going to run cheaper than a 3 week pass and if you have to go to the airport anyway it's about the only time a plane is less hassle than trains. Go about your business, finish in Fukuoka, and then fly straight back to Tokyo for your international flight. (Or reverse, fly straight to Fukuoka, stay there a couple days, start the pass as your two weeks of heavy travel start, and end your pass as you arrive for your time in Tokyo).

[@violinpaladin]

Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it!

[@kerrysimpson8121]

My partner and I are travelling from Kamakura to Kyoto to Hiroshima to Tokyo - does one rail pass cover these areas or do we have to buy individual rail passes

[@michaelkolinski]

Kerry Simpson individual