JR Pass: Tokyo to Osaka on the Shinkansen Bullet Train - Is it Worth It?

We answer the million-dollar question: Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it for going from Tokyo to Osaka, with a few side trips in between?
We get it. The JR Pass Japan is a HUGE investment that digs deep into your pocket before your trip even kicks off. Ouch. I know. In this video, we reveal when it's a good idea to buy the Japan Rail Pass and instances where you really should just save your money and not get one at all.
Here's the thing though - if you're solely traveling from Tokyo to Osaka on the Shinkansen or vice versa, with a couple day trips within the Kansai region to either Kyoto, Nara or Kobe, then it's NOT worth getting the JR Pass.
If you're looking to do a fair few day trips within the Kansai region, there are more cost-effective options and alternatives to the JR Pass 7 Days or more, such as the Kansai Area Pass or the Kansai Wide Area Pass.
For more info on those passes, take a look at our detailed blog post.
→ Complete Guide to the Kansai Area Pass: bit.ly/2PlxBoX
Looking for the best place to buy your Japan Rail Pass? The most competitive prices for the 7, 14 or 21-day JR Pass Japan can be found on Klook.
→ Buy Japan Rail Pass: bit.ly/2RRFOmw
Take a look at our Japan playlist for more family-friendly guides:
→ bit.ly/2sZovlV
We hope this video helps you determine whether the Japan Rail Pass is worth it and saves you money so that you can invest more into buying cute souvenirs, gachapon, Kit Kats and Mochi. You know, the important stuff.
Happy travels!
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Hey fam! We are Tina and Andy - travel bloggers and content creators who gallivant around the world with 2 rambunctious creating smart travel guides for families. Our aim is to inspire families to travel more and show that the good definitely outweighs the bad when it comes to travelling with kids. By providing these fun guides, we hope to equip families with the best knowledge and info to arm them for their next family adventure!
#JapanRailPass #JRPass #JRPassJapan
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HANGRY BY NATURE
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[@aspoon]

Thank you so much! You guys explained it so much better than most and very helpful moving about with kids. I'm just nervous about ordering the JR Pass and it being sent to the middle east. I live in a rural area near the Saudi border and Emirates Post seem to lose mail a lot here. I just that doesn't happen! Thanks for all your informative videos!!😁

[@HangryByNature]

Oh, thanks so much for your kind words! We hope what we said made sense haha. Oh no.. can you get some kind of postage insurance with it if it doesn't happen in case? I hope everything works out smoothly for you!

[@DragNetJoe]

We skipped the JR pass. We stayed mostly in the Tokyo area with one trip down to Osaka/Kyoto. I think the JR pass would maybe have saved us a little money (not much) but we also took the Nozomi both ways, so if we had JR passes we would have had to plan on not riding the Nozomi. The Nozomi isn't just faster, there are more Nozomi trains than the slower trains. This is a not insignificant issue decreases the value of the JR pass.

[@SantosChronicles]

Luggage and Kids is a magic trick in itself. 3 hour ride is brave with kids. This train looks amazing. Bathroom tour. Would be funny of someone was waiting while they listened to you vlogging. Keep up the great work.

[@HangryByNature]

Hope I didn't keep someone waiting lol next time you might hear someone banging on the door 😝

[@SantosChronicles]

That Pac painting is amazing. Really love the graphics. Reserved seats sounds like a great idea. JRPass sounds like a great deal. This video was so informative!!!

[@HangryByNature]

hehe yeah love it, Andy's sister in law painted that. She is very taleneted. Thanks for watching!

[@SantosChronicles]

Hangry By Nature Andy’s sister has Skillz!!

[@shellyvick6300]

Thank you so much. This will help us in planning our fall trip to Japan, and yes, we will purchase the JR Pass.

[@himatstosh6236]

Kodama takes longer than Nozomi and Hikari, so it's always take few passengers. You can board a non-reserved seat and turn the seat in front of you in your direction and use it spaciously. If you are traveling with a family or have a lot of luggage, please consider using it.

[@lastdays1982]

Sit on the right side of the shinkansen Tokyo to Osaka for a great view of Mt Fuji

[@HangryByNature]

Great tip! thanks

[@pattycatbeebop]

Right side - in direction of travel? Don’t want to mess it up haha

[@nickandhelmi]

i do like putting my bag behind and reserve seat near the exit. usually if i reserve in the middle i have to put my luggage on top of my head, sometime its heavy im scared its gonna fall lol.. But i also stood all the way from tokyo to nagano lol for 2.5 hours haha. Badluck when we arrive in tokyo from hakone, lines where chaotic because it snow too much so, imagine tokyo JR station.. FULL FULL OF PEOPLE every 10 cm there is people lol...so we got on this train that was supposed to depart 30 minute earlier. lol our ones was 1 hour delayed..

[@HangryByNature]

Say what!? Delays in Japan? Haha. Yeah Andy had to stand once from Osaka to Tokyo.. that was definitely the less memorable part of our Japan trip.

[@CharmaineLachica]

Thanks so much for your informative content. Quick question, with a reserved seat will it accommodate 2 medium suitcases and 2 carry on suitcases?

[@shakesnbake]

Awesome - you're on KZbin :) Saw you first on TikTok. Thanks for JR Railpass tips

[@brandonraeli3180]

Super helpful thank you so much !!🔥 excited to take this train 😍

[@DavidB-od3lr]

The JR office just released a announcement a week or so ago that the costs will go up massively.

[@TheWorldnUs]

Totally agree on your advice guys. We used the JR Pass on our first trip because we spent 2 weeks travelling all over the country. Worked out heaps cheaper! On our last trip we didn't bother as we were just in Tokyo for 10 days.

[@HangryByNature]

Thanks guys! You're a good example of when it's the most appropriate. The first trip you guys did, the JR pass would have saved so much!

[@OnlyGrafting]

​@@HangryByNatureme and 3 friends are headed over next year in June. Just checking the revised JR pass prices and the shinkansen costs we'll occur over two weeks and it's still barely worthwhile.

[@TheDefinitiveCollector]

Wow very insightful and easy to understand video. Definitely got a new sub today. Looking to travel from Tokyo to Osaka in early feb to see Nara deer park and the shrines. So excited thank you!

[@HangryByNature]

Thanks for watching a wonderful comment! You'll love Nara deer Park and it's surroundings! Have a fun time and happy new year!

[@b3arwithm3]

Is there any pass to make a day trip to visit osaka cheaper? We have a group of 7 thus that's quite more expensive compared to the Limited express train. Thanks for the great informative video.

[@Picklemorrtyy]

Video WAS VERY HELPFUL !! 🫶🏽 Appreciate the content!

[@N2008ful]

Attention ‼️‼️Please going to Koyoto from USA 🇺🇸 this week this upcoming 8/27/24 for my birthday first time solo what should I do on budget travel 🧳 just come across your video unfortunately I didn’t search 🔍 much , I just booked flights straight to Koyoto I am staying 8 days but I don’t have hotel yet should I book hotel and travel to near city leaving my language in the hotel only ? Better and I come back before last day and travel back from there or just check in / out for the time only there

[@ODriscolls]

I appreciate the bathroom tour haha. Very informative! Thanks!

[@HangryByNature]

haha good to know what to expect 😂

[@Mike-mn2uq]

Isn’t flying better? 1 hour, same price and you get a seat and bags checked in?

[@PeterandYen]

O this is so useful. Both times we went to Japan we wanted to figure out if it was worth it to cop the jr pass cause of travel between Osaka and Tokyo. Now we're just gonna refer back to this cause I'm sick of doing the Math to see the saving amount. Definitely a good tip to buy online 😅 omg standing that whole journey must be horrendous 😥

[@HangryByNature]

totally horrendous lol keeping your kids busy and holding onto the suitcases and moving out of the way of people. ugh so painful 😂😂😂

[@dizzybeepot9856]

Thank you for making this video. Do you recommend buying a one way ticket from Tokyo to Osaka, ahead of time? (JR pass not needed ) Or is it the same price to purchase at Tokyo station?

[@HangryByNature]

I believe it is the same price. I think the thing to look out for is WHEN you visit the station to purchase the tickets. If you're in a rush like a busy day planned, buy the tickets day or 2 earlier. If you don't mind waiting, then on the day should be fine, sometimes there are long queues. And if you're comfortable using the ticket machines then that is an option too. It has english but the menus can be confusing. Hope that helps 🥳✌️

[@layeish2221]

What if I only want to visit only Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto?

[@shobhawativishwakarma5758]

❣❣❣...Japanese, Shinkansen Train manufacturers, should setup its manufacturing plant at Faridabad, Haryana, India... & should expand, Shinkansen Network, in India, to 35000 Km by 2035...❣❣❣

[@bulbaliza5101]

Thank you for this video! ✨

[@shivRajaa_705]

Hey Guys, fabulous video thanks for the tips, I saw in your video you are carrying Pram , do you recommend to buy before we board flight to Japan or should we hire ? Thanks

[@HangryByNature]

Hi there! I would recommend bringing a compact, small-folding travel pram, if possible. It makes it much easier on public transport in Japan when it gets really crowded. The rental one we got was pretty big.

[@sandyrubio3508]

Thank you for the information. I’m traveling with my two kids. And I’m a bit nervous I’m staying in Tokyo but I want to go to Osaka/ Universal Studios for one day. Do you think I can do a round trip like super early morning and come back that same day?

[@HangryByNature]

Thanks for watching! I guess it depends on a few factors, which I'll try to relate to us since we have 2 kids too. 1st is how much are you going to do at USJ? Because if you're just cruising around try 2 or 3 rides, let's say 8 hrs at the park, then a 1 day trip is possible from Tokyo If you want to maximise USJ (enter by open and leave by closing) you would have to leave Tokyo super super early and get back really late. It'll be a massive day! Even when we try to get home in Osaka from USJ, we are wrecked lol. Our kids were 5 and 7 the last time we went, who are pretty tough when it comes to big days, couldn't stay awake. We had to carry them or lie them on the train seats lol lucky the trains were empty. Sorry for so much info lol, i hope that it can help give you an idea on how to tackle this. Also you could look into the transfer buses from Tokyo to USJ as another option without using the Shinkansen. Might help at lease you can just sleep on the bus without transfering lol. Wish you all the best and have fun in Japan!! PS. If you're also keen on Super Nintendo World, make sure to check early what the entry condition are as there has been a lot of people missing out due to its popularity. Just a heads up.

[@Mike-mn2uq]

Does that JR rail pass let you go around Tokyo to all the little places in the city or is that another pass?

[@-sensae-8116]

Awesome video!

[@thuthaonguyen8369]

Hi. We are planning to fly to tokyo then moving to oska by train ( because flight ticket from our country go to tokyo more cheap a lot ). Should i buy the JR Pass. Is that the JR Pass can use in moving in local Osaka ? Last Chinese New Year we moving between this city cost around $250-300 by the fastest train

[@johndavidchannel8923]

Ur information is useful can i azk question z

[@jaxxii]

It would be really nice to grab one of these but I'm going long term to study abroad so my visa wouldn't qualify ughhh 😞

[@N2008ful]

Emergency 🚨 question 🙋 please 🙏

[@dominid]

Can we reserve the seats online with the JR Pass we bought from KLOOK?

[@HangryByNature]

We actually didn't even know you could reserve seats online as we've always reserved them at the station

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

I'm pretty sure I used a credit card in a Shinkansen ticket machine. It is way better nowadays than even a few years ago. In fact the only thing I couldn't get from a ticket machine recently was a child's ICOCA card in Kyoto (ICOCA is the Kyoto version, like the travel passes available in Tokyo - Suica and Pasmo). I was trying to buy it from a machine, like I did the adult pass, so I pushed the help button and deadset a live human head poked out of flap next to the machine and told me to go into the ticket office to buy the kid's pass because you need to verify with passport. Here's a tip, the ICOCA (or Suica or Pasmo) can be used for local travel (bus and train) everywhere in the country. Everywhere except Nagasaki that is. But they have an all day travel pass for about 500 yen for adults. 😂 🤣

[@HangryByNature]

We have totally seen that happen, one of the customer service person stuck their head out from a flap. Shocked us but was so funny. Thanks for the awesome tips and sharing that with everyone!! We will make sure to remember that next time we visit!

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

@@HangryByNature no worries. And I really do love your work

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

We wanted to use the 21 day pass last time we went but we were going to be there 30ish days and the 21 day pass was damn near 2 grand for a family of four. So that is why we rented a car for the whole time and it cost about 1500 Aussie pantaloons. 😂

[@HangryByNature]

ooooo ouch that is quite expensive lol We will definately try to road trip next time and stay for much longer. slow travel around.

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

I got interviewed for Japanese TV at one place. Some former pop star with a morning food and lifestyle show in Tokyo. We're out in the middle of nowhere in Shikoku. I was videoing the kids on a vine bridge or something and I saw them filming. They came over and I thought they were going to tell me to get out of the way. Nope, they wanted interview me. Pretty funny. Would love to have seen it but they said they didn't put their stuff on KZbin.

[@katsybo]

I love your accents!

[@pinoi78]

Going to be visiting Tokyo for seven days. I think I’m gonna do a day trip to a Osaka to definitely get my moneys worth.

[@HangryByNature]

Have an awesome time! I'm jealous, wish I was going back lol

[@happyhaydee]

Me too but I'm going to Universal Studios Japan with my daughter.

[@pinoi78]

@@happyhaydee Universal Studio’s Japan was awesome. Make sure you queue early for Super Nintendo World b/c it’s a timed entry.

[@motorfiendz]

very informative, we will be traveling to Japan soon and will be getting the JR pass.. how does it work for families? do you need one for each person or can you get a family pass?

[@HangryByNature]

We aren't aware of any family passes but from memory, if your kids are under six they can travel with you for free. Hope that helps! Have a fantastic time there!

[@victorm.7783]

Hi! is it worth it if we're planning to arrive first to tokyo (spend like a week), then Osaka and kyoto? (lastly returning to tokyo for the departure flight) Also does the JR pass helps you to get to tokyo from the Narita airport?? I appreaciate the help!

[@HangryByNature]

Hi Victor. I think it depends on how long you plan to travel around in Osaka and Kyoto? The 7 day JR pass costs around the same amount as going from Tokyo to Osaka back to Tokyo. I think the price is similar even if you stop by Kyoto cos there's a route that passes by Kyoto on the way to Osaka. There is a JR line that goes to Narita Airport but you would have to consider, does that trip to the airport still fall within the 7 day JR pass you're using or does that mean you'll need the 14 day pass? Is it worth it kinda thing. I hope that helps ✌️🥳

[@untitledsixtynine]

Not sure if you covered this but how do you book/reserve a seat on the Shinkansen?

[@HangryByNature]

I thought we did cover it lol from what i can remember it is at any shinkansen station and i think just recently they introduced an online service. Best to google the online booking just to make sure but when you do it at the shinkansen station it's very easy and the counter staff speak decent english.

[@untitledsixtynine]

Hangry By Nature sorry, clearly not listening 😂 ok, yeah I’ll check the online booking service. Ta.

[@HangryByNature]

@@untitledsixtynine No worries. Have an amazing trip and feel free to reach out with any other questions 😊

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

Every time we do use the Shinkansen I conveniently book the travel in a way that makes the JR Pass unusable economically. So we end up buying point to point on an as needs basis. Smart traveller right here hey 😂 🤣 But that is why you create informative content and I don't 😂 🤣

[@HangryByNature]

That's it, we hope to educate our viewers to make the right choice and save them some money. You sound like you know Japan very well! how often have you been?

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

@@HangryByNature 4 times now I think. Spread out over the last 10ish years. Most recently March or April this year. It is deadset our favourite place to keep going back to. We're still yet to get to Okinawa and northern Honshu - the Akita region. But we really want to go back to Kyushu and Shokoku. And Tokyo. And Kyoto. And Hokkaido. And and and and and... :) We were even discussing last night if we could do a sneaky stopover on our way to Europe next time - probably not. It is just too cheap going direct to Europe via China. We did it once with JAL but they're just too expensive now. Cheaper, probably, just to do separate trips.

[@marwaalkhanjari5739]

we are travelling to japan for a month, going to various cities with a 1.5 years old should we get a pass for her? and also do you think we should buy a suica card?

[@HangryByNature]

Hi hi Marwa, it is a lot of money for such a long time JR pass from the sounds of your travel. Kids under 6 can ride for free, it's just that you can't reserve a seat for them. They are 'supposed' to sit with you on the ride, but i guess if there is a free seat you can sit them there next to you. Depends how busy it is. Suica or Pasmo are handy as it allows you to quickly move through station gates and also conveniently buy things from vending machines. I think there is a tourist one you can get during your stay. I hope that helps you ✌️🥳

[@marwaalkhanjari5739]

thanks, great help😊🙏🏻

[@janesuner5793]

Hello!! We will travel from osaka to kyoto to osaka again then tokyo then osaka again lol hehe is JR pass worth it? And also if we buy the JR pass its unlimited right? Just an example what if osaka to tokyo to osaka again. Hoping for your reply!! Love this vid very informative ❤️

[@HangryByNature]

Hi Jane! That's right it is unlimited but the restriction is based on how many days your JR pass lasts for. So for example a 7 day JR pass you can travel unlimited only within the 7 days from when you start it. I'm not sure how long you plan to stay in each place but that's a lot of travelling between places, have you thought of travelling Osaka > Kyoto > Tokyo > Osaka to save some time? Because there is so much to see and do in Japan we always try to be as time effencient as possible.

[@feminita4307]

Are u guys know, how many times we can used JRpass for booking the shinkansen? Because i want to go to osaka and galayuzawa

[@HangryByNature]

Hi Femi! You can use the JR pass as many times as you want BUT only within the duration of what you purchased. Hope that helps =) have a fantastic time there!

[@nickandhelmi]

NUMERO UNO!

[@HangryByNature]

Hehe who else?

[@brittanyn1048]

Hi, I was wondering if I should be getting the JR pass if I'm doing a round trip to Tokyo to Osaka vice versa. 5 days in Tokyo and 2 days in Osaka

[@HangryByNature]

I do believe the 7 day jr pass would work out ok as long as your within the 7 days as you have mentioned, so completing your trip from Tokyo to osaka and back. The end price is similar to when you buy the tickets on the day, but the good things is you can us the JR pass on JR lines in each of those cities which is where the difference in saving comes into play. Having the JR pass also just makes it easier so you don't need to go buy individual tickets for each trip on the shinkansen. Hope that helps =)

[@redfish337]

It makes sense if you have to take the shinkansen both ways. The question you have to ask yourself is does it makes sense to take the shinkansen both ways for your itinerary? One of the main reasons why the train is so competitive on this route despite the cost is it takes a lot of time and effort to get to the airport. But you're already at the airport. Maybe a LCC one way would be better? Of course, the shinkansen is a sort of attraction in and of itself, so maybe you take a platt kodama shinkansen the other way.

[@nickandhelmi]

Yes Klook is what we use too :D and we use the 7 days JR pass.. Osaka, kyoto, nagano, takayama,tokyo :D perfect

[@HangryByNature]

Perfect for those cities! 👌

[@ilovekdramas1986]

Hi! If the JR pass is purchased then no extra paper tickets are needed and we just cross gates with out doing anything extra? Hopefully I didn’t miss this part in your video. Thank you!

[@HangryByNature]

Hey there! We didn't really delve too deep into redeeming the JR Pass but you usually purchase it online or with a travel agent outside of Japan and I believe you get an exchange order which you will need to bring with you and exchange for an actual paper pass at the airport or at a major train station. You'll definitely still receive a paper ticket. Hope that helps a little!

[@ineisio8313]

Hi I am only staying in osaka for one night, the JR pass isn’t worth it then right?

[@HangryByNature]

I assume you're traveling from Tokyo, if it's just back and forth, then it ends up costing the same. The extra benefit in that instance is having all your JR railway rides included in the amount of days pass you purchase. So I guess you need to think about that.

[@jojosmith1097]

It's a bit long although informative. Don't lighten up, tighten up :)

[@JayP-vh9wc]

Was there many signs in English to catch the right trains etc? Lol sorry heading there next week and am a bit nervous.

[@HangryByNature]

There are plenty of English signs for station names, train lines and which direction they are going. Make sure to use Google maps to help with public transport directions. Always gives me peace of mind and very reliable. Enjoy Ur Japan trip going to be so good!

[@JayP-vh9wc]

@@HangryByNature thnx!!

[@shashankkatiha9439]

3 hour journey??? you seem to be taking a slower train coz actually the journey is just 2.5 hours.

[@t2terminator507]

$130 USD? Fastest train in China only $8.00 USD. That is it! I am getting out of japan and heading out to Korea. :)

[@HangryByNature]

😂

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

We didn't do the shinkasen at all the last time we went which totally sucked. Not only because they are really cool but a couple 10 hour drives that could've shinkansenended would have been less... tiring. But then we would have missed some quirky road side stops and meeting "Japan's Most Famous Vlogger" 🤣

[@HangryByNature]

We would love to roadtrip through japan! Did find driving around easy? We want to see more of the countryside and traditional towns lifestyle. And of course the quirky road side stops hahah

[@ShaneNixonFamily]

@@HangryByNature easier than driving in Australia. Some of the roadhouses are themed - Ninja roadhouse - need I say more? :) The food is awesome, the souvenir snacks are worth the flight to Japan, the toilets are pristine. We definitely stop at the roadstations - michi-no-eki. I think we drove 3 or 4000km on the last trip. I will have a video that includes road stations but at my current rate you'll be back and have one out before I do 😂 🤣

[@MartinaTakano]

I think it's worth it.

[@HangryByNature]

It is! But it also depends on your itinerary. If you're only going from Tokyo to Osaka or vice versa and a bit of the Kansai region over a longer than 1-week period then it's probably not worth it.

[@neo_varna]

yall cool

[@user-et7jg1rr4c]

good

[@_factoza-bangla]

Can I use jr pass in travelling by TOKAIDO SHINKANSEN???

[@HangryByNature]

Hello Salimmia! Yes you can, we used it between Osaka and Tokyo. I think it's safe to say that anything from the JR rail group you can use the JR railpass.

[@_factoza-bangla]

@@HangryByNature can other religions people can enter in Japanese Buddhist temple?

[@baseballthird13]

ill just fly

[@BrotherabbitFilms]

I would rather catch a slower train or bus than be rallroaded

[@christ2551]

HELP !!!! I bought the JR Pass so I can travel from Tokyo to Osaka on a shinkansen bullet train. I know that the JR Pass cannot be used on the Nozomi shinkansen. I am NOT able to find any website where I can book the Hikari or the Kodoma shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka. Please help . I really appreciate it. Thank you in advance.

[@HangryByNature]

Hello Hello! From memory I don't think you can book online. The best way is to go into a major station that has the JR customer service and they can help make the bookings. Also I think not to worry about getting a spot because there are heaps that run throughout the day unless it's like a major holiday time like golden week for example. I hope that helps!

[@RAHul_KuMaR_ChANdA]

0:10 more like hard earned yen

[@ppmaster04]

Too basic. It doesn’t say “Which Local Subway” you need to change to, to get to Osaka once you arrive to Shin-Osaka. Also, wasted ALOT Of time with funny meme of making mistakes or loud back ground noise. Very basic info