JAPAN RAIL PASS Ultimate Guide! Everything you need to Know! 

UPDATED NEW PASS INFO HERE: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-87wzWLGp69w.html

For someone who has visited Japan a dozen times and have used JR pass once (some while ago of course), I still find Japan’s meticulously detailed way of things a little daunting to figure out! Hence, this was a really useful recap for me as am planning my next trip to Japan in summer next year. Thanks! ❤

Thank you so much! I'll be traveling to Tokyo next week. This video definitely help me to plan accordingly.

Great video my friend!! JR pass is amazing. Thank you for the information.

Super informative and helpful. Thank you!

This is one of the best Japan travel videos ever! I really appreciate you breaking down the various types that are available!!

Once important note I learned earlier today is if you have larger (checked size) luggage you have to get a special oversized bag reserve for shinkansen or have your luggage forwarded via a service.

Spent three months in Japan 2019, and had a JR-pass for the whole time. Loved it, highly recommended.

This video was very helpful. Thanks! I decided to get the JR to pass for my second trip, as I didn't get it on my first trip and regretted it.

Did a 10 day holiday to Japan and set my activation date for the days I took the bullet train outside Tokyo. The 7 day pass is cheaper then the current round trip price to Kyoto/Tokyo so it should be worth the price for Americans going to Japan for a week long trip. I would recommend setting the activation date to when you start taking your bullet trains, because any travel after the first ride, the pass pays for itself. We typically start the pass on the last week of the trip since that'll cover bullet trains, outside of Tokyo travel, and the trip back to the airport for departure. Literally right when you land go to the ticket office, do your sim cards and pass at the airport. You can set your activation date of the pass then so you're good to go for your whole trip when you leave the airport. The place we do our Rail Pass also does data SIM cards and sometimes they do bundle discounts. If you have Children under 6 they will travel for free, but if you're a person who travels to Kyoto or surrounding Tokyo area by bullet train the pass will probably save you at least $50. You can also fly to Kyoto for even a cheaper price but if you're on vacation the shinkansen is a great experience and way more convenient then having to go back to the airport again.

Love your videos! Going to Japan the 13th of October, and your videos have been beyond helpful.

I 100% agree with you mate on your point about 'peace of mind'. Having that JR Pass ensures that you can change your mind about times, locations, etc and easily head off to new adventures without the stress.

I'm arriving in Japan *on* October 11th (flying out from the US on the 10th) to be there the first day it is fully reopened. Have a National 🚅 Pass for this trip and can't wait to revisit my favorite country in the world! Thanks for a great video!

this is really helpful. thinking of getting the tokyo wide pass. i hope i can maximize it.

🚄🚅 Another great video, dude! Keep 'em coming!

This was super helpful for my upcoming trip!

That was a really well researched, laid out & informative video. I think I’ll opt for the National Pass in Green Class for my next trip in January 2024. 🚄🚄

Perfect timing! Thank you for outlining all of this so clearly. Went ahead and grabbed a 21 day nation wide pass for my upcoming trip. Thanks for all of the hard work you put into these videos! 🚅

Hi, JR pass is fantastic, I have just used it last time in Japan. Thanks for your video. Bey. 🚄

I've used the 7-day JR Pass to go from Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto/Himeji which makes it worth the cost. especially going around Tokyo.

🚄 I can’t wait to rebook my JR pass for my spring trip! 🚄

I bought the JR West Sanyo-San'in 7-day Pass when I went to Kansai with my friends. It was so awesome to have this pass in hand. We visited Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, and having this pass where we could just show up at the train station and pick the next departing train is so liberating as we don't have to worry about catching trains and missing schedules. AND we extensively used the Shinkansen, even the fastest Mizuho up to Hakata.

Thank you for breaking down all the information. It’s overwhelming for a beginner.

Hi Nathan we purchased a 1 week pass and a 3 week pass to make our 4 weeks holiday travel cheaper. By day 10 we had recouped the whole cost . Worth every penny. Long trips of over 1-2 hours are a no brainier with the pass . Travelling from Utsunomiya - Tokyo then to Kanazawa Return fare would cost several hundred .

Very useful to us Japan travel wannabes! 👍

Just purchased my National JR 7-day Pass through Klook. Cheapest price I've seen yet. He's right in saying that you really need to do research and plan your trip first. Japan is not the type of country you just fly into and decide to pay for a train ticket ad hock. It will cost you out the wazoo. I'm doing Tokyo all the way down to Fukuoka in a nine day trip. On the last day of your pass validity, make sure you get a train back to where you want to depart Japan or you will pay. Great and informative video.

Cant wait for my japan trip in few months ;)

The national pass is the best value right now. I always get some type of pass when in Japan

I'll be heading to Osaka in May, so it was good I watched this video to gain some insights on train travels. I realize Japan is very train-based society. Thanks for this video!🙂🚅

I have travelled to Japan six times and have bought a JR pass five times. I have had one week and two passes. I certainly have saved money on every occasion by having a pass. I have used it on the ferry as well on two occasions. I have travelled from fukuoka in the south and as far as asahikawa in Hokkaido. It is certainly a great way to get around. The last time I was in Japan I went on a day trip to Fukushima, from Ueno. On the return journey I turned on my speed app on my iPhone. It recorded a top speed of 319.5 kph.

Yup, definitely found them useful but as you rightly say, it is not for everyone especially for some that really stay in close by or even within one city. It should be noted that some regional passes are better than the full jr pass in that you are allowed to travel on the fastest bullet train available! E.g the tohoku , the hiroshima osaka pass ! I also saw that jr east pass now is all online where you can buy and reserve seats on it!

Will get mine this week. Always got one in my previous 4 trips. Got 2 times the 21day pass and 2 times the 14day pass. Most likely will get another 21day pass this next trip

IMPORTANT INFO for people planning on getting a national pass. There are MANY different train companies in Japan. JR is mostly responsible for the routes between major cities. The coverage within cities is passable in Tokyo, okay in Osaka, and almost nonexistent in most other major cities. You will still need to pay fares in most cities to the local train companies. So while you should be aware of that, the actual important thing is that the fare in most cities will probably run you 500-1000 yen per day. The JR pass is along the lines of 3000 yen per day. It's a money loser while you're in cities. Don't activate before your first shinkansen. Let it expire with your last shinkansen. So you probably do NOT need 100% coverage since you won't need it in your first and last city- use the 500-1000 day tickets rather than the ~3000 yen a day JR pass. I don't know if this is properly explained in the video, but I see a lot of people mentioning the 21 day pass. I've gotten it several times myself. When I went for like 6 weeks. You probably don't need a 3 week pass unless you're staying for 4-5 weeks total. You probably don't need a 2 week pass unless you're staying over ~16-18 days total. I know they charge so much for the 1 week pass that it seems not so bad to upgrade to 2 or 3... and I know the amount of time that people really want is about 10 days and not offering that length of time means you're stuck between 7 and 14 which is a hard decision. But most of you probably don't need more than a 1 week pass and hardly any of you should need a 3 week one. The point of the JR pass is saving money so make sure you're actually getting the best deal out of your itinerary.

Thank you for such a helpful video! Keep up the great work - quick question, can we book seats for the train ahead of arriving into Japan? Or can this only be done after you have exchanged?

This is so helpful, thank you! I've been confused as to which website to buy from, as I am seeing mixed reviews- it's making me nervous! Do you have one you suggest over others?

🚄 Been visiting and using JR Rail Pass every year since 2009 to just before the pandemic. JR pass is one of the jest ways to experience Japan and all it has to offer, and vistors shiuld take full advantage of the "Golden Ticket" opportinity as locals cannot get it. I became a resident in 2021 and sadly unable to get a JR pass as a result. BUT, still have access to get the Tohoku pass as a foreign resident which is great to travel around Akita, Sendai, Fukushima, Aomori, etc.😁

I get the JR pass every time we go. In March we will be getting 2 Kansai Wide passes as we will be based in Osaka for a month and a 14 day JR full pass. We use Passmo or Suica card for other non JR related trains 🚄♥️🌸⛩

Thanks for this. Going at the end of the month to Shikoku. I heard there is a change with luggage rules... i have so many shinkansen trips. Even short ones require me to take tokaido-sanyo trains which I assume is the shinkansen? I was wondering if I have to get seat reservations for even those short trips if I have a larger luggage? Also if i can make reservations for every trip at a aingle jr ticket office?

I wanted to buy the JPRP for december but it is only open for october and november, I couldn't find any information about this, do you have any advise?

Great video with useful information. I have used the national All Japan Rail Pass on all my trips. It has been a bargain, as on some trips I have gone from Aomori to Hiroshima, and many places in between. I have also used it for some buses and the Miyajima ferry, too. Though you can't ride the Nozomi super express, the Hikari express trains are almost as quick. I have not had a problem taking my super size luggage with me. Rail passes also cannot be matched for convenience; I even keep them as souvenirs. I have not tried any of the regional passes. Next trip, I hope to be able to use my pass for some of the sleeper trains; has anyone used it there?

My friends and I are heading to Japan in a week. We have bought the JR national pass and are going from Osaka to Nara, down to Yakushima and back up to Hiroshima. From there we are going to Kyoto and Tokyo. Will the pass we got cover most of the trip pretty well? I know Yakushima will require ferry but are we good otherwise?

Many thanks Nathan - invaluable information for me as I plan my November visit to Japan. It's looking like the full monty National JR Pass is probably the way to go for me. Keep up the great work with these videos 🤘🙏🚅

Hi Ninja. Kindly recommend which JR pass should I get for my trip. I am going to travel from Tokyo to Osaka then to Kyoto. And then from Kyoto back to Tokyo. Thank you!

Can you please provide the link for routes coverd by Tokyo Metro with pictures of places? I search for the routes. The maps found give me headache😂

HI Thank you for the info on JR Pass. I will be travelling there Feb 2023 for one month. Planning to visit Tokyo, Yokohoma, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto and Kobe. Do you advice JR Pass? What's the difference between JR pass or National JR Pass? Thanks.

Have gotten the JR Railpass the last 6 times I've visited Japan. I usually stay in Tokyo and Osaka or Kyoto for 7 or 8 days each on my normal 16 day trips. I usually purchase through JR Rail website and usually get the green Railpass as I normally travel on the Shinkansen from my base city to cities throughout that area, Like from Tokyo, going to Aomori, Kanazawa, Matsumoto, Shizuoka and Kawaguchiko. Then from Osaka/Kyoto, I go to Kagashima, Hakata, Hiroshima and Himeji. So, having this Green pass allows for reserving the first class seat reservations, which are less crowded and much more comfortable than the regular class cars. Well worth the price difference!

Can you do a day trip from Kyoto to Nagasaki? Or from Hiroshima to Nagasaki? And what’s the easiest way to send luggage to next destination if I can’t take big luggage on Shinkansen anymore? I know a lot of questions…..

If my itinerary is heading to Hakone to Kyoto then back to Tokyo for 1 week, would the National Pass be the best option? Thank you for this!

May I ask how to book seat and reserved luggage space by using JR pass ? I just understand can do via the app but requires to input credit card details? Any advice or if holding jr pass , it can only be booked at the station ? Thanks 🙏🏻

because exchange location is limited, I would like to exchange it in advance? Start different day. Can I do that or the day exchange will be the date that I need to start using?

any updates when is the last day to buy the pass in JP and where exactly? also if ordered online how many day till arrives?

Hi We are due to visit Japan next May. Our trip starts in Osaka and staying in Nara. This is our first time. Can we use the Kansia JR pass for Osaka, Nara, Kyoto and to travel to Tokyo for the day? I did have a look, but it's confusing. Thanks for the info.

Hi, my wife and I will be arriving in Osaka and will be in Japan for 10 days. 3-4 days in the Osaka, Kyoto area, then traveling to Hakone-Mt Fuji area then to Tokyo for the next 6-7 days. 2 7 Day JR passes cost roughly 400 bucks. In your opinion looking at our schedule do you think it's worth it? I thought about flying for roughly around 150-160 domestically to Haneda then taking the trains to get to Hakone, stay the night or two then head back via train to Tokyo. But I'm still not quite sure about the prices of individual trains. Appreciate the help if you reply! Edit: This is a trip in Mid Decemeber.

Hi, does the luggage limitations include Hokuriku line as i am planning to visit Kanazawa.

Hi Mr. Ninja Monkey! Enjoyed ur vlogs about JR Pass. We are going to Fukuoka on March 2023 but got confused whether to purchase Regional Pass or JR Pass. We have a ten-day itinerary and would like to reach Sapporo just to see the place and be back after a day visit, is it doable? If we go direct to Sapporo and go back to Fukuoka the next day, how much time will we consume? Please help us if the 10 day can do for us. We are open to your suggestions. Thank you very much and hope to hear ASAP!

So, my husband and I are traveling Japan this may. However I will be staying in Japan a little over a month before my husband arrives. We planned on using the jr pass once my husband comes. That means I will be in japan more than a month before I activate the jr pass, is that possible????

I have a question about the luggage. They have a size limit now and you can only bring 2 suitcases with you. Does a bagpack counts as luggage? I will be travelling with my bagpack, my carry-on suitcase and a larger suitcase (all withing the required sizes), so I'm worried they will count the bagpack as luggage.

UPDATE: PRICE INCREASE AS FROM OCT 2023! .. More info to come. In the meantime CHECK OUT PART 2! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-hyWmAY4i5gw.html Please note the error in the text: Children UNDER the age of 6 Travel for free!

Does someone who traveled to japan and possesed the jr pass know if there is any app for IOS especially for the Shinkansen? Cuz when I search a route in google maps it shows me every train/bus whatever but no Shinkansen. I downloaded the JapanTravel App and JapanTransit but in my opinion they are not very good since the apps do crash

🚄yeeeey 🚄

I am arriving at the airport when the JR office is closed, is there another was I can validate my pass?

Hello, for Shinkansen trains, how will I know if I'm on the Shinkansen Nozomi trains? When I use google maps, it keeps showing me the Shinkansen Nozomi train options for transit. Do you know how to specifically look for Shinkansen Hikari and Kodama?

I’m confused. On the JR Pass website, it says you only qualify if you have a 15day tourist visa for sightseeing or a 90day does this mean I can’t get a jrpass if I’m going to be in Japan for 12 days? Could somebody please help me with this

My family is going to Japan 29th December this year. We have bought JR Pass for 7 days. My plan is that we are going to activate the JR Pass starting from 3rd January 2023. But if i can, i would like to make a reservation for shinkansen seats now since i'm afraid i wont be able to get the seats due to holiday season. Do you think i can reserve seats now without activating the JR Pass? If I have to activate it to make a reserve, then the only option i have is to start reserving seats at 3rd January? Can i activate the pass now for 3rd Jan until 10th Jan?

What's the best pass to get if you just wanna go to osaka for maybe a week from Tokyo?

Great explanation! I'm still confused about the "forbidden routes". I'm planning to go to Okayama from Fukuoka, then from Okayama to Osaka, Osaka to Atami and Atami to Tokyo and these are all within the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (based on Google Maps), and I read on JR website, these routes are not included in the JR Pass? Would you mind give me your advice on this? Thank you so much!

I am going to be there 10/18-10/29 traveling to Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo. Is there any way to get around the most expensive pass?

Hello , can I use it train from Narita airport to Tokyo?? And other question is train bullet from Tokyo - Kyoto it valid to ?? )) Tnx

Will it be possible to buy the JR Passes after March 31? Im going there on March 22 and will go south from Osaka - Hiroshima - Fukuoka. Then Im going to Okinawa for a week before I fly to Osaka. Want to go to Osaka - Kyoto - Shizuoka - Tokyo.. I know there is the Setouchi Area Pass for the first leg of my trip, but is there a pass that only covers the Osaka - Tokyo area? And will I need to order it online before I go to Japan? I am traveling in Asia now, so I dont have a permanent address to have the Exchange order sent to me.. I guess I could have it sent to a hotel or hostel but I would much rather buy it while in Japan.

The JR East office closes at 17:00 but my arrival to Narita will be after that. Where should I go to get Exchange Order converted to JR Pass?

Hi I have a question. I have booked my seats online via the official JR Pass website. When I pick up my reserved seat tickets, can I pick up the rest of my reserved seat tickets for my other trips as well?

We got an Osaka/Tokyo trip next year. What JR pass is best for touring both cities?

Im going to Japan in March 26 to 10 of April. Will the school break make things more crowded? Should I go 1 week after my plan?

Can I use the JR Pass to take the Narita Express from Narita airport to Tokyo station?

Does the JR pass cover Local JR subway lines in Osaka, Kyoto, or Tokyo?

If you get the Green JR pass can you still take ordinary seats? Also do you always need a reservation?

Hi, I heard that there are new rules with regards to large baggage. As in we cannot onboard large baggage. Is that correct?

I LOVE❤ TOKYO CITY' JAPAN" FROM JAKARTA CITY, INDONESIA..❤❤👍👍💖💖

Don't need mysos from Blue list country and quarantine?

How much higher is the cost of the pass in Japan? I'll be going to Tokyo on the 30th of this month and I'm going to be in Tokyo for almost a full week and want to purchase the pass the day before I leave to Kyoto. .

I bought the jr worldwide pass, thought it covers everything, but didnt expect that the area i am living requires tobu limited express. Was wondering if there was any website i could key in the itinerary, then it could recommend me what pass to buy.

I'm staying in Japan for over two months and plan to travel all over the place. How does buying multiple JR Passes work or is it even possible? Thank you.

I have always purchased the National pass - I travel a lot within Japan to many locations during my visits and it pays for itself easily! I travel such distances that I sometimes wonder if it is better to use domestic flights for time efficiency. A question for you - I hear there are luggage limits for the shinkansen. Do they apply to Green cars too?

Can you still reserve seats on bullet trains with a region JR pass?

What website would you recommend to use JR ticket? Which one did you use?

Hi i will be going to japan in Jan. And i will spend a night in Nagano. My travel plan will be Tokyo -Nagano-Tokyo. Is it worth for me to get the pass?

does anyone know if you can purchase the JR pass in cash at the offices in japan?

I'm going to Japan in a couple of weeks and was wondering if they can link the JR Pass to an IC card instead of the physical ticket?

Most of the regional passes are very hard to make worth it- you really have to abuse them to their limit to save much money. My favorite regional pass is not actually mentioned here. It's the Setouchi pass (and similar Sanyo Sanin pass which is slightly more). This covers from Osaka to Hiroshima and... because of a fluke in jurisdiction, all the way to Fukuoka. If you don't need to see Tokyo this is a great pass as it's only 19000 yen for 7 days. Additionally, as it has access to Fukuoka, you have access to the most convenient to city center airport in the country if you want to visit another region or two. This can let you add in something like Sapporo + Okinawa relatively easily- or even Tokyo if you want. If you notice flights going into Osaka or Fukuoka being cheaper for you than Tokyo this is a good one to work with as a sort of pseudo-national pass.

Shinkansen ❤

I WILL BE IN TOKYO 12/23 TO 12/29 AND 12/29 TO 1/1/2023 KYOTO AND 1/1/2023 TO 1/5/23 OSAKA AND BACK TO TOKYO 1/5/23 FLY BACK HOME ON 1/6/23 FROM NARITA AIRPORT SHOULD I BUT A SINGLE TRAIN TICKET OR JR PASS FOR 14 DAYS TO SAVE MONEY. KYOTO TO OSAKA I COULD TAKE A LOCAL TRAIN ?

How do JR PASS count days? I'm planning to stay 15 days, and I want to visit Hiroshima, Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hokkaido, so a 7 day JR pass will do?

Since jr pass is not applicable for subway trains, how do i travel in the city? Use the jr buses only instead of subway trains? Thank you in advance

What pass would u get to go from Tokyo Disney to universal Studios in Osaka

right now 3 shots of vaccine is required to travel to japan. when do you think we can travel vaccine free? summer 2023?

So which one includes naoshima too? I thought I saw that on the inclusion map

I have a feeling I am going to waste money buying tickets and passes I don't need...I am hoping to get to Tokyo in Jan..And spend a few days there..(not sure how many yet maybe a week..maybe a little longer)..And would like to get about Tokyo using buses and rail.....I am also thinking if possible to take a trip out to Kyoto....I am thinking the JR Pass for the trip to Kyoto..and a Suica card for around Tokyo....But can the JR Pass be used in the same way as the Suica card?..So would i be wasting money getting the Suica card whe ni can use the JR Pass for the same types of travel within Tokyo?.....I know you can get refunded on the Suica card if you do not use the whole card before leaving ...though you pay a small charge...OR!...keep the card with what ever is left on it and use it again if I was to return to Tokyo on anotehr trip..provided it is within 10 years?.....As I may be only visiting Kyoto other than Tokyo would the JR Pass be to much?..or as i asked..could it be used instead of the Suica card...Or would it be best to have both crads just in case?...Thing is I'd hate to spend alot of money on Passes and cards to find I still have to pay for tickets as I'd never know whether I should or shouldn't have to pay for a journey... There is a very VERY slim chance I might want to get to Osaka as well....and even Hiroshima...But I doubt I will have time..What would be your advice?....Thank You

Hi,im curious as i saw not inclusive of non reserved and reserved seats on nozomi train. does that means if i travel from osaka to tokyo,i cant have a seat?

🚄

It’s Round-trip too?