JR Pass Calculator
Calculate if the Japan Rail Pass is worth it for your trip. Add your planned train journeys, compare costs against JR Pass options, and get a personalized recommendation.
What is the Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a cost-effective rail pass available exclusively to foreign tourists visiting Japan. It offers unlimited travel on most JR (Japan Railways) trains, including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains, for a fixed period of 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days.
The pass covers the extensive JR network, which includes over 20,000 kilometers of rail lines connecting major cities and rural areas throughout Japan. This makes it an excellent option for travelers planning to visit multiple destinations, especially along popular routes like Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.
To use the JR Pass, you must be a foreign tourist visiting Japan under the "temporary visitor" status. The pass must be purchased before arriving in Japan through authorized agents, though some locations in Japan now sell them at a premium price.
How to Use This Calculator
- Choose a preset route or build your own itinerary by adding individual trip legs. Popular presets like the Golden Route (Tokyo β Kyoto β Osaka β Hiroshima) are available for quick calculations.
- Add your planned train journeys by selecting origin and destination stations. The calculator will automatically look up the fare for each route.
- Compare pass options to see the total cost without a pass versus the cost with different JR Pass durations (7, 14, or 21 days).
- Toggle between Green Car and Ordinary to compare first-class and standard seating options.
- Review the recommendation which tells you whether the JR Pass saves money for your specific itinerary.
- Share your itinerary using the share link to save your calculation or discuss with travel companions.
JR Pass Types and Prices (2024)
The JR Pass comes in two classes: Ordinary (standard) and Green Car (first class). Each is available in three durations. Prices were updated in October 2023.
| Duration | Ordinary | Green Car |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | Β₯50,000 | Β₯70,000 |
| 14 Days | Β₯80,000 | Β₯110,000 |
| 21 Days | Β₯100,000 | Β₯140,000 |
What's Covered
- All JR Shinkansen trains except Nozomi and Mizuho (use Hikari or Kodama instead)
- JR limited express, express, rapid, and local trains
- Tokyo Monorail to/from Haneda Airport
- JR buses (local routes)
- JR Ferry to Miyajima
What's NOT Covered
- Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains
- Private railways (non-JR lines)
- Subways and city metros
- JR highway buses
- Sleeper train berths (supplement required)
Tips for Getting the Most from Your JR Pass
π― Maximize Value
- Plan long-distance trips within your pass validity period
- The Tokyo-Kyoto round trip alone costs about Β₯27,000 - nearly half the 7-day pass
- Consider day trips from your base city to maximize usage
- Use JR local trains for city exploration (covered by the pass)
β° Timing Tips
- Activate your pass on a day with long-distance travel planned
- The pass is valid for consecutive days - plan accordingly
- Reserve seats for popular routes during peak seasons
- Seat reservations are free and unlimited with the JR Pass
π Shinkansen Tips
- Hikari trains are only 20-30 minutes slower than Nozomi on most routes
- Kodama trains stop at all stations - good for shorter distances
- Green Car offers more legroom and quieter carriages
- Non-reserved cars can be crowded during peak hours
π‘ Regional Alternatives
- JR regional passes may be cheaper for focused travel
- JR West, JR East, and JR Kyushu offer area-specific passes
- Some regional passes include private railways
- Our calculator suggests regional alternatives when applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the JR Pass worth it for my trip to Japan?
Whether the JR Pass is worth it depends on your itinerary. Generally, if you plan to travel between major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, the 7-day pass often pays for itself. Use our calculator to compare your specific route costs against pass prices.
What does the JR Pass cover?
The JR Pass covers most JR trains including Shinkansen (bullet trains, except Nozomi and Mizuho), limited express trains, local trains, and some JR buses and ferries. It does not cover private railways, subways, or the fastest Shinkansen services (Nozomi/Mizuho).
How much does the JR Pass cost in 2024?
As of 2024, the JR Pass prices are: 7-day Ordinary Β₯50,000, 14-day Ordinary Β₯80,000, 21-day Ordinary Β₯100,000. Green Car (first class) passes cost approximately 30-40% more. Prices were increased in October 2023.
Should I get a Green Car or Ordinary JR Pass?
For most travelers, the Ordinary pass offers the best value. Green Car provides more spacious seating and is quieter, but costs significantly more. Consider Green Car if you value extra comfort, are traveling during peak seasons, or have mobility concerns.
Are regional JR passes better than the nationwide pass?
Regional passes can be more economical if your travel is concentrated in one area. For example, the JR West Sanyo-San'in Pass or JR East Tohoku Pass may offer better value for regional exploration. Our calculator suggests regional alternatives when applicable.
Can I use the JR Pass on the Nozomi Shinkansen?
No, the JR Pass is not valid on Nozomi or Mizuho Shinkansen trains. However, you can use Hikari and Kodama trains on the same routes. Hikari trains are only slightly slower and make a few more stops.
How do I calculate if the JR Pass saves money?
Add up the individual ticket costs for all your planned JR train journeys, then compare against the JR Pass price. Our calculator does this automatically - just enter your planned routes and it will show you the savings (or extra cost) for each pass option.
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