Explore All of Japan with Just One Ticket! The Ultimate Guide to the JR PASS (Nationwide Edition)

A single pass in hand — and traveling across Japan is no longer a dream.
For travelers planning to visit multiple cities in Japan, transportation costs can quickly add up.

That’s where the JR PASS (Japan Rail Pass) comes in — a great-value rail pass designed specifically for short-term visitors. With it, you can take unlimited rides on most JR Group trains within the valid period, making it easier than ever to explore Japan from end to end.

I. What is the JR PASS?

The JR PASS (Japan Rail Pass) is issued jointly by the six JR Group companies.

It is available exclusively to travelers with a “Temporary Visitor” visa, offering nationwide access to Japan’s JR-operated transportation.
With a JR PASS, you can take unlimited rides on the following:
•    Shinkansen (except for the fastest trains)
•    Limited Express, Rapid, and Local JR trains
•    Selected JR buses and the JR West Miyajima Ferry
Note:
Tokyo Metro, Kyoto Subway, and private railways (such as Hankyu, Keio, Kintetsu, Tokyu, etc.) are not covered.

II. Types and Prices (Current Standard Rates)

The nationwide JR PASS comes in two classes — Ordinary and Green Car (First Class) — and each is available in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions.

Type	Validity	Ordinary (Adult)	Green Car (Adult)
Nationwide	7 days	¥50,000	¥70,000
Nationwide	14 days	¥80,000	¥110,000
Nationwide	21 days	¥100,000	¥140,000

Tips:
•    Child tickets (ages 6–11) are half price. (Age is determined on the first day of use.)
•    Up to two children under age 5 can travel free with one adult if they don’t occupy a seat.

III. Who Should Buy the JR PASS?

Whether the JR PASS is worth it depends mainly on your travel distance and frequency.
Recommended if:
•    You plan to visit multiple cities in a short time (e.g., Tokyo–Osaka–Hiroshima)
•    Your itinerary includes several long-distance Shinkansen rides
•    You want the convenience of not buying separate tickets each time
Probably unnecessary if:
•    You’re only exploring one city or region (e.g., only the Kansai area)
•    You mostly use subways or private railways
•    Your stay is under six days or you’re not moving around much
Quick check:
If your trip includes Tokyo ↔ Osaka + another city, a nationwide JR PASS will likely save you money.

IV. How to Buy and Use the JR PASS

Where to Buy
•    Official website: https://japanrailpass.net
•    Authorized travel agencies and official ticketing partners
Always buy through official or authorized channels to avoid extra fees.

Purchase and Exchange Options
There are two ways to buy:
1.    Via the Official Website (Recommended)
o    Purchase directly on the JR PASS official website using your passport and credit card.
o    You’ll receive a confirmation email and QR code.
o    Upon arrival in Japan, show your passport and confirmation at a JR ticket office to collect your physical pass.
o    Online buyers can also reserve Shinkansen and Limited Express seats in advance.
2.    Through Overseas Authorized Agents
o    Purchase from an approved agent abroad.
o    You’ll receive a paper Exchange Order, which must be exchanged for the actual pass at a designated JR office in Japan.
Notes:
•    Both methods result in the same valid pass.
•    The pass is a magnetic card that works in automatic ticket gates.
•    Some local stations may require manual inspection.
•    The QR code or Exchange Order cannot be used directly for boarding before exchange.

5. Coverage and Restrictions

 

Included	Not Included
Most Shinkansen lines (e.g., Hikari, Kodama)	The fastest trains – “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” (unless you buy an add-on ticket)
All JR Limited Express, Rapid, and Local trains	Non-JR subways and private kines
Tokyo Monorail, Narita Express (N’EX)	Most JR highway buses (only specific routes)
Selected JR buses and JR West Miyajima Ferry	--

 

Additional Details:
•    JR PASS is valid on certain non-JR segments, including:
Aomori Railway (Aomori–Hachinohe), IR Ishikawa Railway (Kanazawa–Tsubata), Ainokaze Toyama Railway (Toyama–Takaoka), and Hapi-Line Fukui (Echizen-Hanando–Fukui).
•    For through-service trains like Nikko, Kinugawa, and Odoriko, an extra fare is required when traveling through non-JR sections.

New Updates:
•    JR PASS (digital version) users can now pay an additional fee to ride the Nozomi and Mizuho trains for more flexible travel.
•    The nationwide pass no longer covers all JR buses — only selected local routes remain eligible.

VI. Regional JR Passes — A More Economical Option

If your itinerary focuses on one region, consider these regional passes:
•    JR Tokyo Wide Pass: Tokyo, Nikko, Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchiko
•    JR Kansai Area Pass: Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe
•    JR Hokkaido Rail Pass: Covers all of Hokkaido
•    JR Kyushu Rail Pass: Northern or Southern Kyushu
•    JR East Tohoku / JR West Hokuriku Pass: Covers the Tohoku or Hokuriku areas
Regional passes are more affordable and ideal for travelers exploring a limited area.

VII. Useful Tips

•    Plan ahead: Use Google Maps or “Norikae Annai” to estimate long-distance fares and compare with the JR PASS cost.
•    Allow time for exchange: Major stations like Narita, Haneda, Tokyo, and Kyoto often have long lines — allow at least an hour.
•    Reserve seats online: Some passes allow reservations via the official site, saving time and stress.

Bonus: Join the “Nihon-chan Japan Travel Circle”!
Not sure which rail pass is best? Wondering if the JR PASS is worth it?
Join our Nihon-chan Japan Travel Chat Group 💬
We offer:
✅ Free travel advice
✅ JR Pass & transportation card recommendations
✅ Itinerary reviews and travel tips
✅ Updates on discounts and cashback promotions
📱 Scan the QR code below to add Nihon-chan on WeChat and join the group!

The JR PASS is one of the best transportation options for travelers exploring multiple cities or regions in Japan.
With thoughtful planning, it can help you save both time and money, while enjoying Japan’s famously efficient and comfortable railway network.

Safe travels and have fun!
If you have questions, leave us a message — Nihon-chan is here to help 💬

📅 Information updated as of October 2025.
Prices and terms are subject to change based on the official JR PASS website.