What is a JR Pass?
The Japan rain Pass, much more typically known as JR Pass, is a ticket that allows the holder limitless use of the JR long-distance train system across Japan. If you have it, you won’t need to pay for individual ticket per journey, which can imply big SAVINGS, supposedly. It is provided to foreign tourists only and is not available for Japan residents.
There are two types of JR Passes: common and green automobile (first class). and they are available in different validity durations: 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. these days are consecutive and NOT flexible!
מה מכוסה במדריך זה?
Where to purchase JR Pass in the Philippines?
How much is a JR Pass?
Is the JR Pass worth it?
When is it wise to use a JR Pass?
When is a JR Pass NOT recommended?
לסיכום
Other frequently Asked Questions1. Is the JR Pass accepted on all trains in Japan?
2. I’m going to A, B and C. Is the JR Pass worth it?
3. I’m going to A, B and C. What is the best pass for me?
More suggestions on YouTube ⬇️⬇️⬇️Related Posts:
Where to purchase JR Pass in the Philippines?
Klook provides the most affordable JR Passes available. If you live in the Philippines, the pass will be delivered to you in 7 days.
✅ check JR PASS rates Here!
✅ Reserve JR PASS Here!
How much is a JR Pass?
As of July 2019, the rates are:
סוּג
רגיל
מכונית ירוקה
7 ימים
29,110 yen
38,880 yen
14 ימים
46,390 yen
62,950 yen
21 days
59,350 yen
81,870 yen
Children aged 6-11 delight in 50% discount.
Pretty steep, huh? but once you see the typical train fares and seat fees, taking a look at these numbers will feel better.
Did I just say “seat fees”? כן עשיתי. many long-distance trains in Japan charge for seats separately, in some cases even the unreserved ones. but if you have a JR Pass, you can make seat reservations for free!
Is the JR Pass worth it?
I hate answering yes-no questions with “It depends,” but… it depends.
Depends on what, you ask? On your itinerary: how long you will be traveling in Japan and what your stops will be. You see, the Japan Rail Pass is a complicated thing and there are cases when it will give you substantial savings. and there are also times when it isn’t necessary. let me discuss better below.
When is it wise to use a JR Pass?
If you’re on a multi-city journey across Japan over 7 days or longer and the train is your preferred mode of transportation.
For example, if you plan on going to Osaka, Tokyo and Sapporo, all in 10 days. So this implies you’re flying to Osaka on Day 1, taking the train to Tokyo on Day 4 (which is Day 1 of your JR Pass use), taking another train to Sapporo on Day 7 (JR Pass Day 4), and exiting Japan on Day 10 (JR Pass Day 7).
If you do this journey by train without a JR Pass, you’ll be spending this much.
Osaka to Tokyo:
Seat: ¥5700 ($51, P2550)
Tokyo to Sapporo:
Seat (Tokyo-Hakodate): ¥11,130 ($100, P5000)
Seat (Hakodate-Sapporo): ¥1550 ($14, P700)
Total Fare Only: ¥18,140
Total Train Expenses: ¥36,520 ($326, P16,400).
Now, compare that to the cost of a regular 7-day JR Pass which is at ¥29,110 ($255, P13,000). You’ll be saving ¥7410. Doesn’t look much, but if you’re planning to go on day trips to other cities from your main stops — say, going to Kamakura or Yokohama from Tokyo, or Himeji from Kyoto, or Kyoto from Osaka — these savings will rack up.
If you have an even much more busy itinerary, the JR Pass will show useful. For example, if you’re planning on going to 5 cities and staying just 1-2 days each. It’s not something I recommend, but I have met some travelers who roll this way.
It’s also a good choice for those who choose traveling by train (like me!). even when it takes much more time than flying, I would typically choose to take the train because it’s pretty straightforward: no baggage check-in, no need to show up 1-2 hours before, and train stations are typically located centrally, unlike airports.
But it is essential that you’re also aware that the train isn’t your only option. much more about that below.
Klook provides the most affordable JR Passes available. check updated rates or book here: check JR PASS rates Here!. ✅
When is a JR Pass NOT recommended?
When you’re staying in just one or two cities. one of the most common questions we get about Japan travel is “Should I purchase a JR Pass?” but what’s unexpected to me is that it is typically asked by people who are planning to stay in just one city.
JR Pass is optimal for those traveling long distances. If you’re staying in Tokyo and will be exploring Tokyo alone, you won’t need a JR Pass. If you’re traveling within just one region, a regional pass makes much more sense, like the KANSAI THRU PASS for the Kansai region.
Even if you’re going on a one-leg long-distance journey, a JR Pass might still not be the best fit. For example, if the only long-distance trip you’re making is Osaka-Tokyo, the Shinkansen is probably the most expensiveoption out there (¥14,450). You’ll find flights from Kansai airport to Narita for only ¥4870 ($45, P2150) and day buses from Osaka to Tokyo for around ¥4300 and night buses for ¥6480.
Skyscanner
Willer Bus. Tokyo-Osaka. Day Bus.
Willer Bus. Tokyo-Osaka. Overnight Bus.
Another essential thing to consider: The JR Pass can only be used for JR Lines, and although it is an expansive train system, it does not cover all of Japan. There are numerous parts of Japan that are still best reached through other modes of transportation.
לסיכום
Purchasing a JR Pass makes sense if you’re going to multiple cities in a span of least 7 days. Otherwise, you might want to consider other modes of transportation.
Other frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the JR Pass accepted on all trains in Japan?
No. You can only use it on JR trains and shinkansen except NOZOMI and MIZUHO.
The JR Pass is not accepted by privately-operated trains and NOZOMI / MIZUHO bullet trains.
2. I’m going to A, B and C. Is the JR Pass worth it?
To check if the JR Pass is worth your money, you can use this Japan Rail Pass Calculator here.
Just enter your stops and it will tell you if the JR Pass is worth it.
3. I’m going to A, B and C. What is the best pass for me?
Ultimately, it depends on the particular attractions that you will visit.
We created a list of the best passes for different combinations of destinations, assuming you will make a lot of train journeys per day. See it here: best TRAIN and BUS PASSES BY DESTINATION!
If your schedule is not covered by that post, you can figure it out yourself by using Hyperdia. just enter your stops one by one and take note of the fare.
Once you have all the fares, add them all up. If the total cost is higher than the price of the pass, then the pass is probably worth it.
When searching, be conscious of the distinction between JR and private railways. You can fine-tune your search using advanced Settings.
To know much more about Hyperdia, READ: how TO use HYPERDIA!
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