Congratulations, you’re going to Japan.
After what felt like an eternity of wanderlust, you’ve finally purchased plane tickets to the Land of the Rising Sun. Skiing in Sapporo, hot springs in Hakone, Arita’s alleyways full of porcelain artisans — you already know where to go in Japan, now you just need a way to get there.
Trainline may live in Europe, but we’ve got you covered across the Pacific, too. The Japan Rail Pass and Green Japan Rail Pass are your tickets to unlimited travel in Japan.
Need to know: Japan’s Rail System
Need to know info about Japanese train travel delivered with the speed of a bullet train:
🚉 Number of railway stations: ~ 8500
🚄 Top speeds of bullet trains: 200mph / 320 km/h
🚅 Major stations: Shinjuku | Shibuya | Ikebukuro | Umeda | Yokohama
🗾 Popular bullet train routes: Tokyo to Osaka | Nagoya to Kyoto
🛤️ Longest route: Tohoku Shinkansen, 419 miles between Tokyo and Aomori
⏳ Typical operating hours: Around 5am until midnight or later
🎫 Types of passes: Japan Rail Pass | Green Pass | Regional Pass
The Japan Rail Pass (also commonly known as the JR Pass) is popular among tourists because it was designed for foreign travelers. It’s essentially the Eurail Pass of Japan, allowing only foreign visitors to take advantage of this cost-effective pass. JR Passes are sold with 7, 14, and 21 day durations.
What does a 7 day JR Pass include? The same things a 14 or 21 day JR Pass includes. Aside from duration of use, the only differences are found when comparing the standard pass and the Green Japan Rail Pass.
What is the difference between a JR Pass and a Green JR Pass?
You have two options for near-unlimited train travel throughout Japan: the standard Japan Rail Pass and the Green Japan Rail Pass. Spoiler alert: they’re quite similar, delivering the same affordability and flexibility. The biggest difference is that the Green Japan Rail Pass adds a few more perks for the price.
Ordinary vs Green Japan Rail Passes
First thing’s first: there’s nothing ordinary about the standard Japan Rail Pass. This pass provides the flexibility you need to travel across virtually all of Japan plus the affordability you want to ensure you maximize your experience without maxing out your budget.
|
Perks |
Ordinary JR Pass |
Green JR Pass |
|
Available through Trainline |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Unlimited travel in Japan |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Free seat reservations |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Shinkansen bullet trains |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Separate 1st class carriages |
No |
Yes |
|
Extra-wide seats |
No |
Yes |
|
More luggage space |
No |
Yes |
|
More privacy |
No |
Yes |
|
Freebies like drinks, snacks |
No |
Yes |
Why is the JR pass so expensive?
Great question. The Japan Rail Pass is priced in a way that allows go-go-go visitors and travelers taking a more relaxed pace to both travel throughout Japan’s rail network as much as they desire.
For instance, if you’re trying to see Mount Fuji and Mount Ashigara, but also want to see the Itsukushima Jinja shrine in Hiroshima…
…and also want to see the snow monkeys bathing near Nagano plus the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto…
…you’ll likely save a few yen compared to buying single-trip tickets between these destinations.
Does the Japan Rail Pass cover the Tokyo subway?
No, unfortunately, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover the Tokyo subway, nor does it cover other subways, metros, or underground services in Japan. The Tokyo Monorail, however, is included in the Japan Rail Pass.
Is a Japan Rail Pass worth it?
Absolutely, the Japan Rail Pass is worth it for most travelers who plan on spending a week or more traveling across the country. With so many bullet train routes in Japan that go beyond the golden triangle — which is Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka — you can use the JR Pass to see Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Fukushima, and so much more.
How to purchase train tickets in Japan
Listen, we’re all for engaging in authentic experiences in a destination, but not when it comes to purchasing train tickets in Japan. Many locals purchase train tickets straight from the kiosks, but when you’ve got to make every moment of vacation count, we give you permission to skip the queues and go full-blown tourist.
With Trainline’s partner, 12Go, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass online today. (By clicking the button below, you will be transferred to the website of 12Go, our official partner.)