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Japan Rail Pass

Buy a JR Pass*

* By clicking this button, you will be taken to the website of our official partner, 12Go.

What is a Japan Rail Pass?

A Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel within a chosen time frame on most trains operated by Japan Railways Group – including bullet trains (Shinkansen). Designed exclusively for foreign travellers, the Japan Rail Pass provides the most cost-effective way to travel long distances throughout Japan with ease! 

There are different types of Japan Rail Pass, such as a national Pass covering the whole country and regional passes which only include travel in certain areas of Japan.  

Keep reading for more information about what Japan Rail Passes cover, how much they cost and how you can buy one with Trainline.

Find what you need

Planning your trip to Japan

Buying a Japan Rail Pass

Using your Japan Rail Pass

Get inspired

Where can I travel with a Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass opens up a world of adventure, giving you unlimited access to an extensive network of trains across the country.

The Japanese rail system might seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s simple!

Each region on the map is managed by one of the main JR companies:

  • JR Hokkaido
  • JR Shikoku
  • JR East
  • JR West
  • JR Central
  • JR Kyushu.

If you plan on visiting just one part of Japan, you might be better off with a regional pass. With a National Japan Rail Pass, you're good to go across all of them—so no matter where you’re headed, you’ll be covered.

There are over 20 different types of Shinkansen (those famous bullet trains!), but only some of them are included with the Japan Rail Pass—don’t worry, we break that down for you here.

And here’s a tip: Trains in Japan are super punctual, so be sure to arrive a little early to catch your train!

What types of Japan Rail Pass are there?

Types

There are a few different types of Japan Rail Pass, according to travel class, area and validity period.

Travel classes:

  • Green Pass – this is essentially a First Class Pass, so you’ll be able to travel in style in the Green Car of Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet train). Think bigger seats, more legroom and a generally more relaxing journey.
  • Ordinary Pass – this is a Standard Class Pass, so you can travel in comfort in the Ordinary Cars on Japan’s Shinkansen.

Validity period:

  • 7 Day Pass – includes 7 travel days
  • 14 Day Pass – includes 14 travel days
  • 21 Day Pass – includes 21 travel days

Area(s) covered:

  • JR-National Japan Rail Pass: This Pass covers all the trains in Japan, except the Nozomi and Mizuho trains for which an additional supplement is payable.
  • Regional Japan Rail Passes: Trains in each region of Japan are operated by a different JR company: JR-Hokkaido, JR-Central, JR-West, JR-Shikoku or JR-Kyushu. A regional Japan Rail Pass will cover the trains controlled by a specific JR company. Find out more about regional passes in Japan, including regional Japan Rail Passes.

Prices

In the table below, we’ve included prices for the national Japan Rail Pass in Japanese Yen, US Dollars and Great British Pounds. The prices differ depending on if you want to buy a 7-, 14- or 21-day Japan Rail Pass.

Keep in mind the number of days you want to travel vs the total amount of days you’ll have in Japan. It might be that you’re visiting for a month, but only travelling for two weeks, in which case the 14-day Pass might be the best choice for you.

 

Type 

Ordinary Adult Price*

Green Adult Price* (First Class)

7 Day Pass

¥50,000 (approx. £259/$336)

¥70,000 (approx. £363/$470)

14 Day Pass

¥80,000 (approx. £415/$538)

¥110,000 (approx. £570/$739)

21 Day Pass

¥100,000 (approx. £518/$672)

¥140,000 (approx. £726/$941)

 

* The currency exchange rate provided is from 12GO's website and is valid as of 21st March 2025. Exchange rates fluctuate and may vary at the time of transaction. Fully up-to-date prices can be found on the 12GO website.

Which trains are included with a Japan Rail Pass?

Wondering which trains are covered by the Japan Rail Pass? Keep reading to find out!

The national Japan Rail Pass gives you unlimited travel on all JR trains across Japan. You can hop on high-speed Shinkansen, as well as local, rapid, express and limited express trains on the JR network.

The JR Pass includes a lot of Shinkansen (bullet trains), making it easy to get around Japan. Here’s a quick summary of the Shinkansen trains included in the Japan Rail Pass:

  • Kodama
  • Hikari
  • Sakura
  • Tsubame

However, please note that the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains aren’t included with the standard Japan Rail Pass. If you want to travel on these trains, you’ll need to pay an extra fee.

On top of the Shinkansen, Japan Rail Pass holders can also hop on:

  • JR Bus lines (local routes only)
  • JR Ferry to Miyajima
  • JR Monorail (Tokyo)
  • JR Yamanote line (Tokyo Metro)
  • Narita Express

If you just want to travel within a specific region of Japan, you might want to consider a regional rail pass. This will cover the trains operated by a specific JR company (e.g. JR-Hokkaido or JR-Central). There are also passes that cover non-JR travel.

How to buy a Japan Rail Pass

How to buy a Japan Rail Pass

Ready to buy a Japan Rail Pass? You're in luck! With Trainline's partner, 12Go, you can buy one online today. Here are the steps you'll need to follow:

  1. Choose either a 7, 14 or 21-day pass and order online (make sure you’re ordering within three months of your travel date, and no later than 10 days before you head to Japan to allow for delivery).
  2. Enter your delivery address (UK and international addresses accepted) – you’ll be sent an Exchange Order. This is a type of receipt/proof of purchase for your Japan Rail Pass.
  3. Take your Exchange Order with you to Japan and exchange it for your Japan Rail Pass at any JR Exchange Office (you can find these offices at airports and major stations in cities, but please check office opening times ahead of travel).

Follow this link to buy your Japan Rail Pass.

Remember: the Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order is only valid for three months, so if you want to book for November, you should look at buying your Pass in August or September.

How to pick up your Japan Rail Pass with a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order

When you’ve bought your Japan Rail Pass online, you’ll receive a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order.

A Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order is a type of receipt/proof of purchase for your Japan Rail Pass. You need to physically take this with you to Japan and exchange it for your actual Japan Rail Pass at any JR Exchange Office.

At the Exchange Office, you'll need to present your Exchange Order and your passport, with proof that you are a temporary visitor (this should be a stamp in your passport). If you don't have these items with you at the Exchange Office, you won't be able to get your Japan Rail Pass.

There’s often a long queue to pick up your Japan Rail Pass at popular stations such as Tokyo. Bear this in mind when planning out your itinerary – you don’t want to miss your booked train while you’re in the queue waiting for your Pass! 

Should I buy a Green (First Class) Japan Rail Pass?

Travel in style and comfort with the Green Japan Rail Pass. This is basically a First Class Pass which allows you access to the Green Cars on JR trains. These luxurious First Class cars offer:

  • Bigger seats that can recline up to 40 degrees, with footrests
  • More legroom – stretch out and relax!
  • A reading light
  • A plug socket
  • A hot towel and a hot or cold drink (on the JR Hokkaido line only)

You can usually find the Green cars situated at the front of high-speed trains (you’ll mostly use these to travel from region to region or city to city). On services that travel at normal speeds, there may not be First Class carriages.

How to use your Japan Rail Pass

You can use your Japan Rail Pass for trips on Shinkansen (‘bullet trains’), local trains, buses and even a ferry.

For high-speed Shinkansen, it’s possible to book your seat reservations at a ticket office or ticket machine once you’ve arrived in Japan. This is a good idea if you’re planning to travel on popular trains or routes, so you can get a seat on your preferred train before it sells out!

Visit the nearest ticket office or a reserved seat ticket machine in Japan and find out which train you want to board (and whether the Japan Rail Pass covers it). Reserve seats and book as many train tickets as you like for the entirety of your trip from any ticket office.

Top tip: Use a reserved seat ticket machine at Tokyo Airport to make seat reservations on your chosen trains as soon as you land!

For trains that run at normal speed, you might not need to book a seat reservation – simply choose the train you’d like to travel on and turn up at the station.

You can access train stations in Japan by putting your paper ticket through the ticket barriers. The barrier will open, and you can collect your ticket on the other side. Once you’re through, you can head off to find your platform.

Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?

Want to know if the Japan Rail Pass is really worth it? We've got you covered!

If you’re planning to explore multiple cities, the Japan Rail Pass is an excellent choice. With unlimited access to the Shinkansen, local trains, buses and ferries, you can travel flexibly and save money on individual tickets.

It’s perfect for those looking to cover a lot of ground across Japan without worrying about booking separate tickets for each journey.

However, if your itinerary is more limited or you’re sticking to just a couple of cities, it might be cheaper to buy individual tickets instead. Some tickets, especially if booked early, can be quite affordable—so if you don’t need the flexibility of unlimited travel, individual tickets could be a better option.

If you’re planning to travel extensively, the Japan Rail Pass is a great way to go. But for a short trip or fixed schedule, individual tickets might serve you better.

Japan Rail Pass reviews

Want to read some first-hand reviews of the Japan Rail Pass? Check out some first-hand reviews of the Japan Rail Pass below!

Buying the Japan Rail Pass

When planning my two-week trip across Japan, I decided to purchase the Japan Rail Pass to make my travel easier and more affordable.

The pass covers all JR trains, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet train), and it seemed like the best option for visiting multiple cities.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the pass ended up saving me quite a bit of money, especially with how much train travel I had planned.

Booking seat reservations

One of the most convenient things about the Japan Rail Pass is how easy it is to make seat reservations.

You can make seat reservations at ticket offices and reserved seat ticket machines at many train stations across Japan.

The process was incredibly easy and saved me a lot of stress. I could plan out my routes, select my trains, and reserve our seats, knowing exactly which train we were taking and where we’d be sitting.

This took a lot of the uncertainty out of our travels, especially with busy schedules and crowded trains. It made our journeys smooth and worry-free, knowing everything was sorted ahead of time.

Picking up the Japan Rail Pass

While everything else about the Japan Rail Pass was fantastic, the experience of picking it up in Japan wasn’t as smooth.

I had to queue for over two hours at Shinjuku Station to collect my pass, which was a bit frustrating after a long flight.

The wait wasn’t ideal, especially considering I was eager to start my travels, but once I had it, everything else went smoothly.

Using the Japan Rail Pass

Once I got my hands on the pass, the rest of the journey was a breeze.

I used the pass to travel to some amazing destinations, including Hakone, Kanazawa, Takayama, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Hiroshima and finally, back to Tokyo.

The trains were all punctual, comfortable and a joy to travel on. I loved how relaxing the journeys were – the Japanese trains are top-notch in terms of cleanliness and service.

I really enjoyed the speedy shinkansen and the more scenic local routes, each journey felt unique.

One thing to note is that the Japan Rail Pass is a paper ticket, which can be a little inconvenient for a two-week trip. I worried about the pass getting damaged or lost, especially with all the travelling and handling. It would be great if there were a digital version for convenience and peace of mind.

Would I recommend the Japan Rail Pass?

Despite the hiccup with picking up the pass, I’d definitely recommend the Japan Rail Pass. It made travelling across Japan stress-free and affordable. The convenience of having everything covered under one pass – plus the smooth train service – made my journey unforgettable.

 

About Charlie
Charlie, a Trainline employee, chose to share his experience of the Japan Rail Pass.

Where should I travel by train in Japan?

Tokyo

One of the most densely populated cities in the world, Tokyo truly has something for everyone. As a business hub, an entertainment capital, a cyber metropolis and a significant history and culture destination, this is a city of contrasts and something that really must be seen to be believed.

From the vast and sprawling Tokyo Station, often a starting base for new visitors, you can make your way to popular attractions such as the Imperial Palace, the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, and the Science Museum, all by foot!

Of course, if you’d like to delve into the surrounding areas a bit more, perhaps the Roppongi Hills for some nightlife or over to the Tokyo Skytree for some fantastic views, then the subway from Tokyo Station is quick and easy!

Osaka

Don’t be fooled into assuming any other Japanese city is just Tokyo lite - Osaka is one of many with its own culture and heart. It has a real sense of uniqueness that you just won’t find anywhere else.

Once again there is something for everyone in this city, whether it’s shopping for the latest fashion, taking in the sights or eating some of the most exquisite cuisines in the east, it’s all here.

From Osaka Station, it’s easy to board a metro train for dozens of famous attractions. Make sure your first stop is Osaka Castle, a majestic piece of history that’s not to be missed. If you’re feeling like something a little more modern, the eclectic Dotonbori area and its iconic Glico Running Man sign are waiting for you. This area features food, fashion and fun. While you’re in town, make sure to try out Osaka’s signature dish, Takoyaki – deep-fried octopus balls. Don’t worry, they’re much tastier than they sound…

 

Kyoto

Brimming with history, culture and great food, Kyoto is a must-see for any Japan itinerary. A short hop away from Osaka on a bullet train (or even a regular train), Kyoto is the place to go if you like shrines, geishas, temples and castles – all the great things that we’ve come to know Japan for. Oh, and before we forget, there’s also a train museum there… we’re always fans of those!

From Kyoto Station, make your way to Arashiyama, an area of natural beauty which is also home to wild macaque monkeys! Or, for those who are more inclined to head straight to the world-famous food sites, head up to Nishiki Market – a thin alleyway that seemingly goes on for miles with endless amounts of street food to gorge on. The Fushimi Inari Shrine in the south of Kyoto is a top pick for history buffs, see if you can guess which movie the traditional gates were featured in!

Hiroshima

Hiroshima may be associated with a dark past, but this is a tranquil city with a clear devotion to peace and harmony. A calm stop between Kyoto and Osaka, this may be a city of over 1.1m people, but you wouldn’t know it.

Hop off your Shinkansen at Hiroshima Station and enjoy the calming open spaces of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, indulge in delicious local okonomiyaki, made in a style unique to the city, or head out across the bay to Miyajima Island, a location that lets you step back in time, and meet a few adorable resident deer too. All sites are easy to reach by bus from the train station, where JR services can be used if you have a Japan Rail Pass.

 

Hakone

If you're looking for incredible views of Mount Fuji, Hakone should be high on your list. Hakone is a mountainous town famous for its hot springs, onsen baths and unique transport options—including switchback trains, cable cars, and even a pirate ship!

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, hop on the Hakone Tozan Railway, Japan’s oldest mountain railway, which winds its way up through the hills. Make your way to Owakudani, an active volcanic valley where you can sample the local specialty—black eggs boiled in the sulfuric hot springs, said to add seven years to your life!

For the best views, take a cruise across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship (yes, really). On a clear day, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of Mount Fuji reflected in the water.

Just a short train ride from Tokyo, Hakone is a must-visit for anyone wanting a break from the city.

Kanazawa

Known as “Little Kyoto”, Kanazawa is the perfect mix of old-world charm and modern culture. Kanazawa boasts beautifully preserved samurai and geisha districts, stunning gardens, and an impressive art scene.

Step off the train at Kanazawa Station (one of the most striking station entrances in Japan!) and make your way to Kenroku-en. One of Japan’s most famous gardens, Kenroku-en features peaceful ponds, tea houses and scenery. Nearby, Kanazawa Castle displays fascinating samurai history, while the Higashi Chaya District lets you wander through atmospheric streets lined with traditional teahouses.

For something more contemporary, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art showcases thought-provoking exhibits, including its famous ‘Swimming Pool’ installation.

Easily reachable by Shinkansen from Tokyo or Osaka, Kanazawa is a hidden gem that offers a little bit of everything.

 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)