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Well done, simple and clear. As you indicate, a big part of the benefit is ease and peace of mind. You might still get on the wrong train, but you don't have to worry it will cost you anything.
Yup, my 2nd trip in a couple of weeks got a 7day JR pass. Would have worked out slightly cheaper to get individual tickets (or two regionals) for my itinerary, but having used a JR Pass last year its so easy and no faff and you can flit about everywhere...even with the price hike it's worth it for me.
It seems to me the only only it can pay for itself now, is if you make insanely fast itineraries, over vast distances, in which you will seemingly spend more time travelling than getting to know a place.
Yes, it would have been nice if they had raised the pass prices enough so that the "Golden Route" doesn't pay off to encourage travel to other regions but not so much that it becomes untenable for most travelers. Unfortunately, they decided to price the passes so far beyond what most people can do in the time period, people are just giving up on the pass rather than exploring new areas. I think it's making first-time travelers LESS likely to go off the Golden Route, and then they complain about "overtourism" in Kyoto...
I'm planning to do both. Fast paced 7 days covering considerable distance and use the JR pass for it and a leisurely paced trip outside of these 7 days. JR pass works out to be cheaper for those 7 days of travel and honestly the thought of traveling Shinkansen multiple times adds to the excitement
Awesome video! For me, you have clearly and concisely de-mystified the JR Pass system, its comparative costs, as well as pros and cons. I’m definitely tuning into your other Japan travel information for more invaluable info! Arigatou!
We'll be going for 10 days and traveling far North and South so I think it will be it. We will also be getting a local pass to make sure we can take everything just for convenience.
Narita Express ->Tokyo -> Kyoto -> Nara (daytrip) -> Kyoto -> Hiroshima (daytrip) -> Kyoto -> Osaka -> Tokyo I think we're going to do this and try to use the pass on as many local trains / busses as possible.
The statement that she made at the end is exactly what I was thinking. I got an upcoming trip in October to Japan and in order to simplify my travel plans I’ll just get the JR pass. Although it does cost more it will save me from having to deal with another headache during the trip.
Regional Passes are now getting more attention. My first trip to Japan, I only really needed a Hokuriku arch pass, but I bought a Jr pass, because it was not that much more expensive.
Another good use of the JR Pass from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen to Sendai and then a local train to Matsushima (Bay) which is recognized as one of the most beautiful locations in Japan. Without a pass, it seems like a pretty expensive trip, but it's an easy day trip using the JR Pass. I just take a nap on the train to Sendai and set an alarm on my phone so I don't oversleep.
I'll be visiting in a few months & for the flexibility I think it would still be worth it for me, being able to just stop on the way, walk around before continuing on is something I don't think a regular ticket would allow. I'm still trying to decide on the itinerary so I'm not so sure if the math will be on the JR pass side.
Thank you for the video!! It's very helpful for us first time visitors going to Japan. We are going to buy individual passes instead of JR Pass. (Osaka > Kyoto > Tokyo > Mt Fuji)
I'm absolutely going from Tokyo to Osaka and finishing off in Hiroshima before probably flying back to Tokyo since my round trip flight is already locked in going to and from Haneda for my upcoming 14 day trip in late April. I may spontaneously take day trips to other places like Kyoto and, I'm thinking about Aomori for the cherry blossom festival before leaving Tokyo, but not certain yet. I know I'll need at least 3 hotel rooms. I'm leaning toward the 7 day pass since my first 4-5 days will just be in Tokyo. This was really helpful.
@KenshoQuest I also want to go to see the cherry blossoms in Aomori, but it messes with my itinerary to do that if I'm trying to figure out the best way to use the 7 day JR Pass, assuming I go that route. I don't know. First time lol. It looks like it costs a fair amount to attend the festival, but really I just want to see some cherry blossoms. Haha. I can skip the whole festival part. I don't know. If you have any advice, I'd welcome it. Thanks! ありがとうございます.
@KenshoQuest I just learned about the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, and OMG, that's a game changer. That fits in well with my original itinerary as well. I may save Aomori for another Sakura season.
Going to 12 days. Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nikko then Tokyo. Added up to being 49,500 yen. Figured the 7 day pass would be worth it at 50,000 yen. Given I’m likely to stop in between random stations to collect stamps and glimpses of different cities in between.
I've been calculating train costs all night yesterday but apparantely there's a JRP fare calculator 😂 thanks for the tip! My partner and I will probably go to: Tokyo > Hakone > Kyoto > Osaka > Koyasan > Hiroshima > Kanazawa > Tokyo With some day trips as well (not yet calculated). We've got 24 days and would like to stick around a bit longer at a few places. Looks like we'd be saving quite a bit (€230 per person) if we use individual tickets instead, for our global route.
Im finding the same, going from tokyo to nagoya, then osaka. Shinkansen tickets from osaka to kyoto, nara, kobe are cheap (8$) then hiroshima which is expensive, and then back to tokyo. According to my calcs its around $300, while 14 day pass would be $575… can seem to justify the prices
I’m glad I did my 1 Month Japan trip in Jan 2023. I purchased the 21 Days Shinkansen tickets for ¥60,450 ($381) For my itinerary, I activated my JR Pass on the very first day I landed in Osaka. After landing in Osaka, I took the direct train from Osaka to Nagasaki, when I was asking for directions (It’s my first time in Japan) the staff was surprised that I’m travelling such a long distance via Shinkansen instead of a domestic flight 😅 So my actual itinerary started all the way south in Nagasaki then slowly making my way up to Hokkaido while stopping at Hakata, Hiroshima, Okayama, Osaka, Kyoto, skipping Tokyo first. And I’m made it all the way up to the northern most of Japan at Wakkanai. And then making my way down towards Tokyo while stopping at Sendai and Yamagata before finally ending at Tokyo when my JR Pass finally expired. I purposely intended it to expire in Tokyo as I knew I could purchase the Tokyo Metro Pass for only $10 via Klook which offers unlimited 3 Days metro ride (Non-JR) I also managed to visit Mt Fuji. From my experience, Mt Fuji is better off not using JR Pass as it’s only applicable till a certain stop if i remember correctly. And you have to change trains. So it’s actually more convenient to pay for a direct bus ticket to travel between Mt Fuji and Tokyo, all you have to do is load your luggage once and that’s about it. The bus doesn’t have any stops between
The last part was our selling point. Now I am reading we may have to spend extra time reserving seats for longer distances and will most likely ending up buying local tickets anyway.
Reserving seats with a JR Pass doesn’t take any longer than purchasing individual train tickets. We go into a JR office with all of our train days and times written down to make reservations. Or we reserve online and pick up the seat reservations from a ticketing machine. Having a reserved seats means having a guaranteed place to sit. Riding unreserved could mean standing the whole way. 🌸 Heidi
Thank you I agree Jr pass give me the freedom of travelling without worrying about missing or getting on a wrong one resulting extra cost. Bad weather is not a problem just go somewhere else within a day reach. Osaka weather is bad, go to Hiroshima to see what you can and return the same day or 45 mins trip to Nagoya or even tokyo . I am chasing cherry blossom now. Can not do it without JR pass. By the way there are many Jr local trains to lower the cost of travelling locally like Yamanote line in Tokyo. Wherever my hotel is, not relevant as long as you can use the local train system. But it is my way of travelling. you may want to control your trips snd plan everything, then calculate the cost And compare them Honestly taking trains in Japan. Or eating Bento, reading a book, chatting with friends at home on Shinkansen Hayabusa speeding at 320kmh is part of the fun.
Today my wife changes her mood and wants a day visit to Seki knife village in Gifu prefecture. It takes one way 6 transfers and 2h30 plus/ minus 1h waiting for Jr trains. Total cost of return trips for both up to more than 24000 yen.But only 2/6 transfers are non jr and cost 700 yen. In other words the return trips to Tokyo costs us 2800 yen. My wife would be happy with extra money for a fancier kitchen knife Of course i takes 5 hours on trains But we are having holiday, aren’t we? Gifu from Jr Hida large window train also has beautiful view for photos We will have breakfast and dinner on Shinkansen
To chase cherry blossom, we base in Nagoya from 23 zMarch when there is festival. But we may take day trips to Tokyo or Kyoto/ Osaka in 30/40 mins if it is interesting there. Breakfast and dinner on Shinkansen save time and enjoyable to us
Thank you for a great video. It looks like for a 12 day trip that is going to be 2-3 star locations Tokyo and Kyoto and going places from those cities, the JR pass is less relevant.
Shibarashi desu ne! Good & clear presentation with very very excellent infographics. We plan for a less than 3-week travel duration to circa 15 cities & towns in Japan. I used your comparison technique between JRP (Japan Rail Pass) & one-by-one trip pre bookings using Google map. Conclusively, using JRP will save two of us (MyHoney (wife) & I) more than 30%! Hence we will go for the JRP for sure! I would also love to thank Google Map, a very efficient & effective tool for our travel plans, local or overseas. Google Map displays all the things needed namely, alternative modes of transportation, the traveling costs, time & mileage, hotels nearby, mosques, halal restaurants, laundry facilities etc. Thank you very much my dear.
Glad to have helped. Have a wonderful JR Pass adventure! Here's one of our videos that's an overview for planning a trip to Japan: ua-cam.com/video/5o_PFG8xWWQ/v-deo.html
Why would they make the pass so expensive? Seems only worth it if you travel huge distances (like north to south) or, as you did, travel at high pace. For us: tokyo - shin fuji - matsumoto - takayama - kanazawa - kyoto - osaka would be 46k yen compared to 80k yen for two weeks 😯 I thought for sure the JR pass was the way to go
They hadn’t raised the price of the JR Pass since it was released 40 years ago, until recently. It was way underpriced compared to what locals were paying to ride the Shinkansen bullet trains. And causing congestion on the Tokkaido line between Tokyo and Kyoto. But, yeah, now it’s only worth it on certain routes. 🌸 Heidi
The pass seems much more convenient to me. But unfortunately in my case it won't make up for it. I will be in Japan for 28 days, traveling slowly. The pass is worth it for those who make short visits and travel long distances....
While that is true. My wife and I were there in Dec/Jan for 20 full days and used a 14-days pass to go from Tokyo>Sapporo>Beppu, making a few stops in between. The one way trip from Sapporo > Beppu alone would have cost $230 USD. So for us the 14-days pass was definitely worth it.
@@nateshf9303 You made a really long distance trip, that's why the pass worth it in your case. I've made uncountless maths and still is cheaper buying single tickets 🤷♀️
Hi Kensho Quest, thanks for your great videos very informative, going to Japan with my wife in October for 2 week 14 exactly and not sure if I need the JR pass , I have use the online calculator but saying the 7 day option would save money but maybe pay the rest of the way or should just pay as I go, my itinerary is (Tokyo 1 night at airport hotel then 2 nights Tokyo - Kusatsu Onsen - Mt Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi) - Hiroshima - Osaka - (Kobe day trip) - Kyoto - Tokyo (fly home) any advice would be great thank you !
Hi, You may want to pay separately for transportation at the beginning of your trip. When you are ready to leave Mt. Fuji and head south, that would be the time to activate a 7-day JR Pass. If these train trips fall within 7 calendar days, it would be worth getting the 7-Day JR Pass: Mt. Fuji (Otsuki Station) - Hiroshima - Osaka - Kyoto - Tokyo. I hope that helps. 🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much ! I think that’s a great idea, was considering doing 7 day Option and pay the rest and probably work out the best way! I think I need second trip back next year 2 weeks not enough time! Thank you again! David ☺️
We are flying into Narita, staying in Tokyo for a couple nights then Kyoto where we plan day trips to Osaka and Himeji, then back to Tokyo and narita. I think they have more regional train passes now. Do you recommend the JR pass for this type of itinerary at this time? Thank you
Hi, not for your route ( the golden route ). However, if you were to add places like Hiroshima and plan to return to Tokyo within 7-days using the pass then it is worth it. Otherwise, if you will be spending most of your time between Osaka and Kyoto you probably don't need any pass, but certainly get an IC card for local transport.
This is great, thank you! I'm very confused about the 7 day JR Pass. I think we just break even but I'm thinking the local train tickets saving would make this seem worthwhile? Below is our itinerary and we were thinking of getting the 7 day JR pass from day 2 of Kyoto but I don't know if it makes sense for us: 1. OSAKA (3 days including day trip to Nara. We have arranged Osaka Amazing Pass for here) 2. KYOTO (4 days including day trip to Hiroshima. We thought of doing the subway and bus 1 day pass for 1100 yen a day) 3. TOKYO (4 days including day trip to Fuji Five Lakes) Would love some input if anyone has had experience? The JR Pass seems so expensive for 7 days but the daytrip to Hiroshima is pricey as is the train to Tokyo so maybe it makes sense? Thank you!
Besides travelling to only major cities, can i use the pass for like travelling within Tokyo itself without paying extra? Can i immediately use the pass once i reach Narita airport?
The Whole Japan Rail Pass includes local JR trains within Tokyo, such as the Yamanote line. It does not include non-JR trains or subways. We recommend installing the Japan Travel by NaviTime app on your phone. You can set the tourist pass as the JR Pass, and it will show you included trains. If you redeem your JR Pass at Narita Airport, then you can use it from there. Here’s our Beginner’s Guide to the JR Pass: ua-cam.com/video/fUn5MCYFjNU/v-deo.htmlsi=cv64McRpg896XLsj
Would love confirmation on one point. I understand that you can still purchase the JR pass while in Japan but that it's only available online instead of at a ticket office. Is this correct?
Correct. You can no longer purchase the JR Pass in person at a ticket office in Japan. You can still purchase it in Japan through the official website: japanrailpass.net/en/ Or you can purchase it through a travel agent before your trip, such as Klook (affiliate link): geni.us/wholejrpass
This is an excellent guide thank you! Our plan is to purchase a 7 day pass (we have done the comparative analysis) but are unsure about the timing for reserving seats. Noting that we can't "activate" the pass until we arrive in Japan, is there a way to reserve the seats in advance of arriving in country and activating the pass?
Hi. If you want to be able to reserve seats before you arrive in Japan, then it's best to buy the JR Pass directly through the official website: japanrailpass.net/en/ This can be done up to one month before activation date (the first day you will use the pass). Once you have purchased online you can use the same website to reserve seats. Here's our separate video explaining the basics of the JR Pass: ua-cam.com/video/fUn5MCYFjNU/v-deo.html
My son and I are traveling to Japan the end of March 2025. Can we purchase JR Rail Pass when we arrive or do we need to purchase prior to our trip. Thank you for all the wonder informative videos.
Hi. Just to clarify, you can no longer purchase the JR Pass in person at a train station in Japan. The only way to purchase it once you are in Japan is through the official website japanrailpass.net/en/ But if you know you're going to get the JR Pass, you might as well buy it before your trip. Here's our video on How to Plan a Trip to Japan: ua-cam.com/video/5o_PFG8xWWQ/v-deo.html
Thanks for the information, if I buy the ticket online via Klook website, to go from Tokyo to Osaka? Where should I go to pick up the ticket in Japan, at train station, email e-ticket??? Thank you
Hi, if you are purchasing a shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka from Klook then you will receive a QR Code via email and their app. As soon as you have this QR Code you can redeem it for your ticket at most JR train stations. Certainly at large stations such as Tokyo station, Ueno Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya and so on. Just look for the green reserved ticketing machine. You can watch this video for more information and in the very near future we will have another video with even more details. ua-cam.com/video/zwMKE3pmBP4/v-deo.html
Hello thank you for that information.. I was in Japan in 2018 and purchased the 21 day Green pass, it was brilliant. I will be going in November this year and so many negative stories on UA-cam since the increased prices. Would you please advise the calculated to use to compare the pricing.. thank you
We recommend entering your itinerary into the JR Fare Calculator to see whether you would save money with the JR Pass or by purchasing separate tickets: kenshoquest.com/recommends/jrpass-fare-calculator/
Most people seem to talk about the 7 day pass, which really is difficult to justify the price for most travelers. Probably more videos should be dedicated to the passes that are over 7 days, like the 21 day pass, to explore itineraries with those passes.
Sorry, I don't quite understand the question. I compared using the JR Pass vs buying individual Shinkansen bullet train tickets, so they are the same fast trains. 🌸 Heidi
What? Shinkansen is faster then a regular train and whether you use the JR pass or not has no bearing on that. Now if your asking what regular train tickets prices would be v.s. Shinkansen Tickets and how much time you save that's a big ask for something not needed. The equation your looking for is Time Traveled divided by Regular Train Ticket price compared to time traveled divided by shinkansen tickets. At the end of the day slow train = cheaper ticket but more time spent traveling and not exploring. Are you willing to spend money to save time or do you have time and want to save money?
Great video! We’ll be in Japan for 10 days. We are only traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto to Hakone and back to Tokyo, so the JR Pass doesn’t make financial sense. But you mentioned for the sake of convenience it might be worth it. What do you mean by convenience? I know we would prefer to buy the upgraded Green Car option. Also, the day we leave Tokyo would begin 6 days of travel, so a 7 day JR ticket would be all we need. Thanks!
Hi. The JR Pass is super convenient in terms of being able to hop on any unreserved Shinkansen train car any time. Or you can make a free reservation for a reserved seat. But I wouldn't recommend the JR Pass for your itinerary. It's more for fast paced travel visiting a different city each day. It would be more economical to just buy the Green Class Shinkansen tickets, which require a seat reservation, for the segments you actually need. From Tokyo you can either ride a Shinkansen to Odawara Station or take the Romancecar Limited Express train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station. After Hakone you can ride a Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto. And then another Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo. It's more work purchasing these separate tickets, but it will also cost substantially less. Here's one of our videos showing how to buy Shinkansen tickets: ua-cam.com/video/GD0Tp7zGSeo/v-deo.html
Question. We are travelling to Japan May 2025. We are looking to buy the 21 day JR Pass as spending around 28 days in Japan. We are trying to work out when to activate the pass. We will be spending 7 nights in Tokyo initially and plan to use the Tokyo JR loop as well. Not sure to activate the 21 day pass after 7 days for our trip to Nagano, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Osaka, and just buy individual tickets for Tokyo JR Line trips. Please advise?
Hi. The JR Pass is definitely not necessary while in Tokyo for 7 days. A ride on the JR Yamanote Line usually costs around 200-300 Yen. Here's our video on calculating whether the JR Pass is worth it for your trip: ua-cam.com/video/hsrZpVYH-ls/v-deo.html
Hi, thanks for the useful video. Im going to Japan for 4 weeks so I will not be doing a very fast pace trip. My Itinerary includes Tokyo, Nikko, Fuji Five Lakes, Matsumoto, the Alpine route, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Koyasan and then Osaka. I will be flying home from Osaka so not going back to Tokyo. Im not 100% sure if the JR pass will be worth it because these stops are spread out over 4 weeks. What do you think and recommend? Is it better to travel around with a IC card and individual tickets?
For a portion of your trip, the Hokuriku Arch Pass might be a good fit. Here’s our video explaining that: ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.htmlsi=9otlxr4BPLg5hTH- You could pair it with individual Shinkansen tickets and an IC card. We have a video coming soon about transportation in the Fuji Five Lakes area. 🌸 Heidi
Hi, thank you so much for your great information! However, I’m still confused whether or not I should get the JR pass even after watching your other video about the Kansai Wide pass. I’m planning to visit Japan for 10 days in which I will stay in Tokyo for 3 days and will be traveling round trip to Osaka while visiting Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Should I get the JR pass for this? Thank you so much for your help. 🙏
I wouldn’t advise the JR Pass for that itinerary if you’re trying to save money. If you just want convenience and don’t care about cost, the 7 day JR Pass is convenient. 🌸 Heidi
Hello. I have a question.. I hopefully will be going to japan with my family. Staying a week in tokyo. Planning on 1 day to go to osaka to go to super mario world.. Is it worth it to get JR pass?? One of my children will be free which makes it a little cheaper.. Or should we get another pass to go to osaka?
Hi. It's not worth it to get a JR Pass just for a side trip to Osaka. Instead, you can buy individual Shinkansen bullet train tickets. One from Tokyo to Osaka and one from Osaka to Tokyo. We have a few videos showing how to buy Shinkansen tickets online. Here's a recent one: ua-cam.com/video/E_GxIrm0fdg/v-deo.html If you want to visit Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, you might want to spend one night in Osaka, so you can get in line very early in the morning at Universal Studios Japan. Otherwise, you might want to buy an Express Pass that includes an Area Timed Entry for Super Nintendo World. Here's one of my videos about buying tickets for USJ: ua-cam.com/video/-qHAxopkBkY/v-deo.html 🌸 Heidi
We are thinking of getting green car pass - but because there seem to be far fewer cars that are actually green car - does that mean it is more difficult to actually find a reserved seat? Also, how far in advance can one secure a reserved seat for a trip, and is that easy to do in ticket machines at stations? / Thank you
It’s easier to get reserved seats in Green Car, since fewer people pay for those more expensive seats. Seat reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. I find the ticketing machines to be the most difficult way to make reservations, as there may be a line and it can feel pressured. However, there could be an even longer line at an office. In the office the staff are very helpful and can answer questions. Reserving online is also an option, but then you still need to pick up your seat reservations from a machine. 🌸 Heidi
Hi. There are two different scenarios. If you purchase a JR Pass directly from japanrailpass.net/ (within 30 days of using it in Japan), you can reserve seats online right away. If you preorder your JR Pass from a travel agent such as Klook (within 90 days of your Japan trip), you will be mailed an Exchange Order. Once you are in Japan you can redeem the Exchange Order for your actual JR Pass and make seat reservations at the same time. When you redeem the pass, you can set an activation date within the next 30 days. The activation date is the first day you will start using the JR Pass. Here’s our Beginners Guide to the JR Pass: ua-cam.com/video/fUn5MCYFjNU/v-deo.htmlsi=-sOHO45zkhwcoc0u 🌸 Heidi
I will arrive in Japan on April 15th in Tokyo and go to Osaka (4 days) by Shinkansen, then to Kyoto (4) days by normal train and again to Tokyo (10 days) by Shinkansen! I will stay for a total of 19 days. Is the Jr Pass worth it? Or is it worth using suica and adding credit as you use it? Does the (jr ticket) cover all routes in the 3 cities, or will there be places where I will have to use another transport company? You would help me! please ! very good video!
Hi, since your trip is longer than 7 days between the cities then the JR Pass will not be worth the cost. Getting an IC card upon arrival will work well for you. It's best to get a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport upon arrival in Tokyo. Either of these cards will work well on almost all trains within the 3 cities, JR lines and other companies ( no need to worry about other train companies if you have an IC card). However, while most, not all buses will take SUICA or Pasmo.
I would iike to get a 7 day pass but I am still a bit uncertain how this will work from Tokyo to Hiroshima. Any help please? is there any other train apart from the bullet train which goes from Tokyo to Hiroshima? if so how long would it take? thanks
You could take some local trains and express trains for parts of the journey that are included with the JR 7 day pass. Or if you just want a different experience altogether you can get a seishun pass. Here is a link for more info: www.jrpass.com/blog/guide-to-the-seishun-18-kippu-a-cheap-jr-pass You can buy it directly from JR ticket offices.
Hi, if you are using the whole JR Pass then you can either visit the ticket office or use the ticketing machine. You will be required to insert your pass into the machine in order to purchase the upgraded. If purchasing individual Shinkansen tickets online then you can buy directly the Nozomi or Mizuho during checkout They do not cost much more if purchasing individual tickets
Hello. I'd like to ask. I am planning to solo backpack to Japan. From Day 1 to Day 2 (journey Jakarta to Tokyo Narita), spend half a day in Day 2 exploring Tokyo. Day 3 to Day 7: Explore Lake Kawaguchiko, the snow wall in the Tateyama Alpine Route, Kyoto, Nara. Day 8 in Eksplore Osaka. Day 9 to Day 10 (Back to Jakarta from Osaka Kansai). Do you have any recommendations for the best route and effective so it's one way and not back and forth? And is it better for me to buy regular tickets or a JR Pass? Thank you so much. Hope to get a response 😊
HI, for your route you may not save using the JR Pass. It also doesn't include full fare to Lake Kawaguchiko. Instead, you might be better off purchasing individual tickets. You might find this video helpful as well: ua-cam.com/video/4828J9OtNiY/v-deo.html and this one, that covers the Hokuriku Arch Pass: ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.html
With Klook you will be mailed a physical Exchange Order, which you take to Japan. Once you pick up your actual JR Pass in Japan you can make seat reservations. If you buy a JR Pass directly through the official website japanrailpass.net/en/ you can book seat reservations online right away. You can only purchase this way up to one month before you will start using the pass. We recommend this second option if traveling at a super busy time of year, such as Golden Week in spring, or Obon in August.
@@KenshoQuest hi I thought the eki Net website has an option to book seat reservation even if you have bought a JR East pass from a sales agent such as klook. Can you please verify if this is true. Thanks
Hi. Once we get off a Shinkansen train we normally take a couple local trains or a taxi to get to our hotel. We try to choose hotels that are near train stations. These are very fast trains and not overnight sleeper trains.
14 days with my wife in May. first time to japan. I'm going from haneda airport > Shibuya tokyo(4days)> Fuji(day trip/roundtrip)> kyoto(2days)>osaka(4days)>Nara(day trip/roundtrip)>STokyo(rest of trip)>Hakone(daytrip/roundtrip)>Stokyo>airport... So in this situation JR pass 14 days is not worth correct? if so whats the better alternative, I see region passes but still a little confused on the best route to do when it comes to these passes. I also see several bundle packages on Klook. please help if possible, thank you!
Hi, correct, 14 day pass is not recommended. You may not need any pass for your trip as it might not save you any money. However, for your side trips to Mt Fuji and Hakone there are passes that may help you. We have videos on both the Hakone free pass and Fuji excursion, how to get to Kawaguchiko. Please check them I think most of the Klook bundles are for convenience and may not save you anything.
Assuming your 14 days include arrival and departure which now leaves you with 12 days so no, it's not worth it. (My wife and I always go for at least 18+ full days and we travel up and down Japan so a 14-day pass works for us.)
@@KenshoQuest thank you for responding! I researched more and did some price comparisons and still seems its better to go individual tickets even after including Nagoya for a day to check out ghibli park if i get tickets to do it.
Going to Japan for 2 months in September. Taking Narita Express to Tokyo Station. Is Narita Express part of JREast railpass? If not, then no choice but to take JR East to Morioka. Will be staying in Hachimantai-shi and visting family in Miyako on coast. Family will transport in between. So, it looks like I will need to purchase individual Shinkansen tickets, up and back from Narita and a day trip into Tokyo. Yes/No. Thank you. Older parent travelling.
Hi, the JR East Tohoku does include the Narita Express and you can take the shinkansen up to morioka. Please review the pass for more information. Because, It really depends on your time. Since you will be traveling for 2 months a pass may not work for you since they are for consecutive days only. Therefore, individual tickets may serve you best.
Hello, Can the Japan Rail Pass work on other railways (i.e. Meitetsu Nagoya Station / Meitetsu Railways / uSky Limited)? When needing to change reservations after the ticket was issued or missed train, can it be done at the Machine, Office, or Online (then re-issued)? If we purchase Green Car JR Pass, do we still need to buy special ticket for the “NOZOMI” or “MIZUHO” Shinkansen Trains? Or do we need to buy special ticket for "NOZOMI" if we are just regular JR Pass holders? If we have Green Car JR Pass, are we allowed to ride in Ordinary or Non-Reserved Trains? Thank you very much.
Hi. The Whole Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) only covers JR trains. It covers JR local, rapid, limited express, and super express (Shinkansen) trains. Here's our video explaining exactly what's covered: ua-cam.com/video/VyRWmVzbAjQ/v-deo.html If you have seat reservations with the JR Pass and want to make changes, you can do so at a Ticketing Machine or JR Office. You can also make and change reservations online, only if you purchased the JR Pass directly through the official website: japanrailpass.net/en/ Even if you have a Green JR Pass, you will still need to pay a supplemental fee to ride either the Nozomi or Mizuho. If you have a Green JR Pass you can ride in Ordinary Non-Reserved or make seat reservations for either Ordinary Reserved or Green Class Reserved. You might find our recent Live Stream about Shinkansen bullet trains helpful: ua-cam.com/users/livesDQVtQeiXcY?feature=share 🌸 Heidi
Will be travelling soon to Japan for 8days and would love to hokkaido sapporo. should i get JR pass? or can you plz give me advice where can i save? thank you
Even if you have 8 full days in Japan, I would definitely save Sapporo for a longer trip unless you've already been to other major parts of Japan and you only want to go to Sapporo. A 7-day full pass is just not worth the money now. (My wife and I have been to Hokkaido 15+ times on a 3-weeks trip using a 14-day or 21-day JR Pass.)
You could buy both a 7 Day and a 14 Day JR Pass, if they don’t overlap. Will you be traveling all up and down Japan? You may not need JR Passes that cover your whole trip. Here’s how to travel by train without the JR Pass: ua-cam.com/video/7ejmnpcFFJg/v-deo.htmlsi=B510NGLM6U8XV68V
I don't think I'll be getting it. I've calculated our trip itinerary using Google maps and I'd probably save $150-$200 buying individual shinkansen tickets
Hi, 14 day JR Pass will cost much more than purchasing individual tickets. However, if you added another destination such as Hiroshima then the price becomes much closer.
Hi i wanna ask.. I plan to go from haneda to osaka on 15th april because i wanna go to USJ.and on 18th april im gonna go to tokyo and few days later im going back to my country from haneda. Do you think i should buy a JR pass or just buy a shinkansen ticket?
For that I would book separate Shinkansen tickets for Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka and Shin-Osaka to Tokyo Station. You will need to get from Haneda to Tokyo Station, as well. Here is our video showing how to buy Shinkansen tickets online: ua-cam.com/video/zwMKE3pmBP4/v-deo.htmlsi=n_QKLP8ugSrPs-YC
Then you might want to book the Shinkansen tickets on Smart EX, so you can choose a child ticket for him. smart-ex.jp/en/index.php Here's our video on how to get a child SUICA card, for local transportation within Tokyo or Osaka: ua-cam.com/video/BbvQurJdOnc/v-deo.html @@fitriamaliah647
This video couldn’t have come at a better time lol; I just so happened to be watching your videos yesterday, as I’m currently planning my finance & honeymoon trip coming up on April 15th. We’ll be visiting Japan for 12 days. My itinerary as of now is from when we land to spend days 1-3 in Tokyo Days 4-6 in Kyoto Days 6-8 in Osaka & Days 9-12 back in Tokyo. My dilemma I’m facing at the moment is where to stay the first few days between Shinjuku, Asakusa, or Ueno & based on my trip itinerary would you recommend I get the individual train passes or get the JRPASS
Those are all good options of where to stay in Tokyo. Shinjuku is big city, Ueno has museums and Asakusa is more traditional (but not as convenient to get to some parts of Tokyo). For your route I would recommend purchasing individual Shinkansen tickets for between cities. And using an IC card for local transportation within cities. We covered those topics in our previous video: ua-cam.com/video/7ejmnpcFFJg/v-deo.html And here's our video on how to purchase Shinkansen tickets: ua-cam.com/video/zwMKE3pmBP4/v-deo.html 🌸 Heidi
Hi, only if you purchase directly from the official JR Pass website will you be able to make seat reservations in advance. Otherwise, you will not be able to until you arrive in Japan and exchange your voucher for your actual JR Pass.
Hi, when you approach the gate go to the window, the attendant will notice you and make arrangements to assist you onto the train. Also, please make reservations ahead of time of time at the ticket office. They are very helpful
Hi, usually visit Japan for 3 months at a time and use different passes speard out when we need to travel long distances within a short period of time such as a week or five days. So the whole JR Pass as well as other regional passes can work well for segments of your trip. The key is to use them when you need to travel a lot and then it can pay for itself.
Thanks for all these details! Very helpful! Is the only option to get the JR pass before getting to Japan, by home delivery? Cannot I get a digital pass? We have only a couple of days left before we travel to Japan!
The best option would be to purchase from the official website: japanrailpass.net/ They will send you an email confirmation and you will also be able to reserve seats online.
Hi, renting a car is becoming a popular option. In general, driving in Japan is pretty easy even though they drive on the left side. But please consider that parking in Japan can be hard to find. I recommend you check with all of your accommodations to ensure they have parking or nearby parking. Same for attractions.
Thank you I agree Jr pass give me the freedom of travelling without worrying about missing or getting on a wrong one resulting extra cost. Bad weather is not a problem just go somewhere else within a day reach. Osaka weather is bad, go to Hiroshima to see what you can and return the same day or Nagoya or even tokyo . I am chasing cherry blossom now. Can not do it without JR pass. By the way there are many Jr local trains to lower the cost of travelling locally like Yamanote line in Tokyo. Wherever my hotel is, not relevant as long as you can use the local train system. But it is my way of travelling. you may want to control your trips snd plan everything, then calculate the cost And compare them Honestly taking trains in Japan. Or eating Bento, reading a book, chatting with friends at home on Shinkansen speeding at 320kmh is part of the fun.
We appreciate the commissions we earn when you purchase through our affiliate links! JR Pass: geni.us/wholejrpass 🌸Single-journey Shinkansen train tickets: geni.us/shinkansen 🌟 Residents of USA can save with KENSHOQUESTKLOOK ( not valid on JR Pass )
Well done, simple and clear. As you indicate, a big part of the benefit is ease and peace of mind. You might still get on the wrong train, but you don't have to worry it will cost you anything.
Yup, my 2nd trip in a couple of weeks got a 7day JR pass. Would have worked out slightly cheaper to get individual tickets (or two regionals) for my itinerary, but having used a JR Pass last year its so easy and no faff and you can flit about everywhere...even with the price hike it's worth it for me.
It seems to me the only only it can pay for itself now, is if you make insanely fast itineraries, over vast distances, in which you will seemingly spend more time travelling than getting to know a place.
Hi, yes, in many cases you are correct! A lot of travelers are interested in doing a super fast paces trip.
Yes, it would have been nice if they had raised the pass prices enough so that the "Golden Route" doesn't pay off to encourage travel to other regions but not so much that it becomes untenable for most travelers. Unfortunately, they decided to price the passes so far beyond what most people can do in the time period, people are just giving up on the pass rather than exploring new areas. I think it's making first-time travelers LESS likely to go off the Golden Route, and then they complain about "overtourism" in Kyoto...
I'm planning to do both. Fast paced 7 days covering considerable distance and use the JR pass for it and a leisurely paced trip outside of these 7 days. JR pass works out to be cheaper for those 7 days of travel and honestly the thought of traveling Shinkansen multiple times adds to the excitement
@@seasaltlemon8237 That's what we do!
Awesome video! For me, you have clearly and concisely de-mystified the JR Pass system, its comparative costs, as well as pros and cons. I’m definitely tuning into your other Japan travel information for more invaluable info! Arigatou!
We'll be going for 10 days and traveling far North and South so I think it will be it. We will also be getting a local pass to make sure we can take everything just for convenience.
Narita Express ->Tokyo -> Kyoto -> Nara (daytrip) -> Kyoto -> Hiroshima (daytrip) -> Kyoto -> Osaka -> Tokyo
I think we're going to do this and try to use the pass on as many local trains / busses as possible.
Sounds like a good plan!
Thank you for the video and notes, this confirmed for me to have the JR Pass vs. not having one.
You’re welcome. Have a wonderful trip to Japan!
The statement that she made at the end is exactly what I was thinking. I got an upcoming trip in October to Japan and in order to simplify my travel plans I’ll just get the JR pass. Although it does cost more it will save me from having to deal with another headache during the trip.
Regional Passes are now getting more attention. My first trip to Japan, I only really needed a Hokuriku arch pass, but I bought a Jr pass, because it was not that much more expensive.
Great video!
Another good use of the JR Pass from Tokyo is to take the Shinkansen to Sendai and then a local train to Matsushima (Bay) which is recognized as one of the most beautiful locations in Japan. Without a pass, it seems like a pretty expensive trip, but it's an easy day trip using the JR Pass. I just take a nap on the train to Sendai and set an alarm on my phone so I don't oversleep.
Thanks for sharing! Sounds awesome and somewhere we need to visit :)
I'll be visiting in a few months & for the flexibility I think it would still be worth it for me, being able to just stop on the way, walk around before continuing on is something I don't think a regular ticket would allow. I'm still trying to decide on the itinerary so I'm not so sure if the math will be on the JR pass side.
Hey, so how was it? I'm more of your type. Would love to hear what you did
Thank you so much. Love this channel
Thank you , you took the anxiety out of me but calculating the numbers for me up front. ❤
You’re welcome!
Thank you for the video!! It's very helpful for us first time visitors going to Japan.
We are going to buy individual passes instead of JR Pass. (Osaka > Kyoto > Tokyo > Mt Fuji)
Sounds like a good plan!
Awesome info!
Excellent content! Specific and clear.
Thank you for this information. Well done.
I'm absolutely going from Tokyo to Osaka and finishing off in Hiroshima before probably flying back to Tokyo since my round trip flight is already locked in going to and from Haneda for my upcoming 14 day trip in late April. I may spontaneously take day trips to other places like Kyoto and, I'm thinking about Aomori for the cherry blossom festival before leaving Tokyo, but not certain yet. I know I'll need at least 3 hotel rooms. I'm leaning toward the 7 day pass since my first 4-5 days will just be in Tokyo. This was really helpful.
You have an exciting itinerary! Let us know if you have questions
@KenshoQuest I also want to go to see the cherry blossoms in Aomori, but it messes with my itinerary to do that if I'm trying to figure out the best way to use the 7 day JR Pass, assuming I go that route. I don't know. First time lol. It looks like it costs a fair amount to attend the festival, but really I just want to see some cherry blossoms. Haha. I can skip the whole festival part. I don't know. If you have any advice, I'd welcome it. Thanks! ありがとうございます.
@KenshoQuest also, the Nakasendo Trail looks amazing, but I have no realistic way to squeeze that in. 😢
I could always come back. 😃
@KenshoQuest I just learned about the Philosopher's Path in Kyoto, and OMG, that's a game changer. That fits in well with my original itinerary as well. I may save Aomori for another Sakura season.
Going to 12 days. Tokyo, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Himeji, Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Nikko then Tokyo. Added up to being 49,500 yen. Figured the 7 day pass would be worth it at 50,000 yen. Given I’m likely to stop in between random stations to collect stamps and glimpses of different cities in between.
It will be interesting to see how this cut down on countryside visits. So glad I got to visit at the old prices.
Excellent video guys, helpful stuff😊
Thank you!
I've been calculating train costs all night yesterday but apparantely there's a JRP fare calculator 😂 thanks for the tip!
My partner and I will probably go to:
Tokyo > Hakone > Kyoto > Osaka > Koyasan > Hiroshima > Kanazawa > Tokyo
With some day trips as well (not yet calculated). We've got 24 days and would like to stick around a bit longer at a few places. Looks like we'd be saving quite a bit (€230 per person) if we use individual tickets instead, for our global route.
Im finding the same, going from tokyo to nagoya, then osaka. Shinkansen tickets from osaka to kyoto, nara, kobe are cheap (8$) then hiroshima which is expensive, and then back to tokyo. According to my calcs its around $300, while 14 day pass would be $575… can seem to justify the prices
My trip will be to Tohoku, if you know there JR trains are the best option so yup I am going to get one, no regrets.
Enjoy your travels in Tohoku! We love it there :)
I’m glad I did my 1 Month Japan trip in Jan 2023. I purchased the 21 Days Shinkansen tickets for ¥60,450 ($381)
For my itinerary, I activated my JR Pass on the very first day I landed in Osaka.
After landing in Osaka, I took the direct train from Osaka to Nagasaki, when I was asking for directions (It’s my first time in Japan) the staff was surprised that I’m travelling such a long distance via Shinkansen instead of a domestic flight 😅
So my actual itinerary started all the way south in Nagasaki then slowly making my way up to Hokkaido while stopping at Hakata, Hiroshima, Okayama, Osaka, Kyoto, skipping Tokyo first. And I’m made it all the way up to the northern most of Japan at Wakkanai. And then making my way down towards Tokyo while stopping at Sendai and Yamagata before finally ending at Tokyo when my JR Pass finally expired.
I purposely intended it to expire in Tokyo as I knew I could purchase the Tokyo Metro Pass for only $10 via Klook which offers unlimited 3 Days metro ride (Non-JR)
I also managed to visit Mt Fuji. From my experience, Mt Fuji is better off not using JR Pass as it’s only applicable till a certain stop if i remember correctly. And you have to change trains. So it’s actually more convenient to pay for a direct bus ticket to travel between Mt Fuji and Tokyo, all you have to do is load your luggage once and that’s about it. The bus doesn’t have any stops between
@@R4TEDR 👍
The last part was our selling point. Now I am reading we may have to spend extra time reserving seats for longer distances and will most likely ending up buying local tickets anyway.
Reserving seats with a JR Pass doesn’t take any longer than purchasing individual train tickets. We go into a JR office with all of our train days and times written down to make reservations. Or we reserve online and pick up the seat reservations from a ticketing machine. Having a reserved seats means having a guaranteed place to sit. Riding unreserved could mean standing the whole way. 🌸 Heidi
Thank you!
Thank you
I agree Jr pass give me the freedom of travelling without worrying about missing or getting on a wrong one resulting extra cost. Bad weather is not a problem just go somewhere else within a day reach. Osaka weather is bad, go to Hiroshima to see what you can and return the same day or 45 mins trip to Nagoya or even tokyo
. I am chasing cherry blossom now. Can not do it without JR pass. By the way there are many Jr local trains to lower the cost of travelling locally like Yamanote line in Tokyo. Wherever my hotel is, not relevant as long as you can use the local train system.
But it is my way of travelling. you may want to control your trips snd plan everything, then calculate the cost
And compare them
Honestly taking trains in Japan. Or eating Bento, reading a book, chatting with friends at home on Shinkansen Hayabusa speeding at 320kmh is part of the fun.
Excellent points! Thanks for sharing :). We'll be chasing cherry blossoms too! Many in bloom in Tokyo already...
Today my wife changes her mood and wants a day visit to Seki knife village in Gifu prefecture. It takes one way 6 transfers and 2h30 plus/ minus 1h waiting for Jr trains. Total cost of return trips for both up to more than 24000 yen.But only 2/6 transfers are non jr and cost 700 yen. In other words the return trips to Tokyo costs us 2800 yen. My wife would be happy with extra money for a fancier kitchen knife
Of course i takes 5 hours on trains But we are having holiday, aren’t we? Gifu from Jr Hida large window train also has beautiful view for photos
We will have breakfast and dinner on Shinkansen
To chase cherry blossom, we base in Nagoya from 23 zMarch when there is festival. But we may take day trips to Tokyo or Kyoto/ Osaka in 30/40 mins if it is interesting there. Breakfast and dinner on Shinkansen save time and enjoyable to us
Also as a first time visitor want to be stress free in regards to buying tickets 😅
Ótimo vídeo. obrigado pelas dicas.
Thank you for a great video. It looks like for a 12 day trip that is going to be 2-3 star locations Tokyo and Kyoto and going places from those cities, the JR pass is less relevant.
Hi, yes, it most likely will not save you money unless you use the JR Pass a lot.
I will travel to Japan in April. Can you please do a video on arrival in Osaka ITA airport , stay at Kyoto for 4 days and from Kyoto to Tokyo. Thanks!
Shibarashi desu ne!
Good & clear presentation with very very excellent infographics.
We plan for a less than 3-week travel duration to circa 15 cities & towns in Japan.
I used your comparison technique between JRP (Japan Rail Pass) & one-by-one trip pre bookings using Google map. Conclusively, using JRP will save two of us (MyHoney (wife) & I) more than 30%! Hence we will go for the JRP for sure!
I would also love to thank Google Map, a very efficient & effective tool for our travel plans, local or overseas. Google Map displays all the things needed namely, alternative modes of transportation, the traveling costs, time & mileage, hotels nearby, mosques, halal restaurants, laundry facilities etc.
Thank you very much my dear.
Glad to have helped. Have a wonderful JR Pass adventure! Here's one of our videos that's an overview for planning a trip to Japan: ua-cam.com/video/5o_PFG8xWWQ/v-deo.html
Why would they make the pass so expensive? Seems only worth it if you travel huge distances (like north to south) or, as you did, travel at high pace. For us: tokyo - shin fuji - matsumoto - takayama - kanazawa - kyoto - osaka would be 46k yen compared to 80k yen for two weeks 😯 I thought for sure the JR pass was the way to go
They hadn’t raised the price of the JR Pass since it was released 40 years ago, until recently. It was way underpriced compared to what locals were paying to ride the Shinkansen bullet trains. And causing congestion on the Tokkaido line between Tokyo and Kyoto. But, yeah, now it’s only worth it on certain routes. 🌸 Heidi
The pass seems much more convenient to me. But unfortunately in my case it won't make up for it. I will be in Japan for 28 days, traveling slowly. The pass is worth it for those who make short visits and travel long distances....
While that is true. My wife and I were there in Dec/Jan for 20 full days and used a 14-days pass to go from Tokyo>Sapporo>Beppu, making a few stops in between. The one way trip from Sapporo > Beppu alone would have cost $230 USD. So for us the 14-days pass was definitely worth it.
@@nateshf9303 You made a really long distance trip, that's why the pass worth it in your case. I've made uncountless maths and still is cheaper buying single tickets 🤷♀️
Exactly, same situation with me but there are tons of local passes and I'm contemplating at least one of them
It’s okay if the JR Pass isn’t worth it. Buying Shinkansen tickets isn’t too hard. And an IC card is super easy to use. 🌸 Heidi
Hi Kensho Quest, thanks for your great videos very informative, going to Japan with my wife in October for 2 week 14 exactly and not sure if I need the JR pass , I have use the online calculator but saying the 7 day option would save money but maybe pay the rest of the way or should just pay as I go, my itinerary is (Tokyo 1 night at airport hotel then 2 nights Tokyo - Kusatsu Onsen - Mt Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi) - Hiroshima - Osaka - (Kobe day trip) - Kyoto - Tokyo (fly home) any advice would be great thank you !
Hi, You may want to pay separately for transportation at the beginning of your trip. When you are ready to leave Mt. Fuji and head south, that would be the time to activate a 7-day JR Pass. If these train trips fall within 7 calendar days, it would be worth getting the 7-Day JR Pass: Mt. Fuji (Otsuki Station) - Hiroshima - Osaka - Kyoto - Tokyo. I hope that helps. 🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much ! I think that’s a great idea, was considering doing 7 day Option and pay the rest and probably work out the best way! I think I need second trip back next year 2 weeks not enough time! Thank you again! David ☺️
We are flying into Narita, staying in Tokyo for a couple nights then Kyoto where we plan day trips to Osaka and Himeji, then back to Tokyo and narita. I think they have more regional train passes now. Do you recommend the JR pass for this type of itinerary at this time? Thank you
Hi, not for your route ( the golden route ). However, if you were to add places like Hiroshima and plan to return to Tokyo within 7-days using the pass then it is worth it. Otherwise, if you will be spending most of your time between Osaka and Kyoto you probably don't need any pass, but certainly get an IC card for local transport.
This is great, thank you!
I'm very confused about the 7 day JR Pass. I think we just break even but I'm thinking the local train tickets saving would make this seem worthwhile?
Below is our itinerary and we were thinking of getting the 7 day JR pass from day 2 of Kyoto but I don't know if it makes sense for us:
1. OSAKA (3 days including day trip to Nara. We have arranged Osaka Amazing Pass for here)
2. KYOTO (4 days including day trip to Hiroshima. We thought of doing the subway and bus 1 day pass for 1100 yen a day)
3. TOKYO (4 days including day trip to Fuji Five Lakes)
Would love some input if anyone has had experience? The JR Pass seems so expensive for 7 days but the daytrip to Hiroshima is pricey as is the train to Tokyo so maybe it makes sense?
Thank you!
Besides travelling to only major cities, can i use the pass for like travelling within Tokyo itself without paying extra? Can i immediately use the pass once i reach Narita airport?
The Whole Japan Rail Pass includes local JR trains within Tokyo, such as the Yamanote line. It does not include non-JR trains or subways. We recommend installing the Japan Travel by NaviTime app on your phone. You can set the tourist pass as the JR Pass, and it will show you included trains.
If you redeem your JR Pass at Narita Airport, then you can use it from there. Here’s our Beginner’s Guide to the JR Pass:
ua-cam.com/video/fUn5MCYFjNU/v-deo.htmlsi=cv64McRpg896XLsj
Would love confirmation on one point. I understand that you can still purchase the JR pass while in Japan but that it's only available online instead of at a ticket office. Is this correct?
Correct. You can no longer purchase the JR Pass in person at a ticket office in Japan. You can still purchase it in Japan through the official website: japanrailpass.net/en/ Or you can purchase it through a travel agent before your trip, such as Klook (affiliate link): geni.us/wholejrpass
This is an excellent guide thank you! Our plan is to purchase a 7 day pass (we have done the comparative analysis) but are unsure about the timing for reserving seats. Noting that we can't "activate" the pass until we arrive in Japan, is there a way to reserve the seats in advance of arriving in country and activating the pass?
Hi. If you want to be able to reserve seats before you arrive in Japan, then it's best to buy the JR Pass directly through the official website: japanrailpass.net/en/ This can be done up to one month before activation date (the first day you will use the pass). Once you have purchased online you can use the same website to reserve seats.
Here's our separate video explaining the basics of the JR Pass: ua-cam.com/video/fUn5MCYFjNU/v-deo.html
My son and I are traveling to Japan the end of March 2025. Can we purchase JR Rail Pass when we arrive or do we need to purchase prior to our trip. Thank you for all the wonder informative videos.
Nevermind I just heard on your video that you cannot get the JR Pass in person. Your videos are great.
Hi. Just to clarify, you can no longer purchase the JR Pass in person at a train station in Japan. The only way to purchase it once you are in Japan is through the official website japanrailpass.net/en/ But if you know you're going to get the JR Pass, you might as well buy it before your trip. Here's our video on How to Plan a Trip to Japan: ua-cam.com/video/5o_PFG8xWWQ/v-deo.html
Thanks for the information, if I buy the ticket online via Klook website, to go from Tokyo to Osaka? Where should I go to pick up the ticket in Japan, at train station, email e-ticket??? Thank you
Hi, if you are purchasing a shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Osaka from Klook then you will receive a QR Code via email and their app. As soon as you have this QR Code you can redeem it for your ticket at most JR train stations. Certainly at large stations such as Tokyo station, Ueno Station, Shinagawa, Shibuya and so on. Just look for the green reserved ticketing machine. You can watch this video for more information and in the very near future we will have another video with even more details.
ua-cam.com/video/zwMKE3pmBP4/v-deo.html
Hello thank you for that information.. I was in Japan in 2018 and purchased the 21 day Green pass, it was brilliant.
I will be going in November this year and so many negative stories on UA-cam since the increased prices. Would you please advise the calculated to use to compare the pricing.. thank you
We recommend entering your itinerary into the JR Fare Calculator to see whether you would save money with the JR Pass or by purchasing separate tickets: kenshoquest.com/recommends/jrpass-fare-calculator/
Most people seem to talk about the 7 day pass, which really is difficult to justify the price for most travelers. Probably more videos should be dedicated to the passes that are over 7 days, like the 21 day pass, to explore itineraries with those passes.
2024年日本の物価と人件費は上昇しているのでJRパスの値上げがありました。それでもコンビニエンスストアのセルフコーヒーマシンは$0.8で美味しいコーヒーが飲めます。
Hi, you calculated the costs, could you also calculate the time saved if you use the JR pass on shinkansen trains compared to regular ones? :-)
Sorry, I don't quite understand the question. I compared using the JR Pass vs buying individual Shinkansen bullet train tickets, so they are the same fast trains. 🌸 Heidi
What? Shinkansen is faster then a regular train and whether you use the JR pass or not has no bearing on that. Now if your asking what regular train tickets prices would be v.s. Shinkansen Tickets and how much time you save that's a big ask for something not needed. The equation your looking for is Time Traveled divided by Regular Train Ticket price compared to time traveled divided by shinkansen tickets. At the end of the day slow train = cheaper ticket but more time spent traveling and not exploring. Are you willing to spend money to save time or do you have time and want to save money?
Great video! We’ll be in Japan for 10 days. We are only traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto to Hakone and back to Tokyo, so the JR Pass doesn’t make financial sense. But you mentioned for the sake of convenience it might be worth it. What do you mean by convenience? I know we would prefer to buy the upgraded Green Car option. Also, the day we leave Tokyo would begin 6 days of travel, so a 7 day JR ticket would be all we need. Thanks!
Hi. The JR Pass is super convenient in terms of being able to hop on any unreserved Shinkansen train car any time. Or you can make a free reservation for a reserved seat. But I wouldn't recommend the JR Pass for your itinerary. It's more for fast paced travel visiting a different city each day.
It would be more economical to just buy the Green Class Shinkansen tickets, which require a seat reservation, for the segments you actually need. From Tokyo you can either ride a Shinkansen to Odawara Station or take the Romancecar Limited Express train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station. After Hakone you can ride a Shinkansen from Odawara to Kyoto. And then another Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo. It's more work purchasing these separate tickets, but it will also cost substantially less. Here's one of our videos showing how to buy Shinkansen tickets: ua-cam.com/video/GD0Tp7zGSeo/v-deo.html
Question.
We are travelling to Japan May 2025.
We are looking to buy the 21 day JR Pass as spending around 28 days in Japan.
We are trying to work out when to activate the pass. We will be spending 7 nights in Tokyo initially and plan to use the Tokyo JR loop as well.
Not sure to activate the 21 day pass after 7 days for our trip to Nagano, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Osaka, and just buy individual tickets for Tokyo JR Line trips.
Please advise?
Hi. The JR Pass is definitely not necessary while in Tokyo for 7 days. A ride on the JR Yamanote Line usually costs around 200-300 Yen. Here's our video on calculating whether the JR Pass is worth it for your trip: ua-cam.com/video/hsrZpVYH-ls/v-deo.html
Hi, thanks for the useful video. Im going to Japan for 4 weeks so I will not be doing a very fast pace trip. My Itinerary includes Tokyo, Nikko, Fuji Five Lakes, Matsumoto, the Alpine route, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Nara, Koyasan and then Osaka. I will be flying home from Osaka so not going back to Tokyo. Im not 100% sure if the JR pass will be worth it because these stops are spread out over 4 weeks. What do you think and recommend? Is it better to travel around with a IC card and individual tickets?
For a portion of your trip, the Hokuriku Arch Pass might be a good fit. Here’s our video explaining that: ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.htmlsi=9otlxr4BPLg5hTH- You could pair it with individual Shinkansen tickets and an IC card. We have a video coming soon about transportation in the Fuji Five Lakes area. 🌸 Heidi
Hi, thank you so much for your great information! However, I’m still confused whether or not I should get the JR pass even after watching your other video about the Kansai Wide pass. I’m planning to visit Japan for 10 days in which I will stay in Tokyo for 3 days and will be traveling round trip to Osaka while visiting Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Should I get the JR pass for this? Thank you so much for your help. 🙏
I wouldn’t advise the JR Pass for that itinerary if you’re trying to save money. If you just want convenience and don’t care about cost, the 7 day JR Pass is convenient. 🌸 Heidi
Thank you so much for your advice 🙏
Hello. I have a question.. I hopefully will be going to japan with my family. Staying a week in tokyo. Planning on 1 day to go to osaka to go to super mario world.. Is it worth it to get JR pass?? One of my children will be free which makes it a little cheaper.. Or should we get another pass to go to osaka?
Hi. It's not worth it to get a JR Pass just for a side trip to Osaka. Instead, you can buy individual Shinkansen bullet train tickets. One from Tokyo to Osaka and one from Osaka to Tokyo. We have a few videos showing how to buy Shinkansen tickets online. Here's a recent one: ua-cam.com/video/E_GxIrm0fdg/v-deo.html
If you want to visit Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, you might want to spend one night in Osaka, so you can get in line very early in the morning at Universal Studios Japan. Otherwise, you might want to buy an Express Pass that includes an Area Timed Entry for Super Nintendo World. Here's one of my videos about buying tickets for USJ: ua-cam.com/video/-qHAxopkBkY/v-deo.html 🌸 Heidi
We are thinking of getting green car pass - but because there seem to be far fewer cars that are actually green car - does that mean it is more difficult to actually find a reserved seat? Also, how far in advance can one secure a reserved seat for a trip, and is that easy to do in ticket machines at stations? / Thank you
It’s easier to get reserved seats in Green Car, since fewer people pay for those more expensive seats. Seat reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance. I find the ticketing machines to be the most difficult way to make reservations, as there may be a line and it can feel pressured. However, there could be an even longer line at an office. In the office the staff are very helpful and can answer questions. Reserving online is also an option, but then you still need to pick up your seat reservations from a machine. 🌸 Heidi
Hi! I’m sorry i’m still confused. Can we reserve seat if we haven’t exchange the JR Pass? Or we need to activate first, then make a reservation seat?
Hi. There are two different scenarios. If you purchase a JR Pass directly from japanrailpass.net/ (within 30 days of using it in Japan), you can reserve seats online right away.
If you preorder your JR Pass from a travel agent such as Klook (within 90 days of your Japan trip), you will be mailed an Exchange Order. Once you are in Japan you can redeem the Exchange Order for your actual JR Pass and make seat reservations at the same time. When you redeem the pass, you can set an activation date within the next 30 days. The activation date is the first day you will start using the JR Pass.
Here’s our Beginners Guide to the JR Pass: ua-cam.com/video/fUn5MCYFjNU/v-deo.htmlsi=-sOHO45zkhwcoc0u 🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much! Your channel is very helpful and informative, your channel is the best 😭🙏🏻
I will arrive in Japan on April 15th in Tokyo and go to Osaka (4 days) by Shinkansen, then to Kyoto (4) days by normal train and again to Tokyo (10 days) by Shinkansen! I will stay for a total of 19 days. Is the Jr Pass worth it? Or is it worth using suica and adding credit as you use it? Does the (jr ticket) cover all routes in the 3 cities, or will there be places where I will have to use another transport company? You would help me! please ! very good video!
Hi, since your trip is longer than 7 days between the cities then the JR Pass will not be worth the cost. Getting an IC card upon arrival will work well for you. It's best to get a Welcome Suica or Pasmo Passport upon arrival in Tokyo. Either of these cards will work well on almost all trains within the 3 cities, JR lines and other companies ( no need to worry about other train companies if you have an IC card). However, while most, not all buses will take SUICA or Pasmo.
I would iike to get a 7 day pass but I am still a bit uncertain how this will work from Tokyo to Hiroshima. Any help please? is there any other train apart from the bullet train which goes from Tokyo to Hiroshima? if so how long would it take? thanks
You could take some local trains and express trains for parts of the journey that are included with the JR 7 day pass. Or if you just want a different experience altogether you can get a seishun pass. Here is a link for more info: www.jrpass.com/blog/guide-to-the-seishun-18-kippu-a-cheap-jr-pass
You can buy it directly from JR ticket offices.
You mentioned paying extra for the faster Shinkansen. Are they easy to book? And how expensive?
Hi, if you are using the whole JR Pass then you can either visit the ticket office or use the ticketing machine. You will be required to insert your pass into the machine in order to purchase the upgraded.
If purchasing individual Shinkansen tickets online then you can buy directly the Nozomi or Mizuho during checkout
They do not cost much more if purchasing individual tickets
About ordering the Jr pass before arriving, is it definitely not available to purchase the Jr from the airport?
Because someone told I still can!
As of October 2023, it is no longer possible to purchase the Whole Japan Rail Pass in person in Japan.
I am supposed to take Tokyo monorail to Hamamatsu station and transfer JR train to Shinjuku station. Can I use Suica card instead of buying JR pass?
Yes, you can use a SUICA IC card.
Hello. I'd like to ask. I am planning to solo backpack to Japan.
From Day 1 to Day 2 (journey Jakarta to Tokyo Narita), spend half a day in Day 2 exploring Tokyo.
Day 3 to Day 7: Explore Lake Kawaguchiko, the snow wall in the Tateyama Alpine Route, Kyoto, Nara.
Day 8 in Eksplore Osaka.
Day 9 to Day 10 (Back to Jakarta from Osaka Kansai).
Do you have any recommendations for the best route and effective so it's one way and not back and forth? And is it better for me to buy regular tickets or a JR Pass? Thank you so much. Hope to get a response 😊
HI, for your route you may not save using the JR Pass. It also doesn't include full fare to Lake Kawaguchiko. Instead, you might be better off purchasing individual tickets. You might find this video helpful as well: ua-cam.com/video/4828J9OtNiY/v-deo.html
and this one, that covers the Hokuriku Arch Pass: ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.html
@@KenshoQuest thank you, ur so helpful
whats the main difference between using klook with other page? I didnt get that part
With Klook you will be mailed a physical Exchange Order, which you take to Japan. Once you pick up your actual JR Pass in Japan you can make seat reservations. If you buy a JR Pass directly through the official website japanrailpass.net/en/ you can book seat reservations online right away. You can only purchase this way up to one month before you will start using the pass. We recommend this second option if traveling at a super busy time of year, such as Golden Week in spring, or Obon in August.
@@KenshoQuest hi I thought the eki Net website has an option to book seat reservation even if you have bought a JR East pass from a sales agent such as klook. Can you please verify if this is true. Thanks
Is the price for Shinkansen tickets to the trips including the hotel or where do you sleep at night? On the plane?
Sorry, on the train
Hi. Once we get off a Shinkansen train we normally take a couple local trains or a taxi to get to our hotel. We try to choose hotels that are near train stations. These are very fast trains and not overnight sleeper trains.
14 days with my wife in May. first time to japan. I'm going from haneda airport > Shibuya tokyo(4days)> Fuji(day trip/roundtrip)> kyoto(2days)>osaka(4days)>Nara(day trip/roundtrip)>STokyo(rest of trip)>Hakone(daytrip/roundtrip)>Stokyo>airport... So in this situation JR pass 14 days is not worth correct? if so whats the better alternative, I see region passes but still a little confused on the best route to do when it comes to these passes. I also see several bundle packages on Klook. please help if possible, thank you!
Hi, correct, 14 day pass is not recommended. You may not need any pass for your trip as it might not save you any money. However, for your side trips to Mt Fuji and Hakone there are passes that may help you. We have videos on both the Hakone free pass and Fuji excursion, how to get to Kawaguchiko. Please check them
I think most of the Klook bundles are for convenience and may not save you anything.
Assuming your 14 days include arrival and departure which now leaves you with 12 days so no, it's not worth it. (My wife and I always go for at least 18+ full days and we travel up and down Japan so a 14-day pass works for us.)
@@nateshf930314 days includes full days except arrival time, we get there at 4pm so like out first official day is cut short.
@@KenshoQuest thank you for responding! I researched more and did some price comparisons and still seems its better to go individual tickets even after including Nagoya for a day to check out ghibli park if i get tickets to do it.
@@KenshoQuest Would be great to get the sale report of JR Full passes for the last 4 months and compare that to the same period from last year
Going to Japan for 2 months in September. Taking Narita Express to Tokyo Station. Is Narita Express part of JREast railpass?
If not, then no choice but to take JR East to Morioka. Will be staying in Hachimantai-shi and visting family in Miyako on coast. Family will transport in between.
So, it looks like I will need to purchase individual Shinkansen tickets, up and back from Narita and a day trip into Tokyo. Yes/No.
Thank you.
Older parent travelling.
Hi, the JR East Tohoku does include the Narita Express and you can take the shinkansen up to morioka. Please review the pass for more information. Because, It really depends on your time. Since you will be traveling for 2 months a pass may not work for you since they are for consecutive days only. Therefore, individual tickets may serve you best.
Hello, Can the Japan Rail Pass work on other railways (i.e. Meitetsu Nagoya Station / Meitetsu Railways / uSky Limited)? When needing to change reservations after the ticket was issued or missed train, can it be done at the Machine, Office, or Online (then re-issued)? If we purchase Green Car JR Pass, do we still need to buy special ticket for the “NOZOMI” or “MIZUHO” Shinkansen Trains? Or do we need to buy special ticket for "NOZOMI" if we are just regular JR Pass holders? If we have Green Car JR Pass, are we allowed to ride in Ordinary or Non-Reserved Trains? Thank you very much.
Hi. The Whole Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) only covers JR trains. It covers JR local, rapid, limited express, and super express (Shinkansen) trains. Here's our video explaining exactly what's covered: ua-cam.com/video/VyRWmVzbAjQ/v-deo.html
If you have seat reservations with the JR Pass and want to make changes, you can do so at a Ticketing Machine or JR Office. You can also make and change reservations online, only if you purchased the JR Pass directly through the official website: japanrailpass.net/en/
Even if you have a Green JR Pass, you will still need to pay a supplemental fee to ride either the Nozomi or Mizuho. If you have a Green JR Pass you can ride in Ordinary Non-Reserved or make seat reservations for either Ordinary Reserved or Green Class Reserved.
You might find our recent Live Stream about Shinkansen bullet trains helpful: ua-cam.com/users/livesDQVtQeiXcY?feature=share 🌸 Heidi
@KenshoQuest Thanks for clarifying and the links. Always helpful and responsive. The community apprecaites it.
Will be travelling soon to Japan for 8days and would love to hokkaido sapporo. should i get JR pass? or can you plz give me advice where can i save? thank you
Hi, we would need more information about your itinerary before we can give you any advice.
Even if you have 8 full days in Japan, I would definitely save Sapporo for a longer trip unless you've already been to other major parts of Japan and you only want to go to Sapporo. A 7-day full pass is just not worth the money now. (My wife and I have been to Hokkaido 15+ times on a 3-weeks trip using a 14-day or 21-day JR Pass.)
Hello kensho, do you guys have an affiliate link for the mobal e sim?
Hi, yes we do: www.mobal.com/japan-esims/?source=3402
Let us know if you have any questions :)
@@KenshoQuest Made it to japan. Thanks for all your help and your amazing videos!
Is it possible that I buy 1 seven days pass and 1 fourteen days pass?
You could buy both a 7 Day and a 14 Day JR Pass, if they don’t overlap. Will you be traveling all up and down Japan? You may not need JR Passes that cover your whole trip. Here’s how to travel by train without the JR Pass:
ua-cam.com/video/7ejmnpcFFJg/v-deo.htmlsi=B510NGLM6U8XV68V
I don't think I'll be getting it. I've calculated our trip itinerary using Google maps and I'd probably save $150-$200 buying individual shinkansen tickets
For reference: i'm going from Tokyo > Izunokuni > Kyoto > Tokyo
Thanks for sharing!
If we go from Tokyo to Sendai to Kyoto to Nagoya to Tokyo worth the cost of a 14 day JR pass?
Hi, 14 day JR Pass will cost much more than purchasing individual tickets. However, if you added another destination such as Hiroshima then the price becomes much closer.
Hi i wanna ask..
I plan to go from haneda to osaka on 15th april because i wanna go to USJ.and on 18th april im gonna go to tokyo and few days later im going back to my country from haneda.
Do you think i should buy a JR pass or just buy a shinkansen ticket?
For that I would book separate Shinkansen tickets for Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka and Shin-Osaka to Tokyo Station. You will need to get from Haneda to Tokyo Station, as well. Here is our video showing how to buy Shinkansen tickets online: ua-cam.com/video/zwMKE3pmBP4/v-deo.htmlsi=n_QKLP8ugSrPs-YC
@@KenshoQuestoh i forget to mention that im travelling with my 8yo son
Then you might want to book the Shinkansen tickets on Smart EX, so you can choose a child ticket for him. smart-ex.jp/en/index.php Here's our video on how to get a child SUICA card, for local transportation within Tokyo or Osaka: ua-cam.com/video/BbvQurJdOnc/v-deo.html @@fitriamaliah647
@@KenshoQuestthanks a lot for the tip and info.hope your channel will be bigger and more success..😊
This video couldn’t have come at a better time lol;
I just so happened to be watching your videos yesterday, as I’m currently planning my finance & honeymoon trip coming up on April 15th. We’ll be visiting Japan for 12 days.
My itinerary as of now is from when we land to spend days 1-3 in Tokyo
Days 4-6 in Kyoto
Days 6-8 in Osaka
& Days 9-12 back in Tokyo.
My dilemma I’m facing at the moment is where to stay the first few days between Shinjuku, Asakusa, or Ueno
& based on my trip itinerary would you recommend I get the individual train passes or get the JRPASS
Those are all good options of where to stay in Tokyo. Shinjuku is big city, Ueno has museums and Asakusa is more traditional (but not as convenient to get to some parts of Tokyo).
For your route I would recommend purchasing individual Shinkansen tickets for between cities. And using an IC card for local transportation within cities. We covered those topics in our previous video: ua-cam.com/video/7ejmnpcFFJg/v-deo.html And here's our video on how to purchase Shinkansen tickets: ua-cam.com/video/zwMKE3pmBP4/v-deo.html 🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest thank you guys, so much, for always quality & inspiring content!
Much love from New Orleans!
Me too the same! Cheers!
Hello, if i had purchase Jr pass but have not activation yet.Can i book the ticket online with Jr pass?
Hi, only if you purchase directly from the official JR Pass website will you be able to make seat reservations in advance. Otherwise, you will not be able to until you arrive in Japan and exchange your voucher for your actual JR Pass.
🙏your respond.Very helpful.
Tq❣️
Can you tell us about handicapped person using the train in Japan?
Hi, when you approach the gate go to the window, the attendant will notice you and make arrangements to assist you onto the train. Also, please make reservations ahead of time of time at the ticket office. They are very helpful
I was pretty surprised that if you lose your pass then it can't be replaced. Like it's just a little piece of paper that can't be reprinted.
Yeah, better not lose it!
My wife and I kept ours in plastic name badge holders, clean and flat.
What if l stay for 2 months?
Hi, usually visit Japan for 3 months at a time and use different passes speard out when we need to travel long distances within a short period of time such as a week or five days. So the whole JR Pass as well as other regional passes can work well for segments of your trip. The key is to use them when you need to travel a lot and then it can pay for itself.
140.000 yen converts to £73
I pay £270. Per month to travel in london
That convetts to 51724.17 yen.😂
think im good with the increases
Dam the JR pass almost cost as much as my return flight from Sydney 😭
Thanks for all these details! Very helpful! Is the only option to get the JR pass before getting to Japan, by home delivery? Cannot I get a digital pass? We have only a couple of days left before we travel to Japan!
The best option would be to purchase from the official website:
japanrailpass.net/ They will send you an email confirmation and you will also be able to reserve seats online.
Thank you!@@KenshoQuest
Would appreciate $ conversions to USD and Euro. Thank you.
Noted. Sometimes we show conversions, but not always, as many currencies are fluctuating rapidly these days.
Starting to think if is more convenient to just rent a car instead of buying 4 JR passes for a small family..
Hi, renting a car is becoming a popular option. In general, driving in Japan is pretty easy even though they drive on the left side. But please consider that parking in Japan can be hard to find. I recommend you check with all of your accommodations to ensure they have parking or nearby parking. Same for attractions.
Thank you
I agree Jr pass give me the freedom of travelling without worrying about missing or getting on a wrong one resulting extra cost. Bad weather is not a problem just go somewhere else within a day reach. Osaka weather is bad, go to Hiroshima to see what you can and return the same day or Nagoya or even tokyo
. I am chasing cherry blossom now. Can not do it without JR pass. By the way there are many Jr local trains to lower the cost of travelling locally like Yamanote line in Tokyo. Wherever my hotel is, not relevant as long as you can use the local train system.
But it is my way of travelling. you may want to control your trips snd plan everything, then calculate the cost
And compare them
Honestly taking trains in Japan. Or eating Bento, reading a book, chatting with friends at home on Shinkansen speeding at 320kmh is part of the fun.