In Japan, railway lines connect each major city, so we recommend traveling by train.
The train is on time.I often use trains when traveling within Japan because it’s easy to plan.
There is a useful product called the Japan Rail Pass that can be used on trains and buses throughout Japan.
Although it is a very convenient product, but it does not benefit everyone.
I will introduce you to cases in which it is better to purchase a Japan Rail Pass and cases in which it is better not to purchase it.
Better to buy
If you plan to visit many places while in Japan,
We recommend purchasing the Japan Rail Pass, which can be used on trains and buses throughout Japan.
Train fee (without Japan Rail Pass)
From Narita Airport, it will cost you 58,360 yen to visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and return to Narita Airport.
| Narita Airport ⇄ Tokyo Station | Round trip | 6,140 yen |
| Tokyo Station ⇄ Kyoto Station | Round trip | 28,340 yen |
| Kyoto Station⇄Hiroshima Station | Round trip | 23,880 yen |
| Total | 58,360 yen |
Train fee (with Japan Rail Pass)
If you use the Japan Rail Pass, you save 8,360 yen.
| Narita Airport ⇄ Tokyo Station | Round trip | 0 yen |
| Tokyo Station ⇄ Kyoto Station | Round trip | 0 yen |
| Kyoto Station⇄Hiroshima Station | Round trip | 0 yen |
| Japan Rail Pass (7 days) | 50,000 yen |
Better not to buy
If you don’t plan on visiting a lot of places, there is no benefit to buying the Japan Rail Pass.
Train fee (without Japan Rail Pass)
From Narita Airport, it will cost you 34,480 yen to visit only Tokyo, Kyoto and return to Narita Airport. Cheaper than buying a Japan Rail Pass.
| Narita Airport ⇄ Tokyo Station | Round trip | 6,140 yen |
| Tokyo Station ⇄ Kyoto Station | Round trip | 28,340 yen |
| Total | 34,480 yen |
Types of Japan Rail Pass
Prices vary depending on the number of days available.
You can also purchase passes that give you access to special seats.
| Available days | Fee | green car (special seat) |
| 7days | 50,000 yen | 70,000 yen |
| 14days | 80,000 yen | 110,000 yen |
| 21days | 100,000 yen | 140,000 yen |
How to purchase Japan Rail Pass
You can also purchase it on the JR website from one month before your scheduled boarding date.
You can receive your digital voucher and reserve your seat online using the same website.
How to use Japan Rail Pass
When using a train that requires a reservation
You can reserve your seat online on the JR website.
When using trains that do not require reservations
Once you arrive in Japan, you can exchange your digital voucher for a Rail Pass at the airport or at most major train stations.
Bring your digital voucher and passport (with short-term stay stamp) to the ticket counter.
You will receive a rail pass.
You can board the train just by passing your rail pass through the automatic ticket gate.
There is no need to wait in line to buy a ticket or show your pass to the station staff.
