Japan Rail Pass JR Pass Price Increased October 2023

JR Pass Price Increase : Read This If You Go to Japan In October 2023 or After

ByEvelyn

Are you planning a trip to Japan? If yes, then you have probably heard about the Japan Rail Pass – the ultimate budget-friendly option for exploring Japan through its extensive train network.

However, starting from October 2023, the price of the Japan Rail Pass is scheduled to increase significantly, and you might be wondering how it will affect your travel plans. Don’t worry! In this blog post, we will dive into the price increase, its impact on visitors to Japan, and provide some handy tips to help you plan your trip efficiently.

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this will equip you with the information you need to make the most of your time in Japan. So, grab a cup of tea and read on!

Understanding the Japan Rail Pass

What is the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) ?

The Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass for short) is a special train ticket exclusively offered by the Japan Railways Group, which is the largest railway network in the country. This travel pass is specifically tailored for foreign tourists visiting Japan who are looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the country.

Japan Rail Pass and shinkansen bullet train and Japanese temple and old Japanese village street

I have a whole post dedicated to the JR Pass and all you need to know about it when traveling Japan. You can find it here at “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?”

What Are the Benefits of the Japan Rail Pass ?

  • With the Pass, the holder can use any trains and local buses that are operated by the JR Group for a fixed period of time, without having to purchase separate tickets for each ride.
  • The JR Pass can be used to travel on all JR trains in Japan, as well as most shinkansen like the Hikari, Sakura, Kodama, and Tsubame. The only shinkansen which is excluded are the Nozomi and Mizuho trains. However, the Hikari train is a very similar choice, as it runs only 24 minutes slower than the Nozomi.
blue shinkansen bullet train pulling into a train station about to pick up passengers for long-distanced travel in the morning
  • The Narita Express and Tokyo monorail are included in the JR Pass as well, allowing for transportation between airports and other cities.
  • Moreover, all local JR buses, such as the JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokai Bus, West Japan JR Bus, Chugoku JR Bus, JR Shikoku Bus, and JR Kyushu Bus, are also covered.
  • The JR Pass unfortunately does not cover express buses going between cities or subways (as they are not owned and operated by the JR Group). Most ferries are excluded too, with the exception of the JR-WEST Miyajima ferry.

Who Is Eligible to Purchase the Japan Rail Pass?

To get a JR Pass, you must be a foreign visitor with the sole purpose of sight-seeing, as declared as a ‘Temporary Visitor’ in your passport upon arrival in Japan.

You must have a corresponding stamp in your passport in order to receive the JR Pass at a ticket office.

Foreign Visitor to Japan Passport with Temporary Visitor Entry stamp from Japanese customs eligible for a Japan Rail Pass JR Pass purchase

The JR Pass Price Increase

When Will the Price Increase Take Effect?

On May 4th, 2023, the Japan Railways Group has confirmed of an increase in price for the much-loved Japan Rail Pass. The price increase is scheduled to be in October 2023.

More details regarding the actual date will be announced by the Japan Railways Group soon.

How Much Does the New JR Pass Cost starting from October 2023 ?

See the price chart below, which displays the current JR Pass price if purchased from a JR-designated agency, or purchased on the official JR Pass website, compared to the new increased price starting from October 2023.

Comparison of Japan Rail Pass JR Pass current price vs new October 2023 increased price for adult ticket

* Child’s fare is half of the Adult’s fare

What Is the Reason for the Price Increase ?

  • The Japan Rail Pass has received some incredible upgrades lately by the JR Group :
  • The Shinkansen network has expanded to cover even more areas in Japan
  • Additionally, purchasing and reserving your JR Pass and seats has become easier thanks to an efficient and user-friendly official website
  • Passengers can now enjoy automatic ticket gates for added convenience, eliminating the need to visit a manned counter before every train ride
  • To make things even more convenient, sales prices will now be consistent across all JR designated sales outlets, agents, and the dedicated website
  • For passengers who would like to ride the fastest Nozomi bullet train (which was previously not included in the JR Pass), good news! Starting from October 2023, you can use the JR Pass and pay for an additional separate ticket to ride the Nozomi train.

However, these upgrades result in an increased cost for the JR Pass, starting in October 2023 and going forward.

How the JR Pass Price Increase Affects Travelers

How Will the Price Increase Affect Budget Planning ?

The upcoming price hike could affect your budget planning in a few ways :

  • You’ll need to spend more money on the pass than before : For instance, a 7-day ordinary Japan Rail Pass will now cost 50,000 yen, which is 20,350 yen (around $151 USD) more than the previous price of 29,650 yen. This is almost 70% increase in price. This added expense could affect your travel budget, and may require you to adjust your itinerary or spending habits in other areas.
  • If you’re traveling with a group or family, the cost of multiple passes can quickly add up : For example, a family of 4 people would now need to pay 200,000 yen total for a 7-day ordinary Japan Rail Pass, which is 81,400 yen (around $604 USD) more than the previous price of 118,600 yen.
  • However, it’s worth noting that the Japan Rail Pass can still offer good value if you plan to travel extensively throughout the country. For example, a 7-day Japan Rail Pass allows you unlimited access to most areas in Japan, using high-speed bullet trains (Shinkansen), which can save you a significant amount of money on transportation costs.
  • Additionally, the Pass is incredibly convenient and easy to use, and can save you time and hassle when navigating Japan’s complex transportation system. Just hop on any JR train or shinkansen whenever you like, and ride in the unreserved compartment.

So take these factors into consideration when you decide whether you want to buy the Pass or not.

How Will the Price Increase Affect Itinerary Planning?

The upcoming Japan Rail Pass price increase could have a significant impact on your itinerary planning. Here are a few ways the price increase may affect your trip :

  • The increased cost of the Japan Rail Pass may force you to adjust your itinerary and travel plans : For example, you may need to cut back on the number of days you spend in certain areas, or stay in more budget-friendly accommodations to make up for the additional cost of the Pass.
  • The price increase may make it challenging to fit all your desired destinations into your itinerary in order to make the price tag worthwhile : For instance, if you were planning to use the Japan Rail Pass to travel between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, the increased cost of the Pass may require you to cut back on your time spent in one or more of these destinations to fit in more places, in an effort to make the Pass worthwhile.
  • However, the Japan Rail Pass can still offer decent value, even with the price increase, for travelers who plan to travel quickly and to many different areas in a short period of time. Therefore, carefully consider your itinerary and travel needs before deciding if the Pass is the right option for you.
Use JR Fare Calculator to figure out if your itinerary and total transportation cost is worth getting the Japan Rail Pass JR Pass
An example of how to use a JR Fare Calculator to figure out your total trip transportation costs, and compare it to the price of the JR Pass
  • How to do figure out if the new JR Pass price is worth it ? Use a JR Fare Calculator to see if you itinerary fits inside the fixed time frame of a JR Pass (7/14/21 days), and if all those train rides is worth the price of purchasing a JR Pass. Find the JR Fare Calculator and my step-by-step guide on how to calculate your total transportation costs in this post.

Are There Any Alternative Options for Getting Around Japan?

The upcoming price increase might make some travelers think about exploring alternative transportation options. Although the Japan Rail Pass is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel across Japan, there are other options to consider.

  • One alternative is to use local trains and buses, which are usually more affordable than the Japan Rail Pass, especially for shorter distances. While local trains may not be as fast as the bullet trains, they can still provide a comfortable and scenic way to travel around Japan.
  • Another option is to check out budget airlines such as Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan, which offer more cost-effective ways to travel between major cities. These airlines often offer discounted fares, and with careful planning and booking in advance, you can find some fantastic deals on flights.
  • Or consider using a specific Regional Pass if you want to explore a specific region or city in Japan. For example, the Kansai Thru Pass offers unlimited travel on trains and buses in the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, for a set number of days. Similarly, the Tokyo Metro Pass (24/48/72-hour) allows unlimited travel on Tokyo’s subway lines for a set number of days.

Tips for Efficient Trip Planning

Plan to Maximize the Usage of the Japan Rail Pass

It is essential to plan your itinerary carefully to get the most out of your Pass. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip efficiently and maximize the usage of your Japan Rail Pass :

  • Plan your itinerary in advance : Decide early on which cities and attractions you want to visit. This will help you determine the most cost-effective way to use your Japan Rail Pass. You can use online resources such as Hyperdia to map out your routes and check train schedules.
HyperDia – a great navigation app/website to use to plan your train or metro routes in Japan
  • Optimize travel during the Pass’s duration : Your Japan Rail Pass is valid for a specific period (7/14/21 days only), so it is crucial to make the most of your long-distance travel during that time. Use your pass for the longer and more expensive trips first and then use it for shorter trips towards the end of your trip.
  • Take advantage of Shinkansen : Shinkansen (bullet trains) are the fastest and most efficient way to travel long distances in Japan. With your Japan Rail Pass, you can take unlimited rides on most Shinkansen trains, and save both time and money to travel between major cities.
  • Use local trains for short trips : While the Shinkansen is the most efficient way to travel long distances, it may not always be the best option for shorter trips. Consider using local trains for shorter trips instead, as local trains can be more frequent and convenient within a city.
  • Reserve seats in advance : To avoid any inconvenience, reserve seats in advance for some Shinkansen trains, especially during peak travel seasons, which can be done for free with your Japan Rail Pass.
  • Be mindful of rush hours : Rush hour in Japan can be very crowded, so plan your trips around peak travel times and try to avoid rush hours (7 AM to 9 AM, and 5 PM to 8 PM), especially if you have large luggage.

By planning your itinerary carefully and utilizing your Japan Rail Pass effectively, you can save both time and money during your trip to Japan. Remember to do your research beforehand and take advantage of the pass’s benefits to get the most out of your travels.

Consider Alternative Transport Options

For travelers who have decided not to purchase a JR Pass, there are still plenty of transportation options available in Japan. Here are some tips to help you plan your itinerary efficiently :

Smart prepaid IC card Pasmo 24 hour pass to travel within Tokyo by metro subway
  • Use Local Transports : Japan has an extensive public transportation system that includes trains, buses, and subways. Depending on where you’re traveling to, it may be more cost-effective to use local transportation rather than a JR Pass. For example, if you’re only planning to explore Tokyo, purchasing a Tokyo Metro Pass or a Pasmo or Suica IC card may be a better option than a JR Pass. These cards can be used on all trains, subways, and buses in Tokyo, making it easy and convenient to get around the city.
  • Consider Express Buses : While trains are often the preferred mode of transportation in Japan, buses can be a more affordable alternative for certain routes. For example, traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto by bus can be significantly cheaper than taking the Shinkansen bullet train. Some popular bus companies in Japan include Willer Express and Japan Bus Lines.
Willer Express Highway Bus Express Bus transports passengers to different areas of Japan
  • Take Advantage of Night Buses : If you’re traveling long distances in Japan, consider taking a night bus. These buses typically run overnight and can be a cheaper option than a train or plane ticket. Plus, you’ll save on the cost of a hotel room for the night. Many night buses also offer comfortable seats that recline, so you can get some rest while traveling.
  • Use Discount Air Carriers : If you’re traveling to destinations that are further apart, it may be more cost-effective to fly. Japan has a number of discount air carriers, such as Peach Aviation and Jetstar Japan, that offer affordable flights to many destinations throughout the country. Be sure to check the baggage fees and any other additional fees before booking.
  • Rent a Car : While it may not be practical for every traveler, renting a car can be a great way to explore Japan at your own pace. This is especially true if you’re traveling to more remote areas where public transportation may not be available. Just be sure to factor in the cost of gas, tolls, and insurance costs when budgeting for your trip. Additionally, make sure to research International Driving Permit and driving laws and regulations in Japan before renting a car.
  • Use Regional Passes : If you plan to travel within a specific region of Japan, regional passes may be a more cost-effective option than a JR Pass. For example, the Kansai Thru Pass offers unlimited rides on subways, buses, and private railways in the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
  • Take Advantage of Group Discounts : If you’re traveling with a group, you may be able to take advantage of group discounts on transportation, offered by the Japan Railways Group or other companies.

Purchase the Japan Rail Pass Before the Price Increase Takes Effect

Here are some tips for travelers who plan to purchase a Japan Rail Pass before the price increase takes effect :

  • Know your travel dates : Make sure you have a clear idea of when you’ll be traveling to Japan and for how long. The validity of the Japan Rail Pass starts from the day you exchange it for an actual pass in Japan and activate it, so you want to make sure you don’t activate the pass too early or too late.
  • Purchase from authorized sellers : There are many third-party agencies selling the Japan Rail Pass, but it’s important to purchase from JR-designated agencies to ensure that you receive a valid pass at great price.
  • Understand the usage rules : The Japan Rail Pass has specific rules and restrictions for use, such as not being able to use it on Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains, or on subways. Make sure you read and understand the rules before you travel.

By following these tips, travelers can purchase their Japan Rail Pass before the price increase takes effect and plan their trip efficiently to make the most of their pass.

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travel!

Post You Might be Interested In

– Wonder what awesome tips you could get in order to hit the ground running and navigate Japan smoothly and stress-free, with or without a JR Pass ? Read my “12 Ultimate Tips for Taking Tokyo’s Public Transport With Ease” post here.

– Interested in knowing more about the all-time favorite and super awesome Pasmo and Suica IC cards? Read my “Stress-Free Tokyo Travel with IC Cards : Everything You Need to Know” post here.

– Wonder what the JR Pass everyone talks about all the time is? More importantly, if getting a JR Pass would be a good idea and save you a lot of money on transportation costs in your trip? Get concise and practical answers here in my “Japan Rail Pass : Answers to All Your Questions, and Is It Worth Buying?“ post.

– Do you need an easy, convenient, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo with luggages ? Read my “Airport Limousine Bus – The Convenient Way to Get from Narita Airport to Central Tokyo” post here. Going to Haneda airport instead? Read this post.

– Do you need a fast, easy, and economical way to get from Narita International Airport to central Tokyo ? Read my “The Narita Express (N’EX) : Fast and Easy Travel from Airport to Tokyo” post here.

And much more – Check out all of my posts here on the Main page.

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