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The Japan Rail Pass
Fast, punctual, efficient: Japan has the best rail network in the world, spearheaded by the world renowned Shinkansen or 'Bullet' Trains with their romantic names such as Hikari (Light) or Kodama (Echo). The way to see Japan is undoubtedly by rail and the Japan Rail Pass can be the most convenient and value for money way of doing this.
The pass is only available to non-Japanese visitors and big savings can be made!
Japan Railways group sell several different passes; one covers the whole of Japan whereas the others cover three of the regions. Using one of these passes often (but not always) offers the most economical way of seeing Japan. It does, however, depend on the itinerary you intend to follow. We are always happy to advise on which pass, if any, is best for you.
You can not buy a Japan Rail Pass in Japan. You must purchase a voucher in advance, which after arrival in Japan, can be exchanged for the pass itself.
Click here for full details of terms of use.
The Japan Rail Pass covers the whole of the country and can be used on all JR lines with the exception of the Nozomi Shinkansen. The pass comes in durations of 7, 14, or 21 days. If you plan on travelling extensively throughout Japan this can be a very economical way of doing things.
Perhaps the best thing about this pass is the freedom it affords you; you can travel at any time and on any line. The pass comes into its own if you plan on making several long journeys by Shinkansen. An example would be journeying from Tokyo to Osaka, on to Hiroshima and back to Tokyo all within a period of 7 days. The standard fare for this would ordinarily be almost £250: A 7 day pass from us costs just £161.
Type of Pass | 7 Day | 14 Day | 21 Day |
Ordinary | £161 / $306 | £250 / $475 | £317 / $602 |
Green | £211 / $401 | £336 / $638 | £433 / $823 |
Please note: children of 11 years and under receive a 50% discount on the  above fares.
Children of 5 years and under travel free of charge.
There are two classes of travel on Japanese trains - Ordinary and Green (first class). Travel by green car is the utmost in luxury train travel and by using the JR Green Pass need not be all that more expensive.
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The East Japan pass covers the whole area to the North East of Tokyo up as far as the 'Seikan' Tunnel which joins the main island of Honshu with the North island of Hokkaido. This is one of the most fascinating regions of Japan and the various passes available from JR East make it easy and affordable to get around this beautiful area.
The East Japan rail pass comes in several variations which meet the needs of different itineraries - 5 day, 10 day, and a 4 day flexi pass which can be used on non-consecutive days.
Type of Pass | 5 Day | 10 Day | 4 Day flexi |
Ordinary | £116 / $220 | £180 / $342 | £116 / $220 |
Youth | £95 / $181 | £143 / $272 | £95 / $181 |
Green | £159 / $302 | £248 / $471 | £159 / $302 |
Please note: children of 11 years and under receive a 50% discount on the above fares.
Children of 5 years and under travel free of charge.
Youth Pass is available to those aged 12-25
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The JR West 'Sanyo' area pass is valid for travel on the Sanyo Shinkansen Line from Osaka to Fukuoka and the local JR services which connect with that line. This is a great pass for those wishing to explore these Western regions and has the bonus of being the only rail pass which can be used to travel on the Nozomi Shinkansen - the flagship of JR's fantastic fleet. Also running on the Sanyo Line is the luxury 'Rail Star', an 8 carriage Shinkansen where all the seats are of a first class standard.
Type of Pass | 4 Day | 8 Day |
Ordinary | £116 / $220 | £170 / $323 |
Please note: children of 11 years and under receive a 50% discount on the above fares.
Children of 5 years and under travel free of charge.
There is no 'Green' standard JR Sanyo Pass
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If sunnier climes are what you crave the the JR Kyushu pass may be for you. The pass is available for 5 or 7 day periods. The pass will give you ample time to explore the hot springs, bubbling volcanos and stunning beaches of this laid back island. Getting around takes a little longer in Kyushu as there are no Shinkansen lines on this island but the scenery is rugged and spectacular. A trip round Kyushu is a chance to see a more laid back easy-going side of Japan.
Type of Pass | 5 Day | 7 Day |
Ordinary | £90 / $171 | £116 / $220 |
Please note: children of 11 years and under receive a 50% discount on the above fares.
Children of 5 years and under travel free of charge.
There is no 'Green' standard JR Kyushu Pass
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All prices listed on this page are subject to change. We endeavour to keep them up-to-date but please contact us for current pricing information.
The various Japan Rail Passes can offer excellent value for money and convenience. However, they are not always the best way to organise your trip. Give us a call on (UK) 0870 746 1044, or e-mail us and we will be more than happy to advise on all aspects of your trip to Japan.
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