The JR Pass Nationwide (commonly known as the JR Pass or Japan Rail Pass) is Japan’s most comprehensive Japan train travel pass, offering unlimited travel on the entire JR (Japan Railways) network. It covers all four of Japan’s major islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku.
With the JR Pass, travellers get access to local trains, limited express trains, and most Shinkansen bullet trains (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho). It also includes some buses and even ferries operated by JR. This pass is particularly useful for tourists wanting to explore Japan train travel in depth, as it allows for spontaneous travel without the stress of buying individual train tickets for each journey.
The JR Pass is ideal for:
The JR Pass is the most flexible and cost-effective way to enjoy Japan train travel. Here is why:
| Type Map | Passenger | 7-Day | 14-Day | 21-Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Class | Adult | 50,000 Yen | 80,000 Yen | 100,000 Yen |
| Ordinary Class | Child (6–11) | 25,000 Yen | 40,000 Yen | 50,000 Yen |
| Green Car Class | Adult | 70,000 Yen | 110,000 Yen | 140,000 Yen |
| Green Car Class | Child (6–11) | 35,000 Yen | 55,000 Yen | 70,000 Yen |
Note: Green Car is Japan Rail’s first-class service, offering larger seats, more legroom, and a quieter, premium travel experience.
| Shinkansen bullet trains | Rapid and Local trains (JR lines) | JR bus and ferry services | Airport Transfers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokaido Shinkansen | Yamanote line (Tokyo) | JR West Miyajima ferry | Narita to Tokyo (Narita Express) |
| Sanyo Shinkansen | Chuo-Sobu line (Tokyo) | JR Hokkaido Bus | Haneda to Tokyo (Tokyo Monorail) |
| Hokuriku / Nagano Shinkansen | Keihin-Tohoku line (Tokyo) | JR Tohoku Bus | Kansai Airport to Osaka (Haruka Express) |
| Hokkaido Shinkansen | JR Nara line (Kyoto) | JR Kanto Bus | Kansai Airport to Kyoto (Haruka Express) |
| Tohoku Shinkansen | JR Sagano line (Kyoto) | JR Tokai Bus | |
| Yamagata Shinkansen | Osaka Loop line (Osaka) | West Japan JR Bus | |
| Akita Shinkansen | Tozai line (Osaka) | JR Chugoku Bus | |
| Kyushu Shinkansen | JR Shikoku Bus | ||
| *Excluding Nozomi and Mizuho | JR Kyushu Bus |
What Is Not Included in Regular Fare That the JR Pass Gives You for Free?
| Type | Pass Duration | Itinerary Example | Total Value Without Pass | Pass Price | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR Pass Ordinary | 7-Day | Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Fukuoka → Tokyo | 60,000 Yen+ | 50,000 Yen | 10,000 Yen |
| JR Pass Ordinary | 14-Day | Tokyo → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Osaka → Himeji → Hiroshima → Fukuoka → Tokyo | 85,000 Yen+ | 80,000 Yen | 5,000 Yen |
| JR Pass Ordinary | 21-Day | Tokyo → Nikko → Sendai → Aomori → Hakodate → Sapporo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Fukuoka → Kagoshima → Tokyo | 135,000 Yen | 100,000 Yen | 35,000 Yen |
| JR Pass Green Car | 7-Day | Tokyo → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Hakata (Fukuoka) → Tokyo (long Shinkansen routes, reserved seats daily) | 75,000 Yen+ | 70,000 Yen | 5,000 Yen + added comfort |
| JR Pass Green Car | 14-Day | Tokyo → Kyoto → Osaka → Okayama → Takamatsu → Hiroshima → Hakata → Beppu → Tokyo | 120,000 Yen+ | 110,000 Yen | 10,000 Yen + first class |
| JR Pass Green Car | 21-Day | Tokyo → Nikko → Sendai → Aomori → Sapporo → Hakodate → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Hiroshima → Fukuoka → Kumamoto → Kagoshima → Tokyo | ≈ 175,000 Yen | 140,000 Yen | Save ≈ 35,000 Yen + premium travel |
| Feature | Ordinary Pass | Green Car Pass |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Type | Standard reserved or non-reserved seats | First-class seats (Green Car) |
| Comfort Level | Good comfort with decent legroom | Spacious seating, extra legroom, and reclining seats |
| Noise & Atmosphere | Moderate (can get crowded in peak season) | Quiet, relaxed environment – fewer passengers |
| Travel Style | Budget-friendly for general sightseeing | Ideal for premium travel, long rides, or business trips |
| Seat Reservation | Optional, free with pass | Required (but guaranteed priority access) |
| Ideal For | Backpackers, families, budget travellers | Luxury seekers, couples, business travellers |
| Available Routes | All JR lines included | Same as Ordinary, but in Green Cars only |
| Seasonal Benefit | May be full during peak travel times | Reserved comfort even during high seasons |
| Overall Experience | Efficient and practical | Premium, relaxing, and exclusive |
Step 1: Purchase Your JR Pass (Exchange Order)
Step 3: Use Your JR Pass with Ease
Important Notes
⭐5/5
We visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima in 7 days. The JR Pass cost is reasonable and the most convenient way to explore Japan.
⭐5/5
No need to buy tickets every time. Just flash the JR Pass and hop on. It saved us time and made the whole trip much smoother.
⭐5/5
We travelled with kids using the 14-day pass. It made family travel affordable and fun and the kids loved riding the Shinkansen.
⭐5/5
This was our first trip to Japan, and the JR Pass made everything easier. We covered Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and back to Tokyo.
⭐5/5
We purchased the Green Car for comfort and peace. The seats were spacious and it was much quieter. Perfect for long Shinkansen rides.
⭐5/5
With the JR Pass, we reserved all our seats in advance using the ticket machines. No stress during Golden Week.
⭐5/5
It even included the ferry to Miyajima and the Narita Express. The airport transfers alone saved us thousands of yen.
⭐5/5
We did not have a strict plan, so the JR Pass was perfect. Unlimited rides meant we could decide each day where to go.
⭐5/5
The exchange process was smooth at Narita Airport. The JR staff were helpful, and the pass worked on every route we planned.
⭐5/5
If you are going to more than two cities, the JR Pass saves money, time, and stress. 100% recommended.
The JR Pass Nationwide (Japan Rail Pass) is a special all-in-one train pass for foreign tourists, offering unlimited rides on JR trains, Shinkansen, selected buses, and ferries.
Only foreign passport holders visiting Japan on a "Temporary Visitor" visa status are eligible.
No. Only non-resident foreign travellers with tourist visas can use the JR Pass.
You can choose from 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days of unlimited travel.
JR Pass Nationwide prices vary by duration and class. For example, the 7-day Ordinary Pass is 50,000 YEN. Green Car and longer durations cost more.
It covers most Shinkansen, except the fastest services (Nozomi and Mizuho).
Yes, on JR-operated lines like the JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo and the JR Loop Line in Osaka.
No. It only works on JR lines, not city subways like Tokyo Metro or Toei lines.
Yes, it includes Narita Express, Kansai Airport Express Haruka, and other JR airport trains.
Yes, the JR Pass covers the ferry from Miyajimaguchi to Miyajima Island.
Yes! Take the Hokkaido Shinkansen from Aomori to Hakodate, and continue on local JR lines.
Yes, it covers all JR trains in Kyushu and Shikoku.
Purchase it from authorized agents, such as H.I.S. Travel Malaysia online in advance for better pricing.
Seat reservations are optional for Ordinary Class but required for Green Car travel and strongly recommended during peak seasons like Golden Week, Obon, and New Year. The good news is that seat reservations are completely free with the JR Nationwide Pass. You can easily book seats at JR ticket counters, station machines, or online (if purchased via the official site), with no additional cost.
No, seat reservations are optional for most Ordinary Car (standard class) trains. However, for Green Car (first class) travel, reservations are mandatory.
You can reserve seats in the following ways:
-At JR ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi)
-At JR station ticket machines (supporting English)
-Online (if you purchased your JR Pass through the official website)
Advance online seat reservations are only available if you buy directly from the official JR Pass website. If you purchase through an authorized agent, you can reserve seats after arrival in Japan once your pass is activated.
You can reserve seats on:
-Most Shinkansen (except Nozomi/Mizuho)
-Limited Express trains
-Rapid and Local trains with reserved seating sections
-JR-operated sightseeing trains
There is no strict limit. You can reserve as many rides as needed during the validity of your pass, one reservation per train per person.
Yes. When reserving at a counter or machine, you must present your valid JR Nationwide Pass and your passport (at counters only).
If you miss your reserved train, you can board the next available unreserved car on the same route. You cannot transfer the seat reservation to a later time.
Yes. You can cancel or change your reservation at any JR ticket office or machine, as long as it is done before the train’s departure time.
No. You must have a reservation to sit in a reserved seat. Otherwise, you can use unreserved cars or make a new reservation at the station.
Exchange your voucher at a JR exchange office in Japan and choose your activation date (up to 30 days ahead).
Only if the pass has not been activated. Once activated, the date is fixed.
No, you cannot buy a JR Pass nationwide after arriving in Japan. You can purchase the Pass from authorized agents, such as H.I.S. Travel Malaysia.
Yes, especially if you are visiting multiple cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka — it can save you money even on a 7-day trip.
Use apps like NAVITIME Japan or Google Maps (with JR line filters).
Absolutely. Ride as many trains as you like during your pass validity — it is unlimited.
Unfortunately, the JR Pass is non-replaceable. Treat it like cash and store it securely.
Some overnight trains are covered, but sleepers and private compartments often require an extra fee.
Green Car offers first-class seats with more space, quieter cars, and added comfort. It is ideal for long rides and luxury travel.
No. You must choose Green or Ordinary when you first purchase the pass.
Yes. Small and medium bags are fine. Large luggage (over 160cm in total dimensions) may require seat reservations with luggage space on some Shinkansen.
Yes. Children aged 6–11 pay half the adult price. Children under 6 ride free if they do not occupy a seat.
Yes. You can cancel your Pass if it has not yet been exchanged in Japan. Refunds are available within 11 months of purchase, minus a 15% cancellation fee. The original Exchange Order must be returned to the issuing travel agency.
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