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All you need to know about Japan rail pass ticket -Do I need reservation? Does it cover bullet train? (Best tickets for foreigners ever)

Travel expense is huge.


Sometimes it really hurts your wallet, but there is always a smart way to save money and travel financially smart.


I know this is the most crucial topic for all the travelers coming to Japan, so in this article, I will talk about the "Japan Rail Pass".


I envy you so much that you can purchase this ticket because Japanese citizens/residents are not allowed to use it...


That's all right because I can eat sushi every day if I want. (what!? lol)

Let's take a look at how to utilize it during your next trip to Japan.



What is Japan Rail Pass?



What is Japan Rail Pass?

Japan Rail Pass is a term-limited pass that all foreigners visiting Japan can purchase and use.

Here is what you can use it for. 
(JR means Japan Railway Company)
  • Bullet train (The famous "Shinkansen")
  • JR local line
  • JR bus
  • Tokyo Monorail etc...


Actually, Japan Rail Pass covers quite a lot, so if you are planning to visit the main cities in Japan (such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya), you basically do not have to worry about the coverage.

If you want to know further detail like very specific area coverage, please refer to the PDF file provided by JR.


How much is it?

(as of 2022/09/25 )


The price per person is as the table above.

As a Japanese, I feel this price is very cheap.
I want to use it so bad...

Let's take a look at how much cheaper than not having it.
I made another table to show one-way prices between the major cities.


So even the below itinerary makes it possible to get your money's worth, given that you purchase 7 days past the normal car.

  • Narita Airport to Tokyo St. (￥3,272)
  • Tokyo St. to Nagoya St. (￥11,300)
  • Nagoya St. to Osaka St. (￥6,680)
  • Osaka St. to Tokyo St. (￥14,720)
  • Tokyo St. to Narita Airport (￥3,272)


The above total is ￥39,244 and you have saved already ￥9,594.


You have 7 days and the above price does not include the local move like the trains and buses, so it is quite obvious that this pass is worth paying.


You can make a pass reservation from your country from the below link.

Japan Rail Pass Reservation URL


When I want to use it for the bullet train, I should...


If you are at the bullet train station, it is so hard to detect which bullet to take, and most Japanese people do not speak fluent English.


Basically, inter-city bullet train has 4 types.

  • Nozomi
  • Mizuho
  • Hikari
  • Kodama 


These 4 are the most frequently used types. 


If you are with the Japan Rail pass, you are not able to Nozomi and Mizuho which is not a problem at all.

With Japan Rail Pass, you can use either Hikari or Kodama.


Kodama stops more than Hikari, so if you want to get a quick move between the cities, I suggest you get on Hikari.

For instance, from Tokyo to Osaka, Kodama takes 4 hours but Hikari only takes 3.


How to buy Japan Rail Pass


Create an account on Japan Rail Pass Reservation URL and proceed to purchase.


That easy.


I do hope your next trip to Japan would be something amazing and fun.

Hope you the safe trip.