The Ultimate Question: Buy Japan Rail Pass or Single Shinkansen Tickets?
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We provide an online booking service of Shinkansen Tickets.
You can book Shinkansen/Bullet train tickets online here. We purchase tickets for you and deliver to your hotel. Reserve your tickets/seats without the hassle.
One of the questions our customers often ask us: Japan Rail Pass vs Single Shinkansen Tickets
One of the questions our customers often ask us is about the Japan Rail Pass in comparison to buying single Shinkansen bullet train tickets: which is more cost-effective?
To answer their question, we've recently written an article about this for travelers just like you: Compare Japan Rail Pass and Single Shinkansen Tickets >
The bottom line: it depends on the length of your stay and frequency of your rides.
The main issue travelers visiting Japan face is the cost of transportation, especially about riding Shinkansen bullet trains. Shinkansen connects major tourist destinations like Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. If you are planning on quickly and efficiently visiting these cities, riding Shinkansen is the unavoidable and best choice.
Then, the question is how you buy Shinkansen tickets. You have two options:
Buying the mighty "Japan Rail Pass"
If your goal is visiting as many fabulous Japanese cities as possible, as quickly as possible, getting Japan Rail Pass is your best bet.
On the other hand, if you plan to stay in a city for many days or want to plan as you go, the pass is not for you.
Japan Rail Pass comes in 3 durations: 7, 14 and 21 days. For example, the 7-day pass is 29,110 yen for normal reserved seats. Even when your stay is shorter than a week, if your travel plan includes more than a few distant cities, the pass may be cheaper than buying individual Shinkansen tickets.
Please note that Japan Rail Pass can only be purchased BEFORE coming to Japan. After arriving in here Japan there's no way to buy it. If you are planing on buying the pass, please plan in advance.
Also keep in mind that you just can't hop on the train. You have to bring your pass to JR's ticket counter and make reservations, just like buying single tickets.
The pass is NOT valid for the fastest Shinkansen trains like Nozomi and Mizuho. Umm. Japan Rail Pass does NOT allow you to ride the fastest Shinkansen and you have to take a slower Shinkansen that stops at more stations. I like getting to the destination fast and fastest...
Buying single Shinkansen tickets
Buying individual Shinkansen bullet train tickets is the best choice if you want to explore cities in Japan in depth. You can buy tickets as you go, and don't have to feel obligated to taking advantage of rail passes.
Big tourist destinations may require you to stay long if you really want to experience their unique local culture in depth. Even the native locals like us at Shinkansen Ticket have not experienced the entire Tokyo! It's a never ending cultural adventure.
Also, the ancient city like Kyoto can only be really appreciated by staying long and spending slow and relaxed time there.
If this sounds like your travel style, please let us help you to book Shinkansen tickets for you! Start booking your tickets online here >
Want to read more about the comparison?
We have a detailed article for you: Compare Japan Rail Pass and Single Shinkansen Tickets >
About Us: Shinkansen Ticket Online Booking
You can book Shinkansen/Bullet train tickets online here. We purchase tickets for you and deliver to your hotel. Reserve your tickets/seats without the hassle.
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Seat guide
Ordinary Seat
Regular seats used on Reserved cars and Unreserved cars of Shinkansen. Consider it as "economy class" seat.
Green Seat
Better seats with more space than ordinary seats. All Green Seats are reserved only. Consider it as "business class" seats.
Reserved Seat (Ordinary Reserved Seat)
Your seat is reserved and secured when you book your tickets. Head to the station with a peace of mind.
Seats are the same as Ordinary Seat.
Green Reserved Seat
Better seats and free blankets. Popular among Japanese business persons, executives and people who
GranClass
Know as "First Class" of Shinkansen seats. Only available on Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines.
Unreserved Seat
You can take any open seats in unreserved cars of any train on the departure date. (No departure time will be indicated on your tickets.)
The best seat type if your priority is the cost and are traveling during less-crowded season/time.
For further information and photos, please visit official page at http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/ticket/types.html