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Compare Japan Rail Pass and Single Shinkansen Tickets

Here is an article on comparison of Japan Rail Pass and single Shinkansen ticket.

This article explains and compares Japan Rail Pass and single Shinkansen ticket purchased. Which is better and cost-effective for your travel in Japan. It all depends on your style of travel. In some instances, Japan Rail Pass and single Shinkansen ticket can be wisely mixed. Continue reading to find your answer.

 

What is the Japan Rail Pass?

Japan Rail Pass is offered to non-Japanese tourist entering with "temporary visit" stamps on their passport upon entry to Japan. The pass is suitable for travelers who often ride trains for longer than 7-days. 

The islands of Japan are served by 5 separate Japan Railways Group (JR) companies: JR-HOKKAIDO, JR-EAST, JR CENTRAL, JR-WEST, and JR-KYUSHU. Each company offers train passes valid within their respective areas at a lower price than a full Japan Rail (JR) Pass. If your trip is limited to a certain area, local passes might fit your needs better.

NOTE: Our website, Shinkansen-Ticket.com does not sell any passes.

For Japan Rail Pass information in details: Official Japan Rail Pass Website >

Who should buy Japan Rail Pass?

  • Your trip to Japan is longer than 7 days.
  • You have NOT arrived in Japan yet. You have to buy the pass BEFORE arrival.
  • You plan to ride long-distance trains often; if your stay is 7-day, maybe riding long-distance trains among more than three cities would worth Japan Rail Pass. If you stay in ONE or TWO CITIES for many days, it may be NOT for you.
  • Non-Japanese tourist who enters Japan with "temporary visitor" stamp on his/her passport upon entry. It may NOT be purchased by residents of Japan.

How Much Does Japan Rail Pass Cost?

Duration (Consecutive Days)  Green Seats Normal Reserved Seats
7 days
¥39,600
¥29,650
14 days
¥64,120
¥47,250
21 days
¥83,390
¥60,450

* The price is per adult passenger. A child pass is priced at half of adult's. 

Advantages

  • Your train cost can be reduced if you plan to ride long distance Shinkansen "bullet train" frequently; If you travel more than three cities during your 7-day stay in Japan, Japan Rail Pass would be your choice.

Disadvantages

  • If you do NOT travel long distances on the train often, it could be cheaper to buy single Shinkansen and other express train tickets.
  • Usage is limited to JR trains. In big cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto, the other companies' train/subway is more common. For example, you can buy the Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72-hour) for 800/1,200/1,500 JPY and travel within Tokyo more smoothly and cost-effectively than Japan Rail Pass.
  • Usage is partly limited. Japan Rail Pass can NOT be used for the fastest Shinkansen train types like Nozomi and Mizuho. You have to take a slower Shinkansen that stops at more stations.
  • The pass itself is NOT valid for train rides. You can NOT reserve your seats online or before coming to Japan train station. You have to book and receive your own ticket by presenting your pass at JR ticket offices. This could be a risky choice for family/group travelers who want to have seats together.
  • You have to buy the pass BEFORE coming to Japan. You can NOT buy Japan Rail Pass after your arrival in Japan. You have to decide while you are in your home country.
  • You have to expect long lines at JR Travel Service Center at airports to obtain Japan Rail Pass by presenting your exchange orders.

Can I buy Japan Rail Pass in Japan After Arrival?

Unfortunately, you can not buy Japan Rail Pass while you are in Japan*. You have to buy it before coming to Japan. This is to prevent residents of Japan to take advantage of the pass. If you are already in Japan, book Shinkansen tickets easily from us now!
*There are few places that you can buy Japan Rail Pass in Japan temporarily.

 

Purchasing Single Shinkansen Tickets from Us

Buy Shinkansen Tickets Online Now >

Although Japan Rail Pass is great for travelers who want to jump from one city to another often in a short period of time, it may not be economical for travelers who want to explore fantastic Japanese cities in depth by staying many days in each city.

Furthermore, group/family travelers who need to reserve seats in the same space for sure are recommended to use Shinkansen-Tickets.com to securely book seats before arriving in Japan.

If that is your case, Shinkansen-Tickets.com booking specialists are here to assist and book Shinkansen tickets for you online.

Who is it for? Advantages of Booking Single Shinkansen Tickets

  • You plan on staying in one city for many days and move to another infrequently.
  • You want to change your plan as you go.
  • You don't want to feel like you have to rush from one city to another so that you don't waste your Japan Rail Pass.
  • You want to securely book reserved seats for your group/family before arriving in Japan or going to a train station in Japan.
  • You want to get on the fastest Shinkansen train types like Nozomi and Mizuho and don't want to take a slower Shinkansen that stops at more stations.
  • You don't want to line up at the stations. You want to order from home and just receive a ticket at your hotel. Save time and enjoy Japan more.

    Disadvantages

    • If you end up riding Shinkansen often, it will be expensive. 

    Buy Shinkansen Tickets Online Now >

    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.

    Seat guide

    Shinkansen seats are available in four levels depending on the comfort and services your require.

    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 values comfortable travel. Consider it as "business class" seats.

    GranClass Seat

    Know as "First Class" of Shinkansen seats. Only available on Hokuriku and Tohoku Shinkansen lines. Gran Class seats comes with airline-like amenities and meals.The most expensive of all.

    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