Compare Japan Rail Pass and Single Shinkansen Tickets

Published on June 24, 2016
Last updated on June 26, 2025

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 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	¥70,000	¥50,000
14 days	¥110,000	¥80,000
21 days	¥140,000	¥100,000

* 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.

> Tokyo Metro | To Customers Visiting Tokyo | Tokyo Subway Ticket

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.
You have to expect long lines at JR Travel Service Center at airports or JR stations to obtain Japan Rail Pass by presenting your exchange orders.

> 90-minute long line at JR EAST Travel Service Center at Narita Airport

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 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 or at major airports in Japan. Save time and enjoy Japan more.

Disadvantages

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

Buy Shinkansen Tickets Online Now >

What is shinkansen-ticket.com?

Shinkansen-Ticket.com is a Japan-based travel agency specializing in booking Shinkansen and limited express train tickets—including high-demand routes that are often difficult to secure. With nearly a decade of experience, we’ve built a reputation for reliable, flexible, and traveler-friendly service.

We provide both QR code-based tickets for easy station access, ideal for last-minute bookings, and physical paper tickets, which can be delivered to your home abroad, hotel, major post offices, or even a friend’s residence across Japan—perfect for carefully planned itineraries.

Our expertise in Japan’s rail system allows us to offer customized support with a deep understanding of routes, connections, and seating options—including oversized luggage seats, scenic views, and group arrangements.

Trusted by thousands of repeat customers and partnered with numerous hotels and travel agencies, we regularly assist in arranging train tickets for hotel guests and tour clients across Japan.