Is the JR Pass worth it in 2024? Advice and alternative options

So you’ve booked your flights, chosen your hotels, and now wondering whether it’s worth getting the JR Pass for your trip to Japan? While this travel pass for tourists was previously one of the best deals you could get, with unlimited travel for a designated period of time, a lot has changed since the price rise in 2023.

We’ve used the Japan Rail Pass on several trips to Japan, most recently during our one-month winter trip in December 2023/January 2024. We love the convenience it allows us and we managed to save around £130 per person by using the 21-day pass - but that was because we managed to purchase it before the price rise took hold in October 2023. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have quite paid off.

So, with the changes to the pricing of the pass, you’re not alone in considering whether this really is the best option anymore. It’s one of the most-asked questions I receive about Japan and I completely understand why. It can feel a little bamboozling trying to work out if you’re really getting value for money by using the pass anymore.

If you’re looking for a quick answer to whether it’s worth getting the JR pass, then my answer would be, probably not anymore. But that really deserves more explanation and even better, you should know what the alternatives are.

This guide covers everything you need to know to decide whether you should purchase the JR Pass in 2024.

What is the Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a special discount ticket available to foreign tourists visiting Japan. The pass provides unlimited travel on most Japan Railways (JR) trains nationwide for a fixed period depending on the length of time you choose, such as 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. The pass covers a wide range of JR services, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express trains, local trains, and some buses.

The JR Pass is a ticket offered jointly by the six JR Group companies and covers travel throughout most of Japan. For many years, the JR Pass was incredibly good value for visitors with itineraries that visited a few destinations, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. However, since the price rise in October 2023, the price increased around 70% and has made getting value for money from the pass harder. More on that later in this guide.

The JR Pass has been popular not only because it helped tourists save money, but for several other reasons too. Why was the JR Pass so popular?

Unlimited Travel | The JR Pass allows unlimited travel on almost all JR trains throughout Japan during its validity period meaning it can be high-value with the right itinerary.

Coverage | The JR Pass covers not only standard trains but also popular Shinkansen lines, such as the Hikari, Sakura, and Mizuho. It can be used on certain JR buses and JR ferry services as well, such as the ferry to Miyajima.

Flexibility | Within the validity period, you can take as many trips as you want, making it a cost-effective option for travellers planning to explore multiple cities and regions in a specific period.

Convenience | Travel is more convenient and hassle-free travel as you don't need to buy individual tickets for each journey unless you want to reserve seats, and if you purchase your pass directly through the JR pass website, you make your reservations online too.

red train passing over bridge above canal in a cityscape in tokyo on a sunny day

Should I buy the JR Pass?

If you’re wondering whether you should purchase the JR pass, it’s best to use the JR fare calculator to work out whether the cost of the pass you would need would save you money compared to individual shinkansen tickets. Let’s use this 7-day Tokyo > Kanazawa > Kyoto > Tokyo itinerary as an example.

Day 1 | Tokyo > Kanazawa

Day 3 | Kanazawa to Takayama day trip

Day 4 | Kanazawa > Kyoto

Day 7 | Kyoto > Tokyo

Using the fare calculator, you can see that the Japan-wide pass won’t be the best value option. In this case, a 7-day Hokuriku Arch Pass and 7-day Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass would be better value and is one of the alternative options you could consider. If you want a longer stay in each destination, or to add more destinations to your itinerary, another option may be to consider individual journey tickets.

Cost of JR Pass in 2024

The JR Pass prices increased in October 2023 by around 70%, making them less attractive for tourists. The more expensive green car is similar to first-class tickets for trains in Europe, while the ordinary car is similar to second-class or regular tickets.

I don’t recommend spending more for green car tickets, as we’ve always used ordinary cars and the quality and comfort is better than most trains anywhere I’ve travelled. The seats are very spacious and comfortable, including the ability to recline, along with a tray table and power outlets. It’s everything you could need for your journey.

Type	Green	Green	Ordinary	Ordinary
Duration	Adult	Child	Adult	Child
7 Day	70,000 yen	35,000 yen	50,000 yen	25,000 yen
14 Day	110,000 yen	55,000 yen	80,000 yen	40,000 yen
21 Day	140,000 yen	70,000 yen	100,000 yen	50,000 yen

How to use the JR Pass

For first-time visitors to Japan, using the JR pass might seem confusing at first. However, once you’ve understood the process, you’ll see it’s convenient. One of the most important things to note is to purchase your exchange order far enough in advance. You need to get it delivered to your address outside of Japan.

We typically order ours no less than one month before we leave, as it gives us time in case of any delivery delays. Generally, our passes have arrived within two weeks in the past. If you’ve decided the Japan Rail Pass is the right option for you, then be sure to order with enough time before your flight.

The JR Pass must be purchased outside of Japan, typically through authorised agents or online platforms, such as Klook. It is not available for purchase within Japan, so you need to obtain it before your trip.
Choose the length of your pass from 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. The pass starts counting from the date of activation, not the purchase date, so it won’t start until you arrive in Japan and choose your activation date.
Once you’ve purchased your pass, you will receive a voucher or exchange order. This is not the pass, it’s simply proof of your purchase. You need to keep this safe and bring it with you to exchange for your pass once you arrive in Japan.
Upon arrival in Japan, you will need to exchange your voucher for your pass. To do this, you need your voucher and your passport with your tourist visa (or entry stamp/sticker). To exchange, you can go to a designated JR Pass exchange office, which is usually located at major airports, railway stations, and certain travel agencies. If you don’t want your pass to start immediately, you can choose a later date to make sure you get the best use of your pass.
Once activated, the JR Pass allows unlimited travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express trains, and local trains. It can also be used on certain JR buses and ferry services. While you don’t need to purchase tickets, I do recommend reserving your seats for your travel, especially if you need to stick to specific train times. We usually book 1-3 days before our journey so we can secure seats together, especially if they are at busy times.
When you’re ready to travel, simply show your JR Pass at the ticket gate or pop your pass through the barrier - but don’t forget to collect it! For reserved seats on Shinkansen, you need to make seat reservations at JR ticket offices or using the automated machines. Otherwise, you can enter the non-reserved cars and find any available seat. For local lines, such as the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, there are no seat reservations, so just use your pass to enter the platforms and jump on board.

Do you need a JR Pass in Tokyo?

In short, no. The best way to use public transportation in Tokyo is with an IC card such as Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA or similar. These cards work similarly to London’s Oyster or Sydney’s Opal card. It’s a prepaid card that you can top up and then use it to tap in/out of your journey on public transport.

If you are only planning to stay in Tokyo or take a day trip or two to nearby destinations like Kamakura or Kawaguchiko, then it’s also not worth getting the JR Pass. As explained earlier in this guide, there are only certain itineraries that mean you get better value by choosing the Japan wide pass. In this case, a combination of an IC card for local travel and purchasing single tickets for journeys not covered by IC cards will be the best value.

JR Pass Alternatives

Since the price increase, travellers have been looking for alternatives to the JR pass that offer better value. There’s a range of choices, depending on your priorities such as budget, time, or making the most of a region based on your itinerary. From buses and single train tickets to domestic flights, these are the alternative transportation options if the JR pass isn’t the best-value option for you.

Single-journey Shinkansen Tickets

Travelling by bullet train is a must on most tourists' bucket lists when visiting Japan. The convenience, comfort, and speed all make it a great option. Just because the JR pass isn’t worth it for your trip, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on that shinkansen experience. You can purchase single-journey tickets at JR ticket machines when you’re in Japan, or online via SmartEx.

Regional Japan Rail Passes

Many regions in Japan offer passes for unlimited travel within a specific area, a bit like the JR Pass but instead of covering the whole country, it covers a smaller region. Examples of regional rail passes include the Hokkaido Rail Pass, Kansai Thru Pass, and Tokyo Wide Pass. These passes are often more cost-effective if you plan to stay within a particular region, and are definitely worth considering as an alternative to the Japan-wide pass.

Rail Discounts

Some regions offer discounted tickets for tourists, providing unlimited or discounted travel within that specific area. Unlike the regional JR passes mentioned above, these tickets may include various modes of transportation, such as trains, buses, and ferries. An example is the Nikko Pass or Seishun 18 Ticket, both of which are great value for exploring a specific area.

orange train seats under fluorescent lights on the hida railway line

Bus or Coach

Long-distance buses can be a more economical option for inter-city travel, especially if you're flexible with your schedule. Companies like Willer Express and Japan Bus Pass offer budget-friendly options, but I do recommend booking seats in advance, especially during peak periods. Buses are sometimes a slower option, especially for long distances, and they can be less comfortable than the shinkansen. However, if budget is your top priority then this is a great way to travel.

Some bus companies also offer road-equivalent options similar to a JR pass. Willer Express offers 3, 5 and 7-day options, as well as Monday-Thursday or All Day passes. These can be great if you are looking for a super-economical option or enjoy slow travel.

Domestic Flights

While I’m personally a big fan of train travel, sometimes it is faster or more cost-effective to take a domestic flight. There are lots of budget and premium airlines that offer flights between major cities and regional destinations across Japan and it can be a great option if you’re short on time or travelling on a route that would be an otherwise expensive train journey. On our one-month winter trip in 2023/2024, we used the 21-day rail pass and also took a domestic flight from Sapporo to Tokyo - it was just over an hour of travel instead of a day, and it was approximately £80 including checked baggage.

Car Rental

Depending on your itinerary, hiring a car can be a great option in Japan. While I don’t recommend using a car in large cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka because the public transport is so great, choosing to rent a car can be an excellent way to get to less well-connected sites. Renting a car in places like Hokkaido, Okinawa, and Tohoku is a great way to reach incredible natural landscapes and lesser-known towns.
If you plan to rent a car, you will need an international driver's permit. I always rent cars when travelling with rentalcars.com from reputable companies with quality reviews.

Conclusion: Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it in 2024?

The only true way to know is to use the fare calculator based on your itinerary and see if it pays off. But chances are, it probably won’t since the price rise. Better options are most likely individual shinkansen tickets or regional JR passes. My advice is to plan your itinerary, use the fare calculator and go from there.