About the 2023 Japan Rail Pass Price Increase JRパスの値上がり

What is the Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass (often shorted to JR Pass) is a specialized ticket for foreign travelers to Japan that is distributed by the Japan Railways Group, the largest organization to manage domestic public transportation. Much of the major lines, including those of the cross-country traversing Shinkansen Bullet Trains, are operated by this group. 

How much is the JR Pass increasing in Price? 

The update details can be seen in this table below (as of now, numbers are only available in JPY): 

The base price is seeing a fairly significant increase, averaging at around 69%, but with this come other changes that are worth noting. After the price update, the currently un-accessible Mizuho and Nozomi Shinkansen that goes between Osaka and Kagoshima and Tokyo and Hakata respectively, will become rideable with a small supplemental charge. These bullet trains operate much faster than a lot of others and are currently only able to be boarded with a separate ticket, not the JR Pass. Also, there will be additional discount tickets available for certain tourist attractions thrown in. Despite the price change, these additions are a nice upgrade.  

When does the increase come into effect? 

The update comes into effect in October of 2023. Meaning that actual prices are still applicable before then. In addition, it should be noted that this only applies to purchases made after the update, not usage. 

How does this affect the value of the JR Pass?

The value of this popular option objectively takes a hit with this change, but that is not to say that there is no value or savings to be had. We can assess the value in relation to the expenses of a typical trip in Japan:

A typical excursion made is that of Tokyo to the Kansai region, and then back. Roundtrip, Tokyo to Osaka and back costs, on average, 27,000 to 30,000 JPY. This excludes any trips done to other parts of Kansai, such as Kyoto or Kobe, that are often conducted during an itinerary of this nature. As of pre-update, this journey alone would equate to the amount paid for a 7 day National Pass plus more. Post-update, this option exceeds the expense of a Tokyo to Kansai trip, however, it’s important to consider the additional trips made by those who plan on using the JR Pass in the first place. 

Kanto to Kansai alone may not be enough to fully optimize the value of the JR Pass, but the many other destinations people intend to travel to surely are enough to see fruitful savings. In addition to Kansai, travelers can make their way out to Shikoku or Hiroshima, and from Kanto, commute to areas in Tohoku and Hokuriku will be covered as well.   

Additionally, the holders of the JR Pass are not limited strictly to high-speed rail. Within many towns and major cities, a majority of the express, limited, and local railways are operated by the Japan Railways. A large number of buses and even some ferry rides, such as the one from Hiroshima to Miyajima, are included operated by JR as well. The access granted for visitors on the more local scale is something that should not be overlooked when considering the value of this option. 

For example, a day pass for the Tokyo Metro is 600 JPY for an adult. While this is undeniably a good deal, local travel expenses can pile up quickly even with these day tickets, so the options definitely add to the savings. 

The JR Pass has always been an excellent option for those who have itineraries that span many different areas. While this increase objectively is a hit to the overall value, it by no means results in a scenario where no savings are to be had, but it'll largely be contingent on the nature of a visitor’s itinerary. 

For first time travelers to the country who may not be fully used to rail travel and/or have plans to see as much as possible, this will remain a very fruitful option even from October onward. 

Regional Pass : An alternative to the Japan Rail Pass

While the National Japan Rail Pass can still serve as an excellent deal for travelers with an array of destinations on their to-go list, an alternative for some who wish to concentrate primarily on specific regions in Japan is that of the regional passes. 

Regional passes operate similarly to the national version, but focus on a specific area of travel. There are an array of options for different regions to choose from, including the aforemntioned Kansai Region, the southern area of Kyushu, the most northern island of Hokkaido, other parts of Honshu, like Hokuriku and Tohoku, and many more. The Kansai Wide Area Pass that allows access throughout this region via train, bus, and even ferry, goes for 75 USD. 

For seasoned travelers who wish to take a deeper dive into their favorite regions of Japan, this poses as an excellent deal and more affordable alternative to the national version even at the current, more affordable listing. Many of these also include access to Shinkansen between certain stops within the specific region, meaning there is very little compromise in terms of speed and accessibility. 

What are some Regional Passes to look into?

With this option under the radar of many who may not be able to utilize the National JR Pass to its full potential, many ask which Regional options may be best for them. We've compiled a few itineraries for potential tourists to look into. 

The most popular options are that of the Hakone Free, Kansai Wide Area, Hokkaido, Shikoku, and Kyushu Passes.

Any of these would be great options, however we highly suggest options that incorporate Shinkansen, as access to these contributes to greater deals and savings since the bullet train is inherently the most costly railway option.

Will the Japan Rail Pass still be worth it after the price increase?

For years, the pass has been hailed as one of the most advantage-filled package travel deals in the world, not just in regards to travel in Japan. Ultimately, the value this holds after the price-hike in October of 2023 depends on the itineraries and goals of individual travelers, but the same could be said for its current iteration.

What are some of the best ways to get the most out of a Japan Rail Pass? 

It may take a bit more effort and planning to get the most out of the JR Pass. With the price increase of the Japan Rail Pass, the most common route "Tokyo <> Kyoto " rule no longer holds true. If you plan on traveling between just two destinations, buying point-to-point tickets may be cheaper than using the JR Pass. However, if you're venturing further afield and making more stops, the pass will represent better value.

One of the major benefits of the National JR Pass is the flexible access nationwide that is not limited to specific regions. Therefore, itineraries that combine accessible areas of different regional passes will benefit the most. 

For example, if you want to explore Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima in addition to Tokyo, activating your seven-day pass on the day you leave Tokyo and arriving at your final destination on day seven will give you the most value. Try to move around as much as possible during the period your pass is activated, and then stay in one destination for the remainder of your trip

How can you save money on buying the JR Pass after the price increase? 

Using a prior example, From Tokyo to Osaka costs an average of 16,600 JPY. Excursions within the surrounding Kansai area vary, and are not a far distance, but the sheer amount of them can add up significantly. For example, a trip to Kyoto from Osaka and back will go for around 2,800 JPY, and then to Okayama and back can cost around 11,000 JPY. This can all be covered with the National JR Pass.

Moreover, it makes more sense  (depending on your itinerary), to activate your JR Pass immediately for airport transfers and onwards, and use the JR network as much as possible. In Tokyo and Kyoto, opt for the above-ground train system, which is run by JR, instead of the subway, which is not.

To maximize the value of your pass, thoroughly research the places you want to visit and plan your route accordingly. While the JR Pass may not be worth it for the "Golden Route" of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, it can still provide significant savings for those looking to venture beyond these popular destinations.