The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a nationwide rail ticket for overseas visitors, offered jointly by the six JR Group companies in Japan. It covers JR Group trains from Hokkaido to Kyushu for 7, 14 or 21 days, and as of October 2026 an adult 7-day Ordinary pass costs 50,000 yen on the official JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation website. Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains are excluded unless the holder buys a separate NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket.
| Ordinary, adult (JR Group’s own site) | 50,000 yen (7 days), 80,000 yen (14 days), 100,000 yen (21 days) |
|---|---|
| Green Car, adult (JR Group’s own site) | 70,000 yen (7 days), 110,000 yen (14 days), 140,000 yen (21 days) |
| Ordinary, adult (overseas agencies) | 53,000 yen (7 days), 84,000 yen (14 days), 105,000 yen (21 days) from October 1, 2026 |
| Who can use it | Foreign tourists with Temporary Visitor status. Some Japanese nationals living abroad |
| Nozomi and Mizuho trains | Not covered. A separate NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket is sold to pass holders |
| Voucher (Exchange Order) deadline | Exchange for the pass within 3 months of the issue date |
Checked in October 2026 against japanrailpass.net.
If you’re planning a trip to Japan, transportation costs can quickly add up, especially if you’re visiting multiple cities. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the JR Pass, including its benefits, how to purchase it, how to use it, and the latest pricing.
What is the JR Pass and Who Can Use It?
The JR Pass is a special discount ticket offered by Japan Railways (JR) Group, which operates the majority of Japan’s train network. It allows unlimited travel on JR-operated trains, including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains (except for the fastest “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” services), local trains, and some JR buses and the ferry to Miyajima. This pass is ideal for tourists planning to visit multiple cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, as it significantly reduces transportation costs.
Eligibility
There are two types of individuals who can use the JR Pass:
- Foreign tourists visiting Japan with a “temporary visitor” status.
- Japanese nationals residing abroad for at least 10 consecutive years and carrying proof of residency.
Where Can You Travel with the JR Pass?
The JR Pass covers JR-operated services across the country, from the northernmost island of Hokkaido to the southern island of Kyushu. Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima are all accessible, and it also includes most local JR Bus routes and the JR ferry to Miyajima in Hiroshima. However, note that it does not cover private railways or subways like Tokyo Metro, and certain Shinkansen services like “Nozomi” are excluded.
Types of JR Passes and Updated Prices
There are two main types of JR Passes: Ordinary (Standard) and Green Car (First Class). Each pass can be purchased for different durations based on the length of your stay. The prices below are for the official JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation website. Overseas agencies charge more for purchases made on or after October 1, 2026.
Ordinary (Standard Class) Pass:
- 7 days: ¥50,000
- 14 days: ¥80,000
- 21 days: ¥100,000
Green Car (First Class) Pass:
- 7 days: ¥70,000
- 14 days: ¥110,000
- 21 days: ¥140,000
The Ordinary Pass allows travel in regular cars, while the Green Car Pass offers access to Green Cars (first-class seats), which are more spacious, feature additional amenities like footrests, and are ideal for those who want a more luxurious experience.
How to Purchase the JR Pass
You can buy the JR Pass before arriving in Japan or after landing, and the official JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation website charges less than overseas agencies.
Before Your Trip
Before arriving in Japan, you can purchase a voucher from authorized sales agents or online through the JR Pass website. Once you arrive, this voucher can be exchanged for the actual pass at designated JR offices at major airports and train stations.
After Arriving in Japan
If you choose to buy the pass after arriving, you need to buy it on the official JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation website, because JR ticket offices in Japan stopped selling it on October 1, 2023. You then pick up the pass at a designated JR ticket office or ticket machine.
How to Use the JR Pass
Once you’ve obtained your JR Pass, you can start using it immediately. At JR stations, insert your pass into an automatic ticket gate or show it to staff at a manned gate. Always carry your passport with you, as it may be required for verification.
For longer routes, such as the Shinkansen, it’s recommended to reserve seats in advance, especially during peak travel periods like Golden Week or New Year’s holidays. You can make reservations at the “Midori no Madoguchi” ticket offices in major JR stations or online if you purchased the pass on the official JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation website.
Is the JR Pass Worth It?
The JR Pass is highly recommended if you’re planning to visit multiple cities. For example, a round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto typically costs around ¥28,000. A 7-day pass costs ¥50,000 on the official website, so you would need to add another long trip, such as a round trip from Kyoto to Hiroshima, before the pass pays for itself. Additionally, the convenience of unlimited travel means you won’t have to worry about buying individual tickets for each trip.
***It’s important to note that recent price increases have changed the value proposition of the JR Pass. While the cost-benefit ratio might not be as favorable as before, the pass still offers significant convenience for travelers.
Having unlimited access to trains throughout Japan eliminates the hassle of purchasing individual Shinkansen tickets for every journey, which can be a time and energy-consuming process even for locals. The simplicity and ease of use make it a valuable option for those looking to explore multiple regions of Japan without the stress of managing separate tickets.
Conclusion
The JR Pass is an excellent investment for tourists wanting to explore Japan. With the flexibility of unlimited travel and the savings it offers, it’s a perfect option for those looking to visit multiple destinations in the country. Whether you opt for the Ordinary or Green Car version, the JR Pass ensures a hassle-free and economical way to travel across Japan.
For the most current information and to purchase your pass,
visit JRPass.com, an authorized overseas sales agent
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the JR Pass price go up in October 2026?
JR Pass prices rose on October 1, 2026, but only at overseas agencies. For purchases from that date, an adult 7-day Ordinary pass costs 53,000 yen at JR-designated agencies overseas, up from 50,000 yen. The official JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation website kept its price at 50,000 yen, and the JR Group says prices there will stay unchanged for a limited time.
Can you ride the Nozomi Shinkansen with a JR Pass?
The JR Pass alone does not cover Nozomi or Mizuho Shinkansen trains, including non-reserved seats. Pass holders can ride them by buying a NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket before boarding, one for each ride. The ticket costs 4,960 yen for Tokyo to Kyoto or Shin-Osaka and 6,500 yen for Tokyo to Hiroshima.
Do seat reservations cost extra with the JR Pass?
Seat reservations cost nothing extra with the JR Pass. Holders can book reserved seats at a reserved seat ticket machine or a Midori no Madoguchi ticket office in JR stations. People who bought the pass on the official JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation website can also book seats on that site before picking up the pass.
Do you need a Temporary Visitor stamp to get a JR Pass?
Foreign visitors need a passport stamp or sticker reading Temporary Visitor to pick up and use a JR Pass. Entry staff add it on arrival in Japan, but the automated immigration gates at the airport do not. Travelers should go through a staffed gate or ask a clerk to put the stamp or sticker in the passport.
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