Many travelers may have the following problems: “I am planning a trip to Japan, but the transportation costs are too high…” or “I plan to take the Shinkansen and trains, but I am not sure if I should buy a JR PASS”.
For example, if you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka to Hiroshima, just the round trip on Shinkansen alone will cost you several tens of thousands of yen. In addition, if you take local trains and limited express trains between tourist destinations, transportation costs may be out of your budget.
This article explains whether it is really worth buying a JR PASS, based on four criteria. We clarify which option best suits your travel style!
1. Determines the frequency of long-distance trips
The value of the JR PASS is proportional to the “distance traveled”.If you travel from Tokyo to Hakata, the 7-day pass will not be cost-effective. On the other hand, if you travel a wide range of distances, from Tokyo to Hokkaido, from Kyoto to Kyushu, the 14-day pass is by far the best value for money.
Calculate the Shinkansen fare between major cities and compare it with the price of the JR PASS. We recommend JR Fare Calculator to calculate the Shinkansen fares.(If after calculating your travel costs you wish to purchase the JR Pass you can do so from the link above)!
2. Duration of the trip and degree of utilization of unlimited trips
If you take a “bullet train trip”, traveling from Tokyo to Osaka, Hiroshima to Fukuoka in seven days, you can make the most of the pass.
Buying a 21-day pass is inefficient if you only have a few travel days. Plan to concentrate your travel days within the validity period of the pass.
3. Comparison with alternatives
Regional passes and airline tickets may be cheaper.If you only want to travel in the Kanto and Tohoku regions, the “JR East Pass” is cheaper than the national version, and if you plan to travel only in Hokkaido, the Hokkaido Rail Pass is better for you.
Consider purchasing passes for specific areas and compare costs.
4. Comfort, no stress
Saving time and effort is another “hidden advantage”. Reserved seats can be booked free of charge (early booking is essential during peak hours).The disadvantage is that you have to wait at the ticket offices, as you cannot use the automatic doors.
During peak periods, be aware of the waiting time at the “JR Window” and go with plenty of time to spare.
Conclusion
The JR PASS is good value for money for “intensive and extensive short-term travel”.Just draw up an itinerary, calculate the fares for the main travel segments with the Fare Calculator and compare them with the JR PASS and regional passes.
