3 ways to buy the Japan Rail Pass at a more affordable price!
@Wallpaper Flare
With so many interesting and fun places to check out in Japan, travelers often need to consider the best option for traveling around the country. Fortunately, Japan is a nation revered for its public transportation, and much of these facilities are accessible via the Japan Rail Pass, from Tokyo, to Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, and more!
This specialized travel pass allows unlimited access to a vast majority of the Japan Railway’s transportation network all at one price. For many, this single price comes at a great value given the accessibility, flexibility, and convenience, but did you know that the JR Pass can be had at even more affordable prices depending on when, where, and how you purchase it?
With the significant price increase being implemented for the pass starting in October of 2023, more and more travelers have been looking at options to maximize the value of their passes, and in this article, we’ll provide you with three different tips for getting the pass at as affordable a price as possible!
- More information about the price increase and other changes can be found here.
1. Book your pass before arriving in Japan!
As of 2019, the Japan Rail Pass has been available to purchase directly from JR upon arriving in Japan. For those who are a bit on-the-fence on whether they want a pass, this option presents some added flexibility, however, purchasing directly at a Japan Railway office in the country at stations within cities like Tokyo or Osaka entails a higher price.
Booking your Japan Rail Pass through a third-party agency, such as Japan Experience, has the pass start at prices of 29,650 yen for the Adult 7-Day Pass. Within Japan, this price starts at 33,610 yen, a difference of almost 4,000 yen, a good amount of savings that can go towards a great meal or some nice souvenirs when out and about in the country!
Here is a full breakdown of the price differences between the Ordinary National Japan Rail Pass options between buying within Japan and through Japan Experience:
| Pass Type | Online Price | Domestic Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Adult’s 7-Day | 29,650 yen | 33,610 yen |
| Ordinary Children’s 7-Day | 14,820 yen | 16,800 yen |
| Ordinary Adult’s 14-Day | 47,250 yen | 52,960 yen |
| Ordinary Children’s 14-Day | 23,620 yen | 26,480 yen |
| Ordinary Adult’s 21-Day | 60,450 yen | 66,200 yen |
| Ordinary Children’s 21-Day | 30,220 yen | 33,100 yen |
Here is the same price breakdown but for the Green National Japan Rail Pass that includes access to the more luxurious Green Car seating options:
| Pass Type | Online Price | Domestic Price |
|---|---|---|
| Green Adult’s 7-Day | 40,750 yen | 44,810 yen |
| Green Children’s 7-Day | 19,800 yen | 22,400 yen |
| Green Adult’s 14-Day | 64,120 yen | 72,310 yen |
| Green Children’s 14-Day | 32,060 yen | 36,150 yen |
| Green Adult’s 21-Day | 83,390 yen | 91,670yen |
| Green Children’s 21-Day | 41,690 yen | 45,830 yen |
This price differential becomes even more substantial as the pass options become more costly. With the 21-day Ordinary Pass, buying such within Japan costs almost an additional 6,000 yen compared to Japan Experience and for the Green Pass iteration, over 8,000 yen!
2. Keep track of the exchange rate before you buy!
The Japan Rail Pass price is determined by Japan Rail Group in yen, and with Japan Experience, the price in foreign currencies varies depending on the exchange rate with a basis of this Japanese standard price. It’s because of this, the Japan Rail Pass price tends to fluctuate by country and time.
As of recent, the Japanese yen has had some difficulties retaining its value in comparison with other currencies in the world, making travel to Japan as a whole enticing to foreign visitors who can explore the country at some of the most affordable prices in ages. And aside from general travel expenses, savings can be made with the Japan Rail Pass as well.
For reference, in 2023 up to this point, 1 USD has had an average value of 136 yen, 1 GBP has had an average value of 172 yen, and 1 EUR has had an average value of 148 yen. This will also affect expenses within the country and not just the price of the Japan Rail Pass, so traveling to Japan is currently at the best value it's been in quite a while!
Especially as of recent, the exchange rate has been quite volatile, so it may be best to track exchange rate trends and purchase a Japan Rail Pass, as well as handle other travel-related expenses, when rates dip to assure the most savings as possible. Essentially, where a bit ago, purchasing the 7-day Japan Rail Pass would have cost nearly 300 USD, in 2023, it is nearing only 200 USD. The effect of these kinds of exchange rates can be very big for travelers coming from countries whose currency stacks up well with the Japanese yen.
3. Book your pass with us before September 29th, 2023!
As previously mentioned, the Japan Rail Pass will be increasing in price fairly significantly from October of 2023. However, for those who order their Japan Rail Passes online, the voucher sent to you can be exchanged for the actual, usable Japan Rail Pass after arriving in the country up to 3 months after being issued.
That means that any passes ordered by September 29th of 2023 will be issued prior to the price update and are usable up to the end of December. Essentially, travelers who are making plans for Japan by the end of this year can still benefit from the current, more affordable JR Pass prices. While post-update prices can still be a way to save money and continued flexibility benefits, still having the chance to purchase at the current prices will provide even an even greater monetary value.
Map of the Japan Rail Pass network
@Japan Experience
Typical costs of travel in Japan
The average costs of travel in Japan naturally depend on a variety of factors. From business and capsule hotels, to world-class luxury hotels, to our specialized rental homes that allows travelers to live in residential spots like a local, accommodation comes in many forms. The same often goes for things like food, and luckily Japan is a great place to enjoy affordable, yet delicious street food, while simultaneously being home to the most Michelin award-winning restaurants in the world. Add the variety of different activities to engage in for people of all hobbies, be it anime, fashion, or history, and it can be difficult to calculate what travel in Japan will cost. Fortunately, things like train travel are fairly constant amongst visitors, and the prices of such are easily calculated.
For example, a typical round-trip Shinkansen bullet train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto averages at around 14,000 yen depending on train, travel-times, and reservation status. This is often the first-leg of the so-called "Golden Route" in Japan. After this, Hiroshima a bit further south on Honshu Island is a common destination. From Kyoto, this trip usually goes for around 11,000 yen, and from Hiroshima, much of the rest of the country is free-reign to travel with the Shinkansen bullet train network which is included in the cost of the Japan Rail Pass. Pre-calculating and getting a rail pass if such fits with your itinerary is one way to keep costs consistent, and buying the pass at its most affordable price possible just means that more funds can be allocated to more memories on your trip! However, it's also important to note our tip on tracking exchange rates from earlier, as these prices may not mean the same as they were a few years back depending on the strength of the currency in your home country. For many, the weaker yen presents an ideal opportunity to save on all facets of Japan-based travel!
Saving money both on and with the Japan Rail Pass!
With the Japan Rail Pass existing as a means of both convenience and financial savings, it’s only natural to try and get it for the best deal possible! With these three helpful tips, soon-to-be-travelers to Japan can maximize their savings, especially given the upcoming price increase in October. No matter what, the Japan Rail Pass will remain a solid option for smooth and affordable travel within Japan. This is especially applicable for those who are making plans to travel to the country by the end of December of 2023, as they are still able to purchase the pass at its current prices and use it by the end of the year!
