What is the JR Pass?
The JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) is an unlimited travel pass for JR (Japan Railways) lines across Japan, including the Shinkansen bullet train. It's available in 7-day (¥50,000), 14-day (¥80,000), and 21-day (¥100,000) versions.
When is the JR Pass worth it?
The JR Pass is generally worth it if you're travelling long distances across Japan. A single Tokyo–Osaka Shinkansen return costs around ¥28,000, so if you combine it with a trip to Hiroshima or Fukuoka the 7-day pass pays for itself.
However, if you're spending most of your time in one region (e.g. Tokyo + day trips, or Osaka + Kyoto), a regional pass is almost always cheaper.
JR Pass 2026 prices
| Pass | Price (JPY) |
|---|---|
| JR Pass 7-day | ¥50,000 |
| JR Pass 14-day | ¥80,000 |
| JR Pass 21-day | ¥100,000 |