Is the JR Pass worth it? Updated price calculator
Enter your route, adjust the number of travellers and instantly check whether the Japan Rail Pass saves you money compared with individual Shinkansen tickets. Prices in euros and yen.
The JR Pass goes up in price on 1 October 2026. See details →
Add at least two cities
Choose your route to see whether the JR Pass is worth it.
| Leg | Per person | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Total tickets | — | — |
How to work out whether the Japan Rail Pass saves you money
The pass is worth it when the total of individual tickets exceeds its price. The tool automatically calculates the price of each leg in euros and yen, so you can compare it with the cost of the pass at a glance. The rule of thumb: if your route includes at least Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima (or an equivalent distance), the 7-day JR Pass starts to be worth it. Adding Fukuoka or Sendai almost always tips it clearly in its favour.
Short routes rarely justify it. The Tokyo–Kyoto Shinkansen leg is ~75 € per person in ordinary class (one way). The basic Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka loop return adds up to ~163 € in individual tickets, compared with 284 € for the 7-day pass — a difference of more than 120 € per person that is better spent on accommodation or activities.
Bear in mind that the JR Pass does not cover the metro of any city or the regional private trains (Hankyu, Kintetsu, Odakyu). It also does not cover the Nozomi and Mizuho trains, the fastest on the Tokaido-Sanyo line: with the pass you must use the Hikari or the Kodama. To get around within cities you will still need an IC card (Suica or ICOCA). If your route is regional, there are alternatives to the national JR Pass such as the Kansai Area Pass or the Kyushu Pass, cheaper and focused on specific areas.
JR Pass price in 2026
Children aged 6 to 11: 50% of the adult price. Under 6: free (no seat included). Indicative prices; always check on the official JR website.
Prices of the most common Shinkansen legs
Reference prices per person in ordinary class, one-way leg. Use the calculator above to compare your full route against the pass.
Prices without a seat reservation surcharge. They may vary by date and availability.
The JR Pass goes up in price in October 2026
JR has confirmed a fare revision effective 1 October 2026. These will be the new prices per person in ordinary class:
If your trip is before October 2026, the current prices still apply. If you travel after, the pass will already be sold at the new price. The voucher is valid for 3 months to exchange, so there is no advantage in buying it early unless you travel within that window at the old price.
In addition, the departure tax from Japan also rises from 1,000 ¥ to 3,000 ¥ per person, which affects the total trip cost regardless of the JR Pass.
Frequently asked questions about the JR Pass price
Is the JR Pass worth it for the Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka route?
For the classic Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka route return, individual tickets add up to ~163 € per person (Tokyo–Kyoto ~75 €, Kyoto–Osaka ~8 € and Osaka–Tokyo ~80 €). The 7-day JR Pass costs 284 €, so it is not worth it for this basic route. However, if you add Hiroshima or Fukuoka, the balance flips. Check it in the calculator above with your exact route.
How much does the JR Pass cost in 2026?
The ordinary class prices are: 7 days 50,000 ¥ (284 €), 14 days 80,000 ¥ (455 €) and 21 days 100,000 ¥ (568 €) per person. The Green Car (first class) costs about 40% more in each duration. For more detail on what it covers and when it is worth it, see the complete JR Pass guide.
Where do you buy the JR Pass?
It can be bought before leaving home from authorised distributors such as jrpass.com, Klook or Japan Experience, with prices in euros and home delivery. It can also be bought in Japan at JR offices in Narita, Haneda and Kansai airports, although the price at the destination is 10 to 15% more expensive. The JR Pass guide explains step by step how to buy and exchange it.
Does the JR Pass cover the Nozomi Shinkansen?
No. The Nozomi and Mizuho trains, the fastest on the Tokaido/Sanyo line, are excluded from the JR Pass. With the pass you will have to use the Hikari or the Kodama, which take 15 to 45 minutes longer between Tokyo and Osaka. In practice the difference is acceptable: there are Hikari trains every 30 minutes.
Can you buy the JR Pass once you are in Japan?
Yes, since October 2023 it can be bought in Japan at JR offices in the main airports and large stations. However, the price in Japan is 10 to 15% more expensive than buying it in advance from home.
Does the JR Pass cover the Tokyo metro?
No. The JR Pass does not cover the Tokyo metro (neither Tokyo Metro nor Toei), or the metros of Osaka or Kyoto. To get around within cities you will need an IC card such as the Suica or the ICOCA, which works on all metros and city buses in Japan. See how to get around Tokyo for more detail.
When do you need to activate the JR Pass?
The JR Pass is activated in Japan, at a JR office in the airport or the main stations. You can choose the start date at the time of exchange: it does not have to be the day of arrival. Once activated, the days count consecutively until midnight on the last day of validity.
Does the JR Pass include the Narita Express?
Yes. The Narita Express (N'EX), which connects Narita airport with Tokyo, Shinjuku and Yokohama, is included in the JR Pass. A seat reservation is recommended, which is also free with the pass.
Can I reserve seats for free with the JR Pass?
Yes. Seat reservations on the Shinkansen and Limited Express trains are free with the JR Pass. You can make them at the ticket offices of the main JR stations or at the reservation machines. It is recommended to book in advance in high season (Golden Week, Obon, New Year). See when to travel to Japan to plan by season.
When does the JR Pass start counting?
The JR Pass starts counting from the start date you choose at the time of exchange in Japan. The voucher is valid for 3 months to be exchanged. Once you set the start date, the days run consecutively until midnight on the last day.
Do children pay for the JR Pass?
Children aged 6 to 11 pay 50% of the adult price. Under-6s travel free, but without the right to their own seat: they must sit on an adult's lap or pay the child price if they want a seat. If you travel as a family, also check the guide to Japan with kids.
Is the 7 or 14-day JR Pass better?
The 7-day one (284 €) is ideal for routes of 7 to 10 days covering the classic route or similar. The 14-day one (455 €) is worth it if the trip lasts 2 weeks and you combine distant regions such as Hokkaido, Tohoku or Kyushu. Use the calculator above to see which pays off based on your itinerary.
What is the difference between the Ordinary JR Pass and the Green Car?
Ordinary class is the standard included in the JR Pass base price. The Green Car is Japanese first class: wider seats and more quiet, but it costs about 40% more (7 days: 398 €, 14 days: 625 €, 21 days: 795 €). For most travellers ordinary class is more than enough on journeys of 2 to 3 hours.
What happens if I lose the JR Pass?
The JR Pass is not replaced in case of loss or theft. You will have to pay for individual tickets for the rest of the trip. It is essential to keep it carefully and separate from your passport.
What alternatives are there to the JR Pass?
If the national JR Pass is not worth it for your route, there are cheaper regional passes: the Kansai Area Pass (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe; from ~30 €), the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (~80 €), the JR East Pass for northern Honshu or the Kyushu Pass for the south. Read the details in the JR Pass guide.
Does the JR Pass go up in price in 2026?
Yes. JR is announcing a price increase on 1 October 2026. The new ordinary class prices will be: 7 days 53,000 ¥ (~301 €), 14 days 85,000 ¥ (~483 €) and 21 days 105,000 ¥ (~597 €). If you travel before October 2026, the current prices still apply. The departure tax from Japan also rises from 1,000 ¥ to 3,000 ¥ per person.
Is it worth buying the JR Pass before the October 2026 increase?
If your trip is before October 2026, there is no difference: the price you pay today is the one that applies. If your trip is after October, the pass will already be sold at the new price. The voucher is valid for 3 months to exchange from purchase, so buying far in advance does not guarantee the old price for a trip after October.