Can I use JR Pass for Nozomi?

Japan Rail Pass is not valid for “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” trains(including non-reserved seats). To travel on Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen lines, Japan Rail Pass holders have to take “Hikari” trains, “Kodama” trains or “Sakura” trains(see the next page).



As of 2026, you cannot use the standard Japan Rail (JR) Pass to ride the Nozomi or Mizuho Shinkansen trains for free. These are the fastest categories of bullet trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. However, since late 2023, the JR Group introduced a special supplemental ticket called the "[ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket". This allows pass holders to board these premium services by paying an additional fee for each segment (for example, roughly ¥4,960 for a Tokyo to Kyoto trip). Without this extra ticket, your JR Pass only covers the slightly slower Hikari, Sakura, and Kodama trains. While the Nozomi is more frequent and has fewer stops, the Hikari is often only about 20 minutes slower on the popular Tokyo-to-Kyoto route. Most travelers find that the included services are sufficient, but the "add-on" ticket is a helpful option if you are in a major rush or need a specific departure time not served by the Hikari.

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The PASS is valid on all Japan Railways (JR) Group Shinkansen “bullet trains” (except for the “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains), limited express trains, express trains, and local trains (Green Car passes are valid for Green Car travel) in addition to the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit system).

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Differences in Fares For example, a reserved seat from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka on a Nozomi train costs 14, 450 yen, while the same seat on a Hikari or Kodama costs 14,140 yen. Please keep in mind that you might not be able to sit down when you buy a non-reserved seat ticket if the train is particularly crowded.

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Apart from that, the train, on board service and amenities are all the same. So you may ask:“Why is the Nozomi excluded from the JR Pass?” The answer is twofold. One reason is to keep the Nozomi for commuter travel only, and second is to offer the JR Pass at the price it currently is.

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The main difference here is that the Nozomi stops at the least amount of stations, the Hikari only at the most important stops and the Kodama at each stop along the way. This way business people can travel fast from meeting to meeting, while tourists can get off at their desired stop, like Mt.

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The Japan Rail Pass gives you access to JR train lines countrywide, with very few exceptions. With your pass, you can take unlimited rides on most shinkansen (bullet trains), as well as on rapid, express and local JR trains.

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With the Japan Rail Pass, you can ride on all JR trains, including the Shinjuku Line, without paying additional fares. However, it's important to note that the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on other non-JR train lines, such as private railways or subways.

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What is Tokyo to Osaka bullet train cost? With the travel time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, Nozomi Tokyo to Osaka one-way ticket costs around 160 USD.

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The JR Pass covers all JR network express, fast and local trains. Shinkansen high-speed trains are also covered, including NOZOMI and MIZUHO services with the purchase of a special ticket (from October 2023).

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The JR pass is only worth it if you travel through different cities, if you are just travelling to Tokyo to Kyoto for example, I would just pay on the Suica. You can do the online calculator or just use google to calculate which trip is easier - paying individually on Suica or getting a JR Pass.

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Important notice: JR Pass Green Class holders are required to book their seats, as non-reserved seats in Shinkansen are only available for ordinary class.

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Each person will need their own JR Pass.

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For a limited time only, you can buy a Japan Rail Pass from certain train stations and airports in Japan. Travelers should be aware it is more expensive to buy a JR Pass in Japan than to purchase the pass online.

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If you are traveling to multiple cities in Japan and plan on using the bullet train (Shinkansen) or other long-distance trains (local, express or limited-express trains), then the JR Pass can be a cost-effective option.

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The fastest train is Nozomi which reaches an operating speed of 300 km/h (185 mph).

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