Can Japan Rail Pass be used for bullet train?

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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The JR Pass is the most cost-effective way to travel around Japan for most visitors. The pass offers unlimited access to all JR public transport including Shinkansen bullet trains, buses, ferries, and airport transfers, for a very cheap, discounted price.

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With a national Japan Rail Pass, you can travel on many (but not all) Shinkansen without making prior reservations. Just board one of the non reserved cars - these are marked ??? - pronounced jiyuseki. Take any unoccupied seat, or stand if there are none available.

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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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With your Japan Rail Pass The cities of Tokyo and Kyoto are linked to each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen Line. A one-way trip from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station on a Hikari or Kodama train costs 13,080 yen (unreserved seat) or 13,800 yen (reserved seat), but is completely free with a JR Pass.

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Trains rarely sell out except at peak travel times. The Nozomi sells out the quickest and there are only three non-reserved cars, so it is best to get a seat reservation in advance on these trains. The Hikari, and especially the Kodama, have more non-reserved cars and rarely sell out.

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You can make reservations right up to train departures, although during national holidays such as Golden Week, Obon or New Year, 3-4 days in advance is necessary. If you are in a large party and want to sit together, I recommend reserving seats for your journeys at the beginning of your stay.

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The Shinkansen service which runs from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto Station is the fastest way and it's covered by the JR Pass. The bullet train time is only 15 minutes.

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Yes, the Japan Rail Pass is valid for the entire line and all JR lines branching of it. Using your pass to explore Osaka this way, is a very cost-efficient option.

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Can I use the JR Pass in Kyoto? Yes, to a limited extent. JR lines run to the west and south of Kyoto, with access to highlights such as Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari and Uji.

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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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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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Shinkansen or bullet train In only about 2 hours and 30 minutes, it can take you from Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in Tokyo. However, it is not covered by your JR Pass, and you must purchase a one-way ticket that costs 13,620 yen (unreserved seat) or 14,650 yen (reserved seat).

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Shinkansen or bullet train In only about 2 hours and 30 minutes, it can take you from Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka to Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station in Tokyo. However, it is not covered by your JR Pass, and you must purchase a one-way ticket that costs 13,620 yen (unreserved seat) or 14,650 yen (reserved seat).

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Talking loudly on trains is considered bad mannered and ranks highly amongst the most annoying behaviors on trains in Japan. Don't talk on the phone. Only on long-distance trains on the decks between cars is talking on the phone acceptable. Set your phone to silent mode.

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While the metro lines do no accept the JR Pass, other IC Cards, such as the Pasmo and Suica, may be used. These cards give you access to almost any train or bus in Tokyo, and are a perfect complement to the JR Pass.

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Yes. The JR Pass is valid on the JR lines that connects the main airports to the main cities. If you land in Narita Airport, you can take the Narita Express to connect to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro stations.

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