The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.)
JAPAN RAIL PASS Scope of validityTravel throughout Japan by train! JAPAN RAIL PASS will allow you to use the following JR lines, as well as other railway lines, buses, and ferries. JAPAN RAIL PASS holders can also use the Tokyo Monorail.
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.
If you calculate that your travel costs will be lower if you buy individual tickets for each journey, then it's not worth buying a JR Pass. However, if you take into account journeys on Shinkansen high-speed trains or other means of transport, the savings you make become substantial.
The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.)
JR East operates the most convenient train lines for moving around central Tokyo, and you can use your JR Pass on all of these metro services. The rest of the 13 Tokyo subway lines that run in and around the Yamanote line are operated by companies other than JR East.
With your pass, you can take unlimited rides on most shinkansen (bullet trains), as well as on rapid, express and local JR trains. Outside urban centers such as Tokyo and Osaka, the pass is best used to cover distance, as it does not include municipal subways and private suburban lines.
The best way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka is the shinkansen (bullet train). The fastest type of shinkansen, which is called the Nozomi, takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes and costs Y13,620 for a one-way trip in an unreserved seat.
No visitor to Tokyo should be without a Suica card and no visitor to Japan should be without a JR Pass. The Suica card is convenient for intercity trains and buses while the JR Pass saves you time and money when traveling through the country. Here are the deets.
Thank you so much for your help! JR pass covers everything offered by JR East pass and the other JR groups. JR East pass is not valid for travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto. If your only travel is round-trip form Tokyo to Kyoto, you will not save money with the JR Railpass.
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.
We appreciate your cooperation. You may bring up to 2 baggage items with a total length, width, and height of up to 250 cm (up to 2 meters in length) and a weight of up to 30 kg. However, please reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area or oversized baggage compartment when carrying on oversized baggage.
Once you arrive at the station floor of Narita Airport, look for the JR East Travel Service center. This is the point of exchange for the JR Pass. You'll need both your passport and exchange voucher in order to activate the JR Pass, be sure to keep them ready.
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.