Does the JR Pass cover Nozomi and Mizuho trains? The JR Pass is valid on all Shinkansen services in all the Shinkansen lines, except for the Nozomi and Mizuho services on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. You will not have access to the trains with the fewest stops on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines.

Most Shinkansen (bullet trains) are included in the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, but there is a major caveat regarding the two fastest train categories: the Nozomi and Mizuho. Traditionally, these two types were completely excluded from the pass, meaning pass holders had to take the slightly slower Hikari, Sakura, or Kodama trains instead. However, as of late 2023 and into 2026, JR Pass holders can now ride the Nozomi and Mizuho trains if they purchase a special supplemental ticket (the "Nozomi/Mizuho Ticket") in addition to their pass. This supplement allows travelers to save time on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines by using the most frequent and direct services. For all other Shinkansen lines, such as the Tohoku or Hokuriku lines, the JR Pass covers all train types (like the Hayabusa or Kagayaki) without extra fees. While the JR Pass remains a powerful tool for foreigners, the recent price increases and the need for a surcharge on the fastest trains mean travelers must carefully calculate if a regional pass or individual tickets might be a more cost-effective alternative for their specific itinerary.