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.)

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), while extensive, has several notable exclusions that travelers must be aware of in 2026. Most importantly, it does not cover the "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains—the fastest services on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines—unless you pay a significant supplemental fee. Additionally, the pass does not cover non-JR lines, such as city subways (like the Tokyo Metro or Osaka Metro), private railways (like Odakyu to Hakone or Kintetsu to Nara), or the "Nozomi" equivalents on regional lines. It also does not cover "Green Car" (First Class) seats unless you specifically purchase the more expensive Green Pass version. While the pass includes JR-operated buses, it does not cover most highway buses or local municipal bus routes. Furthermore, it does not include seat reservations on certain specialized "Joyful Trains" or limited-express sleeper trains without an additional surcharge. Since the massive price increase in late 2023, many travelers find that the pass is no longer cost-effective unless they are traveling very long distances across multiple regions in a short period.