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What lines in Tokyo are covered by JR Rail Pass?

Furthermore, the JR Pass can be used on the Tokyo Monorail, the Yamanote line (Tokyo Metro), the Aoimori Railway between Aomori and Hachinohe*, the Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka*, Narita Express from Narita Airport to Tokyo and the IR Ishikawa Railway line between Kanazawa and Tsubata*.



The Japan Rail (JR) Pass covers all lines operated by the JR East company within Tokyo. The most famous and useful line for tourists is the Yamanote Line, a circular green line that connects major hubs like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station, and Ueno. Other covered routes include the Chuo-Sobu Line (yellow/orange) which cuts across the city, the Keihin-Tohoku Line (blue), and the Saikyo Line. It also covers the Narita Express (N'EX) for travel to and from the airport. However, it is vital to understand that the JR Pass does NOT cover the Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway lines, which make up a massive portion of the underground network. If you see a station marked with a "M" or a colorful circle logo, it is likely a private subway line where your JR Pass is invalid. To navigate these non-JR lines, most travelers use a Suica or Pasmo card alongside their JR Pass. This distinction is crucial for planning your daily itinerary to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs while exploring the city.

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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.

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With the Japan Rail Pass, you can ride on all JR trains, including the Shinjuku Line, without paying additional fares.

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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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With your Japan Rail Pass The Hikari and Kodama trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen lines are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, and they can take you from Tokyo to Osaka in about 3 to 4 hours. In Tokyo, you can catch the Shinkansen either at Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, and then arrive to Shin-Osaka Station in Osaka.

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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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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.

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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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Fuji Excursion limited express trains The Fuji Excursion limited express train is the fastest train from Tokyo to Fuji-san, taking just 1 hour 53 minutes from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station. Fuji Excursion trains also stop at Fuji-Q Highland en route to Kawaguchiko. (Rates updated daily). All seats are reserved.

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Kawaguchiko is not a JR station. Therefore, the Japan Rail Pass will not be accepted for passage on between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko. IC cards such as Pasmo and Suica are accepted.

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The JR Pass and other JR deals cover only green bold lines. But you have to take Tokyo Metro Ginza line or Toei Subway Asakusa line to get to Asakusa. Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway are not covered by the JR Pass and any other JR deals.

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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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The Suica can be used on JR East lines in the Tokyo metropolitan area as well as for subways, buses and the Tokyo Monorail that connects Haneda Airport with Tokyo.

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The Narita Express – also known as N'EX – is the most convenient Tokyo city transfer from and to Narita International Airport, which hosts most of the overseas flights to Japan. This limited express train service is fast, reliable and punctual, and you can ride it for free with your Japan Rail Pass.

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