What trains are not covered by JR Pass?

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.)



In 2026, the Japan Rail Pass remains a powerful tool, but it notably excludes several high-profile services. The most significant exclusions are the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains—the fastest categories on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines. While you can use them by paying a specific "supplementary" surcharge, they are not covered by the base pass. Additionally, the pass does not cover non-JR lines, such as the private railways (Odakyu, Kintetsu, Tobu) or municipal subways in Tokyo and Osaka. Local "Liner" trains that require a separate "Liner Ticket" and certain "Sleeper Trains" like the Sunrise Seto/Izumo (unless you pay for the berth) are also excluded. For the 2026 traveler, it is crucial to use the JR-only filter on navigation apps to avoid accidentally boarding a private "through-service" train where the pass is invalid, which could result in a significant on-board fare adjustment.

People Also Ask

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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The best use of the subway system is to reach attractions in the city center. The metro ticket prices range from ¥210 to ¥350 for adults and ¥110 to ¥180 for children. The trains of the Kyoto metro system are not covered under your Japan Rail Pass.

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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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Each person will need their own JR Pass.

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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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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.

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Unless you plan to ride a LOT of JR trains during your trip, you'll almost certainly save money by buying individual train tickets instead a Japan Rail Pass. You can buy shinkansen tickets online (before or after arrival) on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu lines (between Tokyo,Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Hakata).

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If you wish to travel on the Nozomi or Mizuho Shinkansen, you must purchase a special ticket to complement your JR Pass. The price of the supplement is the same for ordinary class, first class (Green Car) and reserved and non-reserved seats.

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Tokyo to Fuji Five Lakes Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo) to Otsuki Station (Azusa trains, covered by the JR Pass). Once at Otsuki, take Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko Station (not covered by the JR Pass).

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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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You may get some value from some day type passes, but not from a nationwide rail pass. (if you were going as far a Kyoto, it would be about breakeven for you). A JR pass is of no value if you're only going to be in Tokyo. If you plan to arrive at NRT - http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/suica-nex/ - is a good value.

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Fares and tickets Fares on the JR Osaka loop line range between 120 – 260 yen per ride, depending on the distance travelled. The Japan Rail Pass covers the JR Osaka loop line, and makes for a great way to explore Osaka with.

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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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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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