Again an other great video. Will have to analyze this for my trip since my teenage boy and I will be traveling in 3 or 4 cities during 10 days in the end of December. Thanks for the insight. Keep up the great content and the humorous touches.
In that case a 1 week pass might be perfect provided you spend at least the first or last 3 days in Tokyo and activate it at the right time, be sure to check the fare calculator to check!
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Just returned from a month in Japan. Traveled 7 legs on JR Tokyo, Hakone, Nagano, Nagoya, Nachikatsuura, Kyoto, Amanohasidate, Osaka and the Haruka train to Kansai. Booked all tickets through Navitime app before I left and picked them up when I got to Japan. Green car travel all the way - total cost for 2 travelers was $1100. Just looked at the JR Rail green pass for 21 days and it was just under $2,000 for two people. BTW, total cost of all subway travel including a RT Osaka to Nara was $63. We averaged 3 subway trips a day when in Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
My wife and I were there in Dec/Jan for 20 full days and used the 14-days pass to go from Sapporo to Beppu (and some cities in between). That one way trip alone would have cost $230USD!
Yeah its really good value if you don't mind taking the more scenic route & have the time to do it, Ive only spent a little bit of time between Kanazawa and Nagano but its stunning countryside
Loved your video, needed some advice. We are travelling from Tokyo - Mt Fuji - Takayama - Kyoto - Osaka in our 2 week trip. How to book trains? Buy the JLR pass or travel adhoc buying tickets at each station/klook? Thanks
You can use the link in the vid description to check the prices of your trains and compare them to prices of passes, you can either get a region pass there or just buy them on the day. When you actually get the train you can either reserve them at the station or use the SmartEx app, or just buy them just before you hop on the train (I never bother booking trains and just grab tickets on the day) if you want to use KLOOK you can also use my code for a discount :) INAKAKLOOK
@@InakaAdventure If a bullet train ticket cost $150 and a JR Rail pass cost $330, wouldn't using the Shinkansen twice justify getting the JR rail pass? Does that sound correct? Considering it covers busses and other trains for smaller trips, I don't think the extra $44 would go to waste. Even if it was about breaking even, there's also a convenience factor. JR Pass either saves money by $50 + or you waste roughly $50..? If you have no plan on using the bullet trains, than no it wouldn't be worth.
Im arriving in Tokyo in April and staying for 14 days, but not sure yet where I'm staying. Turns out a lot of what I'd like to see is in west Japan. Hmmmm.
Love you videos and subscribed to your channel! I am doing two weeks in October with this itinerary: tokyo (4-5 days) - nagano (1 week with rental car) - osaka (2-3 days). Beacuse of the price increase in JR pass i figured i would avoid it, and rather go for regional passes and IC card when in tokyo. Also the 1 week in Nagano will be covered by rental car. Not sure if i am flying home from osaka or tokyo, but osaka would deffo be more convenient. Are there any passes you would specifically recommend?
Hmm if you're just visiting Osaka from Tokyo and possibly Nara and Kyoto then honestly you probably dont need a pass, youll spend around 22,000 geting to Osaka and back and could be 50% that if you fly. Since you're driving in Nagano you might be better served by buying tickets on the day, unless you want to do a side trip to Hiroshima then the JR West all area pass might be worth it, but it would be a really rushed trip. Btw I can remember when I had 3 dian keto's in my deck as a kid haha
I watched the whole video and I am still confused. I am coming to Japan in March for 2 weeks. Flying into Narita and I want to spend 3 days in Tokyo but also would like to see Osaka and Kyoto. I’m assuming the 2nd option you mentioned would be best for me and my time in Tokyo I should just purchase day passes?
This is an excellent guide thank you! Our plan is to purchase a 7 day pass (we have done the comparative analysis) but are unsure about the timing for reserving seats. Noting that we can't "activate" the pass until we arrive in Japan, is there a way to reserve the seats in advance of arriving in country and activating the pass?
Ah thats an interesting question, you could before coming to Japan, but not before activating the pass I believe, fortunately unless you travel at peak season its usually not a problem to reserve tickets on the day. Shinkansen from Tokyo run about every 10 minutes so you can always get the next one depending on where you're going
Hi. Great video. We are coming over in July. We are looking at a 7 day JR pass. Based in Tokyo at the start and end of our trip. But getting to Osaka, Kyoto and maybe Hiroshima. Is the pre ordered JR pass the way to go do you think?
Check on the JR Pass fare calculator, you can find one in the link in description. I think you would need 1 more destination to make it worthwhile, maybe to Hakone or Kusatsu Onsen
Don't get the 7-day JR pass. Trying to enjoy those 3 cities in just 7 days is too rushed (assuming you go to Kyoto on day 1 and return from Hiroshima on day 7).
What pass/passes would you recommend for Osaka-Kyoto-Kanazawa-Okayama-Kyoto-Tokyo-Yokohama-Fuji-Nikko-Tokyo? All this is spread over 9 days..thank you!
Depending on your dates and how you combine them you'd probably get a lot of value out of these passes; 7 Day Kansai hokuriku area pass, 5 Day Kansai Wide Pass, 1 day kansai area pass. Check those ones & see how they could match up with your itinerary
The JR West pass mentioned in the video would be ideal for me spending 7-8 days in Osaka-Kyoto and surrounds but I can't see that particular pass on the JR site anymore. Has the Kansai WIDE area pass replaced it, and if so, it's only for 5 days.
Can some one please help me 😁 I’m planning a trip to Japan in September for 23 days I was thinking to buy the 21 days rally pass but after the price skyrocket so much now that im rethinking to use the night Buses and local trains for most of my trips I will visit the main City in Japan like Tokyo 5-8 days ,Kyoto 3 days , Osaka 3days Hiroshima 2 days the remaining days will be spontaneous planned Is the JR pass still worth it?
Question. What pass would you recommend from tokyo to osaka? There's a few bands I want to see on my upcoming trip that are based in Osaka and rarely get to tokyo.
If you're trip is based in tokyo but you want to take a detour to just Osaka, the cheapest option is flying from Tokyo or taking an overnight bus, if its a longer trip in Tokyo but with some detours around the country then the 1 week pass or just getting a ticket to osaka normally on the day might be best. check out the fare calculator at click.jrpass.com/SH5O
Hi. I’m planning to visit Japan somewhere in September or October, and planning to just visit the 3 cities, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Is it worth it to purchase the JR pass? Or am I cheaper out if I buy individual tickets for the trips?
@@ParaSF4 To clarify, are you thinking of going to just those 3 cities using the 7-days JR Pass? If you are, most people would say the pass is not worth it because the train fare between Kyoto and Osaka is cheap. And if you’re arriving at NRT, just take the local train into Tokyo to save you half the cost of using airport express trains such as NEX.
@@nateshf9303 We will visit Japan for 2 weeks. Most of the time we stay in Tokyo, and will visit Osaka and Kyoto for a day or two. So what do you think?
On the old Prices it was always worth it provided you visited the three main cities for both the 1 and 2 week pass, any additional destination was just free from that point on
The famous Japanese rail system has let herself go We arrived and had the express from Narita booked so far so good. Except you have to get out at Nippori station. Then you CANNOT buy an IC card so instead you have to work out a local ticket and it's not super easy and no one to help, it's a busy inner city station so what do you expect. We had to find our destination station to find the fare then use cash to use a machine to buy a paper ticket. Even London has a convenient top up pass 😭
Unfortunately for people starting in Tokyo, their regional IC (suica) card is unavailable, its sometimes possible to get Toica near the Tokaido Shinkansen gates. IC cards are available in other regions though, so you can pick up one in Osaka or Kyoto for example (Icoca)
Also we are going to travel in may, 21 days in Japan from tokyo -> nagano -> kanto/osaka/nara -> hiroshima -> fukuoka -> some cities -> mt. Fuji -> tokyo Is it necessary to buy the 21 days jr pass
Just come back from Japan after 2 weeks there. No, it is no longer worth it after JR jacked up the price. Still, they need to sort out what’s replaced it: a fare ticket and express ticket for each trip. We went to 3 destinations and returned to Tokyo and got issued 11 tickets. It was confusing and then JR forgot to print off one of the fare tickets from Kyoto to Hiroshima and we didn’t know and were then forced to rebuy one of he fare tickets costing us another 6,600 yen.
I'm finding it very confusing and cant work out what would be best. We are flying to tokyo, staying in tokyo for a week, then we need to get to a hotel we booked in osaka for 6 days where we plan to visit kyoto as well, then return to tokyo for one night before flying back from tokyo. Would the full jr pass be worth it for that? Would really appreciate some help with this.
Hi! Question: What pass do you recommend for this itinerary? Tokyo Osaka Shirakawago village Owakundani,Hakone Yakohoma Tokyo I use the JR calculator is close to $270.
With those destinations and over 10 days you're probably fine not buying any pass and just using normal tickets, you could save a bit of cash by flying between tokyo and osaka but its not such a big deal
@@InakaAdventure thank you so much for the help.... I think I'm going to arrive in Osaka airport is cheaper Itinerary is: Arrive in Osaka Next day go to Owakudani Hakone or Kawachiko Yokohoma Tokyo few day here Then explore Osaka rest of the days here Maybe Kyoto cause is not far from Osaka... Is a little expensive when is a family of 3 that transportation.....$600 just to get around 🤔
Point to point trips are cheaper when you dont have a rail pass rather than round trip, the only thing id say is the order seems kind of odd it should probably arranged by closest city to next closest city
No one has refunding the JR pass in Japan information. We can mail back the voucher for minus 150USD (20 percent fee plus shipping). But the voucher also states it can be refunded for minus 10 percent yen value. Before it's activated. Any ideas?
@InakaAdventure Half and Half. Conflicting and or limited information as to which locations will issue a refund of the unused pass. It only says "certain" locations.
Check out my 2 weeks in japan video, th-cam.com/video/er3W4ieNpW0/w-d-xo.html (but if you're just going to the 3 big cities you probably dont need a JR Pass, check on the calculator linked in description)
Hello any help on JR Pass would be great! 😊 Going back to Japan after 17 years! And need some help with the JR PASS, I will be going first 2 weeks of October for, 14 days exactly and not sure if I need the JR pass. I have use the online calculator (rough estimate) but not sure if I have done it correctly but saying the 7 day option could save money or maybe pay rest of the way or should just pay as I go, my itinerary is (Tokyo 1 night at HND airport hotel then 2 nights Tokyo - Kusatsu Onsen - Mt Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi) - Hiroshima - Osaka - (Kobe day trip) - Kyoto - Tokyo (fly home) any advice would be great thank you ! Or maybe fly?
depends on how many nights you are staying in each place, if you were spending 1 week in western japan and 1 week in northern then it might make sense if you want 7 days before activating it, there are other passes that might be worth it however
@@InakaAdventure Hey Inaka Adventures , 3 nights Tokyo, 2 nights kusatsu, 2 night mt Fuji, 1 night Hiroshima, 2 nights Osaka, 3 nights Kyoto, 1 night Tokyo, fly home (let me know if you need any more details ) thank you for your help! I was looking at flying vs train all the other passes like Tokyo wide and other pass Osaka etc
you might be able to save a little bit if you get the 1 week pass, but it would be cheaper to fly or take a night bus, the advantage of the train is that its much faster though. so its a toss up
The Japan Rail Pass, often abbreviated as "JR Pass," is a special pass available to foreign tourists visiting Japan. It offers unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) Group-operated trains, buses, and ferries for a fixed period of time. Here are some key points about the Japan Rail Pass: Eligibility: The JR Pass is only available for foreign tourists visiting Japan under the "Temporary Visitor" entry status. Japanese citizens living abroad are not eligible. Types of Passes: There are several types of JR Passes available, depending on the duration of stay: 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day passes. The pass activates on the first day you use it and remains valid for consecutive days. Coverage: The JR Pass covers travel on most JR-operated trains, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express trains, express trains, and local trains. It also includes some JR buses and ferries. Exclusions: Not all trains are covered by the JR Pass. For example, the pass doesn't cover the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen services, which are among the fastest and most expensive Shinkansen trains. Purchase and Activation: The JR Pass must be purchased outside of Japan through authorized agents or online platforms. Once purchased, travelers receive an exchange order, which they must exchange for the actual pass at designated JR Pass exchange offices in Japan upon arrival. Cost-effectiveness: The JR Pass can be a cost-effective option for travelers planning to make multiple long-distance journeys within Japan, especially if they intend to use the Shinkansen extensively. However, it may not be worth it for those staying in one region or city. Flexibility: The JR Pass provides flexibility in travel plans, allowing pass holders to hop on and off trains without worrying about purchasing individual tickets. It's particularly beneficial for travelers who want to explore multiple cities and regions during their visit. Validity Period: The pass must be used within three months of purchase, and the validity period starts from the date of exchange in Japan. Reservation: While reservations are not mandatory for most JR trains, it's recommended, especially during peak travel seasons or for long-distance journeys. Pass holders can make free seat reservations at JR ticket offices. Regional Passes: In addition to the nationwide JR Pass, there are also regional passes available for specific areas of Japan, offering unlimited travel within those regions. Trains in Japan is a fascinating journey that dates back to the late 19th century. Early Development: Japan's first railway line, the 29-kilometer-long track between Shinbashi (Tokyo) and Yokohama, opened in 1872 during the Meiji Restoration period. This marked the beginning of Japan's modern railway system. The line was built with assistance from British engineers. Expansion and Industrialization: In the following decades, Japan rapidly expanded its railway network to support industrialization and economic growth. Private railway companies emerged, leading to competition and further expansion of rail services across the country. Nationalization: By the early 20th century, the Japanese government began nationalizing private railway companies to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This led to the formation of the Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1906, which unified the management of the country's railway network. Technological Advancements: Japan has been at the forefront of railway technology innovation. In the 20th century, advancements such as electrification, introduction of high-speed trains, and development of efficient commuter rail systems contributed to the modernization of Japan's railways. Shinkansen Era: One of the most significant developments in Japan's railway history came with the introduction of the Shinkansen, or bullet trains, in 1964. The Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo and Osaka, was the world's first high-speed rail line. This marked a revolution in transportation, significantly reducing travel times between major cities. Privatization: In 1987, the Japanese government privatized the Japanese National Railways (JNR), splitting it into several regional companies known as the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). This move aimed to improve efficiency, promote competition, and encourage innovation within the railway sector. Continued Innovation: Japan continues to innovate in the railway industry, with ongoing efforts to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains, which use magnetic forces to propel trains at ultra-high speeds, represent the latest frontier in Japanese railway technology. Cultural and Economic Impact: Trains hold significant cultural and economic importance in Japan. They are not only a vital mode of transportation but also symbolize punctuality, efficiency, and technological prowess. Railway tourism, including themed trains and scenic routes, has become increasingly popular among domestic and international travelers.
I am visiting japan next month 21 days trip , Tokyo, osaka, shingawa , izumi , Nagasaki, okayama, kyoto,nara , nagoya, soppora ,fuji, hiroshima isnit worth to buy 21 days pass and can we use local trains and bus with jr pass ?
On the JR Pass you can only use JR Trains, buses and Ferries which are pretty uncommon, Local trains can be JR or private lines but it depends on the area
i’m going to stay in Tokyo for 1 week, and take a day or two side trip to Osaka during the week. so should i get 2 of the tokyo 3day wide pass, and then buy a regular shinkansen ticket to osaka?
To make the Tokyo pass worth it you'd need to take some trips outside Tokyo, inside the city you'll probably only pass around 1-2k yen a day on trains unless you are going to some really far away destinations
@@InakaAdventure i would like to thank You in advance for putitng all this info. I have 2 questions : 1) all theses passes need to be bought in advance or just Jrailpass? Can i get to the airport and Buy regionals? 2)metros in Tokyo are similar to yamanote line? Unlimited for 5 days is still cheaper?
If you're just in Tokyo then a pass isn't really necessary just pay at the gate or get an IC card or use the app. The JR pass can be bought in advance but the other regional passes vary so you'll need to confirm based on where you want to go
JR Pass here again price is hiked further higher in April,2024 😢😢😢 Just wondering..Does JR know Not many oversea visitors appreciate over priced JR pass 🎫🙅♂️⁉️
th-cam.com/users/live-kvHPbFaKfU?si=ucv_Bfx9iO4E-afY Actually this TH-cam feeds says JR PASS will have another increase on March 16,2024. . mind-blowing actually .. seriously 😱Now you will watch Only In JAPAN TH-cam channel and find out what are your best choice of railway pass 🚄🚊🎟️ ?
I had a quick look, it's not the JR pass increasing (meaning the national pass) it's the "hokuriku arch pass" which is offered by JR, that's been known about for awhile.
im so confused please help me my plan is to go from tokyo to nagano (snow monkey mountain) and back to Tokyo then tokyo to kyoto then Kyoto to osaka and then oska to hiroshima and then oska and then oskaa to tokyo so should i buy jr pass
Go put your exact trip details into the fare calculator on click.jrpass.com/SH5O and see if its worth it, looking at it though if you are only visiting those cities and no were else you likely dont need any specific pass
Hi could you help me please. Does the pass make sense for me if this is my itinerary narita airport to Tokyo Tokyo to Nikko return Tokyo to Osaka Osaka to Himeji return Osaka to Kyoto Kyoto to Nara return Kyoto to Tokyo Tokyo to narita airport
thank you for the info! I am planning to buy the 7 day pass, however i am a bit confused as to which website to use, there seem to be a couple different ones! can you please point me to the correct website? thank you!
I have verified the site i've linked in the description and pinned comment as a trusted source, you can also buy them on klook (use code INAKA5OFF for a discount)
I spend 46 hours on locals trains in Japan so it doesnt really bother me that much ¯\(ツ)/¯ that was in this video th-cam.com/video/ALW8Wp4dV58/w-d-xo.html
The Japan Rail Pass is a rip off. It is almost impossible to spend 80,000 yen on the Shinkansen in a 2 week trip. You can't even cover the pass going going from Tokyo to Fukuoka and back then to Hokkaido and back (this works out to 70,000 yen plus you can fly from Fukuoka to Sapporo easily). It also doesn't work on the Nozomi Shinkansen.
There are ways to make it work, but only if you're doing a massive trip riding the shinkansen every day. But for the average user doing the Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka loop its basically dead. Real shame
Even then it's impossible to spend 80,000 yen in 2 weeks. With Shinkansen operating on a set fare for a given route (except for early bookings) it's simply not worth it.
If youre doing those 3 cities sure, but someone that starts in Tokyo, goes up to Aomori or Hokkaido, down to Kagoshima then back to Tokyo is 100,000 alone, and thats just 3 destinations over a few days. So it makes sense for those people trying to say they went everywhere in Japan or a massive 3 week trip.
Hi there is a huge amount of information to take on board. The very tight script editing means that it is impossible to get a (figurative) cigarette paper between each item of information. For some reason this is the way nowadays. (???) This approach does not leave sufficient time to absorb the info given before another tide of facts, figures, possible options spills forth. Please leave a breath (a 'beat') at least between each piece of vital information for listeners to absorb the complicated content. (I was exhausted by the end of the video.) Thanks.
Thanks for the feedback, Ive added chapters so you can jump around the video to the part that's most relevant to your trip, and you can pause those sections while checking your travel details, no need to watch every part in one go! Hope this helps and have a good time in Japan!
Check the Trip Calculator, buy your regional or national pass and even Wifi for Japan HERE! click.jrpass.com/SH5O
If i click on that link i only get to the JR site to buy the pass... could you share your calculator website too?
@@anomander88 If you scroll down on that site there is a fare calculator, one one im using in the video is from japan guide
Again an other great video. Will have to analyze this for my trip since my teenage boy and I will be traveling in 3 or 4 cities during 10 days in the end of December. Thanks for the insight. Keep up the great content and the humorous touches.
In that case a 1 week pass might be perfect provided you spend at least the first or last 3 days in Tokyo and activate it at the right time, be sure to check the fare calculator to check!
Just returned from a month in Japan. Traveled 7 legs on JR Tokyo, Hakone, Nagano, Nagoya, Nachikatsuura, Kyoto, Amanohasidate, Osaka and the Haruka train to Kansai. Booked all tickets through Navitime app before I left and picked them up when I got to Japan. Green car travel all the way - total cost for 2 travelers was $1100. Just looked at the JR Rail green pass for 21 days and it was just under $2,000 for two people. BTW, total cost of all subway travel including a RT Osaka to Nara was $63. We averaged 3 subway trips a day when in Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
77% increase and yet the Nozomi shinkansen service is still not included. I wish they'd include this then it's the best deal.
I'm really looking forward to your Shikoku video because I'm planning to go to Shikoku this summer!
This was do informative, turns out the JR West pass will suit our needs very well as flying in and out of Osaka, thanks for the heads up
Glad I could help!
thank you so much for this information! it was very helpful
Glad I could help
My wife and I were there in Dec/Jan for 20 full days and used the 14-days pass to go from Sapporo to Beppu (and some cities in between). That one way trip alone would have cost $230USD!
Do you have an opinion on the Arch Pass? Seems like a nice way to still get to the golden triangle and see the countryside as well
Yeah its really good value if you don't mind taking the more scenic route & have the time to do it, Ive only spent a little bit of time between Kanazawa and Nagano but its stunning countryside
Loved your video, needed some advice. We are travelling from Tokyo - Mt Fuji - Takayama - Kyoto - Osaka in our 2 week trip.
How to book trains? Buy the JLR pass or travel adhoc buying tickets at each station/klook?
Thanks
You can use the link in the vid description to check the prices of your trains and compare them to prices of passes, you can either get a region pass there or just buy them on the day. When you actually get the train you can either reserve them at the station or use the SmartEx app, or just buy them just before you hop on the train (I never bother booking trains and just grab tickets on the day) if you want to use KLOOK you can also use my code for a discount :) INAKAKLOOK
My trip is 14 days from Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka and then back to Tokyo. First 7 days are in Tokyo so which pass would be the best for me in this case?
The 7 Day Pass should work well for you, just don't start it until you leave Tokyo, should be fine then.
Yeah that would work well, but check on the fare calculator to see if its worth it as well with your exact travel details
@@InakaAdventure If a bullet train ticket cost $150 and a JR Rail pass cost $330, wouldn't using the Shinkansen twice justify getting the JR rail pass? Does that sound correct? Considering it covers busses and other trains for smaller trips, I don't think the extra $44 would go to waste. Even if it was about breaking even, there's also a convenience factor. JR Pass either saves money by $50 + or you waste roughly $50..?
If you have no plan on using the bullet trains, than no it wouldn't be worth.
Im arriving in Tokyo in April and staying for 14 days, but not sure yet where I'm staying. Turns out a lot of what I'd like to see is in west Japan. Hmmmm.
I have guides for Osaka (th-cam.com/video/eetaeTzWppU/w-d-xo.html), Kyoto and just released Hiroshima today, those might be good for your trip!
Love you videos and subscribed to your channel! I am doing two weeks in October with this itinerary: tokyo (4-5 days) - nagano (1 week with rental car) - osaka (2-3 days). Beacuse of the price increase in JR pass i figured i would avoid it, and rather go for regional passes and IC card when in tokyo. Also the 1 week in Nagano will be covered by rental car. Not sure if i am flying home from osaka or tokyo, but osaka would deffo be more convenient. Are there any passes you would specifically recommend?
Hmm if you're just visiting Osaka from Tokyo and possibly Nara and Kyoto then honestly you probably dont need a pass, youll spend around 22,000 geting to Osaka and back and could be 50% that if you fly. Since you're driving in Nagano you might be better served by buying tickets on the day, unless you want to do a side trip to Hiroshima then the JR West all area pass might be worth it, but it would be a really rushed trip. Btw I can remember when I had 3 dian keto's in my deck as a kid haha
thanks for replying! haha yeah, yugioh was great fun, always though it was a dude but its a lady lol@@InakaAdventure
I watched the whole video and I am still confused. I am coming to Japan in March for 2 weeks. Flying into Narita and I want to spend 3 days in Tokyo but also would like to see Osaka and Kyoto. I’m assuming the 2nd option you mentioned would be best for me and my time in Tokyo I should just purchase day passes?
Did you try using your trip in the fare calculator?
@@InakaAdventure No let me do that now
Thank you for the info. These videos have informed and entertained me and I appreciate that. They make my trip planning much easier too.
Glad people like this one even though its more information heavy, next one should be more specifically travel focused
This is an excellent guide thank you! Our plan is to purchase a 7 day pass (we have done the comparative analysis) but are unsure about the timing for reserving seats. Noting that we can't "activate" the pass until we arrive in Japan, is there a way to reserve the seats in advance of arriving in country and activating the pass?
Ah thats an interesting question, you could before coming to Japan, but not before activating the pass I believe, fortunately unless you travel at peak season its usually not a problem to reserve tickets on the day. Shinkansen from Tokyo run about every 10 minutes so you can always get the next one depending on where you're going
Hi. Great video. We are coming over in July. We are looking at a 7 day JR pass. Based in Tokyo at the start and end of our trip. But getting to Osaka, Kyoto and maybe Hiroshima. Is the pre ordered JR pass the way to go do you think?
Check on the JR Pass fare calculator, you can find one in the link in description. I think you would need 1 more destination to make it worthwhile, maybe to Hakone or Kusatsu Onsen
@@InakaAdventure it wasnt working properly yesterday. I'll give it another go. Thanks.
Don't get the 7-day JR pass. Trying to enjoy those 3 cities in just 7 days is too rushed (assuming you go to Kyoto on day 1 and return from Hiroshima on day 7).
What pass/passes would you recommend for Osaka-Kyoto-Kanazawa-Okayama-Kyoto-Tokyo-Yokohama-Fuji-Nikko-Tokyo?
All this is spread over 9 days..thank you!
Depending on your dates and how you combine them you'd probably get a lot of value out of these passes; 7 Day Kansai hokuriku area pass, 5 Day Kansai Wide Pass, 1 day kansai area pass. Check those ones & see how they could match up with your itinerary
The JR West pass mentioned in the video would be ideal for me spending 7-8 days in Osaka-Kyoto and surrounds but I can't see that particular pass on the JR site anymore. Has the Kansai WIDE area pass replaced it, and if so, it's only for 5 days.
Can some one please help me 😁
I’m planning a trip to Japan in September for 23 days
I was thinking to buy the 21 days rally pass but after the price skyrocket so much now that im rethinking to use the night Buses and local trains for most of my trips
I will visit the main City in Japan like Tokyo 5-8 days ,Kyoto 3 days , Osaka 3days Hiroshima 2 days the remaining days will be spontaneous planned Is the JR pass still worth it?
Try using the JR fare calculator in the video description or pined comment
Question. What pass would you recommend from tokyo to osaka? There's a few bands I want to see on my upcoming trip that are based in Osaka and rarely get to tokyo.
If you're trip is based in tokyo but you want to take a detour to just Osaka, the cheapest option is flying from Tokyo or taking an overnight bus, if its a longer trip in Tokyo but with some detours around the country then the 1 week pass or just getting a ticket to osaka normally on the day might be best. check out the fare calculator at click.jrpass.com/SH5O
Cool, appreciate the reply.
Hi.
I’m planning to visit Japan somewhere in September or October, and planning to just visit the 3 cities, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Is it worth it to purchase the JR pass? Or am I cheaper out if I buy individual tickets for the trips?
I just released an updated video on the JR pass that should be just what you need here: th-cam.com/video/b8WPcBksVAQ/w-d-xo.html
Individual
@@nateshf9303 if I purchase it individually, can I go from Tokyo and come back to Tokyo? And is it just valid for a day?
@@ParaSF4 To clarify, are you thinking of going to just those 3 cities using the 7-days JR Pass? If you are, most people would say the pass is not worth it because the train fare between Kyoto and Osaka is cheap. And if you’re arriving at NRT, just take the local train into Tokyo to save you half the cost of using airport express trains such as NEX.
@@nateshf9303 We will visit Japan for 2 weeks. Most of the time we stay in Tokyo, and will visit Osaka and Kyoto for a day or two. So what do you think?
No. Ridiculously expensive.
Even before the hike it was questionable, especially if you properly planned beforehand
On the old Prices it was always worth it provided you visited the three main cities for both the 1 and 2 week pass, any additional destination was just free from that point on
The famous Japanese rail system has let herself go
We arrived and had the express from Narita booked so far so good.
Except you have to get out at Nippori station. Then you CANNOT buy an IC card so instead you have to work out a local ticket and it's not super easy and no one to help, it's a busy inner city station so what do you expect.
We had to find our destination station to find the fare then use cash to use a machine to buy a paper ticket.
Even London has a convenient top up pass 😭
Unfortunately for people starting in Tokyo, their regional IC (suica) card is unavailable, its sometimes possible to get Toica near the Tokaido Shinkansen gates. IC cards are available in other regions though, so you can pick up one in Osaka or Kyoto for example (Icoca)
@@InakaAdventure good tip, on Shinkansen to Kyoto now will do :)
Do you need to reserve extra bagage places when you’re backpacking?
Also we are going to travel in may, 21 days in Japan from tokyo -> nagano -> kanto/osaka/nara -> hiroshima -> fukuoka -> some cities -> mt. Fuji -> tokyo
Is it necessary to buy the 21 days jr pass
If it fits on your back it wont be an issue
Try looking at the fare calculator with your trip details, link is description
Just come back from Japan after 2 weeks there. No, it is no longer worth it after JR jacked up the price. Still, they need to sort out what’s replaced it: a fare ticket and express ticket for each trip. We went to 3 destinations and returned to Tokyo and got issued 11 tickets. It was confusing and then JR forgot to print off one of the fare tickets from Kyoto to Hiroshima and we didn’t know and were then forced to rebuy one of he fare tickets costing us another 6,600 yen.
Yeah the way it is now if you're just going to Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka the JR pass isnt worth it, they really ruined a great thing
I'm finding it very confusing and cant work out what would be best. We are flying to tokyo, staying in tokyo for a week, then we need to get to a hotel we booked in osaka for 6 days where we plan to visit kyoto as well, then return to tokyo for one night before flying back from tokyo. Would the full jr pass be worth it for that? Would really appreciate some help with this.
Na skip the pass for this trip
@@InakaAdventure Thanks for the advice.
Hi!
Question:
What pass do you recommend for this itinerary?
Tokyo
Osaka
Shirakawago village
Owakundani,Hakone
Yakohoma
Tokyo
I use the JR calculator is close to $270.
Over what time frame?
@@InakaAdventure 10 day in August
With those destinations and over 10 days you're probably fine not buying any pass and just using normal tickets, you could save a bit of cash by flying between tokyo and osaka but its not such a big deal
@@InakaAdventure thank you so much for the help....
I think I'm going to arrive in Osaka airport is cheaper
Itinerary is:
Arrive in Osaka
Next day go to
Owakudani Hakone or Kawachiko
Yokohoma
Tokyo few day here
Then explore Osaka rest of the days here
Maybe Kyoto cause is not far from Osaka...
Is a little expensive when is a family of 3 that transportation.....$600 just to get around 🤔
Point to point trips are cheaper when you dont have a rail pass rather than round trip, the only thing id say is the order seems kind of odd it should probably arranged by closest city to next closest city
No one has refunding the JR pass in Japan information. We can mail back the voucher for minus 150USD (20 percent fee plus shipping). But the voucher also states it can be refunded for minus 10 percent yen value. Before it's activated. Any ideas?
Sounds like you already answered it, what's the issue?
@InakaAdventure Half and Half. Conflicting and or limited information as to which locations will issue a refund of the unused pass. It only says "certain" locations.
My understanding is that any major JR station office would be the place, so Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka etc
What is the best thing to do when im goin on a 2 week trip to Japan and want to visit Tokyo , Osaka and Kyoto , should i get a Jr Pass or not ?
Check out my 2 weeks in japan video, th-cam.com/video/er3W4ieNpW0/w-d-xo.html (but if you're just going to the 3 big cities you probably dont need a JR Pass, check on the calculator linked in description)
Nope. The pass is worth it if You visit more than 5 cities in short time.
Hello any help on JR Pass would be great! 😊
Going back to Japan after 17 years! And need some help with the JR PASS, I will be going first 2 weeks of October for, 14 days exactly and not sure if I need the JR pass.
I have use the online calculator (rough estimate) but not sure if I have done it correctly but saying the 7 day option could save money or maybe pay rest of the way or should just pay as I go, my itinerary is (Tokyo 1 night at HND airport hotel then 2 nights Tokyo - Kusatsu Onsen - Mt Fuji (Lake Kawaguchi) - Hiroshima - Osaka - (Kobe day trip) - Kyoto - Tokyo (fly home) any advice would be great thank you ! Or maybe fly?
depends on how many nights you are staying in each place, if you were spending 1 week in western japan and 1 week in northern then it might make sense if you want 7 days before activating it, there are other passes that might be worth it however
@@InakaAdventure Hey Inaka Adventures , 3 nights Tokyo, 2 nights kusatsu, 2 night mt Fuji, 1 night Hiroshima, 2 nights Osaka, 3 nights Kyoto, 1 night Tokyo, fly home (let me know if you need any more details ) thank you for your help! I was looking at flying vs train all the other passes like Tokyo wide and other pass Osaka etc
you might be able to save a little bit if you get the 1 week pass, but it would be cheaper to fly or take a night bus, the advantage of the train is that its much faster though. so its a toss up
@@InakaAdventurethanks for the tips I’ll have look over it all!
The Japan Rail Pass, often abbreviated as "JR Pass," is a special pass available to foreign tourists visiting Japan. It offers unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) Group-operated trains, buses, and ferries for a fixed period of time. Here are some key points about the Japan Rail Pass:
Eligibility: The JR Pass is only available for foreign tourists visiting Japan under the "Temporary Visitor" entry status. Japanese citizens living abroad are not eligible.
Types of Passes: There are several types of JR Passes available, depending on the duration of stay: 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day passes. The pass activates on the first day you use it and remains valid for consecutive days.
Coverage: The JR Pass covers travel on most JR-operated trains, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express trains, express trains, and local trains. It also includes some JR buses and ferries.
Exclusions: Not all trains are covered by the JR Pass. For example, the pass doesn't cover the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen services, which are among the fastest and most expensive Shinkansen trains.
Purchase and Activation: The JR Pass must be purchased outside of Japan through authorized agents or online platforms. Once purchased, travelers receive an exchange order, which they must exchange for the actual pass at designated JR Pass exchange offices in Japan upon arrival.
Cost-effectiveness: The JR Pass can be a cost-effective option for travelers planning to make multiple long-distance journeys within Japan, especially if they intend to use the Shinkansen extensively. However, it may not be worth it for those staying in one region or city.
Flexibility: The JR Pass provides flexibility in travel plans, allowing pass holders to hop on and off trains without worrying about purchasing individual tickets. It's particularly beneficial for travelers who want to explore multiple cities and regions during their visit.
Validity Period: The pass must be used within three months of purchase, and the validity period starts from the date of exchange in Japan.
Reservation: While reservations are not mandatory for most JR trains, it's recommended, especially during peak travel seasons or for long-distance journeys. Pass holders can make free seat reservations at JR ticket offices.
Regional Passes: In addition to the nationwide JR Pass, there are also regional passes available for specific areas of Japan, offering unlimited travel within those regions.
Trains in Japan is a fascinating journey that dates back to the late 19th century.
Early Development: Japan's first railway line, the 29-kilometer-long track between Shinbashi (Tokyo) and Yokohama, opened in 1872 during the Meiji Restoration period. This marked the beginning of Japan's modern railway system. The line was built with assistance from British engineers.
Expansion and Industrialization: In the following decades, Japan rapidly expanded its railway network to support industrialization and economic growth. Private railway companies emerged, leading to competition and further expansion of rail services across the country.
Nationalization: By the early 20th century, the Japanese government began nationalizing private railway companies to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. This led to the formation of the Japanese National Railways (JNR) in 1906, which unified the management of the country's railway network.
Technological Advancements: Japan has been at the forefront of railway technology innovation. In the 20th century, advancements such as electrification, introduction of high-speed trains, and development of efficient commuter rail systems contributed to the modernization of Japan's railways.
Shinkansen Era: One of the most significant developments in Japan's railway history came with the introduction of the Shinkansen, or bullet trains, in 1964. The Tokaido Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo and Osaka, was the world's first high-speed rail line. This marked a revolution in transportation, significantly reducing travel times between major cities.
Privatization: In 1987, the Japanese government privatized the Japanese National Railways (JNR), splitting it into several regional companies known as the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). This move aimed to improve efficiency, promote competition, and encourage innovation within the railway sector.
Continued Innovation: Japan continues to innovate in the railway industry, with ongoing efforts to improve safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Maglev (magnetic levitation) trains, which use magnetic forces to propel trains at ultra-high speeds, represent the latest frontier in Japanese railway technology.
Cultural and Economic Impact: Trains hold significant cultural and economic importance in Japan. They are not only a vital mode of transportation but also symbolize punctuality, efficiency, and technological prowess. Railway tourism, including themed trains and scenic routes, has become increasingly popular among domestic and international travelers.
wow thats thorough
More research than the video ..and less AI voice
¯\(ツ)/¯
I am visiting japan next month 21 days trip , Tokyo, osaka, shingawa , izumi , Nagasaki, okayama, kyoto,nara , nagoya, soppora ,fuji, hiroshima isnit worth to buy 21 days pass and can we use local trains and bus with jr pass ?
On the JR Pass you can only use JR Trains, buses and Ferries which are pretty uncommon, Local trains can be JR or private lines but it depends on the area
i’m going to stay in Tokyo for 1 week, and take a day or two side trip to Osaka during the week. so should i get 2 of the tokyo 3day wide pass, and then buy a regular shinkansen ticket to osaka?
To make the Tokyo pass worth it you'd need to take some trips outside Tokyo, inside the city you'll probably only pass around 1-2k yen a day on trains unless you are going to some really far away destinations
@@InakaAdventure oh ok! that’s helpful information, thank you!!
@@InakaAdventure i would like to thank You in advance for putitng all this info. I have 2 questions : 1) all theses passes need to be bought in advance or just Jrailpass? Can i get to the airport and Buy regionals?
2)metros in Tokyo are similar to yamanote line? Unlimited for 5 days is still cheaper?
If you're just in Tokyo then a pass isn't really necessary just pay at the gate or get an IC card or use the app. The JR pass can be bought in advance but the other regional passes vary so you'll need to confirm based on where you want to go
@@InakaAdventure i ended up not getting one! went well
JR Pass here again price is hiked further higher in April,2024 😢😢😢
Just wondering..Does JR know Not many oversea visitors appreciate over priced JR pass 🎫🙅♂️⁉️
Are you sure about that? I haven't seen anything about it, what are the new prices you've seen?
@@InakaAdventure
Just a few days ago , TH-cam channel called " Only In Japan " the host was reporting another price hike about JR Pass. !
There is no news in the last month I can find about it, if it was changing next month we would know already. Must have been a misreported rumour
th-cam.com/users/live-kvHPbFaKfU?si=ucv_Bfx9iO4E-afY
Actually this TH-cam feeds says JR PASS will have another increase on March 16,2024. . mind-blowing actually .. seriously 😱Now you will watch Only In JAPAN TH-cam channel and find out what are your best choice of railway pass 🚄🚊🎟️ ?
I had a quick look, it's not the JR pass increasing (meaning the national pass) it's the "hokuriku arch pass" which is offered by JR, that's been known about for awhile.
JR East Tokyo Wide Pass is not available anymore
Looks like there is a slight update on that, check the JR East-South Hokkaido Pass, pretty much the same thing but you can take it to Hokkaido too!
im so confused please help me
my plan is to go from tokyo to nagano (snow monkey mountain) and back to Tokyo then tokyo to kyoto then Kyoto to osaka and then oska to hiroshima and then oska and then oskaa to tokyo so should i buy jr pass
Go put your exact trip details into the fare calculator on click.jrpass.com/SH5O and see if its worth it, looking at it though if you are only visiting those cities and no were else you likely dont need any specific pass
is the shinkansen the same as the JR?
All Shinkansen/bullet trains are JR operated
Hi could you help me please. Does the pass make sense for me if this is my itinerary
narita airport to Tokyo
Tokyo to Nikko return
Tokyo to Osaka
Osaka to Himeji return
Osaka to Kyoto
Kyoto to Nara return
Kyoto to Tokyo
Tokyo to narita airport
Hey did you try using the fare calculator in the video description?
Is this the announcement of the announcement?
Not even close
@@InakaAdventure soon?
no ❤️
@@InakaAdventure rude 💜
thank you for the info! I am planning to buy the 7 day pass, however i am a bit confused as to which website to use, there seem to be a couple different ones! can you please point me to the correct website? thank you!
I have verified the site i've linked in the description and pinned comment as a trusted source, you can also buy them on klook (use code INAKA5OFF for a discount)
It's only worth it if you want to spend half of your holiday inside trains, which isn't my idea of a relaxing holiday.
I spend 46 hours on locals trains in Japan so it doesnt really bother me that much ¯\(ツ)/¯ that was in this video th-cam.com/video/ALW8Wp4dV58/w-d-xo.html
The Japan Rail Pass is a rip off. It is almost impossible to spend 80,000 yen on the Shinkansen in a 2 week trip.
You can't even cover the pass going going from Tokyo to Fukuoka and back then to Hokkaido and back (this works out to 70,000 yen plus you can fly from Fukuoka to Sapporo easily). It also doesn't work on the Nozomi Shinkansen.
There are ways to make it work, but only if you're doing a massive trip riding the shinkansen every day. But for the average user doing the Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka loop its basically dead. Real shame
Even then it's impossible to spend 80,000 yen in 2 weeks. With Shinkansen operating on a set fare for a given route (except for early bookings) it's simply not worth it.
If youre doing those 3 cities sure, but someone that starts in Tokyo, goes up to Aomori or Hokkaido, down to Kagoshima then back to Tokyo is 100,000 alone, and thats just 3 destinations over a few days. So it makes sense for those people trying to say they went everywhere in Japan or a massive 3 week trip.
For tokyo osaka kyoto there is still the hokuriku arch pass
Hi there is a huge amount of information to take on board. The very tight script editing means that it is impossible to get a (figurative) cigarette paper between each item of information. For some reason this is the way nowadays. (???) This approach does not leave sufficient time to absorb the info given before another tide of facts, figures, possible options spills forth. Please leave a breath (a 'beat') at least between each piece of vital information for listeners to absorb the complicated content. (I was exhausted by the end of the video.) Thanks.
Thanks for the feedback, Ive added chapters so you can jump around the video to the part that's most relevant to your trip, and you can pause those sections while checking your travel details, no need to watch every part in one go! Hope this helps and have a good time in Japan!
I understood nothing 😂 soo complicated