Japan is one of the most incredible places to visit in the world but it is also one of the most expensive. For this reason, it is worth doing some research into how you can economize.
Traveling around Japan is normally expensive, but you can make significant savings using a JR Pass. It is a cost-effective way of getting around Japan though you need to order one before you arrive in Japan.
Is ordering a Japan Rail Pass really worth it? It depends on your itinerary and your travels in Japan, but in many cases the answer is yes, as it will help you save money and get around faster.
The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to all JR trains and buses, ferry services and airport transfers for ¥50,000 (7-day pass).
This means that if you make several trips that would normally exceed this amount during your stay in Japan, you’ll start saving money.
There are also 14-day and 21-day passes that can save you money on transport if you are traveling around Japan for that long.
In other words, by using the JR Pass you can make multiple trips and visit as many sites and cities as possible on a budget.
What’s more, when you factor in the money you’ll spend on subway, bus, ferry and airport transfers, in addition to Shinkansen trips, the savings with the JR Pass can be significant.
Saving money is the main reason why people buy a Japan Rail Pass. However, there are more advantages.
It is very easy to use and it saves the hassle of constantly needing to buy tickets every time you use a train or any other form of public transport. Instead, you simply flash your JR Pass to gain access.
This helps you avoid the stress of wondering how to get to the ariport or a certain city on time, simply jump on the shinksansen where it’s available and go with a single pass for you and your family.
No need to worry about carrying multiple tickets or the need to visit the ticket office in each city.
You can also make seat reservations using your JR Pass. This is especially advantageous during busy times, as you can ensure getting a seat and avoid standing up for long journeys.
Travelers with a JR Pass can also benefit from discounts at a number of major tourist attractions in Japan as well as some luxury hotels.
It is not worth buying a JR Pass in certain situations that comes down to simple math.
A 7-day JR Pass costs ¥50,000, or ¥7142.85 per day. 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.
Instead, there are great options if you’re just exploring a certain area, for example there are the following regional passes:
However, if you take into account journeys on Shinkansen high-speed trains or other means of transport, the savings you make become substantial. So it can be worthwhile ordering a JR Pass.