Free tool · Prices checked October 17, 2026
Is the JR Pass Worth It?
Add the train trips you’re planning, and see in seconds whether a Japan Rail Pass or single tickets will cost you less.
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Good to know
- The pass covers the Hikari and Kodama on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen. To ride the faster Nozomi or Mizuho, pass holders now buy a supplement (about ¥4,960 for Tokyo–Kyoto or Shin-Osaka). We compare against Nozomi fares for single tickets, because that’s what most travelers buy.
- The pass doesn’t cover subways, private railways or buses in cities, so you’ll still pay for local transport.
- A regional pass is often the best deal if you stay in one area, like Kansai, Hokuriku, Kyushu or Tohoku.
Shinkansen and express fares used
One-way, adult, reserved seat, regular season (prices checked October 17, 2026). Children 6–11 pay about half. Fares can be ¥200–400 higher in peak periods.
| Route | Train | Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo – Nagoya | Nozomi | ¥11,300 |
| Tokyo – Kyoto | Nozomi | ¥14,170 |
| Tokyo – Osaka (Shin-Osaka) | Nozomi | ¥14,720 |
| Tokyo – Okayama | Nozomi | ¥17,770 |
| Tokyo – Hiroshima | Nozomi | ¥19,760 |
| Tokyo – Fukuoka (Hakata) | Nozomi | ¥24,010 |
| Nagoya – Kyoto | Nozomi | ¥5,910 |
| Nagoya – Osaka (Shin-Osaka) | Nozomi | ¥6,680 |
| Nagoya – Hiroshima | Nozomi | ¥14,810 |
| Nagoya – Fukuoka (Hakata) | Nozomi | ¥19,310 |
| Kyoto – Hiroshima | Nozomi | ¥11,940 |
| Osaka (Shin-Osaka) – Okayama | Nozomi | ¥6,460 |
| Osaka (Shin-Osaka) – Hiroshima | Nozomi | ¥10,950 |
| Osaka (Shin-Osaka) – Fukuoka (Hakata) | Nozomi | ¥16,020 |
| Hiroshima – Fukuoka (Hakata) | Nozomi | ¥9,630 |
| Tokyo – Sendai | Hayabusa | ¥11,830 |
| Tokyo – Kanazawa | Kagayaki | ¥14,600 |
| Tokyo – Nagano | Kagayaki / Hakutaka | ¥8,450 |
| Nagoya – Takayama | Hida | ¥6,140 |
| Osaka (Shin-Osaka) – Takayama | Hida | ¥8,450 |
| Narita Airport – Tokyo | Narita Express | ¥3,140 |
| Kansai Airport – Kyoto | Haruka | ¥3,590 |
| Kansai Airport – Osaka (Shin-Osaka) | Haruka | ¥3,070 |
Questions
How much is the JR Pass in 2026?
On the official JR Pass website: ¥50,000 for 7 days, ¥80,000 for 14 days and ¥100,000 for 21 days (ordinary car, adults). From October 1, 2026, overseas travel agencies charge ¥53,000, ¥84,000 and ¥105,000. Children 6–11 pay half.
Is the JR Pass worth it for Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka?
Usually not on its own. A round trip from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka costs about ¥29,000 in single tickets, well under the ¥50,000 pass. The pass starts to pay off when you add a longer trip, such as Hiroshima, or several long rides within 7 days.
Does the JR Pass cover the Nozomi?
Yes, with a supplement bought separately (about ¥4,960 between Tokyo and Kyoto or Shin-Osaka). Without it, ride the Hikari, which takes about 20–30 minutes longer from Tokyo to Kyoto.
Do I need the JR Pass for the Narita Express?
No. The pass covers it, but a single ticket is ¥3,140, and JR East also sells a discounted N’EX round trip for visitors.
Sources: Fares: JR Central and JR West press release of October 16, 2026; JR East; fare listings checked October 2026. Pass prices: Japan Rail Pass official website and overseas agency prices from October 1, 2026.