This Is the Most Outdated Piece of Japan Travel Advice, According to a Local

For years, there was a golden principle for travelers going to Japan: Get Japan Rail Pass. It was a intelligence, a budget -related hack hack travel blogs and the same in the guide Bocus. However, on the junior trains, the cost of unlimited, nationwide travel price between Tokyo and Osaka was just like a round trip ticket, so only money can be saved about any tourist out of the capital.

But this reliable advice is now old. In 2023, JR increased the pass price by about 70 %. While they added some facilities, including exemptions to shops and tourist attractions, new prices most visitors make it a little attractive option. The ultimate travel device has become an expensive facility, and passengers now need caution whether it fits their itinerary – or if it is not worth it.

These pass 7-, 14-, and are available in 21 days of periods, costing 50,000 yen (about $ 337), 80,000 yen ($ 539), and 100,000 yen ($ 674) for the standard safe class. This includes the theoretically unlimited travel on Japan rail -powered trains, buses and ghats. However, some regional lines have been excluded, and the fastest bullet trains – nozzomy and Mizohu – a heavy supplement fee is needed.

Suppose you are planning classic Tokyo-Oska Kyoto Route during a week long holidays. The standard round trip fare for reserved seats on the built trains included in the pass will be a total of 36,060 yen (about $ 243). This means that you will need to use an additional 13,940 yen (about $ 94)) to just break the JR transportation. It is not impossible, but if you are set on city centers, it is unlikely.

And there is another complication at this place: urban transit networks often rely on private or municipal subway and bus lines that are not under pass. Trying to stay specially on the junior routes can quickly be painful and disappointing. It is very difficult (and often cheap), such as lifting a rechargeable transit card like Sokika or Pasmo, and going wherever you take.

If you have been staying longer or planning to cover too much land, Japan Rail Pass can still offer a good price. There are also cheaper, more limited regional rail passes that can be in line with different travel travel. But, sadly, the National Railway Pass must have the same mess, nine -fos Era.