Japan is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Although Japan is a small island, it has 23 world heritage sites including Hiroshima peace memorial and Mt. Fuji. Besides, Japan has Tokyo, the centre of cool Japan. As a Japanese, I do recommend you to visit from the north to the south, actually, there are too many places you should visit in Japan.
Tourists might be concerned about transportation. You might try Shinkansen (Japan’s bullet train), however, the average fee between Tokyo and Osaka is around 30,000 yen (a return ticket). It is not a friendly price for tourists who are planning to visit some places. So, why don’t you buy JR Pass to save money during your trip? Here is the reason you should purchase JR Pass!
What is Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)?
JR Pass is a pass issued by JR Group with which you are able to ride transportations operated by JR Group including most of Japan’s bullet trains, local trains, Tokyo Monorail (running between Haneda Airport – Hamamatsucho station), buses, and ferries. JR Group is the top rail company in Japan and operates all over Japan.
The pass can be bought by only short-stay travelers whose purpose of visiting Japan is tourism. You need to meet the eligibility below to buy it: You are a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing, under the entry status of “temporary visitor.” You need to get a “Temporary Visitor” entry status stamp when you enter Japan. You should ask an immigration officer at the airport to stamp it on your passport (by Japan Rail Pass.net )
Much cheaper than buying with regular price
This is the reason I do recommend you to purchase JR pass. IT IS A GOOD DEAl! As a Japanese, I am jealous! If I am allowed to buy it, I would. Here is the price.
If you buy it overseas, it is cheaper.
1. When you buy JR Pass in Japan Regular seat
Adult:
7days pass ¥33,610
14 days pass ¥52,960
21 days pass ¥66,200
Children:
7 days pass ¥16,800
14 days pass ¥26,480
21 days pass ¥33,100
2. When you buy JR Pass at a store dealing with the pass overseas
Regular seat
Adult:
7days pass ¥29,650
14 days pass ¥47,250
21 days pass ¥60,450
Child:
7 days pass ¥ 14,820
14 days pass ¥ 23,620
21 days pass ¥ 30,220
(The information is as of April 2020 and retrieved from Japan Rail Pass. net)
If you would prefer a luxury seat, you can choose Green seat (I think regular is still comfortable). The information is on the website.
Tips
As I mentioned, a round bullet train ticket between Tokyo and Osaka is around 30,000 yen. Isn’t it expensive? If you move from one place to another, especially traveling many different places, JR pass is reasonable. The pass is valid for local trains, buses, and even ferries run by JR Group as well, you might not have to pay for other transportation fees. If you are a smart user, you will be able to travel from Hokkaido to Kyushu by using the pass.
The pass is valid only under JR Group transportation, and you cannot take on Nozomi and Mizuho (both are the types of bullet trains), just keep in your mind.
All information is from Japan Rail Pass.net
