JAPAN RAIL PASS

Hello Kukie,

If you'll travel long-distance in Japan. It's very worthy.

If you only stay in one or two cities. You don't have to purchase this pass.

So it depends on your schedule.

Hi Kukie,

I am new here so only just saw your posting about the JR Pass. Just wanted to share my experience or what I know about the pass.. Firstly, how many days are you going to be in Japan? There are JR Pass in shorter days like 5 and 7 days. It cost lesser or more afforable in that sense. Also, if you do not intend to travel out of Tokyo then it is not advisable to buy the pass. Note that the pass works only on JR Rail lines and buses - not on subways, which there are many in Tokyo.

having used it once in my lifetime (cos that was the only time i travelled around japan), i would say that it saves money overall for a multiple city trip and that the cities are on the JR railway system. however, you have to do advanced planning, which is a pain. if you dont plan in advance, you may find yourself without a train out at the time you want. cos there are many restrictions on the type of train and cabin you are permitted to use with the pass.

the fastest way between cities is usually the shinkansen, but most shinkansen is out of bounds with the pass, since the NOZOMI is the fastest and hence the costliest and also not included in the pass.

if you can afford the travel time, then the slower trains via the pass works for you. but for me, i wont use the pass anymore, cos i prefer to spend more of my precious time in the city, not travelling on a slow train.