Japan Rail Pass Price Increase from October 2023

The price of the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), which allows tourists unlimited travel in Japan using the JR lines for 7, 14, or 21 days at a discount price, will increase from October 2023.

The JR Pass can be booked at the current price until September 25, 2023.
*Please be aware that a preordered JR Pass has to be activated up to three months after the issue date.

*For children aged 6 - 11, the JR Pass costs half the price of an adult pass. Children aged 12 and above require an adult JR Pass.
*Infants under 6 do not require a JR Pass as long as they seat on the lap of their adult companion.

Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Newly Added Benefits of the JR Pass

From October 2023, JR Pass holders will be able to ride the Nozomi and Mizuho bullet trains, the fastest on the Shinkansen line. The current JR Pass limits the Shinkansen use to bullet trains that stop at more stations along the way.

This results in faster travel between major destinations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Fukuoka, as well as decreasing the possibility of JR Pass holders not finding an available seat in the non-reserved seat cars that they have to use.

Nevertheless, JR Pass holders might be required to purchase an additional ticket to ride these bullet trains.

The new JR Pass will include additional discounts at major amusement facilities in Japan. Japan Railways is expected to release further details before the price hike.

Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Conclusion

The reasons behind this price increase include the rising costs for energy in Japan, along with the increase in railway maintenance and operational costs. The depreciation of the yen is also considered to be one of the factors.

While the JR Pass continues to offer great value for money, please remember that there are many other convenient travel passes for tourists, some issued by JR and some by local railway companies.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass (7 days) allows unlimited travel on the JR lines between Tokyo and Osaka, including destinations such as Kanazawa, Nagano, and Takayama. The JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5 days) is excellent for exploring the Osaka and Kyoto area, while the JR EAST Pass (5 days) allows you to explore eastern and northern Japan.

Please check the articles below for details on each type of travel pass.

Main image by Pixta