Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It?

Above, a shinkansen train arrives at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

On October 1, Japan Rail raised the prices on its Rail Passes, by around 70%,

I traveled around Japan during my eight visits there over the years and found it to be economical. Now that the prices have been raised, the question now is, "Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it?"

An article in Japan Today discusses this.

They begin with:

TOKYO - There are many things to love about Japan, from the food to the living tradition to the ultra-modern streets of fast-paced Tokyo. Of course, there are also the trains. Sleek and punctual, they whisk passengers from one corner of the country to the other in comfort and style.

Regular visitors will know about the Japan Rail Pass, an affordable, all-you-can-ride ticket that grants access to the many Japan Rail-associated trains, including the famous bullet train, the shinkansen. However, prices have recently increased—and by quite a lot.

Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it? 

To read the full article, go here. 

Be sure to read readers' comments.

Japan Announces Measures To Combat Overtourism

Above, Kyoto's Kinkakuji "Golden Pavilion". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the pandemic ended, Japan has been coping with overtourism, particularly in popular cities of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.

The hiking of the prices of JR Rail Passes may contribute to the lowering of numbers of foreign tourists to places outside of Tokyo. 

According to TravelPulse:

Japan’s tourism ministry outlined its new plans to combat overtourism this week, ranging from strengthening transportation systems in large cities like Tokyo to encouraging a greater spread of tourism to lesser-known destinations. 

According to The Japan Times, a large part of the program is expanding bus and taxi fleets in popular areas, especially during heavy tourist seasons. Direct bus routes to popular destinations from major stations that are designed specifically for tourist use are also being considered.

The tourism ministry will also consider ways to encourage a wider spread of travelers to lesser known areas to direct traffic away from Tokyo, Kyoto and other popular destinations. 

While the country has nearly reached its pre-pandemic level of visitor totals, the majority of these travelers tend to concentrate in popular destinations like Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto, leading to overcrowding in these cities. 

To read more, go here. 

G-TOUR 4 Announced

Above, the announcement page from G-FAN.

The latest issue of G-FAN (no. 141) arrived in today's mail.

One item caught my attention during my initial thumb-through of the issue. It is on page 90. It is an announcement of G-TOUR 4 to Japan. It is to take place sometime in October/November 2024. The exact dates are to be announced.

G-FAN publisher/editor J. D. Lees and I discussed G-TOUR back in April when I emailed him about the 70% increase in the prices for the Japan Rail Passes. He said at the time that he was unsure if there would be a G-TOUR 4. The price increases may affect G-TOUR. In any case, the price increases certainly were not a help.

Obviously, he has decided to go through with G-TOUR 4. 

Depending on the cost of it and the duration, I may be interested in joining it. The duration part is of concern. In years past, when my mom or daughter babysat my cat(s), it was no problem. My mom passed away in December 2010 and my daughter is in California while I am in New Mexico. I could have friends babysit Sierra, but it depends on the duration of the tour. 

My last trip to Japan was in October 2015, so I am a bit overdue for a return visit.

I have to wait and see when details are made available. 

In any case, if one has been considering a trip to Japan but are apprehensive of going alone, this would provide an opportunity to visit the Land of Godzilla with like-minded fans. We had a great time during the first G-TOUR in 2004 (Yeesh, almost 20 years ago!) I recommend it!

Keep watch at www.g-fan.com for updates.

Japan Train Fares To Surge For Foreign Tourists

Above, Sendai Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Starting Sunday, October 1, the cost for JR Rail Passes will sharply increase for foreign visitors.

According to Nikkei Asia:

TOKYO -- The Japan Railways Group (JR Group) will sharply increase fares for foreign travelers under the Japan Rail Pass program for unlimited access to all JR trains, effective on Sunday.

Depending on how the pass is purchased, hikes will be 49% to 69% for economy-class train cars and 56% to 77% for first-class cars, called Green Cars.

At present, the over-the-counter price of the seven-day pass is roughly the same as the fare of a Tokyo-Osaka round trip aboard a bullet train, known in the country as shinkansen. The low fare has become possible "as a result of efforts to expand and upgrade services," the JR Group said.

But Japanese travelers have complained that the program unfairly favors foreign visitors.

The generous program started when prices were extremely high in Japan. Recently, however, it has become difficult to maintain the low prices because of a steep increase in the number of users. 

The surge of foreign visitors is causing other problems in Japan, to read further, go here. 

Japan's Popular Rail Pass Is About to Get More Expensive

Above, inside a Shinkansen (bullet train) car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I have posted about this before, but those planning to travel to Japan can still purchase the JR Rail Pass at the current price until October 1.

That's when the price is hiked about 70%.

According to Travel + Leisure:

The Japan Rail Pass, one of the most efficient and cost-effective ways to travel around the country, is going up in price this fall. 

The cost of a 7-day rail pass, known as the JR Pass, will increase from as low as 29,650 yen ($201.19) when purchased from an authorized retailer to 50,000 yen ($339.28), a nearly 70 percent increase, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. The price increase will go into effect on Oct. 1 and become the first increase in several years.

A spokesman for the JR Group told The New York Times the increase follows improvements to its service, including extending lines and updating reservation systems.

“As a result, the actual benefits greatly exceed the product price,” the spokesman said, adding, “we have decided to revise the price to an appropriate level.”

When the price increase goes into effect, a 14-day JR Pass will rise from as low as 47,250 yen ($320.62) to 80,000 yen ($542.85) and a 21-day pass will rise from as low as 60,450 yen ($410.19) to 100,000 yen ($678.56). Passes for children 6 to 11 years old will cost 50 percent of the adult price. 

 To read more, go here.

Japan’s JR Rail Pass Prices Are About to Increase

Above, the first Shinkansen I rode using the JR Rail Pass. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We're a little over a month away from when the cost of the JR Rail Pass is hiked around 70%.

I have used the JR Rail Pass several times to travel around Japan. With them, I have been to Sendai, Niigata, Hiroshima, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Sasebo, Kumamoto, Atami and other places. 

AFAR has posted an article on what to expect when the prices go up on October 1. They also state that there's plenty of time to buy before they do.

They begin with:

Travelers planning on visiting Japan may want to re-evaluate their travel budget—the price for a Japan Rail Pass is set to rise by roughly 70 percent on October 1, 2023.

The passes, which offer a flat rate for an unlimited number of rides on most trains during a set timeframe (including the famous high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains) have long been a popular way for travelers keen to visit multiple destinations (and have traditionally been more cost-effective than buying tickets à la carte).

Here’s what you need to know about the new pricing for the Japan Rail Pass.

To read more, go here. 

Yen Fall May Prove Debilitating To Japan

Above, a food market at the Tokyo Skytree. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Despite price hikes at some restaurants, hotels and, coming this fall, the price of Japan Rail Passes, the dollar is seeing the best purchasing power in Japan in years.

As good as this is for American and other foreign travelers, it may not be good for the financial health of Japan itself.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun:

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The yen's recent weakening may not be as rapid as last year when it lost around 20 percent of its value relative to the U.S. dollar, but the prospect of it staying longer at current levels is already a cause for alarm for Japan Inc. and consumers.

The yen is in the 143 zone to the U.S. dollar, far from around 130 that major Japanese firms expect the currency pair to average in the current business year to next March. The euro has also hit a 15-year high versus the yen near 157.

While Japanese authorities say they are closely monitoring forex developments due to the importance of stable currency moves that reflect economic fundamentals, the yen's recent weakness is largely due to the divergence of monetary policies between Japan and its peers in the United States and Europe.

To read more, go here. 

Dollar At ¥139 In Tokyo

We're now in a new month and it is time to take a peek at how the U.S. dollar is faring against the Japanese yen in Tokyo's foreign exchange.

From Jiji Press:

Tokyo, May 31 (Jiji Press)--The dollar fell into the upper 139-yen range in Tokyo trading Wednesday, pulled down by the Nikkei stock average's fallback and lower U.S. long-term interest rates.

At 5 p.m., the dollar stood at 139.74-75 yen, down from 140.26-26 yen at the same time Tuesday.

Considering how hotels, attractions, restaurants and (coming this fall) the Japan Rail Pass are jacking up prices, this is beneficial to American travelers.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Rail Pass Price Hike Very Unpopular

Above, inside a Shinkansen train car. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the dumbest moves in the annals of Japan travel was the announcement by the Japan Railways Group that they will be hiking Japan Rail Pass prices nearly 70%.

During seven of my eight trips to Japan, I have obtained a JR Rail Pass and found it very convenient and a bargain. If I go back to Japan, I will likely not buy one.

Other travelers agree with me as surveys have been taken and a big majority of people are also saying "no thanks" to buying a JR Rail Pass, according to an article by SoraNews24.

They begin with:

In April, Japan Railways Group shocked international travelers thinking about taking a trip to Japan by announcing a gigantic price increase for the Japan Rail Pass. Long considered one of the best deals available for inbound tourists looking to see a large swath of the country, the “JR Pass,” as it’s also known among travelers, gives you an unlimited rides on the Shinkansen bullet train, as well as local JR-managed lines nationwide, over a period of one, two, or three weeks.

Currently, a one-week pass costs 29,640 yen (US$220), but that will be jumping to 50,000 yen. The two-week pass will be rising from 47,250 to 80,000 yen, and the three-week pass from 60,450 yen to 100,000. That works out to price increases of between 65 and 69 percent, and depending on where you’re staying and whether you’re splitting hotel costs with a travelling companion, the difference is enough to potentially equal multiple nights’ worth of hotel costs.

Needless to say, the change hasn’t been met with cheers from overseas travelers anxious to visit Japan now that the country has finally reopened from being effectively closed to tourism for almost the entirety of the pandemic. Illustrating just how unpopular is this move by JR is, Export Japan, management company for inbound-to-Japan travel portal Japan Guide, has released the results of an online poll carried out through the site in May, shortly after the Japan Rail Pass price hike was announced. When posed with the question “Will you be buying the Japan Rail Pass after the price increase?”, the responses from 1,098 participants were:

● Probably not: 36.5 percent of respondents

● Absolutely not: 36.1 percent

● I can’t say for sure: 15.5 percent

● I’ll probably buy it: 6 percent

● I’ll definitely buy it: 5.9 percent

To read more, go here. 

Worst-Ever Hawaii Airfares

Above, a Hawaiian vacation will cost much more just to get there. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As previously mentioned, hotels, airfares and, soon to come in October, prices for the JR Rail Pass will jump in Japan.

But Japan isn't the only destination that is gouging one's wallet. Airlines are hiking their airfares to Hawaii, which is the topic of discussion in Beat of Hawaii. 

They begin with:

If you think Hawaii hotel prices are soaring, you’d better look at what’s happening now with airline tickets. We previously reported trying to get from Hawaii to the mainland this August. Ultimately, BOH editors decided not to go to a conference rather than pay the airlines’ asking price. As editor Jeff said, “It was too insulting.” This could end up being a game of cat and mouse like we reported this past weekend on First Class Hawaii deals. We plan to keep revisiting the costs, and have alerts set that you might be doing as well.

A very rapid escalation of airline ticket prices to Hawaii has occurred over the past year or so. So it isn’t exactly new but it is decidedly unpleasant. Given that the airlines are arguably smarter and cagier than hotels, this is a bit more subtle while equally challenging. Hawaii airline ticket prices rebounded starting last year following Covid and are now, in many cases, at new highs never seen before. That’s true in all classes and across airlines, in economy, extra legroom (up to $304 more), premium economy, and business.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Rail Pass Price Hikes Will Be A Big Blunder

 

Above, Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji. The rail pass price hike will solve Kyoto's over-tourism. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The planned JR Rail Pass price hikes set for October will effectively kill the convenient and affordable means of travel throughout Japan for many. Paying nearly $500 for a 7-day rail pass would not be cost-effective for foreign travelers unless they take more than two round-trips from Tokyo to Osaka.

The Japanese government had been clamoring for years that they'd like to see foreign visitors travel to other places in Japan besides Tokyo. This will effectively kill that. Is this supposed to encourage the tourism industry? How idiotic!

Prior to the pandemic, Kyoto had been complaining about over-tourism to the city by foreigners, some of which were ill-mannered. Well, this will certainly solve that problem! Who wants to pay sky-high prices to go to Kyoto or Osaka? I went to both cities in 2015 with the JR Rail Pass. It appears that that will be my last time visiting them.

This will also hurt the merchants in Japan. Instead of spending money in shops, restaurants and hotels in areas outside of Tokyo, people will pay for the higher rail pass prices instead or just not travel around the country as they once did. Is this going to aid the Japanese economy?

I could understand a more moderate price increase, but to hike rail pass prices by 70% is ridiculous. It won't be worth getting anymore. If the price hikes as announced goes through, this will land on the list of Japan's biggest blunders. R.I.P. Japan Rail Pass!

Between now and October, people should be raising holy hell over this!

Steep Price Increases For Japan Rail Passes Planned

Above, a couple of JR Rail Passes I used. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Japan Rail Pass available to foreign tourists is one great benefit that I and many others visiting Japan have taken advantage of.

It allows visitors to travel around Japan on JR rail lines, including bullet trains, and other affiliated transports at lower cost.

Visitors are able to save a lot of money using the rail pass.

But all that may change this coming October if plans to greatly hike the prices of the rail passes go through. Hardly a "welcome back" for foreign tourists after three years of pandemic closures.

The price increases will greatly affect tour packages as the cost of rail passes are added into the cost of tours. 

If I should go back to Japan, I will likely pass on the Rail Pass if the prices are drastically raised.

The Japan Times reported (some snippets):

Tourists planning to take advantage of Japan’s train network could face a more expensive rail pass starting this fall.

Japan Railway Group announced on April 14 that it intends to raise the cost of its Japan Rail Pass this October.

The pass is a popular purchase for sightseers without Japanese passports and a convenient, discounted way to travel around certain parts of the country via rail, including on some bullet trains.

The change would add an almost 70% average price increase to the flat-fee ordinary and green car tickets. But, according to JR, the price hike will come with expanded services.

While an announcement detailing final changes is planned for a later date, JR has announced that pass-holders will be able to access the Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen lines — which are currently off-limits with the pass — through the purchase of additional special tickets.

While subject to change, the price hikes for adults have been announced as follows:

• 7-day pass: From ¥29,650 to ¥50,000.
• 14-day pass: From ¥47,250 to ¥80,000.
• 21-day pass: From ¥60,450 to ¥100,000.
• 7-day Green Car pass: ¥39,600 to ¥70,000
• 14-day Green Car pass: ¥64,120 to ¥110,000
• 21-day Green Car pass: ¥83,390 to ¥140,000

To read the full article, go here.

Japan Is Finally A More Affordable Travel Destination

Above, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Japan has been known to many as a very expensive place to visit.

I never found that this was the case. I found Japan no more expensive than anywhere else. It is comparable to the U.S. for hotel rooms, transportation (the Japan Rail Pass makes it even more affordable) and food. One just has to know where to look and go to.

HuffPost has posted an article whose premise is that the country is more affordable post-COVID than during pre-COVID times for foreign visitors. This is true since the dollar now gets more yen in foreign exchange.

They start with:

Japan, high on the bucket list for many travelers due to its popular culture, food, history and art, but often unaffordable for many or overcrowded for others, is now in a “sweet spot” to visit.

Japan was among the countries that took longer to reopen to foreign travelers after COVID pandemic closures, finally welcoming visa-free tourism in October 2022. And the first foreign tourists to return to historically expensive Japan have found a much more affordable country to visit.

To read more, go here. 

JR Rail Passes For Foreign Tourists Visiting Japan

Above, two JR Rail Passes that I used during past trips. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Now that Japan has reopened to foreign tourists again, it is time to do some planning for a future trip and how to get around the country after you've arrived.

The most economical way to get around Japan, saving a lot of money in the process, is with the many JR Rail Passes that are available to foreign tourists. 

According to Time Out, there are 13 different Rail Passes available. All one has to do is select one that best suits one's itinerary.

Time Out reported:

Travelling via train and shinkansen is a quintessential Japanese experience. However, train rides, especially on the shinkansen, can add up to be a costly expense. Lucikly for tourists, Japan Railways has created a host of discount rail passes exclusively for foreign passport holders with short-term visit visas, all of which offer unlimited rides on trains and shinkansen across multiple days. (Psst... some of these JR passes are also available to foreign residents in Japan – more info here.) 

Aside from the popular Japan Rail Pass, which gives you access to most JR trains and shinkansen across the breadth of Japan, there are a number of other discount passes that could also save you a lot of money. To help you organise your travels, here's a list of all the current JR rail passes you can enjoy with your foreign passport as a temporary visitor in Japan. Just don't forget to bring your passport along with you when you go to purchase or collect your pass.

To read more, go here. 

What To Know About Using A Japan Rail Pass

Above, a couple of Japan Rail Passes I've used. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the perks of being a foreign tourist to Japan is that it allows tourists to use different Japan Rail Passes. Rail Passes allow tourists to explore Japan by rail (including bullet trains) and save money at the same time.

I've used them several times during my eight trips to Japan.

The Travel has posed an article on everything you should know about using Japan Rail Pass.

They start it off with:

Every year, millions of people flock to Japan to witness its marvelous and most iconic attractions, including Mount Fuji, Imperial Tokyo, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, historic Kyoto, the Island Shrine of Itsukushima, and much more. They can use the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto when heading to Mount Fuji or take the subway train to a specific place of interest. The simple fact of experiencing the country’s world-leading railway system is just a unique and quintessential part of a Japan trip.

However, those who want to save a lot of money when using the Japanese transportation system can spend some time learning about the convenient and special Japan Rail Pass. This applies to tourists who plan to save much money when exploring a lot in Japan.

Above, a shinkansen view of Mt. Fuji en route to Osaka from Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read the full article, go here. 

What You Can See From Japan's Shinkansens

Above, a Tokaido Shinkansen arriving at Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If there is one thing visitors to Japan should put their "bucket list" it is taking a train trip aboard one of Japan's famous bullet trains, or Shinkansen.

The first time for me was taking a Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami in 2001. The longest for me was from Tokyo to Fukuoka in Kyushu. 

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from a Tokaido Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There are several Japan Rail Passes for foreign visitors available for unlimited use in set numbers of days. Along with Shinkansen trains, rail passes can also be used for JR commuter trains and subways.

If one is considering such a ride aboard a Shinkansen and would like more information, The Travel has posted a detailed article on them, including their history and evolution.

They start it with:

If we can revere technology and the marvel of engineering, Japan triumphs over it. The new needle-nosed bullet train of Japan called "Shinkansen" which literally means "New Trunk Line" or Super Express has garnered a lot of attention.

About Shinkansen

Operated by Japan Railways (JR) Group Companies, this train is recommended for any long-distance, be it between Tokyo and Kyoto or Osaka, Hokkaido to Kagoshima, Shinkansen covers most of Japan. A mesmerizing experience to watch all the coveted destinations of Japan on this journey makes it a more attractive proposition.

The speed of the train is a maximum of 320 km/hour or 199 mph. So, 500 km can be traveled in 2 to 2.5 hours surprisingly. Quite spacious and luxurious, one can relax around and bask in the glory of nature. Also, free Wifi is available on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines. The train is famous for its speed, reliability, and safety.

To read more, go here. 

Best Discount Train Deals and Passes From Tokyo

Above, a view of Mount Fuji from an Osaka-bound Shinkansen. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When Japan finally reopens to foreign visitors, there are deals to be had while in the country.

One of the best deals for foreign tourists are those offered by Japan Rail and other rail companies.

Time Out Tokyo has posted some of the best discount train deals and rail passes for excursions from Tokyo.

They begin with:

Japan’s legendarily efficient train network is a thing of beauty. We love being able to zip around the country on a shinkansen for a weekend getaway, but that convenience often comes with a hefty price tag. A trip from Tokyo to Osaka can cost around ¥15,000 one-way.

Thankfully, Japan’s railway companies offer package deals for trips on a budget. Deals can include shinkansen tickets to and from your destination, unlimited public transport once you’re there, and even discounts on local attractions. 

Whether you want to spend a day exploring Tokyo, take a day trip to Nikko, or travel to Osaka for the weekend, be sure to check out these deals before you book your next trip. 

To read more, go here. 

5 Days Exploring Tohoku With The JR East Pass

Above, a boat tour of Matsushima Bay's islets. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the best things about being a foreign visitor to Japan are the JR Rail Passes, which allows for unlimited travel during a certain amount time (for example: 5 days).

Unfortunately, travel to Japan is verboten at present due to the pandemic. Eventually, things will open up again (when, is anyone's guess). But, since we all have plenty of time to plan ahead, this is something to take into consideration.

GaijinPot has posted an article on the JR East Pass. I used it back in 2006 to travel from Tokyo to the Tohoku region to visit Sendai and Matsushima. It came in handy and I saved some money using it.

They begin their article with:

The JR East Pass for the Tohoku region provides anyone holding a non-Japanese passport, including residents of Japan, five days of unlimited travel from Tokyo around the zone of the pass for just ¥20,000.

The pass provides huge savings to non-Japanese travelers, making it easier to explore this fascinating region of Japan when travel reopens. Earlier we gave you an itinerary to explore Akita, Aomori and Iwate, the three northern prefectures of Tohoku. Now, we’ve got a great itinerary introducing Tohoku’s three southern prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi and Yamagata.

This is a chance to explore a bit of history and culture as well as plenty of lakes, mountains and ocean scenery. So daydream now and see it for yourself later.

To read more, go here. 

Japan Rail Pass To Be Available For Sale Online This Summer

Above, a Shinkansen train arrives in Atami Station. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During several trips to Japan, I have made good use out of the Japan Rail Pass and saved a lot of money in doing so.

Up to now, the only way to buy the Japan Rail Pass is for people to go to an authorized travel agent in their home countries.

Now, it has been announced that this coming summer, people can buy their Japan Rail Pass online.

According to SoraNews 24:

There are several reasons Japan has been booming in popularity as a travel destination over the past decade, and a big one is the Japan Rail Pass. Offered by Japan Railways Group (a.k.a. JR), Japan’s largest rail operator, the pass is only available to visitors from abroad, and provides travelers with unlimited use of nearly any JR train in the country, including all but the very fastest classes of the Shinkansen bullet train, for periods of one, two, or three weeks. 

But while the JR Pass is an incredible value for those with wide-range travel ambitions in Japan, the purchase process has long been a bit of a hassle. For many years, the pass could only be purchased outside of Japan and through an intermediary such as a designated travel agency or airline. More recently, the option to purchase the pass at select train stations in Japan has been offered, but with the penalty of being roughly 10 percent more expensive than if purchased outside Japan. 

Those hassles will be disappearing, though, as this week Japan Rail Group announced that it will begin selling the Japan Rail Pass online come summer.

To read more, go here. 

Regional Japan Rail Passes

Above, the front of the JR East Rail Pass I used in 2006.
Below, is the reverse side. Photos by Armand Vaquer.

When people, in general, hear "Japan Rail Pass", it is usually the pass usable in all of Japan.

But there are also regional rail passes available to visitors (they still have to purchase them in their home countries and bring the voucher to redeem in Japan) and Live Japan discusses four of them available from JR East.

I used a JR East 5-day rail pass to go to Tohoku in 2006 (pictured at top).

They begin with:

Japan is such an amazing destination for tourists that companies do their best to make it as easy to travel around as possible, and at an astonishingly low price. Japan rail passes and train tickets make this possible. 

Here we will introduce four different Japan train tickets which JR East, Japan’s largest train company offers. No tourist should be without!

To read more, go here.