The Japan Railways (JR) Group, which operates Japan’s train system
including the high-speed shinkansen bullet trains, has announced a
significant price increase for the JR Pass from October 2023. A specific
date has not been revealed.
The pass, which provides unlimited rides on Japan’s extensive train
network at a fixed price, has been a cost-effective way for many
travellers to explore the country.
The price hikes will only affect the nationwide rail passes, with regional passes remaining unchanged for now.
The cost of a regular seven-day pass, which covers all JR lines, will
increase by 67%, from 29,650 yen to 50,000 yen. Meanwhile, the cost of a
21-day pass will rise by 65%, from 60,450 yen to 100,000 yen.
New prices for JR Pass
• Regular 7 days = 50,000 yen (current: 29,650) = 67% increase
• Regular 14 days = 80,000 yen (current: 47,250) = 69% increase
• Regular 21 days = 100,000 yen (current: 60,450) = 65% increase
• Green 7 days = 70,000 yen (current: 39,600) = 77% increase
• Green 14 days = 110,000 yen (current: 64,120/72,310) = 72% increase
• Green 21 days = 140,000 yen (current: 83,390) = 68% increase
The JR Group has stated that pass holders will be able to ride the
fastest Nozomi and Mizuho trains at an additional cost, although pricing
details for this have not yet been released. The group has also
mentioned that it plans to offer more discounts at selected tourist
spots.
The pass can be purchased based on the number of days the traveller
plans to use it, ranging from seven to 21 days, as well as specific
regions such as Hokkaido or Kansai. Only short-term tourists to Japan
and Japanese citizens who do not reside in the country are allowed to
purchase and use the pass.
While the pass has been a popular option for many tourists over the
years, the price increase may make it less appealing. For example, even a
round trip between Tokyo and Fukuoka, which costs around 45,000 yen by
regular tickets, may not be enough for a seven-day pass to pay off. This
may lead to alternative passes and modes of transportation gaining
popularity, such as the Hokuriku Arch Pass and the JR West All Area
Pass.