Tourist Rail Pass Prices In Japan Increased By 70%

Tourist rail pass prices in Japan increased by 70%as the Japan Railway Group train network has raised prices for the first time in 40 years. Despite the significant price hike, demand is expected to remain robust, thanks to a more favorable exchange rate for the yen and a steady influx of tourists.

Starting from October 1, the cost of a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which allows foreigners to purchase and reserve Shinkansen tickets in advance, has surged by a significant 65%. A seven-day pass that previously cost ¥29,650 ($200) now comes in at ¥50,000 ($337). Fortunately, children aged 6 to 11 can still enjoy half-price tickets for train travelthroughout the network.

The JR group, consisting of six train operators, argues that the previous fares were established when there were fewer shinkansen (bullet train) destinations, and the higher prices are warranted due to expanded services into the northern regions. The JR network spans over 19,000 kilometers across the Japanese archipelago.

"We never raised the prices other than making slight adjustments during consumer-tax hikes," stated Koki Mizuno, a spokesperson for Central Japan Railway, also known as JR Central. He added that system upgrades made over the years, such as the introduction of online seat reservations and the use of automatic ticket gates, had not been factored into the pass prices.

Travelers now have the option to pay an additional fee to ride the Nozomi and Mizuho, the fastest bullet train services, instead of being limited to the slower trains that make more stops. It's important to note that residents of Japan are not eligible to purchase these passes, which can be used for express trains, local lines, and even some ferries.

Rachel Wright, who traveled from San Francisco with her husband to celebrate his 30th birthday, commented, "It's a screaming deal." They explored Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Gifu, and Ishikawa prefectures, as well as Hakone, a hot spring area in Kanagawa Prefecture near Mount Fuji, over 16 days, utilizing a 21-day pass they purchased before the fare increase. They indicated that they would still consider purchasing the newly priced passes.

"Even if you don’t save money, it is very convenient because you just slide in and go anywhere," she remarked. Previously, a round trip on the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka cost roughly the same as a weeklong pass.

The price increase could potentially affect other travel options, as suggested by Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Denise Wong. Some travelers might consider shifting to low-cost carriers like Jetstar and All Nippon Airways' Peach for long-distance intercity travel, as airfares can be anywhere from 10% to 70% less expensive than regular train tickets.

Travelers such as Kylie Hone, an Australian visiting with her family of five, may fall into that category. Hone, who explored Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Kyoto on a recent trip, mentioned that she would prefer to purchase individual tickets because it wouldn't make sense to buy passes at the new, higher price. She stated, "It was our last time to buy the passes," implying that the price increase had discouraged her.

When asked about concerns regarding losing customers due to the fare hike, JR Central's Mizuno responded, "It continues to be a good deal."

Conclusion

But that's not the only train-related development affecting tourists. The beloved Tokyo-Osaka bullet train is discontinuing its on-train snack cart service, which means passengers may want to consider bringing their own ramen and snacks for the journey.

For years, tourists have flocked to Japan to experience its renowned high-speed rail network, whisking them from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka with ease. However, travelers will now need to budget more for this convenient mode of transportation.

Starting from October 1, the cost of a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which allows foreigners to purchase and reserve Shinkansen tickets in advance, has surged by a significant 65%. A seven-day pass that previously cost ¥29,650 ($200) now comes in at ¥50,000 ($337). Fortunately, children aged 6 to 11 can still enjoy half-price tickets for train travel throughout the network.

But that's not the only train-related development affecting tourists. The beloved Tokyo-Osaka bullet train is discontinuing its on-train snack cart service, which means passengers may want to consider bringing their own ramen and snacks for the journey.

About The Authors

Jane Resture- Since she embarked on her first world trip in 2002, Jane Resture spent the past decades sharing her personal journey and travel tips with people around the world. She has traveled to over 80 countries and territories, where she experienced other cultures, wildlife she had only read about in books, new foods, new people, and new amazing experiences. Jane believes that travel is for everyone and it helps us learn about ourselves and the world around us. Her goal is to help more people from more backgrounds experience the joy of exploration because she trusts that travel opens the door to the greatest, most unforgettable experiences life can offer and this builds a kinder, more inclusive, more open-minded world.