Japan Rail Pass to Get More Expensive This Autumn, Long-Distance Travel Costs to Rise by Up to 70%!

According to Japanese media reports, starting this autumn, the Japan Railways Group plans to raise the overall sales price of its Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), with increases possibly reaching as high as 70%.

If you are planning a trip to Japan and intend to use the convenient local train system, you may need to learn this not-so-good news for us in advance. This is because the JR Pass has long been a convenient and economical way for non-Japanese foreign tourists to travel, allowing unlimited use of trains nationwide (including certain Shinkansen trains) and letting them freely combine their travel routes in Japan.

This price increase will raise the average price of standard fares and luxury car tickets by up to 70%. JR has also specifically stated that this increase is not merely a fare hike but will also come with service upgrades.

JR emphasizes that in the future, pass holders will be able to access the “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” Shinkansen lines, which were previously unavailable with the pass, by purchasing additional special tickets.

In addition, the expanded services offered in response to the price increase include the ability to reserve seats through a dedicated website, enjoy special discounts and services, and use automated ticket gates and other valuable features.

JR stated that since the Japan Rail Pass was launched in 1981, although both the pass and Shinkansen trains have undergone continuous evolution and popularization, prices have barely changed, only fluctuating with taxes. Although prices may change further later, based on information released so far, the adult price increases are as follows:

• 7-day pass: currently 29,650 yen/33,610 yen, 50,000 yen from October
• 14-day pass: currently 47,250 yen/52,960 yen, 80,000 yen from October
• 21-day pass: currently 60,450 yen/66,200 yen, 100,000 yen from October
• 7-day luxury car pass: currently 39,600 yen/44,810 yen, 70,000 yen from October
• 14-day luxury car pass: currently 64,120 yen/72,310 yen, 110,000 yen from October
• 21-day luxury car pass: currently 83,390 yen/91,670 yen, 140,000 yen from October

If you are already planning to travel to Japan this autumn, consider booking a Japan Rail Pass before the price increase to ensure you can ride trains and Shinkansen at the current cheaper price. For travelers who want to enjoy Japan’s high-speed rail and convenient train network, buying a Japan Rail Pass is still a good choice.