For travellers planning to explore Japan, train travel is one of the most efficient, comfortable, and enjoyable ways to get around. The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a practical and cost-effective option for long-distance travel in Japan. It covers high-speed Shinkansen services as well as many scenic local and limited express trains, allowing you to travel around Japan more flexibly while helping you manage transport costs more easily.
Book Your JR Pass on Trip.com
Before travelling to Japan, be sure to book your JR Pass on Trip.com. You can enjoy competitive prices, secure payment options, and a convenient pass redemption process after arriving in Japan.

How to Buy and Redeem a JR Pass
- Choose Your Pass Online: Select the pass duration that best matches your travel plans — 7 days, 14 days, or 21 consecutive days — then choose your preferred class: Ordinary Car or Green Car for a more premium travel experience.
- Receive Your MCO: After your booking is confirmed, you will receive an Exchange Order or Miscellaneous Charges Order (MCO) in physical or electronic form, depending on the product selected.
- Redeem Your Pass in Japan: After arriving in Japan, present your passport and MCO at a JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or designated redemption machine at major stations to collect your JR Pass.
Save More with a JR Regional Pass
If you only plan to travel within certain areas such as Kansai, Kyushu, Tohoku, or other regions, a JR Regional Pass may offer better value than the nationwide JR Pass. These passes provide unlimited travel within specific areas and are often a more budget-friendly option for regional itineraries.
| Regional Pass | Coverage Area | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) | Tokyo, Sendai, Aomori, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima | Winter trips, onsen travel, and exploring northern Japan |
| JR East Pass (Nagano & Niigata Area) | Tokyo, Karuizawa, Nagano, Niigata, Echigo-Yuzawa | Ski trips, mountain getaways, and onsen holidays |
| JR Kansai Wide Area Pass | Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Wakayama, Kinosaki Onsen, Okayama | Exploring Kansai, including Kyoto–Osaka–Nara routes and nearby areas |
| JR Sanyo-San'in Area Pass | Kansai, Hiroshima, Okayama, Tottori, Shimane, Hakata (Kyushu) | West Japan itineraries, including access to Nozomi and Mizuho on eligible sections |
| JR Kyushu Rail Pass | Fukuoka (Hakata), Kumamoto, Yufuin, Beppu, Nagasaki, Kagoshima | Scenic train travel and island-wide trips around Kyushu |
| JR Hokkaido Rail Pass | Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Asahikawa, Biei, Furano, Kushiro | Exploring Hokkaido in every season |
| Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass | Nagoya, Gero Onsen, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, Toyama, Osaka | Combined rail and bus travel to iconic destinations such as Shirakawa-go |
Popular Train Routes in Japan and Approximate Travel Times
Planning your rail journey in Japan is easier when you know the key routes in advance. Trip.com has rounded up some of the most popular train routes in Japan, along with approximate fastest travel times and one-way reserved seat fares.
| Route | Common Train Type | Fastest Travel Time (Approx.) | Reserved Seat One-Way Fare (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo to Osaka | Tokaido Shinkansen | 2h 30m | ¥14,720 (~Rp1,530,000) |
| Tokyo to Kyoto | Tokaido Shinkansen | 2h 15m | ¥14,170 (~Rp1,473,000) |
| Tokyo to Nagoya | Tokaido Shinkansen | 1h 40m | ¥11,300 (~Rp1,175,000) |
| Tokyo to Kanazawa | Hokuriku Shinkansen | 2h 30m | ¥14,180 (~Rp1,474,000) |
| Tokyo to Sendai | Tohoku Shinkansen | 1h 30m | ¥11,410 (~Rp1,187,000) |
| Tokyo to Hakodate | Hokkaido Shinkansen | 4h | ¥23,430 (~Rp2,437,000) |
| Tokyo to Niigata | Joetsu Shinkansen | 1h 40m | ¥10,760 (~Rp1,119,000) |
| Tokyo to Karuizawa | Hokuriku Shinkansen | 1h 5m | ¥6,020 (~Rp626,000) |
| Tokyo to Narita Airport | Narita Express | 1h | ¥3,070 (~Rp319,000) |
| Osaka to Hiroshima | Sanyo Shinkansen | 1h 30m | ¥10,630 (~Rp1,106,000) |
| Osaka to Fukuoka (Hakata) | Sanyo Shinkansen | 2h 30m | ¥15,600 (~Rp1,622,000) |
| Osaka to Kansai Airport | Haruka Kansai Airport Express | 50m | ¥3,110 (~Rp323,000) |
| Osaka to Tottori | Super Hakuto | 2h 30m | ¥7,220 (~Rp751,000) |
| Kyoto to Nara | JR Nara Line | 45m | ¥720 (~Rp75,000) |
| Nagoya to Takayama | Hida Limited Express | 2h 20m | ¥6,140 (~Rp638,000) |
| Kanazawa to Tsuruga | Hokuriku Shinkansen | 1h | ¥5,230 (~Rp544,000) |
| Okayama to Takamatsu (Kagawa) | Marine Liner | 55m | ¥1,660 (~Rp173,000) |
| Fukuoka (Hakata) to Kagoshima-Chuo | Kyushu Shinkansen | 1h 20m | ¥10,110 (~Rp1,051,000) |
| Fukuoka (Hakata) to Kumamoto | Kyushu Shinkansen | 40m | ¥5,230 (~Rp544,000) |
| Fukuoka (Hakata) to Yufuin | Yufuin no Mori Limited Express | 2h 10m | ¥5,190 (~Rp539,000) |
| Sapporo to Hakodate | Hokuto Limited Express | 3h 30m | ¥9,440 (~Rp981,000) |
| Sapporo to Asahikawa | Kamui / Lilac Limited Express | 1h 25m | ¥5,220 (~Rp543,000) |
Note: Exchange rates may change at any time. Please check the latest JPY to IDR rate before making any final payment or booking.
Major JR Stations in Japan
Japan's major JR stations are more than just transport hubs. Many of them offer convenient traveller facilities such as coin lockers, shopping areas, restaurants, convenience stores, and tourist information centres, making your journey around Japan smoother and more comfortable.

Tokyo Station
As the main gateway to Japan's Shinkansen network, Tokyo Station connects travellers to destinations across Tohoku, Hokkaido, Hokuriku, and the Tokaido corridor. Its iconic red-brick Marunouchi building is a landmark in itself. Inside the station, you will find JR Pass exchange counters, a wide range of dining options, luggage lockers, and popular shopping spots such as Tokyo Character Street.
Shinjuku Station
Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest railway stations in the world and a major transport hub in Tokyo. It offers convenient access to the Yamanote Line and Chuo Line, and is also a popular starting point for trips to Hakone, Mount Fuji, and surrounding areas.
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is a striking modern landmark that combines futuristic architecture with excellent transport connections. Highlights include its large glass atrium, rooftop terrace, department store, and underground shopping areas. It is also an important station for both the Shinkansen and the Haruka airport express.
Shin-Osaka Station
Shin-Osaka Station is the main interchange between the Tokaido Shinkansen and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. If you are travelling between Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka, there is a good chance you will pass through this station. Inside, Eki Marché Shin-Osaka is a convenient place to try Kansai favourites such as takoyaki. The station also offers easy onward connections to central Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe.
Hakata Station
As the largest rail hub in Kyushu, Hakata Station is directly connected to the JR Hakata City shopping and dining complex. It serves as a major gateway to destinations such as Yufuin, Nagasaki, and Kagoshima, while also providing quick metro access to Fukuoka Airport.
Sapporo Station
Located at the heart of Hokkaido's rail network, Sapporo Station offers convenient access to Otaru, Asahikawa, and New Chitose Airport. Connected retail complexes such as APIA and Stellar Place make it a comfortable and practical base for travel in Hokkaido.
Nagoya Station
Nagoya Station is a major transport hub in central Japan and one of the key stops on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. From here, travellers can connect to limited express services such as Hida to Takayama and Shinano to Nagano. Facilities include seat reservation machines, large luggage lockers, and a wide variety of shops and dining options.
JR Pass Seat Classes
When booking a JR Pass, you can choose between two travel classes depending on your travel style and budget.
Ordinary Class
Ordinary Class offers excellent value and is the most popular choice among travellers. On most Shinkansen services, seats are typically arranged in a 2+3 configuration, with comfortable legroom and space for smaller bags. Many trains also provide power outlets and free Wi-Fi.
Green Class
Green Class is the more premium option, similar to first class on many rail networks. Seats are usually arranged in a more spacious 2+2 configuration, with added comfort, footrests, and a quieter cabin environment. This option is especially popular during busy travel seasons such as cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season.
How to Reserve Seats with a JR Pass
One of the key benefits of the JR Pass is that you can reserve seats on eligible trains at no extra cost.
- Self-service ticket machines: Scan your JR Pass at reservation machines available at major stations. Many offer English-language menus.
- JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-Madoguchi): Staff can help you reserve seats based on your preferred route and departure time.
- Online reservations: Some passes purchased through official JR websites may include access to advance online seat reservations.
FAQs About the JR Pass
Can I use the JR Pass on Nozomi and Mizuho trains?The nationwide JR Pass does not fully cover Nozomi and Mizuho services. However, you may still be able to use these faster trains by paying an additional supplement. Alternatively, Hikari and Sakura services are fully covered and run frequently on many routes.
How do I use a JR Pass at station ticket gates?The latest version of the JR Pass is issued as a magnetic ticket. Simply insert it into the automatic ticket gate when entering and exiting the station, and remember to collect it after passing through.
Are there luggage size limits on Japanese trains?Yes. If your luggage exceeds a total of 160 cm (length + width + height), you will need to reserve a seat with access to the oversized baggage area on applicable Shinkansen services.



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