JR Pass Calculator
Is the Japan Rail Pass worth it for your trip? Add your train rides, and see the total single ticket cost next to the 7, 14 and 21 day JR Pass. Updated with the new prices from October 1, 2026.
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Local JR rides means short trips like the Yamanote Line in Tokyo, which the pass also covers. Set today's exchange rate for the dollar figures.
What is a JR Pass calculator?
A JR Pass calculator adds up what your train rides in Japan would cost with single tickets. Then it puts that total next to the price of the Japan Rail Pass. If the tickets cost more, the pass saves you money. If they cost less, buy tickets as you go.
The big price rise in October 2023 changed the math for many trips. Another rise came on October 1, 2026. A pass that was a clear win a few years ago may now cost you more.
This Japan Rail Pass calculator uses the new 2026 prices. It also counts children, Green Car and short local rides.
2026 pass prices
New prices from October 1, 2026, with the old list too.
Popular routes
Shinkansen and airport trains with fares filled in.
Edit any fare
Change prices or add your own rides.
Clear verdict
See which pass length wins and how much you save.
How to use the Japan Rail Pass calculator
Four steps. The result updates every time you add a ride.
- Add travelersEnter adults and children. Children aged 6 to 11 pay about half.
- Set your windowCount the days from your first long train ride to your last. The pass runs on back to back days.
- Add your ridesPick each trip from the list. Add return trips as a second ride.
- Read the verdictSee the best pass, your savings or loss, and the break even point.
Japan Rail Pass price 2026
JR Group raised the nationwide pass price on October 1, 2026. Here are the new adult prices for the Ordinary pass, with the old price for comparison.
| Pass (from Oct 1, 2026) | Ordinary adult | Ordinary child | Green adult | Green child |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | ¥53,000 | ¥27,000 | ¥74,000 | ¥37,000 |
| 14 days | ¥84,000 | ¥42,000 | ¥116,000 | ¥58,000 |
| 21 days | ¥105,000 | ¥53,000 | ¥147,000 | ¥74,000 |
Is the JR Pass worth it?
It depends on how far you travel inside your pass window. A simple Tokyo, Kyoto and back trip is no longer enough on its own.
The pass usually pays off when
- You travel far, like Tokyo to Hiroshima or Hakata and back.
- You visit many cities in one or two weeks.
- You add side trips, airport trains and lots of JR city rides.
- You want the freedom to change plans without buying new tickets.
Single tickets usually win when
- You only go Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and back.
- You stay in one or two cities for most of the trip.
- Your long rides are spread over more than 7 or 14 days.
- You plan to use subways and private lines more than JR.
Example trips: pass or tickets?
These use the calculator's approximate fares for one adult in Ordinary class, with no local rides. Prices are against the new 7 day pass at ¥53,000.
| Trip | Single tickets | 7 day pass | Better buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo to Kyoto and back | ¥27,700 | ¥53,000 | Tickets |
| Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, back to Tokyo | ¥28,830 | ¥53,000 | Tickets |
| Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, back to Tokyo | ¥44,590 | ¥53,000 | Tickets |
| Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo | ¥52,960 | ¥53,000 | Almost even |
| Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Hakata, Tokyo | ¥66,220 | ¥53,000 | JR Pass |
Shinkansen fares for popular routes
These are the approximate one way fares the calculator uses. They are regular season reserved seat prices on trains the pass covers, like the Hikari and Sakura.
Nozomi tickets cost a little more. Peak season seats can cost a few hundred yen extra. Children pay about half.
| Route (one way) | Approx. fare |
|---|---|
| Tokyo to Kyoto | ¥13,850 |
| Tokyo to Shin-Osaka | ¥14,400 |
| Tokyo to Hiroshima | ¥19,440 |
| Tokyo to Hakata | ¥23,390 |
| Tokyo to Kanazawa | ¥14,120 |
| Tokyo to Sendai | ¥11,410 |
| Kyoto to Hiroshima | ¥11,300 |
| Narita Airport to Tokyo | ¥3,070 |
Ordinary or Green Car pass?
The Green Car is Japan's first class. Seats are wider, there are fewer seats per row and the car is quieter. It is a nice treat on long rides.
But the Green pass costs about 40 percent more. Single Green tickets cost more too, so switch the calculator to Green Car to compare fairly.
| Ordinary | Green Car | |
|---|---|---|
| 7 day adult pass | ¥53,000 | ¥74,000 |
| Seats per row | 5 | 4 |
| Legroom | Good | More |
| Best for | Most travelers | Long days on the train |
What the JR Pass covers
The pass gives you unlimited rides on most JR trains for 7, 14 or 21 days in a row. That includes most Shinkansen bullet trains, limited express trains and local JR lines.
Since October 2023, you can also ride the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho trains. You just buy an extra ticket. For example, it costs ¥4,960 between Tokyo and Kyoto or Shin-Osaka.
| Train or service | With JR Pass |
|---|---|
| Hikari, Kodama, Sakura Shinkansen | Included |
| Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen | Extra ticket needed |
| Narita Express and Haruka | Included |
| JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo | Included |
| JR ferry to Miyajima | Included |
| Tokyo Metro and private railways | Not included |
Tips to get the most from a rail pass
A few smart moves can turn a close call into real savings.
Bunch long rides
Put your big trips inside one 7 day window. Stay in one city before or after.
Start it on day one
Activate the pass on the day of your first long ride, not the day you land.
Use it for the airport
Narita Express and Haruka add value at the start or end of your window.
Look at regional passes
If you stay in one area, a regional JR pass can cost far less.
Reserve seats free
Pass holders can reserve seats at no extra cost on trains the pass covers.
Ride Hikari
Hikari to Kyoto takes only a little longer than Nozomi and needs no extra ticket.
Alternatives to the Japan Rail Pass
If the calculator says no, you still have good options. Most travelers mix a few of these.
For city travel, an IC card like Suica or ICOCA works on almost every train, subway and bus. You tap in and tap out, and the fare comes off your balance.
| Option | Best for |
|---|---|
| Single Shinkansen tickets | One or two long trips |
| Regional JR passes | Staying in one area, like Kansai or the east |
| IC cards (Suica, ICOCA) | Subways, buses and short JR rides |
| Domestic flights | Very long trips, like Tokyo to Okinawa |
| Highway buses | Tight budgets with flexible time |
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about the JR Pass, prices and whether it is worth it.
How much is the JR Pass in 2026?
From October 1, 2026, the Ordinary adult pass costs ¥53,000 for 7 days, ¥84,000 for 14 days and ¥105,000 for 21 days. Before that it was ¥50,000, ¥80,000 and ¥100,000.
Is the JR Pass worth it for Tokyo to Kyoto?
Not on its own. A round trip costs about ¥27,700 with single tickets, far below the ¥53,000 pass. You need more long rides to make it pay.
Can I ride the Nozomi with a JR Pass?
Yes, with an extra ticket. It costs ¥4,960 between Tokyo and Kyoto or Shin-Osaka. Or ride the Hikari at no extra cost.
How do children's prices work?
Children aged 6 to 11 pay the child price, which is about half. Most single train tickets are also about half for children.
Is the Green Car pass worth it?
Only if you value the extra space. It costs a lot more, so the savings test is harder to pass. Use the Green Car option to compare.
Are the fares in this calculator exact?
No. They are approximate regular season reserved seat fares. Prices change by season, train and route. Edit any fare to match a real quote.
Does the JR Pass work on the Tokyo subway?
No. Tokyo Metro and Toei lines are not JR. Use an IC card like Suica for those.
When should I start my JR Pass?
Start it on the day of your first long train ride. Count the days to your last long ride and pick the pass that covers that window.
Can I use the JR Pass to reach Hakone or Nikko?
Partly. The pass covers JR trains to Odawara and to Nikko Station. Local buses and private railways in those areas are extra.
Is the JR Pass calculator free?
Yes. It is free with no sign up. Plan as many trips as you like.
Flying to Japan?
See your flight time and local arrival time in Tokyo or Osaka.
This tool is not made by or linked to JR Group. Pass prices come from JR Group's 2026 price notice. Single fares are estimates for planning only. Always check official prices before you buy.