
{"id":479,"date":"2023-05-17T17:43:25","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T16:43:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/?p=479"},"modified":"2023-05-17T17:43:25","modified_gmt":"2023-05-17T16:43:25","slug":"is-the-japan-rail-pass-still-worth-it-after-the-65-price-hike","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/is-the-japan-rail-pass-still-worth-it-after-the-65-price-hike\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it after the 65% + price hike?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s no secret that for those wanting to experience Japan to the full, the best way to do it is via a <a href=\"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/what-is-the-japan-rail-pass-and-how-does-it-work\/\">Japan Rail Pass<\/a>. Giving you the chance to explore this breathtaking country by train, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to see an array of different landscapes, from the bustling metropolis of <a href=\"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/what-to-do-and-see-in-tokyo\/\">Tokyo<\/a> to the tranquil and picturesque <a href=\"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/4-days-in-kyoto-what-to-see-and-where-to-go\/\">Kyoto<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A budget-friendly option, it has flat fees, and unlimited access to all of the national trains, ferry services and bus services \u2013 making it a great option for those wanting to explore Japan on their own schedule. However, there has now been a price hike announced, with the proposed changes taking effect later this year in October (2023). This has led many travellers to wonder whether the Japan Rail Pass is still worth it &#8211; or if it\u2019s a better idea to book onto trains without it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help guide you in the right direction, we\u2019ve rounded up the latest information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-much-is-the-japan-rail-pass-increasing-by\">How much is the Japan Rail Pass increasing by?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?fit=720%2C480&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-485\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?w=2560&amp;ssl=1 2560w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?w=1440&amp;ssl=1 1440w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/juniperphoton-oLF42c5FwM4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?w=2160&amp;ssl=1 2160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s predicted that prices will increase by more than 65% &#8211; a huge increase and the biggest that the JRP has faced in several years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This price increase means that the <strong>7-day pass <\/strong>(one of the most popular options for those purchasing one), will go from just under <strong>\u00a3179<\/strong> to approximately <strong>\u00a3297<\/strong> &#8211; with a <strong>69%<\/strong> increase expected.&nbsp; And for a <strong>Green Pass (first class)<\/strong> for <strong>7 days<\/strong>, it will go up from <strong>\u00a3240 to \u00a3424 with a 77% <\/strong>increase expected.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a regular <strong>14-day pass,<\/strong> the price will increase from <strong>\u00a3285<\/strong> to <strong>\u00a3470 (<\/strong>a<strong> 69% increase)<\/strong>. And for a <strong>Green Pass<\/strong> for <strong>14 days, <\/strong>it will increase from <strong>\u00a3387<\/strong> to <strong>\u00a3670<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to opt for the 21-day pass, this will increase from <strong>\u00a3387<\/strong> to <strong>\u00a3639<\/strong> (a<strong> 65% rise<\/strong>). And if you want to push the boat out and opt for the 21-day Green Pass, this is increasing from <strong>\u00a3503<\/strong> to <strong>\u00a3845<\/strong> (a <strong>68% rise<\/strong>).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-else-is-changing-to-the-japan-rail-pass\">What else is changing to the Japan Rail Pass?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only will there be a significant price hike, but there are other changes coming to the Japan Rail Pass. For example, there will no longer be a discount available for those who wish to purchase the Japan Rail Pass outside of Japan ahead of their trip.&nbsp;However, travellers that are interrailing with their family in tow will be pleased to know that their children (if they are aged between 6 and 11) will still benefit from 50% off their passes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s clear that the price hike is significant. And no doubt this is done to an array of factors, including inflation and the increase of Japan\u2019s VAT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"is-a-japan-rail-pass-still-worth-it\">Is a Japan Rail Pass still worth it?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"480\" src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/david-edelstein-N4DbvTUDikw-unsplash.jpg?resize=720%2C480&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/david-edelstein-N4DbvTUDikw-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/david-edelstein-N4DbvTUDikw-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/david-edelstein-N4DbvTUDikw-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/david-edelstein-N4DbvTUDikw-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=1536%2C1024&amp;ssl=1 1536w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/david-edelstein-N4DbvTUDikw-unsplash-scaled.jpg?resize=2048%2C1365&amp;ssl=1 2048w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/david-edelstein-N4DbvTUDikw-unsplash-scaled.jpg?w=1440&amp;ssl=1 1440w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/david-edelstein-N4DbvTUDikw-unsplash-scaled.jpg?w=2160&amp;ssl=1 2160w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is probably the question that most people will have with the hike in prices. And although these new proposed prices are hard to ignore, it\u2019s all about weighing up whether the price is worth the flexibility. It\u2019s no denying that if you want to explore Japan to the full, the flexibility that comes with a JR Pass is perfect. Plus, it\u2019s easy to use &#8211; as it\u2019s valid on all Japan rail lines, including the Shinkansen.\u00a0You also get some discounts, like on the ferry from <a href=\"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/what-to-do-and-see-in-hiroshima\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"109\">Hiroshima<\/a> to Miyajima.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the pass in your hand, you won\u2019t have to worry about having to buy separate tickets for each leg of your journey. It also adds a touch of spontaneity to the trip, as you can work your schedule around using the pass. And all that&#8217;s left to do is have an unforgettable time exploring this breathtaking country!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s no secret that for those wanting to experience Japan to the full, the best way to do it is via a Japan Rail Pass. Giving you the chance to explore this breathtaking country by train, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to see an array of different landscapes, from the bustling metropolis of Tokyo to the&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":480,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","spay_email":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/fikri-rasyid-3ba59K57wE4-unsplash-scaled.jpg?fit=2560%2C1440&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":546,"url":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/hiroshima-unveiled-exploring-the-top-7-sights-in-this-japanese-gem\/","url_meta":{"origin":479,"position":0},"title":"Hiroshima Unveiled: Exploring the Top 7 Sights in this Japanese Gem","date":"8th March 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Konnichiwa, fellow explorers! Hiroshima, a city that has risen from the ashes, tells a tale of resilience and hope. With the Japan Rail Pass as your golden ticket, Hiroshima's treasures unfold seamlessly. Join us on a virtual adventure as we reveal the top 7 sights that make Hiroshima a compelling\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Japan Travel Guides&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"Hiroshima","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/abdulaziz-alfawzan-BiW6bpatNgg-unsplash.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":25,"url":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/what-is-the-japan-rail-pass-and-how-does-it-work\/","url_meta":{"origin":479,"position":1},"title":"What is the Japan Rail Pass and how does it work?","date":"18th April 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"So, you\u2019ve decided you want to go to Japan on holiday and discover there are are lots of places across the country you want to visit. The Japan Rail Pass is perfect for travelling between Japan\u2019s major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima but is also ideal for visiting\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Japan Rail Advice&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Japan-Rail-Pass.png?fit=1000%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":525,"url":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/exploring-japan-beyond-the-usual-5-off-the-beaten-track-destinations\/","url_meta":{"origin":479,"position":2},"title":"Exploring Japan Beyond the Usual: 5 Off-the-Beaten-Track Destinations","date":"4th October 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"Discover hidden gems in Japan! Unearth unique experiences off the beaten track while traveling around Japan by train. Explore lesser-known destinations with our guide.","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Japan Travel Guides&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/robby-mccullough-GJs3OB88pnk-unsplash.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":534,"url":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/why-you-should-visit-oita-with-your-japan-rail-pass\/","url_meta":{"origin":479,"position":3},"title":"Why you should visit Oita with your Japan Rail Pass","date":"4th January 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Oita Prefecture, situated in the northeast of Japan's Kyushu island, beckons travelers with its ancient samurai towns, rejuvenating hot springs, and tranquil mountain temples. This diverse region promises a perfect blend of beauty and adventure, easily accessible from major airports in Tokyo (Haneda), Narita, Osaka, and Nagoya. Immerse yourself in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Japan Travel Guides&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/tayawee-supan-I8K-lIkvqYI-unsplash.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":81,"url":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/follow-englands-rugby-world-cup-fixtures-across-japan-with-a-japan-rail-pass\/","url_meta":{"origin":479,"position":4},"title":"Follow England's Rugby World Cup fixtures across Japan with a Japan Rail pass","date":"8th August 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The Rugby World Cup is fast approaching, taking place across September and October in Japan, stretching from Sapporo in Hokkaido through Honshu and down to Kumamoto in Kyushu.\u00a0 We are here with a travel guide on how to follow England to at least 4 of their venues.\u00a0 Group stages England\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Japan Travel Guides&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/rwc2019.jpg?fit=647%2C390&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":29,"url":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/how-to-make-a-seat-reservation-with-the-jr-pass\/","url_meta":{"origin":479,"position":5},"title":"How to make a seat reservation with the JR pass","date":"20th April 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"The idea of travelling by train in Japan can be slightly daunting, but we assure you that it is very exciting. There are next to no language issues when travelling on the Japan Rail train network with your Japan Rail pass. As Japan welcomes more and more foreign visitors the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;Japan Rail Advice&quot;","img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/Japan-Rail-Ticket-Office.png?fit=1000%2C300&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/479"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=479"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/479\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":501,"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/479\/revisions\/501"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/480"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=479"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=479"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=479"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}