Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Should I buy a JRP? I need advice.

miss.angelica85
miss.angelica85
about 12 years ago
5 responses

Ok I was getting ready to purchase my JRP and my sister who I am going to visit in Japan told me not to. I don't think she's familiar with the JRP because she doesn't qualify for it. But for me it sounds like a great deal. Unfortunately I won't be doing much traveling when I'm there because my sister is pregnant and I will be helping her with the baby. But I told her within the two weeks that I will be there I will definitely take a day or two and explore Tokyo. She told me that the JRP is for people who will be using the train a lot. Let me break down where I will be using the trains as best as I can...

From Narita airport I will have to take a train to the Tokyo station, where I will then board the Shinkansen towards Aomori, but get off at Hachinohe where my sister will pick me up. She is stationed at Misawa AFB. The round trip cost for just getting to and from Hachinohe is already about $350 I believe. And if I plan to go and visit Tokyo I would have to make that trip again for another $350 correct? So that is a total of $700 where if I buy a 14 day JRP is would only be around $580. Plus it leaves room for if I want to travel anywhere else.

I hope this makes sense. I think I should still buy a JRP but I need an opinion from someone who knows more than I do.

Thanks!

avatar
mari
1950 posts
about 12 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

For a 14 day rail pass to be worth it, you'll need to spend over ¥45,100 on individual tickets. Lets take a look at the price of individual tickets on the route you've told me:

  1. Narita airport terminal 1 > Hachinohe: ¥17530, (289mins, 711km)
  2. Hachinohe > Tokyo: ¥15350, (182mins, 631km)
  3. Tokyo > Hachinohe: ¥15350, (178mins, 631km)
  4. Hachinohe > Narita airport terminal 1: ¥17530, (261mins, 711km)

TOTAL: ¥65760 for 4 legs

As the total price of the tickets is much more than the 14 day rail pass, I recommend you buy the 14 day rail pass. In addition to cheaper travel you'll also have a lot of freedom to travel around to other parts of Japan if you wish.

Hope this helps!


Looking for more information? Search the forum

Select Category

Instant Quote

Starting from $343.00 for 7 days of unlimited Japan Rail travel

Can’t find the answer?

Learn from over 17323 questions about the Japan Rail Pass, or ask our Japan Rail travel experts

Ask Question

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Get pocket Wifi in Japan

Visit us on Facebook

Get inspired for your visit to Japan by following us on Instagram and don't forget your own shots once you are there.


Find out where to buy the japan rail pass online.

Order your JRPass Now!

We have special prices for children and great first class options. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes