Order Your JRPass
Back to Using the Japan Rail Pass

Is the pass also valid on local trains?

ross_top
ross_top
almost 9 years ago
2 responses

My family and I are traveling to Tokyo on holiday arriving morning of 06 July then departing 14 July 2015. Our port of entry and debarkation is Haneda. Our itinerary includes taking a trip to Yamagata on 08 July and returning evening of 09 July. The rest of our stay we plan to spend around the Tokyo metropolitan area and visiting some of the US military bases I was previously stationed during my Navy days.

Which rail pass would you suggest given our itinerary? Is the pass also valid for local train use?

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
almost 9 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

It's hard to say for sure but you ma be better off buying normal tickets if the only long distance travel that you will do it Tokyo - Yamagata. In this case it may be better to buy normal tickets as you travel.

The JR Pass is valid for the JR network within and around Tokyo.

I can tell you for sure if you have a day by day itinerary.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

ross_top
ross_top
2 posts
almost 9 years ago

Thank you Daniel. As far as day by day we don't have anything set in stone yet but to give you a general idea we have plans to go to Yokohama, Yokosuka, Atsugi Naval Air Facility as I've mentioned maybe stopping at little towns along the way just to revisit the old place of my military days. We might fit in some Mount Fuji time, Kamakura, and definitely all the places around Tokyo. Even with only the one time Shinkansen trip it seems a bargain to me given the local train rides we plan to take but of course I could be way off the mark. 1999 was the last time I was in Japan. How much is a round trip ticket to Yamagata now anyway? I really haven't had much time to research prices yet as you can tell

Toraneko
Toraneko
1303 posts
almost 9 years ago

Hi,

You can take a bullet train from Tokyo to Yamagata for ¥10,450 now (unreserved seat). If your itinerary doesn't cover the costs of a full JR Pass, you could very well save money on a regional pass like a JR East Pass. It is also much more flexible.

You can find lots of info on various passes at:

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357.html

To check rail fares and schedules, look at Hyperdia .

Good luck.

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
almost 9 years ago
Expert

Hi again,

1999, that's been some time. The first time I visited Japan was 2004 and so much has changed since yet it also feels the same in other ways. I wonder how you'll find Japan after such a long time.

Yes a one way ticket Tokyo - Yamagata with the Shinkansen is ¥ 11,340 or double for a return. That is including seat reservations. A 7 day JR Pass is ¥ 29,110, so you'd need to do ¥ 6,730 in additional travel in order to make savings. For instance, just a visit to Nikko would make the JR Pass pay off.


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 17329 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