What changed: on October 1, 2026, Japan Rail raised Rail Pass prices by roughly 5–6% — the first increase since the much larger 2023 hike. Every pass tier went up by ¥3,000–¥7,000.
New Prices (Effective October 1, 2026)
| Pass | Before | After Oct 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-day, Ordinary | ¥50,000 | ¥53,000 | +¥3,000 |
| 7-day, Green Car | ¥70,000 | ¥74,000 | +¥4,000 |
| 14-day, Ordinary | ¥80,000 | ¥84,000 | +¥4,000 |
| 14-day, Green Car | ¥110,000 | ¥116,000 | +¥6,000 |
| 21-day, Ordinary | ¥100,000 | ¥105,000 | +¥5,000 |
| 21-day, Green Car | ¥140,000 | ¥147,000 | +¥7,000 |
Common Questions
How much does the Japan Rail Pass cost in 2026?
After the October 1, 2026 price increase: ¥53,000 for 7 days, ¥84,000 for 14 days, and ¥105,000 for 21 days (Ordinary class). Green Car (first class) passes cost ¥74,000, ¥116,000, and ¥147,000 respectively.
Is the JR Pass still worth it after the price increase?
It depends entirely on your route. For a Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka trip alone, no — individual tickets are cheaper. It becomes worth it once you add a longer leg beyond the Golden Route, like Hiroshima, Kanazawa, or Fukuoka, where a single one-way fare can run ¥15,000–24,000.
Can I buy the JR Pass after arriving in Japan?
No — it must be purchased before you arrive, through an authorized overseas agent or the official JR Pass website. You exchange the voucher for the physical pass at a JR ticket office once you land.
Does the JR Pass cover the fastest trains?
No — the Nozomi and Mizuho, the fastest Shinkansen services, are excluded everywhere. Pass holders use the Hikari, Sakura, or Kodama instead, which are usually 15–40 minutes slower depending on the route.