Since the October 2023 price rise, the national JR Pass rarely pays off for a simple Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka trip. Here is the math.
Side-by-side comparison
| Option | Price | Break-even example |
|---|---|---|
| 7-day JR Pass | ¥50,000 | Tokyo→Hiroshima→Tokyo (≈¥39,000) + extras |
| 14-day JR Pass | ¥80,000 | Tokyo→Kagoshima→Sapporo loops |
| 21-day JR Pass | ¥100,000 | Multi-island grand tours |
| Tokyo–Kyoto single | ¥14,170 | Round trip ¥28,340 |
| JR Kansai-Hiroshima Pass | ¥17,000 (5 days) | Osaka–Hiroshima round trip ¥21,000+ |
| JR East Tohoku Pass | ¥30,000 (5 days) | Tokyo–Sendai–Aomori |
When the national pass wins
Routes reaching Hiroshima and Sendai/Aomori within 7 days, or heavy daily day trips.
When single tickets win
Classic Golden Route trips. Run your legs through the JR Pass Calculator.
Plan it with our free tools
Price your route with the Shinkansen Fare Calculator, check the JR Pass Calculator, set a daily spend in the Budget Calculator, and convert prices in 30 currencies with the Yen Converter.
Frequently asked questions
Is the JR Pass worth it for Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka?
Usually not; a Tokyo→Kyoto + Osaka→Tokyo round trip costs about ¥28,000 versus ¥50,000.
Does the JR Pass cover Nozomi?
Yes, with a supplement (about ¥4,960 Tokyo–Shin-Osaka) since October 2023.
What are the best regional passes?
JR Kansai-Hiroshima, JR East Tohoku, Hokuriku Arch and JR Kyushu passes.
Where can I buy single tickets online?
SmartEX for Tokaido/Sanyo, and JR-EAST Train Reservation for eastern lines.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: