Japan Transport Passes for Foreign Tourists
The right pass can save you tens of thousands of yen. Here's everything you need to know about Japan's passes available exclusively to foreign tourists.
🎫 Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) — #1 Recommended
What's Included
- ✅ Unlimited Shinkansen (bullet trains) — except Nozomi/Mizuho
- ✅ All JR limited express trains nationwide
- ✅ JR local trains and some buses
- ✅ Narita Express (N'EX) from/to airport
- ✅ Haruka Express Kansai airport
- ✅ JR West and JR Kyushu networks
2026 Prices (Ordinary Class)
*Price increases scheduled Oct 1, 2026 via travel agencies. Buy direct online to keep current prices.
🎫 Buy JR Pass — Foreign Tourists Only
Purchase online before your trip for the best price. You can also reserve Shinkansen seats online before arriving in Japan — highly recommended during peak season.
Buy JR Pass from ¥50,000 →*Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
🗾 Regional Passes (Better for Short Trips)
JR East Pass (Tohoku/Niigata/Nagano)
Kansai Area Pass
Tokyo Subway Ticket
🤔 Which Pass Is Right for You?
| Itinerary Type | Best Pass | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo + Kyoto + Osaka (7 days) | JR Pass 7-day | Covers all Shinkansen |
| Tokyo only (3–5 days) | Tokyo Subway 72h | Best value for city travel |
| Osaka + Kyoto + Nara (3–5 days) | Kansai Area Pass | Covers JR Kansai local |
| Multi-city Japan (14–21 days) | JR Pass 14/21-day | Unlimited travel nationwide |
| Mainly by air + local (3 cities) | IC Card only | No pass needed, just top up |
💳 Welcome Suica — For Daily Use
The Welcome Suica is not a discount pass, but an IC card designed for tourists. It has no deposit fee and works everywhere regular Suica works — trains, buses, convenience stores, vending machines.
💳 Welcome Suica — No Deposit IC Card for Tourists
Buy at Narita or Haneda airports. No ¥500 deposit required. ¥1,500 initial load. Valid 28 days. Combine with a transport pass for best value.
Learn About Welcome Suica →*Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.