Did you know that Japan has 46 out of the world's top 50 busiest train stations? This train-tastic feat is all thanks to the unbeatable Japanese railway system, which has been whisking people from place to place since way back!
If you're ready to explore and ride the trains in Japan with the legendary Japan Rail (JR) Pass, get ready for the adventure with all the info you need!
What is the JR Pass?
Climb aboard! Credits to Adrien Bruneau on Unsplash
You won't have to worry about train tickets anymore with the Japan Rail (JR) Pass. Enjoy seamless journeys along the Japanese high-speed railway system and bid your transpo troubles farewell with flexible 7, 14, or 21-day passes.
Plus, you won't have to stress out about seat reservations anymore!
Klook Tip: Our exclusive deal shields you from the upcoming 60-70% JR Pass price surge set to hit in October 2023. Now, that's what we call an adventure-packed steal!
What are the popular routes using the Japan Rail Pass?
Now, let's dive into the good stuff: our ultimate transport plan below.
You can lose your Japan Rail map because this guide will whisk you from point A to B and everything in between on your journey to discovering Japan, all thanks to the enchanting power of the Japan Rail Pass!
Buckle up and take note of these popular routes that trains in Japan pass through!
Routes Going to Tokyo
Roam the bustling night markets of Tokyo! Credits to Benjamin Wong on Unsplash
From Narita Airport
- Ride the Narita Express
- Duration: 1 hour and 3 minutes
- Cost: ¥3,020
Shin-Osaka
Next stop: Shin-Osaka! Credits to Tore F on Unsplash
Take advantage of your Japan Rail Pass and visit Shin-Osaka Station, your peaceful entry point to the vibrant city of Osaka. This station is your passport to exploration, and seamless Osaka adventures, offering access to the Shinkansen, the culinary scene, shopping, and vibrant nightlife.
Routes Going to Shin-Osaka
Find hidden gems around Shin-Osaka! Credits to Laura Thonne on Unsplash
From Tokyo
- Hop on the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 2 hours and 53 minutes
- Cost: ¥14,140
From Nagoya
- Hop on the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 51 minutes
- Cost: ¥6,350
OR
- Hop on the Shinkansen Kodama
- Duration: 1 hr 4 minutes
- Cost: ¥6,350
Osaka
Search for good eats in Osaka! Credits to Alexander Smagin on Unsplash
Take a trip to Osaka and experience its electric energy, savouring the tantalising street food wonders of piping hot takoyaki and mouthwatering okonomiyaki. Osaka is a vibrant spectacle, encapsulating the dynamic urban culture of Japan with its modern buzz and adventure in every corner.
Routes Going to Osaka
Gaze at the majestic temples of the city. Credits to Nicholas Doherty on Unsplash
From Kyoto
- Ride the JR Special Rapid Service
- Duration: 28 minutes
- Cost: ¥560
From Kansai Airport
- Hop on the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service
- Duration: 1 hour and 11 minutes
- Cost: ¥1,190
Kyoto
Dive into Japan's history in Kyoto! Credits to Sorasak on Unsplash
Hop on the speedy trains in Japan and get to Kyoto, a cultural haven attracting locals and global travellers alike. Its traditional temples, shrines, and gardens create a fairy tale amidst Tokyo's modern skyscrapers.
Routes Going to Kyoto
See historic, towering temples in Kyoto. Credits to silversea on Unsplash
From Tokyo
- Hop on the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 2 hours and 38 minutes
- Cost: ¥13,600
From Osaka
- Ride the JR Special Rapid Service
- Duration: 29 minutes
- Cost: ¥560
From Nagoya
- Ride the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration 36 minutes
- Cost: ¥5,590
OR
- Climb aboard the Shinkansen Kodama
- Duration: 48 minutes
- Cost: ¥5,590
From Nagano
- Take the Shinkansen Kagayaki
- Duration: 1 hour and 6 minutes
- Then, hop onto the LTD. EXP Thunderbird
- Duration: 2 hours and 13 minutes
- Cost: ¥13,750
OR
- Take the LTD. EXP (wide view) Shinano
- Duration: 3 hours and 1 minute
- Transfer at Nagoya Station and a ride on the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 36 minutes
- Cost: ¥10,930
From Kansai Airport
- Ride the LTD. EXP train
- Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Cost: ¥3,370
From Odawara
- Hop on the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 2 hours and 3 minutes
- Cost: ¥12,080
OR
- Take the Shinkansen Kodama
- Duration: 2 hours and 58 minutes
- Cost: ¥12,080
Hiroshima
Roam around the vibrant and historic Hiroshima. Credits to Hakan Nural on Unsplash
Discover the heart of Hiroshima, a city with a rich history, where the resilience from enduring the first nuclear bomb now invites visitors to uncover its past. Ride speedy Shinkansen or express trains to explore its charm, history, and spirit as you visit landmarks like Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine's floating Torii gate.
Routes Going to Hiroshima
Behold the stunning Hiroshima Castle. Credits to Laurentiu Morariu on Unsplash
From Tokyo
- Take the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 3 hours and 11 minutes
- Transfer at Shin-Kobe for the Shinkansen Sakura
- Duration: 1 hour and 13 minutes
- Cost: ¥18,560
OR
- Ride the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 2 hours and 53 minutes
- Transfer at Shin-Osaka
- Ride the Shinkansen Sakura
- Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cost: ¥18,760.
From Kyoto
- Take the Shinkansen Hikari to Shin-Kobe
- Duration: 28 minutes
- Transfer to Shinkansen Sakura
- Duration: 1 hour 14 minutes
- Cost: ¥11,290.
From Shin-Osaka
- Ride the Shinkansen Sakura
- Duration: 1 hour 28 minutes
- Cost: ¥10,430
From Nagoya
- Take the high speed Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Transfer at Shin-Kobe and ride the Shinkansen Sakura
- Duration: 1 hour 13 minutes
- Cost: ¥13,810
From Himeji
- Ride the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 59 minutes
- Cost: ¥8,290
OR
- Take the Shinkansen Sakura
- Duration: 59 minutes
- Cost: ¥8,290
OR
- Hop on the Shinkansen Kodama
- Duration: 1 hour 59 minutes
- Cost: ¥8,290
Narra
Stroll around the luscious greeneries! Credits to Tantan Wiguna on Unsplash
Be enchanted by Nara, a traveller's haven near Kyoto and Osaka. Hop on the express trains to explore its rich cultural heritage, from historic neighbourhoods and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to ancient mountain roads, the splendour of Mount Yoshino, and the legends of Ikoma and Ikaruga districts.
Routes Going to Narra
Travel to a stunning city surrounded by nature. Credits to QUENTIN Mahe on Unsplash
From Kyoto
- Hop onto the JR Nara line Rapid Service
- Duration: 46 minutes
- Cost: ¥710
From Osaka
- Ride the JR Yamatoji Rapid Service
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Cost: ¥800
Himeji
Be enchanted by Himeji's beauty. Credits to Svetlana Gumerova on Unsplash
Experience the allure of Himeji City! Just by taking the trains, you can see its awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, a breathtaking castle, and immerse yourself in festivals and coastal island charm as you explore the serene Koko-en Garden, featuring nine meticulously designed gardens.
Routes Going to Himeji
See the sights as you take a boat tour. Credits to Kit Ko on Unsplash
From Kyoto
- Take the bullet train Hikari
- Duration: 54 minutes
- Cost: ¥52,700
OR
- Ride the JR Special Rapid Service
- Transfer at Osaka to take another JR Special Rapid Service
- Duration: 1 hour and 3 minutes
- Cost: ¥2,270
From Osaka
- Hop onto the JR Special Rapid Service for HIMEJI
- Duration: 1 hour and 4 minutes
- Cost: ¥1,490
OR
- Opt for the JR Special Rapid Service for TSURUGA
- Duration: 4 minutes
- Make a pit stop at Shin-Osaka Station, and then catch the Shinkansen Kodama
- Duration: 33 minutes
- Cost: ¥3,740
Fukuoka (Hakata Station)
Step inside one of the busiest train stations in town. Credits to Nakaharu Line on Unsplash
Feel Fukuoka's vibrant heart at JR Hakata Station, your gateway to Kyushu's wonders since 1889. Enjoy local gems, nationwide adventures via the Shinkansen, mouthwatering cuisine, vibrant nights, serene beaches, and cultural heritage with just a few rides on a couple of trains!
Routes Going to Fukuoka (Hakata Station)
Experience Fukuoka's natural beauty. Credits to IBolat on Unsplash
From Kyoto
- Hop on the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 28 minutes
- Switch to the Shinkansen Sakura at Shin-Kobe Station
- Duration: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Cost: ¥15,640
From Hiroshima
- Take the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 1 hr and 4 mins
- Cost: ¥8,940
OR
- Hop on the Shinkansen Sakura
- Duration: 1 hr and 5 mins
- Cost: ¥8,940
OR
- Ride the Shinkansen Kodama
- Duration: 1 hr and 40 mins
- Cost: ¥8,940.
Sapporo
Step into the lively city of Sapporo. Credits to KWON YOUN on Unsplash
Add visiting Sapporo to your travel plans, a place where every corner holds a delicious surprise! Discover Hokkaido’s vibrant capital, which only requires you to take two trains from Tokyo, with its rich culinary delights, iconic clock tower, and year-round festivals, including the Snow Festival in February.
Routes Going to Sapporo
Take selfies with the beer barrels at Sapporo! Credits to Jaeyoung Geoffrey Kang on Unsplash
From Tokyo
- Take the Shinkansen Hayabusa
- Duration: 4 hours and 14 minutes
- At Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto station, switch to the LTD. EXP Super Hokuto
- Duration: 3 hours and 24 minutes
- Cost: ¥27,020
Hakone
Immerse yourself in nature at Hakone. Credits to Jenna Neal on Unsplash
Escape Tokyo's hustle and bustle to Hakone—a realm of relaxation and charm. Dip in natural hot springs, explore attractions like Hakone Shrine and Checkpoint, and feast your eyes on the majestic Mount Fuji from Lake Ashinoko.
Routes Going to Hakone
Gaze upon the breathtaking Mt. Fuji! Credits to Luke Stackpoole on Unsplash
From Tokyo
- Hop onto the Shinkansen Kodama
- Duration: 35 minutes
- Cost: ¥3,940
OR
- Take the JR Tokaido Line Rapid
- Duration: 1 hour and 14 minutes
- Cost: ¥1,490
Kawaguchiko
Relax as you take in the view at Lake Kawaguchi. Credits to Michael Sum on Unsplash
Prepare for an unforgettable experience in Kawaguchiko, where nature's magic unfolds. By just travelling through Japan railways, you can experience the beauty of Lake Kawaguchi, reflecting the majestic Mt. Fuji, with hot springs, museums, amusement park rides, and mountain ropeway adventures.
Routes Going to Kawaguchiko
Get some thrills at Kawaguchiko. Credits to Priscilla De Preez on Unsplash
Tokyo to Kawaguchiko
From Tokyo
- Catch the JR Chuo Special Rapid Service
- Duration: 56 minutes
- Switch to the JR Chuo Line at Takao (Tokyo) station
- Duration: 36 minutes
- Transfer at Otsuki Station
Nagano
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture. Credits to Yuika Takamura on Unsplash
Find Nagano City's hidden gems—a fusion of history, nature, and adventure! From the historic Zenkoji temple to stunning mountains and scenic hiking trails, there's something for every outdoor lover.
Routes Going to Nagano
See adorable monkeys around Nagano. Credits to Shino on Unsplash
From Tokyo
- Take the Shinkansen Hakutaka
- Duration: 1 hour and 32 minutes
- Cost: ¥8,400
OR
- Hop onto the Shinkansen Kagayaki
- Duration: 1 hour and 24 minutes
- Cost: ¥8,400
OR
- Ride the Shinkansen Asama
- Duration: 1 hour and 44 minutes
- Cost: ¥8,400
Takayama
Take a break from the bustling city at Takayama. Credits to Vicky Ng on Unsplash
Delve into a blend of festivals, history, and natural wonders in Takayama! See UNESCO-worthy gassho-zukuri farmhouses, an ancient Edo district, experience delectable Hida beef, traditional ryokan stay, and a rich cultural tapestry of temples and shrines.
Routes Going to Takayama
Explore historic homes! Credits to Victor Lu on Unsplash
From Tokyo
- Jump on the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 1 hour and 44 minutes
- Catch the LTD. EXP Hida after a stop in Nagoya
- Duration: 2 hours and 22 minutes
- Cost: ¥15,010
From Kyoto
- Hop on the Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 36 minutes
- Transfer at Nagoya station and board the LTD. EXP Hida
- Duration: 2 hours and 22 minutes
- Cost: ¥10,260
Nagoya
Tour around historic structures at Nagoya. Credits to Aryan Athayle on Unsplash
History meets innovation! This vibrant city blends charming streets, ancient tales, and a bustling atmosphere. Explore attractions like museums, a railway park, and a fantastic planetarium—Nagoya's got it all!
Routes Going to Nagoya
Relax and appreciate the stunning sights. Credits to YANGHONG YU on Unsplash
From Tokyo
- Take the speedy Shinkansen Hikari
- Duration: 2 hours and 5 minutes
- Cost: ¥10,880
OR
- Get on the Shinkansen Kodama
- Duration: 2 hours and 49 minutes
- Cost: ¥10,880
Nikko
Tap into your spiritual side at Nikko. Credits to Marco Montero Pisani on Unsplash
Explore the area where nature and spirituality intertwine, with the extraordinary Toshogu Shrine as the captivating centrepiece, surrounded by a trove of temples and shrines. See the vibrant autumn colours around Lake Chuzenji from October to November!
Routes Going to Nikko
Take in the stunning sights around! Credits to Katsu Utaharu on Unsplash
From Tokyo
- Hop on the Shinkansen Yamabiko
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Transfer to the JR Niko Line at Utsunomiya Station
- Duration: 49 minutes
- Cost: ¥5,580
Now that you're well-versed in the popular routes trains in Japan pass through with the JR pass, it's time for you to embark on an unforgettable adventure!
Written by: Issa Barreta
