Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Since the nationwide Japan Rail Pass became much more expensive in October 2023, regional passes are often better value. They cover JR trains (and sometimes buses or private lines) within a region for a set number of days. Prices below are not listed because they change; check official pages for current costs, validity and which trains are included.
Main regional passes
| Pass | Area | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Kansai Area Pass (JR West) | Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Himeji, Kansai Airport (Haruka) | Several day trips in Kansai, especially with airport transfers. |
| Kansai Wide Area Pass | Kansai plus Okayama, Kinosaki, Shirahama, Takamatsu; Sanyo Shinkansen Shin-Osaka–Okayama | Kansai with trips to Okayama, Naoshima access, Kinosaki onsen. |
| Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass | Kansai to Hiroshima incl. Sanyo Shinkansen, Miyajima ferry | Osaka/Kyoto base with Hiroshima and Miyajima. |
| Hokuriku Arch Pass | Tokyo–Kanazawa–Osaka via the Hokuriku Shinkansen | A one-way route through Kanazawa between Tokyo and Osaka. |
| Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass | Takayama, Shirakawa-go (bus), Kanazawa, Toyama, Nagoya/Osaka gateways | Alps loop: Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa. |
| JR East Pass (Tohoku area) | Tokyo, Tohoku region | Sendai, Matsushima, Aomori, Kakunodate. |
| JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area) | Tokyo, Nagano, Niigata, Karuizawa | Snow monkeys, Matsumoto, ski resorts. |
| JR Tokyo Wide Pass | Greater Tokyo incl. Nikko, Kawaguchiko (Fuji Excursion), Karuizawa | Several day trips from Tokyo over 3 days. |
| JR Hokkaido Rail Pass | Hokkaido | Sapporo, Otaru, Hakodate, Furano and beyond. |
| JR Kyushu Rail Pass | All or north/south Kyushu | Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Beppu. |
| Setouchi Area Pass | Seto Inland Sea region incl. some ferries | Hiroshima, Okayama, Shikoku, art islands. |
How to decide
- List the journeys you'll actually take and add up normal ticket prices (Jorudan, Navitime or Google Maps show fares).
- Compare against the pass price for that period.
- Factor in convenience — a pass lets you hop on without buying tickets — but don't pay much extra for it.
- Check exclusions: some passes exclude Nozomi/Mizuho or particular private lines.
Our JR Pass calculator helps you compare the nationwide pass with point-to-point tickets.
Non-JR passes worth knowing
- Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72 hours on Tokyo Metro and Toei subway).
- Hakone Freepass (Odakyu) covering transport loop in Hakone.
- Fuji Hakone Pass.
- Osaka Amazing Pass (transport plus free entry to many attractions).
- Kintetsu Rail Pass for Nara, Ise and Yoshino.
Buying and using passes
Most passes are sold online and/or at major stations, airports and JR travel centres to foreign visitors with temporary visitor status. You usually need your passport when exchanging or using the pass. Many now work as magnetic tickets through automatic gates, and seat reservations can be made at machines. See our Shinkansen booking guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is a regional rail pass better than the JR Pass?
Often, yes. Since the nationwide JR Pass price increase in October 2023, regional passes are frequently better value unless you're covering long distances across several regions.
Which pass is best for Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima?
The Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass is designed for that route; compare its price to individual tickets for your trips.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: