The Japan Rail National Rail Pass (JR Pass) is one of the most useful passes you can buy before traveling around Japan. However it can be quite expensive, making you wonder is it worth it?
The answer really depends on where and for how long you are planning to travel in Japan. The JR network is one of the largest in Japan and includes the majority of Shinkansen (bullet trains) allowing you to easily travel between major destinations. Unfortunately the JR passes do not include all of the Shinkansen, notably missing is the Nozomi and Mizuho class trains that run between Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano and Tokyo. This means there are less trains available to use between these destinations, but with proper planning this is not really an issue (most Shinkansen are still running every 20-30 mins, so even if you book at the station you usually won’t have long to wait unless its a peak period).
Cost vs Benefit
If your adventure in Japan means you will be hopping from city to city you will most likely find the JR Pass will save you a lot of money.
For example: A 7 day JR pass will cost you around $365, while a single ticket from Tokyo to Osaka costs ¥14,000 ($180) so a round trip comes to ¥28000 ($360), this is not including any further travel you do during that week. This means if you use your pass to make a day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka it will essentially be free. Keep in mind though not ALL trains are JR, also the pass does not cover the subways.
Now trying to work out how long a pass is worth your investment again depends on you traveling plans. So a 14 day pass costs around $590, so an extra $230~ for a second week of unlimited passage. If you were going to travel more, say south to Fukuoka or Oita (Hot Spring capital) it would be 100% worth it as the round trip alone from Osaka is around $380). However if your plan is fly into Tokyo, travel to Kyoto for 3 days, Osaka for 4 days, then return to Tokyo, I wouldn’t bother investing in that second week. Many of the local trains to get around Tokyo are not JR and even the ones that are you would only be pay ¥100-200 per trip ($1.20-$2.50), even going down to Kamakura and back is around ¥2000 ($25). So trying to use $230 worth of local trains in a week would be almost impossible and extremely fatiguing.
If you’re really struggling to work out the costs vs benefits of a rail pass and you know your general itinerary I highly recommend using the Explore Japan Rail Calculator.
Costs aside, the pass just generally makes traveling in Japan so much smoother. The train network is vast and can take you to nearly any destination across Japan. Being able to pass in and out of the train stations for free is also a great perk as bathrooms and bins are often located inside stations. Personally I much prefer traveling via train than plane despite the travel time and cost being cheaper on planes. There is no check ins or weight limits on luggage, seats are more spacious and comfortable, plus the trains are whisper quiet.
Other JR Passes
A majority of travelers who know about the JR pass may not know you can actually get local area passes too. These are a fantastic option if you are mostly planning to stay in one area. For example the JR Kansai Area pass includes such areas as Kansai Airport, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji and Wakayama. They are available for a maximum of 4 days and cost between $28 for a one day pass and $80 for a 4 day pass. This would allow you to see all the major locations for a much cheaper price and you can travel as many times as you like within those days. You may also purchase multiple passes.
Eligibility
All non-Japanese traveling to Japan on a foreign passport are eligible to obtain a JR pass, this means you have a Temporary Visitors stamp and are leaving the country within 90 days.
Note for Japanese living abroad: Japanese people who have both their valid Japanese passport and written proof obtained from the embassy or legation of Japan in the foreign country where they live, that they have been living in that country for 10 or more consecutive years, may acquire a JR pass. Japanese passport holders are not eligible for all passes, please check the conditions of the pass before purchase. If you are Japanese travelling on a Foreign passport you will be treated the same as Non-Japanese visitors.
Summary
General rule of thumb is if you will use the Shinkansen at least twice in the first week and once per week after that you will get your moneys worth from a National Japan Rail pass. For local area passes I would purchase if you plan to make return trips to places that cost at least ¥1000 (like Tokyo to Kamakura or Osaka to Himeji). Otherwise just purchase your tickets as you need them (highly recommend purchasing an IC card at the first station you visit).
Safe travels and happy hunting!