Buzz
Unfortunate news for Japan travel enthusiasts, JR Pass and various railway services in the land of the rising sun will undergo a simultaneous price hike starting from 01/10/2019.
According to official information from The Mainichi, 5 companies under the Japan Railway Group (JR) and 16 major private railway companies in the country have submitted applications to the Ministry of Transport to propose fare increases; as a necessary consequence of the consumption tax hike from 8% to 10% in the country.
The service fees of these 21 companies will increase by an average of 1.85%. Specifically, Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) will raise the minimum fare from 140JPY to 150JPY. West Japan Railway Company (JR West) – the main provider of JP Pass – plans to increase minimum fares in specific regions, including central Osaka in western Japan, from 120JPY to 130JPY. This will be the first time JR Central and JR West have raised minimum fares since their establishment in 1987.
Meanwhile, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) will continue to raise by 1JPY for IC card users; as well as minimum fare increases for other services. Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku) and Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) may also raise minimum fares, from 160JPY to 170JPY.
The aforementioned changes may directly impact the price of the JR Pass – one of the main products of the Japan Railway Group and the most powerful mobility card for travelers to Japan. To save costs and avoid future JR Pass price fluctuations, it's advisable to purchase the JR Pass today!
All You Need to Know About JR Pass
JR Pass is a personal travel card exclusively for foreign visitors to Japan. Depending on the type of pass, travelers will have the privilege to travel on all train routes managed by Japan Railways, including JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, JR West, JR Central, JR East, and JR Hokkaido networks. You can also use various other modes of transportation such as JR buses, JR ferries, and monorails.
In Japan, where the cost of using public transportation is among the highest in the world, JR Pass is a cost-effective and convenient choice, valid 24/7.
Essentials to Prepare Before Traveling Independently in Japan
In addition to the JR Pass, travelers should also prepare various travel essentials, which can be pre-booked on Klook, to save costs and ensure the most enjoyable experience. For example:
- Renting 4G Wifi for use in Japan
- Renting airport shuttle transfer in Japan (suitable for large groups)
- Renting a car to visit attractions in Japan
- Buying tickets at the entrance of amusement parks and tourist spots
- Purchasing dining vouchers at Japanese shops and restaurants
