Is Shinkansen covered by JR Pass?
Rachel Fowler
Updated on April 06, 2026
Is Shinkansen covered by JR Pass?
All Shinkansen trains are covered by the JR Pass except the Nozomi and Mizuho fast trains which run on the Takaido and Sanyo lines. JR Pass holders can catch the semi-fast and local trains on these lines instead. The semi-fast trains take just a little longer than the Nozomi and Mizuho trains.
Does JR Pass cover Tohoku Shinkansen?
Using the Japan Rail Pass Your Japan Rail Pass is valid on all trains of the Tohoku Shinkansen Line. You can activate your JR Pass at the ticketing counter of any major train station.
How much is Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano?
Tokyo and Nagano are connected with each other by the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The one way trip takes 80-100 minutes, costs about 8000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass.
Can foreign residents buy JR Pass?
* Foreigners living in Japan can also purchase a JR EAST PASS! Enjoy your travel safely!
Does JR Pass cover all JR lines?
The Japan Rail Pass covers all JR Group limited express trains, express trains, rapid and local ones. Shinkansen bullet trains are also covered, except of NOZOMI and MIZUHO.
Can you use JR Pass on Tokyo Metro?
While the metro lines do no accept the JR Pass, other IC Cards, such as the Pasmo and Suica, may be used. These cards give you access to almost any train or bus in Tokyo.
Who can use JR Pass?
The pass can be used only by foreign tourists and offers unlimited rides on JR trains for one, two or three weeks at a cost that residents of Japan can only dream of. It comes in two types: ordinary and green car. The latter is valid on green cars (first class cars) that offer more spacious seats than ordinary cars.
How often does the Tokaido Shinkansen run?
Hikari Shinkansen run about every 30 minutes (please check timetables for details). It stops at all the major cities (Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka), and it makes just a few extra stops along the way. However, which stations it stops at varies by train, so be sure to check the schedules.
Where can I buy Shinkansen tickets?
Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at any ticket office found at all major and many minor JR stations nationwide. Credit cards are accepted at most ticket offices.
Does JR pass cover Tokyo to Osaka?
The fastest way to travel between Tokyo and Osaka is via the Nozomi trains on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. In just 2 hours and 30 minutes, you can get from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station. A one-way trip costs 13,620 yen (unreserved seat) or 14,650 yen (reserved seat), and is not covered by the JR Pass.
Can residents buy Japan Rail Pass?
Japanese nationals who reside in Japan are not eligible to purchase the Japan Rail Pass. However, Japanese nationals, who have resided permanently outside of Japan for at least 10 years, are eligible for the Japan Rail Pass.
Is Green Class JR Pass worth it?
The advantage of Green Car passes is that they allow you to ride in the Green Car on any JR train that has such cars (all shinkansen and tokkyu trains). As mentioned above, Green Car seats are more comfortable and spacious. The Green Cars tend to be quieter than ordinary cars. They also tend to be less crowded.