The Japan Rail Pass, a key travel product for international visitors, will become more expensive from October 1, 2026, as the JR Group announces a 5–6% fare increase. The revision marks the first price adjustment since the major hike implemented in 2023.
Under the revised pricing, an adult seven-day ordinary class pass will cost JYP 53,000, up by JYP 3,000, while the premium Green Car pass will increase by JYP 4,000 to JYP 74,000. The 14-day ordinary pass will rise to JYP 84,000, and the 21-day option will be priced at JYP 105,000, reflecting increases of JYP 4,000 and JYP 5,000, respectively.
The JR Group, comprising six passenger railway companies across Japan, stated that the latest fare revision is aligned with recent pricing adjustments made by its member operators. Among them, East Japan Railway Company recently raised its train fares by an average of 7.1%, marking its first major increase since the privatization of Japan’s national railway system in 1987. The minimum base fare for local trains has also increased from JYP 150 to JYP 160 .
The Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited travel across the extensive JR network, covering most shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express, express, rapid, and local train services, along with select bus and ferry routes. However, travellers must pay a supplementary charge to access Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen services on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines.
Exclusively available to foreign tourists visiting Japan under a “temporary visitor” visa, as well as Japanese nationals residing abroad for over 10 years, the pass remains a popular and cost-effective way to explore the country. It can be purchased through authorised agents overseas, designated sales offices, or via the official online reservation platform.
To encourage digital adoption, JR Group has confirmed that prices for passes booked online will remain unchanged for a limited period, offering travellers a temporary opportunity to avoid the upcoming price increase.