When a Regional Pass Might Be Better
If you’re staying within a specific region — like Kansai, Hokkaido, or Kyushu — and don’t plan to travel across Japan by Shinkansen, a Regional Rail Pass might be a smarter and more affordable option than the nationwide JR Pass.
Regional passes typically offer:
- Lower prices compared to the national JR Pass
- Validity within specific regions (e.g. Kansai, Kyushu, Hokkaido)
- Flexible usage over consecutive or non-consecutive days
→ Great for short trips or slow-paced regional travel!
Where to Buy Regional Passes
We offer a variety of JR Regional Passes to suit your travel plans.
See the available passes and select the one that works best for your trip: View Regional Passes
Did you know?
A one-day round trip between Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe by regular tickets can easily cost over ¥5,000.
The Kansai Area Pass costs just ¥2,800/day, making it a great value if you're planning multiple short trips within the region.
Which Pass Should You Choose?
Ask yourself:
- Will you be staying mostly within one region?
- Are you taking several short trips rather than long-distance travel?
- Do you want to visit smaller towns or local spots not well covered by the nationwide JR Pass?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above, a Regional Pass could be the perfect choice.
Conclusion:
- Choose the JR Pass if you're traveling across multiple regions and riding the Shinkansen frequently.
- Choose a Regional Pass if you're focusing on one area and want to travel smart on a budget.
