Japan Rail Pass Oct 2023 - Price Increase Significantly
Japan Rail Pass (JRP) users will face a significant price increase starting from October 2023, according to a recent press announcement by the Japan Rail Pass website. The news has caused a stir among tourists who rely on the JRP for their travels throughout Japan. [Press Release]
The price increase will affect all types of Japan Rail Passes, including the popular 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day passes. But the press release has stated that the increase will be “around” October of this year. This means that the actual implementation date has not yet been confirmed and could be subject to change, including the prices.
Currently, there are two types of JRP: the Green Pass and the Ordinary Pass. The Green Pass is valid for business-class seats on JR trains, while the Ordinary Pass is valid for standard-class seats. The price of both passes is expected to increase significantly, with the Green Pass potentially increasing by up to 67%-77%, and the Ordinary Pass by up to 65%-69%.
Oct Prices - Subject To Changes Even Before Implementation
And the prices apply to both purchasing directly from Japan Rail Pass Website and from an oversea JR-designated sales office or agency, same prices for both and children is half the price.
The prices increase also update the usages of “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains. With the new update, the new prices allow travelers to use “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains, which previously cannot.
The JRP is a popular choice among foreign tourists as it allows unlimited travel on Japan Railway (JR) trains throughout the country. This includes the famous bullet trains, or Shinkansen, which can be quite expensive when purchased individually.
The price increase might be subject to the maintenance and improvement of the country's railway infrastructure. In recent years, Japan's railways have faced aging infrastructure and declining ridership, and the price increase might intended to address these issues.
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from tourists who rely on the JRP. Some have expressed frustration with the price increase, stating that it may discourage them from traveling to Japan or limit their travel options within the country.
Others have pointed out that the JRP is still a valuable option for those who plan to do a lot of travel on JR trains and that the price increase may be justified if it leads to better infrastructure and service.
It's important to note that the JRP is not the only option for train travel in Japan. Regional rail passes, such as the Kansai Thru Pass and the Tokyo Wide Pass, offer discounts on train travel in specific regions of the country. However, these passes do not offer the wide travel options that the JRP does.
In addition, travelers can also purchase individual train tickets for their travels in Japan. While this can be more expensive than using a rail pass, it may be a more cost-effective option for those who plan to do limited travel within the country.
Do note that the information from the press release is still subject to changes, like the implementation date, the prices and the additional services or discounts that the new updates will provide.
Together, let us wait for further information and hopefully more detailed information will be release toward October.
Despite the price increase, the JRP remains a valuable option for foreign tourists traveling in Japan. The pass allows for convenient and unlimited travel on JR trains, making it an ideal choice for those who plan to do a lot of travel within the country. It's important for travelers to consider their travel plans and budget before deciding whether the JRP is the best option for their trip to Japan.
In the meantime, it is still a good deal for tourist and do make use of the 3-months grace period before Oct. Take note take the exchange order purchase from an oversea JR-designated sale office or agency need to be turned in for a JAPAN RAIL PASS within three months of the date the Order was issued. But whether the price will be locked in after Oct, that is still to be confirmed.
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Official Japan Rail Pass Website - https://japanrailpass.net/en/
Press Release - https://japanrailpass.net/pdf/JRP_pressrelease_230414.pdf
Oversea Agents - https://click.jrpass.com/SH8T