Using the JR Pass with the Bullet Train (Shinkansen)

This question is understandably something that travellers are concerned about - it all just seems to good to be true! Fortunately, the JR Pass is indeed one of those few remaining "great deals" in travel. All lines operated by Japan Rail are available for use with the JR Pass, including the Shinkansen Bullet Train lines. The fly in the ointment is that the JR Pass cannot be used on "Nozomi" class Shinkansen Bullet Trains.

What the heck is a "Nozomi" train?

Nozomi in general does not refer to the actual physical model of train, but rather indicates whether the Bullet Train is on a "Super Express" schedule which typically only stops at major business centres. In reality, the Nozomi schedule trains are only 10-20 minutes faster than standard schedule Bullet Trains, but for the time conscious workaholic Japanese every second counts!

Sleeper Cars and the JR Pass

Unfortunately, "Sleeper Cars" are not valid with the Japan Rail Pass. You can however, pay an additional charge to cover the cost of the sleeping cabin and the cost of the train journey if you wish to upgrade.

Journey Times:

• Tokyo to Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko): 2.5 to 3 hours
• Tokyo to Kyoto: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Mt. Fuji (Kawaguchiko) to Kyoto: 5 hours
• Kyoto to Osaka: 30 minutes
• Osaka to Tokyo: 3 hours 15 minutes

These are approximate times, but are likely to be very exact. You can search for more by visiting a website called Hyperdia where you can check many Japanese train journey times and prices all in English!

Related Pages:

• How to Order Sushi in Japanese?
• Shibuya to Nagoya on a JR Pass?
• US Military and Japan Rail Pass
• Can I look up JR train times online?

Tags: Japan Rail Pass, Journey Times, Mt. Fuji, Sleeper Cars

01/11/07 in Honshu, Internal Travel, Japan, Japan Rail Pass, Mt. Fuji.