The prices for Japan's JR Rail Pass are set to rise, but there's still a chance to purchase before the increase takes effect.

Travelers intending to visit Japan should reconsider their travel budgets, as the cost of a Japan Rail Pass is projected to jump by about 70 percent on October 1, 2023.

These passes provide a flat rate for unlimited rides on most trains over a specific period, including the renowned high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains, making them a favored option for travelers looking to explore multiple locations economically compared to buying individual tickets.

Here’s what you need to know regarding the updated pricing for the Japan Rail Pass.

What will be the new price for the Japan Rail Pass?

Japan Rail provides six pass options, including one-, two-, and three-week durations for both standard and first-class seating (the latter offers reserved seats in Green Cars with extra legroom and comfort). All pass prices are set to increase between 65 and 77 percent. Here are the details (U.S. dollar values are based on current exchange rates):

Updated Pricing for JR Rail Pass Starting October 2023

• Regular 7-day pass: increasing from ¥29,650 (US$202) to ¥50,000 (US$341)
• Regular 14-day pass: rising from ¥47,250 (US$323) to ¥80,000 (US$546)
• Regular 21-day pass: moving from ¥60,450 (US$413) to ¥100,000 (US$683)
• Green 7-day pass: from ¥39,600 (US$270) to ¥70,000 (US$478)
• Green 14-day pass: going from ¥64,120 (US$438) to ¥111,000 (US$758)
• Green 21-day pass: increasing from ¥83,390 (US$569) to ¥140,000 (US$956)

Regional passes (which provide unlimited travel within six smaller regions of Japan) will also see price hikes starting October 1, with increases ranging from 5 percent (the five-day Hokkaido Rail Pass rising from ¥19,000 to ¥20,000) to 50 percent (JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, going from ¥18,000 to ¥27,000).

Due to a three-month activation window for Japan Rail passes from the time of purchase, it's impossible to secure a lower price now for travel planned in 2024.

Is the Japan Rail Pass still worth it?

As with many things, it really depends on your travel plans. If you intend to visit only two or three cities or plan to take your time and stay several days in each, purchasing individual train tickets might be the better choice.

For reference, a standard one-way ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto is currently priced at ¥13,320 (US$91) for an ordinary ticket and ¥14,000 (US$96) for a reserved seat. Additionally, within these cities, there are several Japan Rail lines available for local travel (note that the passes do not cover subways or trams). If your itinerary includes those cities and others within a week, the pass remains a great value (at least until October 2023). However, once prices increase, it may be more cost-effective to purchase single tickets or even look into domestic flights, depending on your travel plans.