Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) with kids

Do you need the JR Pass with kids in Japan? There are several factors to consider before purchasing. The Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass, can be an economical way to travel around Japan with kids, if you will be taking multiple shinkansen during your vacation. 

There are also several local trains and buses that accept the JR Pass, so it can make it easier to hop on a train without purchasing a specific ticket first.

Read on to determine if you should get a Japan Rail Pass with kids!

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What is the Japan Rail Pass? 

The JR Rail Pass is used by foreign tourists in Japan who will be booking multiple bullet trains between cities. The JR Pass can also be used on certain local metro/subway lines and local buses. 

You can purchase passes that are valid for 7-, 14- or 21-days. 

💡Pro tip: you must purchase the Japan Rail Pass before you arrive in Japan, up to 1 month in advance. 

When you make your purchase, you’ll receive a JR Pass Exchange, which must be taken to one of the specified locations provided with your ticket. 

You’ll then select your start date, which cannot be changed, so plan accordingly! 

When should I start my JR Pass?

If you will be in Japan for an even 7-, 14- or 21-days, I would set your start date for the day you arrive. This pass can be used on many lines within Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, so it may be to your advantage to start it right away. 

If you will only be using your JR Pass for the shinkansen lines between cities, you should set your start date for the day of your first shinkansen. 

Should I get the JR Pass with kids?

The JR Pass is probably worth it if you’re booking multiple bullet trains between cities, and will be sticking to the main tourist sites in bigger cities. Many of the JR lines in these cities will get you close to the top sights. 

It can be really nice to have this pass, so you don’t have to purchase a ticket every time you need to take a train.  

This pass includes free seat reservations (more on this below), so factor that into your planning.

What is not covered by the JR Pass?

The Nozomi and Mizuho lines are only partially covered by the JR Pass, and require additional supplementary tickets. These two lines are the fastest shinkansen in Japan, and they only stop at the biggest train stations along their route, whereas the regular shinkansen trains make several stops along the way. 

The Nozomi shinkansen services Tokyo-Fukuoka (stopping in Kyoto and Osaka along the way). The Mizuho shinkansen services Osaka-Kagoshima. Both Fukuoka and Kagoshima are located on Kyushu island, the southernmost island of the 4 main islands of Japan. 

While JR (Japan Rail) is the biggest transportation operator in Japan, they are not the only. Lines not serviced by JR are not covered by the JR Pass. 

How can I ride the Nozomi or Mizuho shinkansen with a JR Pass?

In the train station, you can purchase a supplementary ticket for the Nozomi or Mizuho lines at a green, self-service ticket machine, or at a manned ticket counter (Midori-no-madoguchi), which are also green. 

What local trains and buses is the Japan Rail Pass valid on?

For the most part, if the train or bus line starts with JR, your JR Pass can probably be used on it. 

For example, the JR Yamonote Line in Tokyo is one of the most common lines for tourists to take, and is covered by the JR Pass. 

Use the Hyperdia App to filter by JR Pass to only include routes that are covered by your pass. 

Is the JR Rail Pass with kids worth the price? 

Sometimes. If you will be changing cities frequently during your Japan vacation, and you will use the pass on the included local lines, this can be a cost-saving option for families. 

However, if you are flying into Tokyo, taking the train to Kyoto then to Osaka, and flying home from Osaka, the JR Pass may not be worth the price.

Use the Japan Transit Planner website to price out your tickets between destinations. This will help you determine if the JR Pass is worth it for your trip. 

If you determine the JR Pass is not a good fit for your vacation, you can purchase individual shinkansen tickets. 

Who needs a JR Rail Pass?

Kids under 6 will not need a pass. They’re not guaranteed a seat though and will have to sit on your lap if there isn’t an extra seat available. 

Kids ages 6-11 get reduced pricing and pay 50% of the adult fare. Like many tickets in Japan, anyone 12 and older is priced as an adult. 

How to reserve a seat with the JR Rail Pass

You have 2 options to reserve a seat with your JR Rail Pass with kids. 

Find a reserved ticket machine 

Once you’ve arrived at the station, you can find a green, self-service Reserved Ticket Machine. These machines should have English options, so you can easily navigate through the prompts. 

You’ll have to scan the QR code of your pass and enter in your passport number, then you can select your train and seat assignments. 

Not all stations have a reserved ticket machine, but every station has a ticket office with a staff. 

Find a Midori-no-madoguchi

These ticket offices marked by green signs have staff who can help with reserving your seat. 

The biggest stations (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka) will likely have a staff member who speaks English, otherwise get your Google Translate app out! 

If you need to change the seat reservation, you will need to find a ticket office for assistance.

Additional shinkansen info for kids

Looking for info on luggage? Or what you should bring on the shinkansen? Check out all the details in my post on riding shinkansen with kids!

Protecting your Japan family vacation

Japan is a gorgeous island country showcasing some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. However, from earthquakes to typhoons, Mother Nature can be very unkind to the Land of the Rising Sun.

From weather to lost luggage to illness (especially with toddlers), make sure you protect your family vacation by getting travel insurance.

I personally use Arch RoamRight for all my travel, and recommend all my clients use the same. Get your personalized quote here!

You may also like:

• Apps for Japan travel with kids
• When to visit Japan with kids: a family travel guide
• Guide to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea with kids
• Japan shinkansen (bullet trains) with kids

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Molly

Molly spent her 20’s traveling the world, mostly solo. She loves planning travel almost as much as actually traveling, and loves the added challenge of traveling with her toddler. Get to know Molly.

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