Japan’s Bullet Train Rail Pass Prices Soar 70% for Tourists
- Prices of Japan rail pass raised for first time since 1980s
- Rail operator expects resilient demand despite fare increase
Tourists in Japan will pay more for rail passes after the JR train network raised prices for the first time in four decades, by an average of 70%. But even with the big increase, demand is likely to stay strong thanks to a cheaper yen and flow of inbound visitors.
From the start of this month, a rail pass offering 14 days of unlimited travel across Japan costs ¥80,000 ($534), up from ¥47,250. There are also options for one- and three-week passes, as well as first class. The price hikes vary from about 65% to 77%.