JR Pass and a range of other Japanese railway services have increased in price.

The JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) is a travel pass issued by Japan Railways for foreign tourists visiting Japan. With a JR Pass, travelers have access to all train lines within the JR railway network, including JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, JR West, JR Center, JR East, and JR Hokkaido. It also allows access to other modes of transportation such as JR buses, JR ferries, and monorails.

This is a preferred option for foreign tourists visiting Japan because the cost of public transportation in the country is among the most expensive in the world. The JR Pass helps save a considerable amount of money and is extremely convenient as it can be used 24/7.

However, according to The Maichini, five companies belonging to the Japan Railway Group (JR), along with 16 of the country's largest private companies, have simultaneously submitted a petition to the Ministry of Transport. Their goal is to propose a fare increase as a natural consequence of the consumption tax being raised from 8 to 10%.

This means that the average fares for the 21 companies mentioned above will increase by 1.85%. Specifically, Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) will increase fares from 140 JPY to 150 JPY (JPY, also known as Yen, is the main currency of Japan). Meanwhile, the main distributor of the JR Pass, West Japan Railway Company (JR West), will increase fares from 120 JPY to 130 JPY, applicable to certain areas. This is the first time since their establishment in 1987 that these two companies have implemented fare increases.

The aforementioned changes are likely to significantly impact the JR Pass, considered the flagship product of the Japan Railways Corporation. This prestigious pass for foreign visitors to Japan is facing price increases, which will create considerable difficulties for travel enthusiasts and those planning a trip. Therefore, to avoid these fluctuations and save costs, many people are now quickly purchasing the pass.

Yuan Bao