Does the 7 days JR pass include Shinkansen?

Hi there,

Yes, the 7 day pass includes all Shinkansen except for the Nozomi and Mizuho services. There are always equivalent valid Hikari, Sakura and Kodama services that run on the same lines and reach the same top speeds, so you maintain the same coverage.

The only difference is that the Nozomi and Mizuho services stop at fewer stations and so are slightly faster "point to point" (only around 15-20mins faster than the equivalent Hikari service on the 515km Tokyo - Kyoto journey so shouldn't cause much inconvenience).

You can find full validity details here.

Hope this helps!

Dear Mari,

I really appreciate for your comprehensive response. Actually I am planning to go to tokyo & Kyosho within 1 week. my plan is for 3 day-2nights in Tokiyo and 3 days-2 night in kyosho. I like to see another city in Japan for 1 day. I heard a bit about Osaka & Kobe but still I don't know which is better option. Could you please advise me on this matter...

Thank you and warm Regards

Hi there,

Kyoto is the perfect point to start day trips in Japan. If you're looking for cities to visit with a JR Pass, then I recommend you look into Osaka (food and comedy culture) or Hiroshima (Historical heritage). Both are easily accessible and have lots to see and do that is different from both Tokyo and Kyoto.

Hope this helps!

Thanks Mari, helped me much.... I will ask more question once i get my ticket & visa. Thanks again :)