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Japan National Train Ticket JR PASS AUD 7 Day ($325), 14 Day ($519), Free Shipping > $650

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Japan National Train Ticket JR PASS AUD 7 Day ($325), 14 Day ($519), Free Shipping > $650
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Lmegasaur on 12/10/2015 - 21:33 japan-rail-pass.com (1809 clicks)
Last edited 20/10/2015 - 10:14

I've been watching this for a while, essentially the same as this deal but prices have since gone up and come down again

7 day $325
14 day $519
21 day $664

Ideal if buying multiple passes. Free shipping when you spend >$650.
$19 Delivery if not. Express post by fedex, arrives in 3 days

Also get free travel guide and paper map

Other sites are >$340 / $540 / $690 respectively eg. JTB travel, Sachi tours

Note: I'm not sure if this lowered price is just the start of all the passes dropping due to exchange rate, but at the time of posting it is cheaper than the others.. except apparently jrpass.com.
Also if you're unaware, the JR pass allows you to travel all over Japan, including the bullet trains, but with limitations. It's not just a regular train ticket for travel within a city like a Myki.

Travel Japan Railways Group Rail Pass

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closed Comments

  • jv on 12/10/2015 - 21:35
    -8

    Costs almost as much as Myki…

  • John Stone on 12/10/2015 - 21:38

    Not too sure where the deal is especially when you have to pay $19 postage.
    These are also going to go up and down in price due to currency conversion.

    • megasaur on 12/10/2015 - 21:45

      It's free shipping if you pay >$650, and I think most people are likely to travel with company. It's cheaper than all the other sites I can find, so to me that was a deal, and wanted to share. Of course it's only useful if you were already planning to get one, but I appreciated that other deal when it was posted so thought I'd just follow suit. If it is a price drop because of currency, and all the other sites are going to eventually drop too, then I agree it won't be much of a deal, but at this stage to me, it is.

    • xivion on 12/10/2015 - 21:46

      Also any currency conversion fees depending on how you purchase them, I know Sachi Tours is free shipping since I ordered four passes from them last week. I haven't ordered from this site before but it looks like they include a guide and a map. Sachi tours and jrpass.com also includes similar stuff. JRpass.com is the same price too.

      • megasaur on 12/10/2015 - 21:51

        I hadn't noticed that site before, thanks

      • John Stone on 12/10/2015 - 21:57

        No what I meant by currency conversion was: These resellers are obviously just buying the JR Passes off Japan Rail. The price for a 7 day pass is 29,110 Yen, but the general public can't buy it for that price. Therefore the price that the resellers charge is based on that price + markup + any account in their own forex exposure.

        • xivion on 12/10/2015 - 22:01

          I'm aware of that, I meant currency conversion fees as in the rate that Paypal charges or any surcharges you might have to pay for an overseas transaction if you don't have a citibank or 28 degrees. My point was that if you order your pass locally you don't have to pay the overseas transaction and you just have to take the reseller's price which may end up cheaper than buying it overseas.

  • sol3x on 12/10/2015 - 21:45

    how long does it take to arrive at your door?

    • IceCreamBandit on 12/10/2015 - 21:57
      +4

      7 day $324 in Japan!!
      With Opal Card, 7 day only costs $60 in Sydney.

      You do realise you're comparing Japan…a country…to Sydney…a city?

      You'll have to calculate the cost of unlimited travel in all other Australian cities and between cities to make it a fair comparison.

    • stellaaddicted on 12/10/2015 - 21:57
      +2

      Do you have high speed bullet trains, also known as Shinkansen trains, in Sydney that I am not aware of? Can you use you Opal Card in Melbourne? If you don't know what you can do with a JR PASS then just don't make this foolish comparison!

    • John Stone on 12/10/2015 - 21:59

      This is a slightly different type of rail travel.
      Its not comparing apples with apples.

      From an Australian context its similar to comparing 3 days of train travel in Sydney vs 3 days of train travel on the Indian Pacific

    • Cielescha on 12/10/2015 - 22:00

      Opal is only for Sydney, this is a pass that works on the entire JR network across Japan. 2-3 trips on Shinkansen would pay back the entire cost.

    • INFIDEL on 12/10/2015 - 22:01

      You are comparing city-wide vs country-wide travel!

      Of course city-wide transport tickets can also be bought in Japanese cities or regions.
      I usually buy a 5 day Kintetsu Pass around Osaka-Kyoto-Nagoya region for around $55 including trains to KIA (airport). Posted links in last Jetstar Japan deal.

    • xivion on 12/10/2015 - 22:03

      Can an opal card get you from North Queensland to Tasmania?

    • rover on 13/10/2015 - 15:51

      $60 will also buy you 7 Tokunai passes allowing 7 days unlimited use of all the JR lines in Tokyo.

      If you are seeing a number of cities across Japan over a 7 day period, this ticket can save a lot of money. If you were spending 7 days in Tokyo you would not buy the JR Japan Rail Pass.

  • nubzy on 12/10/2015 - 21:58

    Japan is expensive no doubt about that, but this is a good price for the Shinkansen, most sites have been around $540 for 14 day pass

  • blighst on 12/10/2015 - 22:03

    Never been to Japan but would this work on the Metro over there?

    • John Stone on 12/10/2015 - 22:08
      +1

      It works on any train or bus operated by JR (Japan Rail). Also works on the JR Miyajima ferry.

      Tokyo for example it is a little bit of a different setup to Australia. There are a whole bunch of lines (for example the Yamanote circle loop line) that are operated by JR, but then there are also a bunch operated by other private companies which this pass won't work on.

      I wouldn't intentionally use this pass for Tokyo metro trains though. Maybe if it was the last day of the pass or something. If you arrive in Tokyo, I would spend my time there, and then activate it on the day that you take a shinkansen out of Tokyo.

      • blighst on 13/10/2015 - 17:45

        Thanks TIL. Privitisation seems to work pretty well there.

    • maybeamacy on 12/10/2015 - 22:08

      Most of the trains in Tokyo are JR. There are different lines that it won't work on though.

  • theguyrules on 12/10/2015 - 22:07

    Got ours for $334 each last Sunday, $10 cheaper isn't too bad!

  • tko6070 on 12/10/2015 - 22:12
    +2

    (Tokyo - Hiroshima - Kyoto - Tokyo)
    By regular train tickets: around 40,000 yen
    By Japan Rail Pass: 29,110 yen (to be used within seven days)
    By Japan Bus Pass: 10,000 yen (to be used within two months)
    Buses also run overnight, so you can save a nights accommodation easily with each long distance journey

    • John Stone on 12/10/2015 - 22:15
      +2

      Tokyo to Osaka return is the break even for a 7 day JR pass I believe.

      Word of warning though for a bus. If you are in any way taller, or heavier or broader than the average Japanese male I would not take the bus. Your body will not thank you for it, especially if you intend to use it as a replacement for a nights accommodation. I speak from experience on a Willer bus.

      • tko6070 on 12/10/2015 - 22:18

        Fair point, definitely not the same class of comfort. Shinkansen is comparable to business class in terms of seat size.

      • blongle on 12/10/2015 - 23:21

        If you buy this (http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/VJOPENTO1/?GN_tours), the return ticket from Tokyo to Osaka comes to ~$252 plus it includes a one day Osaka pass. Only good for those wanting to travel by JR there and no other city.

        • INFIDEL on 13/10/2015 - 01:09

          That's dearer than my Cairns-Osaka return flight :-)
          Japan travel can get expensive.

          I once flew Sapporo-Tokyo-Seoul-Osaka-Naha, most of the length of Japan, because the legs to Tokyo & from Osaka were included free on an international flight. It turned out quite cheap, compared to other transport options. Took the ferry back to Kagoshima, stopping off at 4 wonderful islands, taking 1 week.

          But definitely no more Willer overnight buses for me. I don't get much sleep & waste the following day in a confused state.

      • KayDat on 13/10/2015 - 16:47

        THIS MAN SPEAKS THE TRUTH.

  • INFIDEL on 12/10/2015 - 22:27
    +2

    Travel can be expensive in Japan. Getting to know a region can be a cheaper alternative.

    From my travel tips in last Jetstar Japan deal…
    Around Osaka I often buy the Kintetsu Wide Pass when I arrive at KIA. Covers 5 days in Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya region, plus return train any time from airport, & more.

    So 5 day pass with return airport train to use any time ¥5860 = au$66. Validate pass at first station of 5 consecutive day use.

    The 5 day pass without airport connection is ¥3800 = $43.
    (Both only available at airport!)

    Cheap business hotels in Osaka make a good base to explore from & are much cheaper than Kyoto.

    Used that pass in 2013 to base myself in Osaka, popping over to a festival at my favourite shrine, Ise-Jingu, south of Nagoya, & beaches further south around Toba (includes bus pass for that region). Was great value.

    Also covers train travel to Ninja heartland of Iga & ascetic monk training mountains with amazing cherry blossoms of Yoshino (cable car extra cost).

  • lakeman on 12/10/2015 - 22:33

    Why buy this when you still have to join the same queue that you buy it from at the airport?

    • megasaur on 12/10/2015 - 22:36

      Not sure what you mean, you can't buy the JR pass within Japan.

    • MissKitty on 12/10/2015 - 22:37

      You have to buy it (or a voucher for it) before you enter the country.

      • lakeman on 12/10/2015 - 22:40

        Whoops , was mistaking this for the jr east pass which can be bought without voucher

  • John Stone on 12/10/2015 - 22:35
    +2

    Oh and for those of you who want to experience the Shinkansen, but dont want to fork out for a JR Pass, or will only be going Tokyo to Osaka return (or shorter), then consider the Puratto Kodama Shinkansen Passes.

    The pros.
    1) It is cheaper than a regular Tokyo to Osaka/Kyoto shinkansen ticket.
    It is 10,300 Yen one way.
    20,600 Yen return vs
    28,289 Yen with a normal Tokyo to Osaka shinkansen ticket and
    29,100 Yen 7 day JR pass.

    2) Especially comes in handy if you are flying into Tokyo and out of Osaka or vice versa.

    3) A free beer/soft drink!

    4) Can upgrade to a green car for only 1500 Yen one way.
    In comparison it costs 4780 Yen more when buying normal tickets or
    9770 Yen more when buying a 7 day JR pass.

    The 1500 Yen is actually a bargain to get an even roomier seat, more recline and power (cant remember if the normal shinkansen has power in seats, somebody please let me know)

    There are a couple of downsides that I can think of off the top of my head.
    1) Valid for the Kodama shinkansen only. It travels at the same speed as the other shinkansen types, but it stops at all the regional stations. It means that travel time is longer. Depends on how much of a rush you are in I guess.
    2) Needs to be booked 24 hours in advance I believe.
    3) Need to select your departure time when you book.

    http://www.jrtours.co.jp/kodama/en/?scid=jtt_kepEng002

    • raptormesh on 12/10/2015 - 22:50

      This is great info, was going to buy JR passes for my sister and BIL attending my wedding but as they are only going one way on the Tokaido Shinkansen this could be a lot cheaper!

    • blongle on 12/10/2015 - 23:16

      Another alternative is to buy this (http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/VJOPENTO1/?GN_tours) discounted Tokyo to Osaka shinkansen ticket for 22000 YEN if time is of essence as the Kodama takes quite a lot longer to get to Osaka

      • John Stone on 12/10/2015 - 23:21

        Yeah that is probably better for return trips (from memory you can take the Nozomi train too), whilst the puratto kodama is great value for one way trips.

      • blongle on 12/10/2015 - 23:23

        Forgot to add that this also includes a one day pass for Osaka, but yes, Puratto Kodama better for one way trip

  • Selenium on 13/10/2015 - 00:28

    Eh. I'll probably continue just topping up my Suica while over there again next year. It's just too convenient, particularly as I use it for all my purchases at Lawson/7-11/vending machines too.

  • INFIDEL on 13/10/2015 - 01:33

    Saw a cheap travel tip on NHK News. People catch the train around Lake Biwa (Japan's largest lake) from Kyoto. They do the trip back to Kyoto, without ever exiting a station, so only pay the minimum fare of ¥180 ($2). Only for the frugal with lots of time on their hands ;-)

    • gadget on 13/10/2015 - 10:10

      Sounds like typical ozbargainers!

      • INFIDEL on 13/10/2015 - 10:23

        That's what I thought.
        The retirees brought some food & drink, & knew which station had good food & how to get it without leaving the platform. It was a cheap day out with friends. But my views while passing the lake on several holidays weren't memorable, so I wouldn't recommend it.

        Seeing Japanese travelling cheaply in their country is an interesting experience. They often travel with detailed 'data books' of best journeys & how long a journey should take. Ask most Japanese what are the top viewing spots etc & they recite the same list. I've learnt a lot.

        In general, Japanese I meet are far more frugal than I am. We get along wonderfully.

        I've woken to find a friendly welcome & coffee outside my tent on the beach or park - free bed & breakfast. Fishermen feed me their catch - raw, followed by the drinking ;-)

        6 week holiday staying in room in apartment in Tokyo before Christmas averaged $380/wk for all spending including airfares.

  • INFIDEL on 13/10/2015 - 01:33

    Another slow but cheap train travel (used by frugal students) is the Seishun 18 (5 separate 1 day tickets, available at certain times of the year).
    Discussed in Jetstar Japan deal

    I usually just hitchhike if distances aren't too great. Always a fun way to explore Japan. Was looked after so well on one 2 day lift, & given $200 ;-)

  • justtoreply on 13/10/2015 - 10:09
    -1

    That is so stupid that two 1wk passes are 648 and free shipping is >650 spend. Makes me not want to deal with this company.

    • dazweeja on 14/10/2015 - 09:47

      Even with delivery, it's still cheaper than anywhere else for 2 * 1wk passes.

    • dazweeja on 20/10/2015 - 10:09

      You'll be pleased to know that the price has gone up to $325 so you can get 2 for $650 delivered.

  • deal88 on 13/10/2015 - 12:09

    Just came back from Japan.
    Google Maps now has Japan train info and is very useful. I found a travel Sim and iPad essential.
    Also gives you time and cost info.
    Just remember, not all trains can be used by the JR pass, but JR is the most popular.

    An example here…….

    https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Osaka,+Osaka+Prefecture,+…

  • Yamato on 16/10/2015 - 21:12

    should make note that when paying with credit card, your bank will charge a conversion fee/rate as the company is based in france. got charged an extra ~$20 when I purchased the 21 day pass, regardless of the price being listed in AUD on their website

    • megasaur on 16/10/2015 - 23:59
      +1

      That's odd. I bought 3 x 14 day passes ($517) and was charged $1551 exactly. I paid by VISA debit, but I would've thought to them, as long as it's VISA it'd be considered a credit card.

      • Yamato on 17/10/2015 - 10:39

        serious?? i also paid with visa…

        i emailed japan experience and they said they definitely charged $660, and then called my bank who told me there was a conversion fee/rate…i'm really annoyed. Do you have any advice for what i could do?

        • megasaur on 17/10/2015 - 12:56
          +1

          Sorry mate, don't think there's really anything you can do about what's already been done, but I second Infidel's advice on getting citibank account for next time. Very easy to just open online - don't even need to go to a branch or anything.

        • Yamato on 17/10/2015 - 13:04

          @megasaur: just to oconfirm this is the citibank account? https://www.citibank.com.au/aus/banking/everyday_banking/cit…

          thanks for the advice guys! :)

        • INFIDEL on 17/10/2015 - 13:09
          +2

          @Yamato:
          That's the one…
          Enjoy fee-free banking everyday with a Citibank Plus transaction account.
          Fee-free withdrawals at 3000+ Australian ATMS.
          Pay $0 Citibank fees for any overseas ATM or in-store transactions.
          Unlimited fee-free transactions.
          Fee-free international money transfers.
          Plus free wine, when you dine.

          Why not enjoy those free benefits :-)

    • INFIDEL on 17/10/2015 - 11:42

      It's an overseas site (.com), so as with all overseas transactions, make sure you pay with card that has no foreign exchange fees (28degrees credit, Citibank Visa Plus debit, etc).

      Those free fee free cards are almost a necessity for overseas travel - as discussed so many times. When you are there, you won't pay foreign exchange fees, get favourable exchange rate & no ATM fees using Citibank Visa Plus debit.

      Best to have a choice of payment when travelling. My cards have been swallowed so many times at Post Office ATM across Japan. Outside of big cities (with 7-11 & Citibank banks), the Post Office is the only ATM for foreigners.

      Always check fees on card you are about to use. Banks & overseas businesses won't refund your expense.

      Happy travels.

      • Yamato on 17/10/2015 - 11:58

        ohhhh i see, thanks mate!! Ill be sure to look into those cards

        • INFIDEL on 17/10/2015 - 11:59

          Mentioned a lot on OzBargain & won awards as cards for overseas travel. Also handy to link to PayPal for better exchange rates on online overseas purchases.

          Saves me hundreds of dollars each trip. Never had any fees.

          Apply early. If you don't qualify (I just travel, don't work & had no problem), ask a relative to apply & get extra card in your name.

          I travel with extra cards in non-travelling family members names in case I lose one. Can easily cancel lost card & use other card as has different number. Getting replacement cards while travelling is too much hassle.

          Set up direct debit payment to pay while away from Australia. I automatically deposit money weekly into the Citibank Visa Plus debit account for daily expenses. You can transfer funds while travelling, but it won't be instant.

          Of course you may consider locking in exchange rates with a travel money card, but there are costs with that approach. I've never bothered, but sometimes have us$ left over to exchange from previous trips.

          In 2007 & 2008, I was getting around ¥100=$1. 2009 that dropped to ¥70 before trip & as low as ¥55 during travels! That meant everything was almost twice the price I had budgeted. So I hitchhiked & camped on beaches or in parks. Once people learnt I was an Australian - they understood ;-)

          Don't forget to take some au$ - for your return & to show curious people :-)

  • Laggie on 20/10/2015 - 08:55
    +1

    For anyone that's still interested in two of the 7 days pass, just noticed the price went up to $325 for each 7 days pass.

    So 2 x = $650 which qualifies for free shipping.

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