How to Get Around Japan on the Cheap in 2025

"I recommend buying a Japan Rail Pass before you arrive if you plan to travel widely: it offers unlimited travel on JR trains (including many shinkansen and metropolitan JR lines) and saved me money when I used it to get around Kyoto and Tokyo instead of buying metro tickets. Pass options are 7 days (50,000 JPY; Green 70,000 JPY), 14 days (80,000 JPY; Green 110,000 JPY), and 21 days (100,000 JPY; Green 140,000 JPY); although prices nearly doubled in 2024 it’s still a great deal if you visit three or more destinations. There are also cheaper regional JR passes if you’ll stay within one area, and remember the pass is available only to non-Japanese visitors on a limited stay and must be purchased before coming to Japan." - Matthew Kepnes