Tokyo · Kanazawa · Kyoto · Osaka · 2026
Is the JR Pass worth it for Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka?
No. Tokyo → Kanazawa → Kyoto → Osaka → Tokyo costs about ¥38,170 in individual reserved tickets, while the 7-day JR Pass costs ¥50,000 (¥53,000 via agencies). Individual tickets save roughly ¥11,830. The Kanazawa–Kyoto leg needs a transfer at Tsuruga; regional Hokuriku passes may cut the cost further.
Checked October 13, 2026 (2026-10-13). One adult, regular season.The numbers
Individual tickets vs the 7-day JR Pass
| Journey (one adult) | Fare | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo → Kanazawa (Kagayaki reserved) | ¥14,600 | JR East, after the March 2026 fare revision |
| Kanazawa → Kyoto (Tsurugi + Thunderbird via Tsuruga) | ¥7,720 | Through fare |
| Kyoto → Shin-Osaka | ¥1,450 | Non-reserved |
| Shin-Osaka → Tokyo | ¥14,400 | |
| Individual tickets total | ¥38,170 | |
| 7-day JR Pass, official online | ¥50,000 | Pass costs ¥11,830 more |
| 7-day JR Pass, overseas agency (from Oct 1, 2026) | ¥53,000 | Pass costs ¥14,830 more |
With a JR Pass, Hikari and Kodama are covered. Nozomi needs a separate NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket per ride: ¥4,960 Tokyo–Kyoto or Tokyo–Shin-Osaka, ¥6,500 Tokyo–Hiroshima, ¥4,960 Shin-Osaka–Hakata. Without a pass, Nozomi reserved seats cost a few hundred yen more than the Hikari fares shown.
Fares and prices last checked October 13, 2026. Individual-ticket totals use window Hikari/Kodama regular-season ordinary reserved fares from TripWorth fare data. Peak season adds ¥200–¥400 per ride; off-peak subtracts ¥200. See 2026 price changes.
When the answer flips
What would make the other option cheaper?
- Add about ¥11,830 of covered JR travel inside the same 7 days (for example Kanazawa–Toyama or Hiroshima legs) and the pass breaks even.
- Peak-season surcharges (+¥200–¥400 per ride) do not change the verdict.
- Eligible visitors can compare JR West regional products such as the Hokuriku One-way Ticket.
- Nozomi from Shin-Osaka to Tokyo with a pass costs ¥4,960 extra.
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FAQ
Common questions
Is the JR Pass worth it with Kanazawa?
Usually not. About ¥38,170 in individual tickets versus ¥50,000 for the 7-day pass.
How do I get from Kanazawa to Kyoto?
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tsurugi) to Tsuruga, then the Thunderbird to Kyoto. The through fare is ¥7,720 for a regular-season reserved seat.
How much is the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa?
¥14,600 for a regular-season Kagayaki/Hakutaka reserved seat after the March 2026 JR East fare revision (JR East e-ticket price ¥14,400 + ¥200; checked 2026-10-13).
Does the JR Pass cover the Thunderbird and Hokuriku Shinkansen?
Yes, the nationwide pass covers both; reserve seats before boarding.