Japan Rail justifies these price increases by citing service improvements over the past years. Additionally, the current JR Pass did not allow the use of the fastest Shinkansen trains, the Nozomi on the Tokaido Line (between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka) and the Sanyo Line (between Shin-Osaka and Hakata), as well as the Mizuho train on the Sanyo and Kyushu Lines. With the price increase, the use of these faster Shinkansen trains is now permitted, though an additional fee is required for each booking of these faster trains, and reservations can only be made on-site. Below are some price details for the additional use of the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen:

- Tokyo to Kyoto: JPY 4960
- Kyoto to Hiroshima: JPY 4170
- Tokyo to Hiroshima: JPY 6500
- Tokyo to Hakata: JPY 8140

When canceling a Japan Rail Pass purchase, our process is notably straightforward compared to online providers. Simply return the original Japan Rail Pass Exchange Voucher to us via regular mail (not registered mail), include your bank details (IBAN), and we will promptly refund the amount (purchase price), deducting a flat processing fee of CHF 60.- regardless of the number of JR Passes being returned. Our aim is to facilitate a hassle-free and efficient refund process for our customers.

Seat reservations are advisable during the Golden Week (late April, early May), Obon period (August 13-15), and over New Year. You can make these reservations when redeeming your Japan Rail Pass Exchange Voucher in Japan. However, it's best to avoid traveling during these peak times. Otherwise, there's no need to worry about seat reservations in advance before your departure, as Japan has ample train services. For instance, the Hikari Shinkansen (usable with the JR Pass) runs approximately every 30 minutes from Tokyo to Osaka via Kyoto.

It depends on the country. We dispatch within 1 week day to the UK, US, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and more.

1st Class on the Japanese Railways is called Green Class, named so its luxurious and reclining interior. Green Class will give you the best experience travelling on the world most reliable train network. Enjoy the extra peace and quiet as you explore Japan.