Budget Travel Japan: Discount Air and Rail Travel Deals

Budget Travel Japan...On this page you will learn about several discount ticket deals for air and rail travel that can save you considerable money and hassle during your travels within Japan.

Budget Travel Japan: Japan Rail Pass

The JR Rail Pass provides users with virtually unlimited travel on JR rail lines at a single discount price, including Shinkansen bullet trains, and is a great option to consider if you plan on covering a lot of ground during your visit to Japan.

Seishun Juhachi Kippu (18 Ticket)

The Seishun Juhachi Kippu is a cheaper alternative to the JR rail pass, and differs from the JR pass in a number of ways. For one thing, unlike the rail pass, which must be purchased outside of Japan, the 18 Kippu is purchased within Japan. It's also only available during three specific periods each year, and is limited to non-express trains. The 18 Ticket is Japan's cheapest rail travel option, and for that reason alone is well worth considering if you're on a budget.

Discount Japan Domestic Air Travel

Japan's two main airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), each offer discount domestic air fare for overseas visitors to Japan.

JAL offers two discount fare options: the oneworld Yokoso/Visit Japan Fare, which is available only to visitors flying to Japan from overseas on oneworld carries; and the Welcome to Japan Fare, which is available to overseas visitors flying into Japan from abroad on any airline.

ANA offers the Star Alliance Japan Airpass to overseas travelers on Star Alliance Partner Carriers or ANK.

Suica and PASMO Prepaid Cards

Although not discount cards per se, Suica and PASMO are rechargeable prepaid smart cards that can be used on virtually all trains, subways, and buses throughout Tokyo and beyond. These cards eliminate the need to purchase tickets each time you board a train, and can greatly simplify your rail travel while in Japan.

Suica & N'EX Narita Express Suica Card

Suica & N'EX combines the convenience of the Suica IC card and the Narita Express train from Narita into Tokyo at a single low discount price, giving users the fastest ride into Tokyo from Narita International Airport and the simplest and most convenient means of paying for train fares thereafter.