Question
Can I use the Japan Rail Pass on the Tokaido Shinkansen Nozomi for Tokyo → Kyoto (Shinkansen platforms, Tokyo Station)?
Areas
Tokyo Kyoto
Answers
by Fumie, Japan Travel Expert
Answered on September 5, 2025
It looks like the standard JR Pass doesn't cover Nozomi. However, since 2023 there seems to be an add-on for JR Pass holders—"[ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] NOZOMI/MIZUHO Ticket"—that lets you ride Nozomi on a specified segment. As far as I can tell, it's sold in Japan at certain reserved-seat machines, Midori-no-Madoguchi counters, and Travel Service Centers. The listed surcharge for Tokyo → Kyoto appears to be ¥4,960.
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