shinkansen train in Japan with sunset in the background

Is The Japan Rail Pass Worth It After the Price Rise? Probably Not.

The Japan Rail Pass used to be the way most tourists would travel around Japan as it was pretty cost-effective, but, since the price went up in October 2023, the chances are that the Whole Japan Rail Pass pass is no longer worth buying for most Japan trips So, when might it pay off – and what are the alternatives?

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Japanese notes and coins laid out on a table. Pink lettering over the reads cash vs cards in Japan

Do You Need Cash in Japan in 2026?

It’s often said that cash is king in Japan, which surprises many people, as it has a reputation for being a technologically advanced country. The first time I visited around 2005, this was still definitely the case, but what about now? Do you need to carry a wallet full of yen, or can you get away with paying with your credit cards or even Apple Pay? We decided to find out on this trip…

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