Why does JR Pass not include Nozomi?

Why the JR Pass Excludes the Nozomi and Mizuho Lines

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a convenient and economical way to travel on most trains operated by Japan Railways Group (JR Group) companies. However, it excludes two high-speed lines: the Nozomi and Mizuho lines.

Reason for Exclusion

The Nozomi and Mizuho lines are not included in the JR Pass coverage due to their unique operating characteristics. These lines are designed for extremely fast travel, with speeds reaching up to 320 kilometers per hour (199 miles per hour). They also operate on dedicated tracks, separate from conventional lines.

As a result of their high speeds and exclusive infrastructure, the Nozomi and Mizuho lines are not compatible with the JR Group’s integrated fare system. This means that passengers using the JR Pass would have to pay a separate surcharge to travel on these lines.

Alternative Train Services

Although the Nozomi and Mizuho lines are excluded from the JR Pass, there are still plenty of other JR Group train services available to pass holders. These include:

• Hikari: High-speed trains that operate on the same lines as the Nozomi but make more stops
• Sakura: Semi-high-speed trains that connect major cities along the Tokaido and Sanyo lines
• Kodama: Semi-high-speed trains that operate on the Sanyo line
• Tsubame: Semi-high-speed trains that operate on the Kyushu line

These alternative train services offer comfortable and reliable travel at speeds of up to 285 kilometers per hour (177 miles per hour). They also allow JR Pass holders to travel to all the major destinations in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Hakata.

Conclusion

The exclusion of the Nozomi and Mizuho lines from the JR Pass is due to their unique operating characteristics and incompatible fare system. However, pass holders still have access to a wide range of high-speed and semi-high-speed train services that provide convenient and efficient travel throughout Japan.