If you're thinking about visiting Japan, chances are you're planning to buy a JR Pass. If budget is not your number one concern, I do not recommend a pass. In this video, I'll give you a few reasons why. I hope you find it helpful!

If budget is a concern, I highly recommend you explore videos by @KenshoQuest. They have many excellent videos about maximizing the JR Pass so you can enjoy the full value.

Correction: A viewer rightly pointed out that there are cars on every Shinkansen that do not require a reservation. I completely forgot to mention that because I don’t ride them. Why? Because you may not get a seat—something I’m not willing to risk. But the viewer is right that those can be used with the JR Pass without having to make a reservation. However, I do believe you’ll still have to get a ticket IN PERSON at a JR counter or at a ticket kiosk. You can do this online if you don’t have a JR Pass—another argument for not getting one, IMO.