Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass): How to Buy and Use, Price, and Benefits

Japan Rail Pass: Cost-efficient Travel in Japan

Planning a trip to Japan? If you plan to explore more than one region, consider using the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). The JR Pass is a convenient travel pass for foreign visitors on a tourist visa.

Available in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions and valid only on lines operated by Japan Railways, the JR Pass helps visitors save on transportation costs.

Read to learn about the features of the JR Pass and how to buy it.

Japan Rail Pass: Features, Benefits, and Restrictions

1. JR Pass: General Features and Coverage Area
2. Who Can Use the JR Pass: Eligibility
3. Japan Rail Pass Prices and Types
4. The Benefits of Using the Japan Rail Pass
5. How to Buy the JR Pass Before Arriving in Japan
6. Is It Possible to Buy the Japan Rail Pass in Japan?
7. How to Use the JR Pass
8. Restrictions on the JR Pass

JR Pass: General Features and Coverage Area

The Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass, is a special railway ticket that allows holders to use railroads throughout Japan on the JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku, and JR Kyushu lines. With the pass, you can board trains and buses operated by Japan Railways (JR) for no additional fee.

The JR Pass offers unlimited travel on the railway network of the six JR Group companies. The JR is the largest railway network in Japan, which runs from Hokkaido in the north, down to Kyushu in the south. The railways connect all major cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and more.

Check the official JR Pass website for additional information.

2. Who Can Use the JR Pass: Eligibility

The Japan Rail Pass is ideal for visitors to Japan planning on visiting multiple cities or areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, as well as smaller cities throughout the country. It is also for travelers who plan on using the bullet train, local trains, and public transportation to get around Japan. As public transportation in Japan is widespread and convenient, it is highly recommended to use trains and Shinkansen.

The following conditions must be met in order to use the JR Pass:
1. You are visiting Japan on a tourist visa and hold a non-Japanese passport. Your status in Japan is "temporary visitor."
2. You are a Japanese national living outside Japan and have been residing abroad for 10 years or more.

3. Japan Rail Pass Prices and Types

*For children aged 6 - 11, the JR Pass costs half the price of an adult pass. Children aged 12 and above require an adult JR Pass.
*Infants under 6 do not require a JR Pass as long as they sit on the lap of their adult companion.

JR Passes come in different varieties (regular/ordinary and green car) and three different lengths: 7, 14, or 21 days.

The green car type refers to the green cars on Shinkansen and local trains. It is the equivalent of a first-class train seat, which is more spacious, with a footrest and power outlets for each seat. It is ideal for those looking to maximize comfort and convenience while traveling, or those looking to work while on the train.

↑ Return to the top of article.

4. The Benefits of Using the Japan Rail Pass

For those wondering if they should purchase the JR Pass or not, as stated above, it is an ideal pass when seeing multiple areas in Japan. In general, it will save money for those traveling to two or more places in Japan using the Shinkansen.

For example, if you travel from Tokyo to Osaka, then to Hiroshima and Kanazawa, and return to Tokyo without using the pass, your total will be:

Tokyo to Shin-Osaka: 13,870 yen
Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima: 9,890 yen
Hiroshima to Kanazawa: 17,610 yen
Kanazawa to Tokyo: 13,850 yen
Round-trip total: 55,220 yen

Since the 7-day JR Pass costs 50,000 yen, you will save 5,220 yen on bullet train travel alone. The JR Pass covers the cost of your tickets on JR trains and buses at your destination, too, allowing you to save even more.

The Japan Rail Pass is also very convenient if you want to travel over long distances, like Tokyo - Hakodate, and explore the entire Hokkaido region using JR lines; or Tokyo - Fukuoka (Hakata), which is the gateway to the entire Kyushu region, including Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima.

↑ Return to the top of article.

5. How to Get the Japan Rail Pass from Abroad

Visitors to Japan are usually required to book the JR Pass in advance, before arriving to Japan. Below is a step-by-step guide to purchasing the pass.

1. Obtain an "Exchange Order" Before Your Departure to Japan

A paper called an "exchange order" is needed to obtain a JR Pass in Japan. This order can normally only be reserved and purchased when outside Japan. It is valid for up to three months after purchase; this means that you can activate and use your JR Pass only up to three months after the issue date of the exchange order.

You can get an exchange order through major travel Japanese agencies such as JTB, Kintetsu Travel, Nippon Travel Agency, and Tobu Top Tours, and their associated international offices. If your flight to Japan uses JAL and ANA airlines, you can also reserve the pass through them.

Alternatively, you can book your JR Pass on Japan Experience.

2. Trade Your Exchange Order for a Japan Rail Pass in Japan

Once you arrive in Japan, bring your exchange order to a JR Travel Service Center. These centers are located at Japan's major airports and major JR stations. You will also be required to show your passport, so be sure to have it on hand. After the exchange, you will receive your actual JR Pass.

For more information on JR Travel Service Center locations, visit the official JR Pass website: https://japanrailpass.net/en/

↑ Return to the top of article.

6. Is It Possible to Buy the Japan Rail Pass in Japan?

The Japan Rail Pass can no longer be purchased in Japan at train stations or airports. The Japan Rail Pass can only be purchased online. The JR Exchange Order will be delivered to your home address, or to an address of your choosing in Japan.

Please check official JR Pass website for details.

↑ Return to the top of article.

7. How to Use the Japan Rail Pass

Once you have the JR Pass in hand, you can use it freely to ride JR trains, the Shinkansen (bullet train), and other public transportation listed on the pass, such as the ferry to Miyajima in Hiroshima. However, there are certain restrictions and tricks to using the pass, as listed below.

To use the JR pass for the first time, enter the JR station through the entrance attended by station staff. When you show them your pass and passport, they will write the date on the pass. Your pass is valid from the start of the first time of use. This area will be located on one side of the ticket barriers.

Even after the first time you use the pass, continue to enter and exit JR stations through the ticket gate attended by station staff. Show your JR pass to the attendant and have your passport ready to show as well. You cannot use the automated gates at train stations.

↑ Return to the top of article.

8. Restrictions on the JR Pass

Some restrictions apply to the JR pass, so be sure to check the pass itself before using it.

Please note that only JR transportation is covered by the JR Pass. If you make a transfer to a different railway or transportation company a separate fee will be required. Long-distance JR highway buses are not covered by the JR Pass either.

There are currently no restrictions regarding the bullet train types that JR Pass holders can ride.

Making a Shinkansen Reservation with the JR Pass

Shinkansen and rapid JR trains offer both reserved and unreserved seating. Without a reserved seat, you may have to end up standing in the unreserved seat car. This can occur during rush hours on weekdays, weekends, and public holidays in Japan. An advance seat booking is highly recommended for comfortable travel.

Seat reservations are free for Japan Rail pass holders. However, you must book your seat in advance at JR ticket offices. You can make a reservation just before your train departs, but if possible, visit the JR ticket offices called Midori no Madoguchi at least one day prior to your departure for smooth travel. They are located at major JR stations and will usually have English and multi-language support.

Use the Budget-Friendly Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass provides significant savings on transportation. Especially if it is your first time seeing Japan, the Japan Rail Pass is a great value and fits well with a first-time travel itinerary.

With some preparation and familiarity with using the pass, your trip will be smooth and hassle-free!