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. Please note that the price of the JR Pass will increase from October 2023. You can buy the JR Pass at the current price only until September 25, 2023.

Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

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. How to Buy the JR 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

JR Pass Type	Current Price	Price from October 2023
Regular 7-Day	29,650 yen	50,000 yen
Regular 14-Day	47,250 yen	80,000 yen
Regular 21-Day	60,450 yen	100,000 yen
Green 7-Day	39,600 yen	70,000 yen
Green 14-Day	64,120 yen	110,000 yen
Green 21-Day	83,390 yen	140,000 yen

*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 seat 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.

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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.

Below is an example of how much money you can save with the Japan Rail Pass.

For example, if you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto and then to Hiroshima, then back to Tokyo using the Kodama bullet train with an unreserved seat ticket without the pass, your total will be:

Tokyo to Kyoto: 13,850 yen
Kyoto to Hiroshima: 7,460 yen
Hiroshima to Tokyo: 21,310 yen
--> Round-trip total: 42,620 yen

Since the 7-day JR Pass costs 29,650, you can save at least 12,970 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.

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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 Klook, a ticket booking website.

Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

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/

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6. How to Get the Japan Rail Pass in Japan

As a rule, the JR Pass should be booked beforehand at registered travel agencies located outside of Japan.

However, the JR Pass can also be purchased in Japan until March 31, 2024 at selected locations such as the train stations at the Narita Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3, as well as the JR Tokyo Station, JR Shinjuku Station, and JR Osaka Station.

Please refer to the official website for a complete list of locations selling the JR Pass in Japan.

Please be aware that buying the JR Pass in Japan is slightly more expensive than purchasing it abroad: the regular JR Pass costs 33,610 yen for 7 days, 52,960 yen for 14 days, and 66,200 yen for 21 days. Please check official JR Pass website for details.

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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.

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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.

Also, JR Pass holders cannot board the Nozomi and Mizuho bullet trains on the Shinkansen line. These are the fastest bullet trains. In order to use the, you will need to pay a separate fee. Long-distance JR highway buses are not covered by the JR Pass either.

From October 2023, JR Pass holders will also be able to ride the Nozomi and Mizuho bullet trains. For details, please refer to the article linked below:

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!

Book the JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)