The Japan Rail Pass, commonly known as JR Pass, is a special fare ticket exclusively available to foreign travelers visiting Japan for sightseeing. It provides numerous advantages, making it an attractive option for tourists exploring the country.
JR Pass is a special fare ticket that is available only to travelers visiting Japan from overseas for sightseeing. There are two types of tickets: Green Cars and Standard Cars. Each type can be purchased for 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days.
* The validity period is based on calendar days (midnight to midnight) rather than 24-hour periods. For example: when starting to use a 7-day pass at 7 pm on day 1, it will expire at midnight at the end of day 7.
Why you should use Japan Rail Pass
Cost-effectiveness: JR Pass provides unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) trains, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains), as well as local trains, buses, and ferries within a specified duration. For travelers planning to cover long distances and multiple cities, the JR Pass can be more economical than purchasing individual tickets for each leg of the journey. Having a JR Pass simplifies the travel planning process as it eliminates the need to calculate individual train fares and allows travelers to focus on exploring Japan without worrying about transportation costs.
Convenience: It is available for purchase outside of Japan, allowing travelers to obtain it before arriving in the country. This eliminates the need to buy individual train tickets or navigate language barriers at ticket counters, making it a convenient option for foreign tourists. The JR Pass offers flexibility, allowing travelers to hop on and off trains as they please within the validity period. This flexibility is especially useful for those who wish to explore different parts of the country and take their time at each destination.
Extensive Coverage: Japan's extensive railway network covers almost every corner of the country, making it a convenient mode of transportation for tourists. The JR Pass allows travelers to access a vast network of trains, making it easier to explore both popular tourist destinations and lesser-known regions. With the JR Pass, travelers can take advantage of the Shinkansen, which is one of the fastest and most efficient ways to travel between major cities in Japan. For example, JR trains, JR buses, Tokyo monorail from/to Haneda Airport, some non-JR trains to access local areas, and so on.
How to get Japan Rail Pass
There are two ways to get the JR pass.
Online: This is the easiest way to get it using JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation. Visit https://www.japanrailpass-reservation.net/ and then pick up the JAPAN RAIL PASS at the JR-designated ticket office counter when you arrive in Japan.
Using travel agents: You can purchase it at an overseas JR-designated sales office or agency before you go to Japan. After you arrive in Japan, you must turn in our Exchange Order with your passport to receive your JR PASS at a JR PASS exchange office in a major JR station. Visit https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html for more information.
To purchase JR pass, you must be a foreign tourist visiting Japan from overseas for sightseeing. You must have a "Temporary Visitor" entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, which allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for sightseeing, etc. Don't forget to get a stamp or sticker at the airport. These days automated gates are common at the airport, thus you need to go to a manned gate or ask a clerk to put a stamp or sticker in your passport.
The price of JR PASS is below.
Points to Note
1. JR Pass is exclusively for foreign travelers and cannot be used by foreign residents who live in Japan. If Japanese who live abroad meet the following conditions, they are able to get it: People who have both their Japanese passport and written proof—living in the foreign country—that they have been living legally in the country for 10 consecutive years or more. More details → https://japanrailpass.net/pdf/conditions_en_20230726.pdf
2. You can't use some limited express trains, which are Shinkansen; Nozomi and Mizuho. Other trains, such as Green Cars and night trains, may require additional fees. JR pass isn't available or requires additional fees following the condition.
Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen, Nozomi
Kyushu/Sanyo Shinkansen, Mizuho
Night trains
Highway bus
Green cars, which are larger seat spaces than usual seats in Shinkansen and some limited express trains
3. From 1st of October 2023, JR Pass will increase (Information on 26th of July). Apart from the increasing cost, it will have some changes: it will newly allow ticket holders to use Nozomi and Mizuho trains if they pay an additional fee and to enjoy discounts at selected tourist areas. The old pass will remain on sale until September 30 and can theoretically be used until early 2024.
Some recommendations to travel Japan using JR Pass
1. Tokyo - Kyoto - Osaka
Tokyo: Start your sightseeing in Japan's capital, Tokyo. Enjoy various attractions such as Tokyo Tower, Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, and Akihabara.
Kyoto: Travel to Kyoto via the Shinkansen (bullet train). Experience the historical sites and traditional culture, including Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Arashiyama's scenic beauty.
Osaka: Easily reach Osaka, where you can savor the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Explore Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.
2. Tokyo - Kanazawa - Hiroshima
Tokyo: Depart from Tokyo and head to the Hokuriku area using the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Kanazawa: Continue your journey to Kanazawa, famous for Kenrokuen Garden and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Hiroshima: Move on to Hiroshima from Kanazawa using express trains called Sander birds and Sanyo Shinkansen. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island are must-visit sites.
FAQ
1. Upgrading to Nozomi or Mizuho possible?
2. Upgrading to Green Car possible?
Yes, however, you need to pay an extra fee to use the Green car.
Green cars offer larger seats, more foot space, special service, and less crowded space. They are available on most shinkansen and limited express trains.
3. Can I share JR PASS with others?
No, it is strictly prohibited. Only the pass holder can use it.
4. How should I do if I am on a train when the pass expires?
If it happens to be on board a train at midnight, JR pass remains valid until you leave your final station through the ticket gates. However, if you would like to transfer to a shinkansen, limited express, or express train after midnight, the pass will not cover the fee.
5. Can I choose the starting date?
When you exchange your voucher for the actual pass, you can choose any date within a month. However, once the pass is issued, the starting date can't change.
6. Where and how can I get the actual pass?
You can exchange it at designated major JR stations across Japan, including the JR stations at Narita Airport and Kansai Airport. You can also check this page for a list of designated stations and opening hours. Don't forget to bring your voucher and passport (photocopy not accepted).
7. Is it possible to get the JR PASS after I arrive in Japan?
Yes, you can buy it at an increased price at selected major stations inside Japan (Tokyo station,Shinjuku station, Shinagawa Station, Ueno Station) including Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Kansai Airport.
8. How should I book the seat?
Take your JR PASS to any JR Ticket Office (at any train station) or go to a Travel Service Center or a Travel Agency ticket sales office. You can also make reservations at the ticketing machines in any train station. Booking a seat over the phone is not possible. However, it is available online for certain trains at the JR East Train Reservation Service (Ekinet).
In conclusion, the JR Pass stands as a valuable tool for foreign travelers exploring Japan. Its cost-effectiveness, offering unlimited travel on JR trains, including Shinkansen, as well as local trains, buses, and ferries, makes it a practical choice for those covering extensive distances and multiple destinations. The flexibility to hop on and off trains during the pass's validity allows travelers to personalize their special time in Japan.
There are other alternative tickets that will become cheaper than the JR Pass. If you would like to go to Hokkaido, Okinawa, Shikoku, and Kyushu, domestic flights will be a faster and cheaper option.
Comments