The Japan Rail Pass, often referred to as the JR Pass, is a traveler’s ticket to exploring the Land of the Rising Sun. Offering access to an extensive network of trains, buses, and even ferries, this pass is an essential companion for those looking to traverse the beautiful landscapes and vibrant cities of Japan. In this guide, we’ll delve into the details of the Japan Rail Pass, helping you unlock the full potential of your Japanese adventure.
What is the Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass, is a unique offering exclusively available to overseas visitors. Managed by the Japan Railways Group (JR Group), this pass provides unlimited access to various forms of transportation under the JR Group’s umbrella throughout Japan, with only a few exceptions. Its primary aim is to promote travel and tourism across the country. While it’s a fantastic option for long-distance travel, especially on the renowned Shinkansen (bullet trains), it’s worth noting that the JR Pass has limited utility within major cities, as most private operators don’t accept it.
Varieties of the Japan Rail Pass
The Japan Rail Pass comes in two main varieties: one for Standard Car (普通車, Futsūsha) and another for Green Car (グリーン車, Gurīnsha), which is essentially the first-class car. Additionally, the pass is available for different durations, allowing travelers to choose from seven, fourteen, and twenty-one consecutive day passes. These passes grant nearly unlimited use of JR transportation services across Japan. The prices vary, with the cost calculated in Japanese Yen. When obtaining the Exchange Order (explained later), the purchaser will pay the equivalent amount in their home country’s currency based on the prevailing exchange rate.
Japan Rail Pass Prices (Purchase before Arrival):
- Green Car: Adult – ¥39,600 (7 Days) / ¥64,120 (14 Days) / ¥83,390 (21 Days); Child – ¥19,800 (7 Days) / ¥32,060 (14 Days) / ¥41,690 (21 Days)
- Standard Car: Adult – ¥29,650 (7 Days) / ¥47,250 (14 Days) / ¥60,450 (21 Days); Child – ¥14,820 (7 Days) / ¥23,620 (14 Days) / ¥30,220 (21 Days)
Japan Rail Pass Prices (Purchase in Japan, Trial Basis):
- Green Car: Adult – ¥44,810 (7 Days) / ¥72,310 (14 Days) / ¥91,670 (21 Days); Child – ¥22,400 (7 Days) / ¥36,150 (14 Days) / ¥45,830 (21 Days)
- Standard Car: Adult – ¥33,610 (7 Days) / ¥52,960 (14 Days) / ¥66,200 (21 Days); Child – ¥16,800 (7 Days) / ¥26,480 (14 Days) / ¥33,100 (21 Days)
Obtaining the Japan Rail Pass
While the Rail Pass is sold by the JR Group, travelers need to purchase an Exchange Order from a travel agency located outside Japan. The Exchange Order can also be bought from All Nippon Airways (ANA). However, please note that Japan Airlines ceased selling exchange orders in March 2017. It’s crucial to remember that the Exchange Order cannot be obtained within Japan. However, from March 8, 2017, to March 31, 2022 (extended), as part of a trial, the Japan Rail Pass became available for direct purchase in Japan at select major airports and train stations. This convenience, though, comes at a slightly higher cost, around 10%-13% more, depending on the pass type.
The Exchange Order comes with a 90-day validity period from its issuance date by an Authorized Seller. Within this timeframe, travelers must exchange the Exchange Order for an actual Japan Rail Pass in Japan.
Valid Transportation
The Japan Rail Pass is your ticket to exploring the picturesque Japanese landscape and bustling cities. It’s valid for travel on Japan Railways Group (JR) transportation throughout the country, in the class of service indicated on the pass.
Trains: The pass covers all JR-operated lines, including the Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho services on the Tōkaidō, San’yō, and Kyushu Shinkansen), limited express (特急, Tokkyū) trains, and regular commuter services, such as Local (普通, Futsū) and Rapid (快速, Kaisoku) trains. Additionally, it’s valid on certain non-JR lines, including Tokyo Monorail, Aoimori Railway, IR Ishikawa Railway, Ainokaze Toyama Railway, and the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line (specific section).
Bus: The pass is accepted on the local routes of various bus companies operating under JR, including JR Hokkaido Bus Company, JR Bus Tohoku Company, JR Bus Kantō Company, JR Tōkai Bus Company, West JR Bus Company, Chūgoku JR Bus Company, JR Shikoku Bus Company, and JR Kyushu Bus Company. However, it’s not valid for JR highway buses and Community buses entrusted to JR Bus.
Ferry: Travelers can use the pass for JR Ferry service on the Miyajima – Miyajimaguchi route.
Conditions of Exchange
To obtain and use the Rail Pass, travelers must adhere to specific conditions:
Eligibility: To qualify, you must be a foreign tourist visiting Japan, bearing a passport with the “Temporary Visitor” entry status stamped at immigration. You must present the actual passport; photocopies are not acceptable. Alternatively, those with both a Japanese passport and written proof of residing legally in a foreign country for ten consecutive years or more can also use the pass.
Validity Period of the Exchange Order: The Exchange Order must be exchanged for a Japan Rail Pass within three months from its issuance date.
Exchange Procedure: The person designated on the Exchange Order must apply for the Rail Pass at an exchange office, where they should present the order along with their passport. Travelers will fill in an application form provided at the office and specify their desired first day of use, which must be within one month from the date of exchange.
Conditions of Use
The Japan Rail Pass comes with certain conditions of use:
- The Rail Pass is non-transferable and can only be used by the designated pass holder, who must present their passport upon request.
- Starting on June 1, 2020, the pass is issued on a standard green JR ticket, enabling travelers to use automatic ticket gates.
- Seat reservations are available without additional payment and can be made at all JR Midori no Madoguchi ticket offices. From June 1, 2020, reservations can also be made using a Reserved Seat Vending Machine.
- In the event of the loss or theft of an Exchange Order or Japan Rail Pass, replacements are not provided.
- Private compartments and sleeping compartments on overnight trains require additional charges and are not covered by the Rail Pass.
- Nozomi and Mizuho services on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass, necessitating the purchase of separate tickets