Travel throughout Japan with unlimited JR train access, bus and ferry rides, and exclusive savings.
Travel throughout Japan with unlimited JR train access, bus and ferry rides, and exclusive savings.
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Planning your Japan adventure? The Japan Rail Pass is your key to unlocking the most cost and time-efficient way to get around the country's 4 islands. This convenient token is your ticket to Japan's renowned train system, buses, and even the country's iconic bullet train, the Shinkansen.
The JR Pass is available exclusively online, letting you secure your travel plans in advance for total peace of mind—no need to worry about last-minute purchases, as it’s not available at stations in Japan.
Zip between bustling cities or venture off the beaten path — the JR Pass is the perfect adventure partner. Choose between national or regional coverage, standard or Green Class seating, and durations of 7, 14, or 21 days to perfectly fit your travel style and budget.
Read on to discover the types of JR Train Passes, their benefits, and how to find the ideal one for your trip!
The JR Pass offers a budget-friendly way to explore Japan, especially for those planning multiple long-distance trips. With unlimited access across JR trains, including the Shinkansen, regional lines, and airport transfers, the JR Pass is designed to save you both time and money.
Compare estimated fares for popular train routes against the cost of a 7-Day JR Pass. By choosing unlimited rides for part of your trip, you could save up to ¥19,140. It’s a practical way to explore Japan’s bullet trains and beyond without juggling individual tickets.
The JR Pass unlocks seamless travel across Japan, but to choose the right one, it’s crucial to understand what’s included. Whether you're zipping across regions on the Shinkansen or hopping on local buses, your JR Pass has you covered in many ways.
Now, let's dive into how to choose the right JR Pass for your trip.
Confused about booking your Japan Rail Pass? We’ve simplified it into four easy steps to help you plan:
Purchase your JR Pass in advance (ideally within 1-2 weeks of your trip), ensuring you select the correct departure date for your trip, not the activation date.
Your physical Exchange Order will be delivered to your doorstep within approximately 2 weeks of booking.
On arrival in Japan, exchange your Order at any designated JR office within 90 days of its issue. These offices are located at major train stations and international airport terminals. Click here for a full list of exchange locations.
When exchanging your Order, you’ll need to select an activation date, which can be any date within 30 days from the date of exchange. Present your passport for verification, and if you’ve opted for Green Class, you can reserve seats right away. Your JR Pass is now ready for use!
To avoid any last-minute hassles, ensure you book your JR Pass at least 2 weeks in advance.
This allows enough time for the pass to be processed and delivered to you before you leave for Japan.
Mail delivery: The pass includes mail delivery to most countries, excluding Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.
Eligibility: Only foreign tourists entering Japan on a temporary visitor visa are eligible for the JR Pass.
Exchange Orders are valid for 90 days. When you exchange your order, you must choose a starting (activation) date, which can be any date within the next 30 days.
Once activated, the pass is valid for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, depending on the pass you purchased.
The JR Pass is a convenient and cost-effective travel pass for tourists, granting unlimited access to JR-operated trains, including the Shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizuho), express, and local trains, as well as certain JR buses. The pass is available in three durations: 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days.
The JR Pass is available only to foreign tourists on a "Temporary Visitor" visa in Japan. Japanese residents and those on other visa types are not eligible.
JR Passes are offered in two categories: Nationwide and Regional. The Nationwide Pass provides unrestricted travel across Japan, while Regional Passes cater to specific areas, such as Kansai or Kyushu. Each pass can be purchased for a duration of 7, 14, or 21 days, with the option to upgrade to Green Class seating for additional comfort.
Prices vary by duration and seating class. For example:
- 7-Day Pass: ¥54,998 for Ordinary Class
- 14-Day Pass: ¥88,000 for Ordinary Class
- 21-Day Pass: ¥110,002 for Ordinary Class
The easiest way to purchase a JR Pass is online. After booking, an Exchange Order is delivered to your address. Be sure to order at least 2 weeks before your trip to allow for delivery.
Your Exchange Order will arrive via mail in approximately 2 weeks. Upon arrival in Japan, you can exchange it for a JR Pass at an official JR office and activate it within 3 months of issuance.
To activate your pass, bring the Exchange Order and your passport to a JR exchange office upon arrival in Japan. You’ll choose a start date at that time, which must be within 30 days of exchange. Activation enables unlimited travel for the selected duration (7, 14, or 21 days).
The Exchange Order is valid for 90 days after purchase. Once activated in Japan, the pass is valid for the consecutive days selected at purchase—7, 14, or 21 days.
Yes, the pass must be activated within 30 days of exchange. Once activated, it remains valid for consecutive days (7, 14, or 21) based on the pass duration you selected.
Seat reservations aren’t mandatory for regular seating, but they’re recommended during peak seasons and for long-distance journeys. Green Class pass holders can reserve seats at JR ticket offices, Midori-no-madoguchi (JR service centers), or designated ticket machines.
The JR Pass covers most Shinkansen trains, except for Nozomi and Mizuho lines. Additionally, it covers airport transfers on the Narita Express and Haruka Express.
The JR Pass does not cover Metro or Subway systems operated by non-JR companies. It includes JR-operated trains, such as the Shinkansen (except Nozomi and Mizuho), and certain JR-affiliated buses and ferry services. For city transit, a separate local transportation pass may be more suitable.
Yes, the JR Pass covers certain JR-operated buses, including local routes. However, JR Bus Express routes are not included.
Lost or stolen JR Passes cannot be replaced or refunded, so handle your pass carefully.
JR Passes are non-refundable and cannot be modified once purchased. However, you may activate them at any point within 90 days after purchase, providing flexibility for travel plans.
Yes, there are special rates for children on the JR Pass, allowing additional savings.
