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Activate your JR Pass: A detailed guide
Japan Rail PassActivate Your JR Pass
Contents
How to activate your JR Pass?
Book online
When purchasing your JR Pass online, the date you select is your intended departure date for Japan.
Receive your Exchange Order
Once your order is confirmed, you'll receive a physical exchange order (voucher) mailed to your address.
Head to a JR Office & verify your documents
Locate a JR office at an airport or train station. Show the staff your JR Pass Exchange Order and your passport.
Receive your JR Pass
Once everything is verified, you'll receive your physical JR Pass. Congratulations! You're now ready to explore Japan by rail.
Activate your JR Pass: Pre-requisites & arrival in Japan
Before you arrive in Japan (Pre-activation to-dos)
Unlike some travel passes, you cannot activate your JR Pass outside of Japan. To ensure a smooth start to your trip, you'll need to book it online before you travel.
Pro tip: It's recommended to book your JR Pass at least 2 weeks before your departure date to allow for processing and delivery. The date you select when booking is typically your intended arrival date in Japan.
Receive your Exchange Order: Once you place your online order, you'll receive a physical JR Pass Exchange Order (voucher) mailed to your address. Hold onto this document – it's crucial for activation in Japan!
Upon arrival in Japan
- Present Your Documents: Approach the counter at a JR office and present your original JR Pass Exchange Order and your passport.
- Verification and Activation Date: The staff will verify your information and ask you to choose your desired JR PAss activation date. Remember, you can activate your pass anytime within 30 days of exchanging the voucher.
- Receive Your JR Pass: Once everything is confirmed, you'll receive your official physical JR Pass and can begin exploring Japan
Green Class Pass Holders: If you opted for a Green Class JR Pass, you can only reserve your designated seating after activating your pass.
Frequently asked questions about the JR Pass activation process
Can I activate my JR Pass before I arrive in Japan?
No, JR Pass activation can only be done at a JR office in Japan.
Can someone else activate my JR Pass for me?
No, ID verification is required. Only the passport holder named on the JR Pass Exchange Order can activate it.
Can I change the activation date after the exchange?
No, unfortunately. Choose your activation date carefully during the exchange process at the JR office.
How long does the activation process take?
Usually a few minutes. However, waiting times can vary depending on office congestion.
How do I activate my Regional JR Pass?
Regional JR passes come in e-tickets. However, you don't actually activate the e-ticket itself. Once you arrive in Japan, you need to exchange your e-ticket for a physical pass at a JR railway station's exchange office. Present the QR code on your e-ticket to the staff for them to process the exchange.
Does JR Pass offer mail delivery?
Yes, Exchange Order mail delivery is included for all countries except Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.
What if I don't speak Japanese?
Most JR offices, especially in major cities, have staff who speak English. Additionally, some offices offer activation instructions in multiple languages.
Do I need to activate my JR Pass at the same airport I arrive at?
No, you can activate your JR Pass at any JR office throughout Japan, not necessarily the airport you arrive at.
Is there a deadline to activate my JR Pass after exchanging the voucher?
Technically no, but the JR Pass validity starts from the activation date. However, activating it too late might limit your travel time.
My travel plans changed. Can I delay activating my JR Pass?
Your exchange orders are valid for 30 days, so you can still activate your JR pass within that period. However, there's no way to delay activation once you've exchanged the voucher and activated your pass. We recommend holding on to your exchange order if your plan's delayed within 30 days and activating it when you're ready to start exploring.