Frequently Asked Questions About the JR Pass

A: A JR Pass covers travel on most JR trains, including Shinkansen bullet trains (except Nozomi and Mizuho), limited express trains, rapid trains, and local trains. It can also cover some JR buses, the Miyajima ferry, and certain airport express trains like the Narita Express. There are a few exceptions, so be sure to check the full details before your trip.

A: Whether a JR Pass is worth it depends on your travel plans. If you're planning on doing a lot of long-distance train travel within multiple cities in Japan, then a JR Pass can be a cost-effective option. You can use a JR fare calculator to estimate the cost of your planned trips and compare it to the price of the JR Pass.

A: Using a JR Pass offers several benefits for tourists traveling around Japan. First, with a JR Pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel on all covered JR lines for the duration of your pass. This eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets for each train journey, saving you time and money. JR Passes also allow you to make free seat reservations on JR trains, ensuring you have a comfortable seat for your trip. In addition, some attractions and services in Japan may offer discounts to JR Pass holders.

A: You can only purchase a JR Pass outside of Japan. It’s recommended that you book your pass over 2 weeks before you depart from your residence to Japan. This allows ample time for the delivery of your physical exchange order to your doorstep.

A: The cost of a JR Pass depends on the type of pass (Standard or green class) and the duration (7, 14, or 21 days). Generally, Whole of Japan passes start from ¥50,000, and regional passes start as low as ¥2,800.

A: There are several types of Japan Rail Passes (JR Passes) available to suit different travel needs:
• Ordinary Pass: This is the standard JR Pass that offers unlimited travel on JR-operated trains across Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days.
• Green Pass: Also known as the "First Class" or "Superior" Pass, this offers the same benefits as the Ordinary Pass but allows travel in the Green Car (first class) on applicable trains.
• Regional Passes: These passes offer unlimited travel within specific regions of Japan. Examples include the JR Hokkaido Pass, JR East Pass, JR West Pass, JR Kyushu Pass, and JR Shikoku Pass.

Researching and choosing the JR Pass that best fits your itinerary and travel preferences is essential. Additionally, be aware of any eligibility criteria and purchase requirements associated with each pass.

A: JR Passes are generally cheaper if you plan on doing a lot of train travel. If you are only planning a few short train journeys, then buying individual tickets might be more economical. Use a JR fare calculator to compare costs for your specific itinerary.

A: Yes, your JR Pass is valid for local JR trains.

A: The JR Pass covers some airport express trains, such as the Narita Express and the Haruka Express. However, it does not cover all airport transportation options. Check if your specific airport connection is included.

A: Unfortunately, lost JR Passes cannot be replaced.

A: While your JR Pass covers most Shinkansen trains (except Nozomi and Mizuho), you will need to make a separate reservation for a seat on the Shinkansen. This reservation can be made for free with your JR Pass.

A: The JR Pass does not cover Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains, some private railway lines, local transportation within cities (buses, subways, taxis), or airplane tickets. Also, the JR Pass is available for consecutive use over 7, 14, or 21 days. If you plan to use it on non-consecutive days, it won't cover the days in between.

A: Yes, within the covered JR lines and trains (with the exceptions mentioned previously), you can enjoy unlimited rides for the duration of your JR Pass.

A: The cost of a Whole of Japan JR Pass depends on the type of seating class you choose and the validity period. There are two seating classes:
• Standard Class: This is the most popular and affordable option.
• Green Class: Offers more spacious seating and amenities like reclining seats and footrests.
The validity period comes in three options: 7 days, 14 days, or 21 days. Generally, the cost ranges from around  ¥50,000  for a 7-day Standard Class Pass to over  ¥70,000 for a 21-day Green Class Pass.

A: The Whole of Japan JR Pass comes in three validity periods: 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. You choose the option that best suits your travel itinerary. The pass is activated on your chosen start date and is valid for unlimited travel for the consecutive days you selected.

A: Your JR Pass covers some JR buses and the Miyajima ferry. However, it does not cover all buses and ferries in Japan. Public transportation within cities (buses and subways) is also not covered.

A: You can activate your JR Pass any time once in Japan. JR Passes cannot be activated before you enter Japan. Keep in mind that the pass is valid for consecutive days from activation, so activate accordingly.

A: Yes, you can upgrade to Green Car seating on most JR trains with your Whole of Japan JR Pass. There is an additional charge for Green Car seating, which you will pay when making your seat reservations.

A: The Whole of Japan JR Pass covers most Shinkansen bullet trains, but there are some exceptions. It does not cover the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains, which are the fastest Shinkansen services. While you can use your JR Pass on most other Shinkansen lines, you will still need to make a separate reservation for a seat on the Shinkansen, which can be done for free with your JR Pass.

A: No, there are no blackout dates for the Whole of Japan JR Pass. You can purchase and use the pass at any time of the year.

A: No, your JR Pass is only valid for travel on JR trains and the limited included services mentioned previously. The JR Pass does not cover private railway lines.

A: Regional JR Passes cover specific areas of Japan, allowing unlimited travel within those regions. Regions include: Hokkaido, Tohuku, Nagano & Niigata, Kanto, Kansai, Hiroshima & San'in, Kyushu, and Shikoku.

A: Regional JR Passes can be a more economical option if your itinerary is focused on a specific region of Japan. They can also be simpler to use, as they cover a smaller geographic area with fewer train lines to navigate.

A: A regional JR Pass is a better option if your trip itinerary focuses on a specific region of Japan. You plan on doing a lot of train travel within that region. You are on a budget and the cost of a regional pass is lower than what you would spend on individual tickets within the region.

A: The best regional JR Pass for you depends on your specific travel itinerary. Consider which region you will be visiting and compare the coverage area of the different regional passes to your planned destinations.

A: Regional JR Passes typically cost less than the Whole of Japan JR Pass. Prices vary depending on the specific pass, coverage area, and validity period. Generally, they start as low as ¥2,800.

A: The usage of regional JR Passes on Shinkansen (bullet trains) depends on the specific pass and the region it covers. Here's a general overview:
• JR East Pass (Tohoku area): This pass covers travel on certain Shinkansen lines within the Tohoku region, such as the Tohoku Shinkansen (between Tokyo and Aomori) and the Yamagata Shinkansen (between Fukushima and Shinjo). However, it does not cover travel on the Hayabusa, Hayate, or Komachi Shinkansen services.
• JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area): This pass includes travel on the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Joetsu-Myoko stations. However, it does not cover the Tokaido Shinkansen beyond Joetsu-Myoko Station.
• JR Kansai Area Pass: While this pass primarily covers local and rapid trains in the Kansai region, it does not include travel on Shinkansen lines.
• JR Hiroshima & San'in Area Pass: This pass does not include travel on Shinkansen lines.
• JR Kyushu Pass: This pass includes travel on the Kyushu Shinkansen between Hakata and Kumamoto stations. However, it does not cover travel on the Sanyo Shinkansen (which connects Hakata to Osaka and beyond).
• JR Shikoku Pass: This pass does not include travel on Shinkansen lines.

A: JR Green Cars offer a premium travel experience compared to Standard Cars. Passengers will enjoy wider, more comfortable seats with significantly more legroom and recline. This allows for more comfortable traveling, especially on long journeys. Green Cars also have a more spacious feel due to fewer seats per row, typically 2 on each side of the aisle, compared to Standard Cars (typically 4 per row). In addition, some Green Cars offer extra amenities like footrests, personal reading lights, and complimentary drinks or snacks (depending on the train and route).

A: Green Cars offer significantly more legroom than Standard Cars. This can be a major benefit for taller passengers or those who desire extra space to stretch out during long train journeys.

A: Upgrading to a JR Green Car Pass offers several advantages for train travel in Japan. First, you'll enjoy more spacious seating with increased legroom, allowing you to relax and stretch out comfortably during your journey. Green Cars also tend to be quieter than Standard Cars because they have fewer passengers per carriage. Depending on the specific train, you might even have access to additional amenities like footrests and complimentary drinks or snacks, further enhancing your travel experience.

A: A JR Green Car Pass typically costs around 30% more than a Standard JR Pass for the same validity period. The exact price difference depends on the specific pass you choose.

A: Green Car seats tend to be less crowded than Standard Cars, especially on popular routes. However, during peak travel times or on certain routes, reservations can fill up quickly. It's recommended to make seat reservations for Green Cars in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.

A: No, JR Passes are not available for purchase by Japanese passport holders residing in Japan.

A: Book your JR Pass online. This is the most common method.

A: Once you book your JR Pass online, you will receive an exchange order at your doorstep (Whole of Japan) via email(Regional Pass). Bring it with you to Japan. Upon arrival in Japan, you will exchange your exchange order for a JR Pass voucher at a designated JR Pass exchange office. Finally, you will activate your JR Pass voucher on your chosen start date at a JR railway station.

A: Your JR Pass cannot be activated before you enter Japan. Once you exchange your voucher for your JR Pass at a JR Pass exchange office, you will be able to choose your activation date. Your JR Pass will then be valid for unlimited travel on consecutive days from your chosen start date.

A: There JR Pass exchange orders (voucher) are valid for 90 days. However, it's important to remember that your JR Pass will only be valid for travel within a specific timeframe after activation. Be sure to factor this in when making your purchase.

A: When exchanging your JR Pass order for the actual JR Pass, you will need to present your original passport and the exchange order (voucher).

A: No, a JR Pass is valid for only one person. Each traveler will need their own JR Pass.