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Japan Rail Regional Passes

Flexible travel on multiple routes
Flexible travel on multiple routes
Easy exchanges & cancellations
Easy exchanges & cancellations
Effortless planning
Effortless planning
JR Global Passes
JR East
JR West
JR Kyushu
JR Hokkaido
JR Central
JR Shikoku
Sort by: Popularity
JR Pass: Whole Japan Access with 1st & 2nd Class Seats
Train Passes
4.6(1.0K)
JR Pass: Whole Japan Access with 1st & 2nd Class Seats
from
¥49,998

Unlock Japan with JR Pass

Imagine having a universal pass that is functional on not just all types of trains, but also on other public transportation! Sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? But it really is! Exploring Japan has never been easier with JR Pass tickets! These passes are valid on most trains that cover not just the major attractions in the country, but also provide connectivity to some remote areas. What's even better is that it is an extremely affordable option for those who love to travel. Read on to find out more about JR Pass tickets and how you can get yourself one!

What are the different JR Pass Types?

There are two major pass types - the Whole Japan Pass and the JR Regional Passes.

  • Whole Japan Pass: Imagine the freedom of roaming the Japan Railways’ extensive network, unrestricted. With the Whole Japan Pass, you gain entry to all train lines run by JR, stretching from JR Kyushu to JR Hokkaido, and everything in between. Plus, your pass also gives you a ticket to ride the JR Bus, JR Ferry, and even monorails!
  • JR Regional Passes: Tailor-made to your travel needs, the JR Regional Passes provide coverage based on your selected region. Perfect for travelers who have their heart set on specific cities or regions, like Hokkaido or Osaka and its surroundings, these passes are a cost-effective way to explore Japan.

Why Buy JR Pass? 

  • Economical: If you intend to travel long distances within Japan, the pass works out much cheaper than buying individual tickets for each journey. These passes also include Shinkansen fares which saves you quite a lot.
  • Convenience: You can purchase your voucher online from your home country up to three months before you plan to travel to Japan. Once you exchange your pass in Japan, you have 30 days to validate your travel dates. 
  • Ease of travel: Once you activate your pass, you can hop onto any JR line train running within that region, which is quite helpful for impromptu travel. 
  • Seat reservations: On ordinary cars (economy class), you can board the trains even without a seat reservation, making last-minute travel super easy. However, if you’re traveling in a green car (first class), making seat reservations is mandatory. 
  • Punctuality: Public transport in Japan is known to be extremely punctual, which allows you to plan your time efficiently. 
  • Validity: The pass is valid on most Japan Rail trains, as well as certain local buses and ferries. This makes inter and intra-city travel within Japan with this pass much simpler. 
  • Transparency: The processes to purchase, activate and use the JR Passes are published on every website, and can also be validated at every train station, ensuring hassle-free travel.
  • Flexibility: Choose from a myriad of passes just by identifying the regions and cities in Japan you wish to explore. JR Pass provides you the connectivity along with multiple validity options to suit your needs.

Your JR Pass Options Explained

With an impressive lineup of more than 20 JR Passes, there's a perfect fit for every travel plan.

JR Pass for Whole Japan

7, 14 and 21 days Japan Rail Pass for Whole Japan

  • Options for 7, 14, or 21-day durations to perfectly suit your schedule.
  • Experience the Shinkansen, leisurely ferry excursion at Miyajima, local buses, and access the Tokyo Monorail along with unlimited entry to Japan's rail network.
  • Available for both 1st and 2nd class train seating.

    Recommended Pass:
  • 7, 14 and 21 days Japan Rail Pass for Whole Japan
japan rail pass tickets - JR West Pass

JR West Pass

JR All Shikoku Rail Pass

JR All Shikoku Rail Pass

  • Offering unlimited non-reserved rides on JR Shikoku lines, access to the Shodoshima Ferry passage, and Shodoshima Olive Bus line with this pass.
  • Options for 3, 4, 5, or 7 days to match your requirement for exploration in the Shikoku area.

    Recommended Pass:
  • JR All Shikoku Rail Pass
japan rail pass tickets -JR East Pass

JR East Pass

japan rail pass tickets - JR Hokkaido Pass

JR Hokkaido Pass

  • The JR Hokkaido Pass allows you to explore Sapporo for the Snow Festival, Otaru, Niseko, Nemuro, Ferano, and more.
  • Valid for either 5 days or 7 days.

    Recommended Pass:
  • JR Hokkaido Rail Pass ( 5/7 days)
japan rail pass tickets -JR Central Pass

JR Central Pass

  • The JR Central Pass covers the Central region of Japan, including Takayama, Hokuriku, Kumano, and Matsumoto.
  • The passes are available for a period of 4-5 days.

    Recommended Pass:
  • 4 Day Hokuriku Area Pass
japan rail pass tickets -JR Kyushu Pass Options

JR Kyushu Pass Options

What is the Best Way to Book JR Pass Tickets? 

Booking your JR Pass ticket online is a user-friendly and transparent process, ensuring you also get the following benefits: 

  • Great Discounts: Booking your pass online ensures you can always avail great discounts, rather than purchasing it at full price at the station. Children aged 6 to 11 can obtain a Child JR Pass at a highly discounted rate. The Child JR Pass offers the same benefits as the Ordinary JR Pass and is available for the same durations. Children under 6 years old can travel for free on JR trains without a pass.
  • Advanced Booking: You can book your pass online from your home country up to 3 months in advance of your travel date, making it much easier to plan your travel. 

A Region-Wise Breakdown of JR Passes

Pass Region
Pass Types
Regions Covered
Duration of Use
Price
Additional Information
1
Whole Japan
All JR Routes Nationwide
7, 14, or 21 days
¥50,000
Unlimited train travel
2
JR East
Tokyo, Tohoku Region, parts of Kanto and Chubu Regions
5 days
¥30,000
Consecutive 5 day pass
3
JR East
Tokyo, Nagano, Niigata, parts of Kanto and Chubu Regions
5 days
¥27,000
Flexible 5 day pass
4
JR Hokkaido
Hokkaido Region
5, or 7 days
¥10,000
Unlimited train travel
5
JR Central
Central Japan, including Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa
4 days
¥ 5,090
Unlimited train travel
6
Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi areas
¥17,000
7
Hiroshima and Yamaguchi
¥15,000
8
Kansai and Hokuriku areas
¥ 17,000
9
Kansai - Hiroshima area
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 days
¥17,000
Unlimited train travel
10
JR West
Cities like Osaka, Kyoto
¥2,800
11
More Cities around Kansai
¥12,000
12
Setouchi Area
¥22,000
13
Sanyo-San'in area
¥23,000
14
San'in and Okayama areas
¥4,580
15
JR Shikoku
Shikoku Island
3, 4, 5, or 7 days
¥9,000
Unlimited train travel
16
¥17,000-20,000
17
¥12,000
Unlimited train travel
18
JR Kyushu
Kyushu Island
3, 5 or 7 days
¥10,000

How to Purchase & Use a Japan Rail Pass

Step 1: Purchase Online

Begin by purchasing the JR Pass online, taking advantage of the 90-day buffer period for activation.

Step 2: Arrival in Japan

Arrive in Japan with your e-voucher and explore at your own pace.

Step 3: Exchange the Voucher

Within 90 days of purchase, visit a designated JR Pass exchange office to swap your e-voucher for the JR Pass, activating it for the next 30 days.

Step 4: JR Pass Activation & Validity

Once exchanged, start using your JR Pass within 30 days to explore Japan's beauty, culture, and landmarks. Enjoy unlimited access to JR trains for convenient travel. Your pass will be valid consecutively, for the number of days you purchased it for.

Sights You Can Visit with JR Pass Tickets

japan rail pass tickets - Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji

Witness the majestic beauty of Japan's highest mountain, Mount Fuji. Whether admiring it from afar or climbing its slopes, it's an iconic and awe-inspiring symbol of Japan's natural landscape.

japan rail pass tickets -Himeji

Himeji Castle (Himeji)

Marvel at the grandeur of Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Japan's most magnificent feudal-era castle, known for its striking white exterior and intricate architectural details.

Japan Rail Pass - Miyajima Island

Miyajima Island (Hiroshima)

Witness the awe-inspiring Itsukushima Shrine with its iconic floating torii gate, hike Mount Misen for breathtaking views, and encounter friendly wild deer roaming freely on the island.

Japan Rail Pass - Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Kyoto)

Stroll through the enchanting bamboo forest in Arashiyama, a peaceful retreat offering a surreal and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for capturing memorable photographs.

Japan Rail Pass - Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Nikko Toshogu Shrine (Nikko)

Explore the ornate and elaborate Toshogu Shrine complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, adorned with intricate wood carvings and vibrant colors, set amidst a picturesque mountainous backdrop.

Japan Rail Pass - Fushimi Inari Taisha

Fushimi Inari Taisha (Kyoto)

Walk through the iconic torii gate pathway of Fushimi Inari Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god of rice and agriculture, and soak in the serene atmosphere amidst nature.

Know Before You Buy JR Pass Tickets

Usage & Activation
Eligibility Criteria
Availability
japan rail pass tickets - Exchange Your E-Voucher for a Physical Pass

Exchange Your E-Voucher for a Physical Pass

You will receive your voucher online and you’ll be able to activate it at a train station in Japan. Once activated, you can hop on unlimited rides within that region for the validity of the pass. Do keep a note of the trains that are valid for your specific pass. If you’ve made a reservation, your chair car and seat number will be printed on your pass. You can redeem your E-Voucher at the following places:

  • Airports: When arriving at major international airports like Narita, Kansai International, or Haneda, you can conveniently exchange your e-voucher at the airport's Japan Rail Pass exchange office within the terminals.
  • Train Stations: Japan Rail Pass exchange offices are widespread across the country, often found at major train stations such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, making it easy to activate your pass during your travels.
  • Travel Agencies: Authorized travel agencies in Japan also offer Japan Rail Pass exchange services, which can be especially helpful if your journey begins in a city without a major airport.
japan rail pass tickets - Eligibility

The JR Pass offers convenient and cost-effective travel options for visitors exploring Japan. Here's an overview of who can purchase and use JR Passes:

  • Tourists: The primary target audience for JR Passes is international tourists visiting Japan from abroad. Tourists with a temporary visitor status (up to 90 days) are eligible to purchase and utilize JR Passes. It is essential to have a "temporary visitor" stamp in your passport as this stamp serves as proof of eligibility for purchasing and utilizing the JR Pass.
  • Non-Japanese Residents: Non-Japansese Residents with other visas are not eligible for JR Passes. In some cases, however, non-Japanese residents of Japan who hold a foreign passport and meet certain criteria may also be eligible to purchase and use JR Passes. It is recommended to consult the official JR Pass website for specific details and eligibility requirements.
  • Japanese Nationals: Generally, Japanese nationals residing in Japan are not eligible to purchase or use JR Passes.
japan rail pass tickets - Availability

JR Pass Availability

  • Available Year-Round: The JR Pass tickets are available all year round, making travel simpler and affordable.
  • 90-Day Window: You can collect your JR Pass up to 90 days after booking it. 
  • Economy Travel: JR Passes can be used for free on economy coaches. Green Car coaches (first-class) will require an additional fee. 
  • Reservations: You can board any train without seat reservations, but you can also make reservations for specific seating.

Visitor Tips for Purchasing JR Pass Tickets

  • Booking Options: The JR Pass tickets can be booked online before your arrival in Japan, or can also be purchased after your arrival in Japan at train stations.
  • Personal Presence: You will have to be personally present to exchange your voucher; no one else can collect it on your behalf.
  • Passport Requirement: Carry your original passport to exchange your voucher with the physical pass.
  • Non-transferable: The pass can only be used by the purchaser. Keep your pass safe as it cannot be transferred to another user.
  • Peak Season: If you plan on traveling during the peak season, it is recommended to make a seat reservation on the train even though it’s not mandatory.
  • Exclusions: Two Shinkansen trains do not accept the JR passes - the Nozomi and Mizuho trains. Do ensure these trains are not essential for your travel connectivity.
  • Single Purchase: You cannot buy more than one JR Pass for the same region during the same time frame.
  • Hotel Deals: Most JR Passes also come with hotel deals close to train stations, making finding accommodation during your travels convenient.
  • Payment: You require an active credit card to purchase your JR Pass online.

Frequently Asked Questions About JR Pass Tickets

Where can I buy a JR Pass ticket?

You can buy your JR Pass ticket online, which has to be exchanged for a ticket and activated before your travel.

Where can I use my JR Pass ticket?

Your JR Pass ticket allows you to hop onto any of the valid trains specific to that pass. The pass can be used an unlimited number of times within the region it’s valid for.

What is the validity of my JR Pass ticket?

Various JR Passes have varying validity cycles ranging from a single-day pass to a 21-day pass.

Are JR Pass tickets available online?

Yes, you can purchase your JR Pass ticket online from your home country up to 3 months before your travel date.

What is a JR Pass ticket?

A JR Pass ticket allows you to hop onto any of the valid trains any number of times without spending money for each train ticket, making your travel extremely affordable.

What is the eligibility for JR Pass tickets?

You must be a non-Japanese national on a temporary visitor visa to avail the pass.

What areas does a JR Pass ticket cover?

Different JR Passes cover different regions. You can pick from East, West, Central, Kyushu and Hokkaido passes.

What trains does a JR Pass ticket cover?

The JR Pass ticket is valid on most JR lines, as well as a few non-JR lines as well. The pass is also applicable on certain local buses and ferries.

What if I lose my JR Pass ticket?

Loss of a JR Pass ticket would require you to purchase the ticket again by paying full price. 

Do JR Pass tickets cover all the trains in Japan?

No, the JR Pass tickets cover only JR Line trains and some non-JR lines in Japan. 

What public transportation can I use with a JR Pass ticket apart from trains?

With a JR Pass, you also get access to certain local buses and ferries for inter and intra-city travel. 

What happens if my JR Pass ticket expires while I’m still on a train?

The validity of the pass starts as soon as you activate it. However, if you are mid-journey when the validity expires, you will still be allowed to complete your trip and disembark at your destination. 

What happens if I miss the train that I’ve reserved my JR Pass ticket for?

If you miss the train for which you had a reservation, you can ride on the unreserved booth in the next train, or reserve your seat on an upcoming train. 

Can I make seat reservations with a JR Pass ticket?

Yes, it is mandatory to make seat reservations in case you have a Green Car (first-class) pass, and optional to make seat reservations if you have an Ordinary Car pass. 

Can I use my JR Pass ticket on a first-class train?

While you can still travel in a Green Car (first-class) train with your JR Pass, you will have to pay an additional fee for the same while it is free to use in Ordinary Car trains. 

Can I modify my JR Pass ticket after purchase?

You can modify your JR Pass ticket till you activate it, once it has been activated, no modifications are allowed. 

Can I transfer my JR Pass ticket to someone else?

No, the JR Pass ticket cannot be transferred. It can only be used by the person who purchased the pass. 

Can I cancel my JR Pass ticket after collecting it?

An unused JR Pass can be refunded before activation by paying a cancellation fee, however, no modifications can be made once the pass is activated. 

What is the cancellation policy on my JR Pass ticket?

Cancellations and modifications can only be made before your JR Pass has been activated. 

Where can I find the schedule for my train?

Each JR region has its own timetable where you can check your train schedules. You can also look at train schedules on Hyperdia.