The Japan Rail Pass (commonly referred to as the JR Pass) is a special ticket designed for foreign tourists visiting Japan. JR Pass offers unlimited travel on most of the Japan Railways (JR) network, including Shinkansen (Japanese high-speed bullet trains), limited express trains, and local JR lines.
The JR Pass entitles you to unlimited travel for a specific period of time, usually for 7, 14, and 21 days, and has different prices for adults and children. However, shorter-term options are also available for some passes, starting with a one-day pass. The JR pass also allows you to use local JR buses and the Miyajima Ferry. If you plan to leave Tokyo at least two times, this pass is worth it. Transportation in Japan is costly, so purchasing this ticket will help you save money.
The price of a Japan Rail Pass may change depending on when you buy the tickets. Prices can vary due to exchange rates and promotions. Here are some options:
7 days | 14 days | 21 days |
---|---|---|
Child 230 USD | Child 362 USD | Child 463 USD |
Adult 331 USD | Adult 527 USD | Adult 660 USD |
7 days | 14 days | 21 days |
---|---|---|
Child 231 USD | Child 362 USD | Child 463 USD |
Adult 461 USD | Adult 725 USD | Adult 923 USD |
Children aged 0 to 5 can use the JR transportation system without purchasing a Japan Rail Pass. The only caveat is that they are not allowed to occupy a seat and must remain on an adult's lap unless there are empty seats, non-reserved and reserved carriages. Of course, there are no restrictions on the number of seats if a pass is purchased for them.
The Shinkansen (also known as the high-speed bullet train in Japan) is divided into two categories: Ordinary Cars and Green Cars. These two classes differ greatly regarding comfort, space, and service provision.
Ordinary Cars are the standard class on the Shinkansen. They have cozy seats arranged in 3+2 configurations, which are enough for most people. These cars are well-maintained and provide a more enjoyable travel experience at a lower cost. Non-reserved ordinary car train tickets allow travelers to hop on any train without a seat number, which is good for those with an unpredictable timetable.
However, Green Cars can be likened to first-class service. In them, seats are put up in 2+2 formation, providing much more elbow room as well as leg room, which makes it seem like a flight business class. All seats in Green Cars are reserved so that passengers can have a guaranteed place, enabling them to enjoy quieter and more exclusive cars. Moreover, these seats have extra amenities, such as electric reclining seats with built-in reading lamps. This is why green car passes cost more than ordinary ones since they offer additional luxuries.
Summing up, it is possible to state that, during the classes, the service level is comparatively high; nevertheless, Green Cars provide the passengers with extra comfort and high-level commodity service, thus equipping people with everything necessary for a luxurious trip.
The process of obtaining the National JR Pass consists of the following steps:
If you plan to buy a regional Rail Pass, things get easier. In this case, you don’t have to receive the printed voucher: after making the purchase, you will receive the QR code that you can use at the ticketing machine at the station to get your rail pass.
Shinkansen bullet trains are an extremely convenient way to travel, but it can be pretty crowded, especially during rush times or public holidays. That's why it can be helpful to reserve your seats in advance. There is no additional charge for making seat reservations. JR Pass holders can make free seat reservations at JR ticket offices and selected ticket machines all across Japanese train stations.
The best thing about ticketing machines is the time savings. You can exchange the Rail Pass voucher or reserve seats without waiting in line at the ticket office, which can sometimes be very crowded.
You can also use an online reservation, but you still need to pick up a physical seat reservation ticket from the ticket machine before boarding the train.
Please keep in mind that you cannot make online reservations for JR Central operator routes (Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka). Seat reservations are also unavailable on urban and short-distance trains.
Seat reservations are mandatory on a few trains, such as the Narita Express, certain Shinkansen trains, and Limited Express trains from Osaka and Kyoto to Amanohashidate, Kinosaki Onsen, and Kumano.
The JR Pass is primarily intended for foreign tourists visiting Japan under the "Temporary Visitor" status, which typically includes travelers entering Japan with a tourist visa or visa waiver, for example, visa-exempt countries.
To use the JR Pass, you must present the pass at JR ticket gates before boarding trains.
To cancel your JR Pass reservation, you will usually need to visit a JR Pass exchange office in Japan. You may be asked to provide your JR Pass exchange order and any relevant documentation. Cancellation fees or procedures may apply depending on the circumstances. It is recommended that you check the cancellation policy of your specific pass and any associated fees in advance.
But you also have another way: if the voucher is not used, it can be refunded without any cancellation charge if you request a refund on our system within one year after the issued date. Just contact our support and include your booking number.
The Japan Rail Pass provides extensive coverage throughout Japan, allowing unlimited travel on most JR trains, buses, and ferries. These include Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express trains, rapid and local trains, and buses and ferries operated by JR Group.
The Japan Rail Pass covers a wide range of zones across Japan. Here are the primary zones:
While the JR Pass covers most Shinkansen bullet trains, exceptions exist, such as the Nozomi and Mizuho trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. The JR Pass does not apply to trains not operated by Japan Railways, such as the Odakyu Line, part of the Tokyo Subway Line (only covers the ring and suburban lines), and the Keio Line.
Some JR Pass services may entail additional charges collected on trains or as adjustment fares at destination stations, including:
Additionally, Hashidate/Tango relay services, Shimanto/Ashizuri services, Spacia/Kinugawa services, Super Hakuto/Super Inaba services, and Super Odoriko services may also incur extra fees.