Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass, often referred to as the JR Pass is a special ticket available exclusively for foreign tourists visiting Japan. It offers unlimited travel on the extensive Japan Railways (JR) network, including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains, local trains, and certain buses and ferries operated by JR.

The JR Pass is available in various durations—7, 14, or 21 consecutive days—and offers two classes: Ordinary and Green (First Class). This pass is highly economical for travellers planning to explore multiple regions in Japan, providing the flexibility and convenience of hopping on and off JR trains without the need for individual tickets. The pass is only for non-Japanese nationals visiting Japan as a temporary visitor.

To use the JR Pass, travellers must purchase an Exchange Order before arriving in Japan, which can then be exchanged for the actual pass at designated JR offices within the country. It's an ideal choice for those looking to experience the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse cities of Japan conveniently and economically.

Benefits of the Japan Rail Pass include:

Unlimited Travel: Freedom to travel across the JR network without worrying about ticket prices for each journey.

Ease of Use: Simply show your pass at manned gates to access trains. Once the voucher is exchanged, the automatic gate can be used. Seat reservations can be made at the ‘Reserved seat ticket machine’.

Cost-Effective: Significant savings compared to buying individual tickets, especially for long-distance travel.

Flexibility: Ability to change travel plans without penalties.

Comfort: Access to comfortable and efficient train services, including the iconic Shinkansen.

How to get the Official Physical Exchange Voucher:

1. Ticket Reservations:

 • Your name must match the names on your passport. Failure to do so will render the voucher invalid for entry.

2. Delivery Recipient:

Provide the address where the physical exchange voucher should be sent, either:

 • Your home address, or

 • The agent’s address (including the agent’s name). 

Note: If you are staying at an Airbnb or apartment-style accommodation without a 24/7 reception, we will be unable to ensure successful delivery of the voucher.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

To activate your Japan Rail Pass, please proceed to a designated JR station. These are conveniently located at most Japanese airports, including Narita and Haneda. You can also find them at all the main train stations across the country. For a complete list of exchanges, please refer to the Japan Rail official website. 

Once at a JR office, you will be asked to show your passport (the JR staff will look for the Temporary visitor stamp/sticker) and your Japan Rail PHYSICAL voucher (EXCHANGE ORDER). After your personal data has been verified, you will be asked to select the activation date of your pass. This can be up to 30 days following the exchange date.

After activating your JR Pass, you will be able to use it on all JR trains, buses, and ferry services. Shinkansen high-speed trains are also covered. For detailed information on the JR Offices, their location and opening times, take a look at the https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange/

Travelling with oversized baggage:

You MUST reserve a seat in advance with an oversized baggage area or a seat with an oversized baggage compartment before boarding.

You can make a reservation via the reserved seat ticket vending machines at JR stations by selecting “Seat with an oversized baggage area.” Online reservation is required for Tokaido- Sanyo- Kyushu - Shinkansen Online Reservation Service, JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION, JR-KYUSHU Train Reservation

When using a JAPAN RAIL PASS at a JR station ticket office, please tell the staff member that you would like to reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area.

Passengers travelling with oversized baggage without a reservation will be charged a baggage fee (1,000 yen including tax). They will also have to store their baggage in a space designated by the cabin crew.