Are you thinking about visiting Japan? Are you worried about high transportation costs and planning to stay in just one region? With the Japan Rail Pass, you can travel cheaply throughout Japan. In this guide, we will explain in detail how to purchase and use the Japan Rail Pass. By reading this guide, you can enhance your travel experience in Japan.
- Travel Smart with the Japan Rail Pass!
- What is the Japan Rail Pass?
- Who Should Use the Japan Rail Pass?
- Eligibility for Use
- Routes and Places You Can Go with the Japan Rail Pass
- Types and Prices of the Japan Rail Pass
- Benefits of Using the Japan Rail Pass
- How to Buy a Japan Rail Pass in Japan
- How to Reserve and Buy a Japan Rail Pass Overseas
Travel Smart with the Japan Rail Pass!
For those planning a trip to Japan but worried about transportation costs, the Japan Rail Pass is highly recommended. This special pass for international tourists allows you to save money on transportation costs and eliminates the hassle of buying tickets each time you travel. Additionally, using the Japan Rail Pass saves time, allowing you to visit more tourist spots efficiently.
In this article, we will provide detailed information on how to purchase and use the Japan Rail Pass. With this pass, you can easily access not only Tokyo but also other famous tourist destinations across Japan, such as Osaka and Kyoto. You can visit not only popular tourist spots but also charming local areas, making your trip more fulfilling.
What is the Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass is a special ticket jointly offered by the six JR Group companies (Hokkaido, East Japan, Central Japan, West Japan, Shikoku, and Kyushu). This pass allows unlimited travel on JR trains and buses operated by JR across Japan. Some ferries are also included. The Japan Rail Pass comes in three types: one week, two weeks, and three weeks, allowing you to choose based on your travel schedule.
The biggest advantage of this pass is the freedom to travel anywhere. For example, a regular ticket from Tokyo to Osaka on the Shinkansen costs over 10,000 yen, but with the Japan Rail Pass, you can travel without any additional fees. It is especially beneficial for those planning long-distance travel.
Who Should Use the Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass is especially recommended for international tourists planning to visit multiple cities, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and other regional cities. For example, if you plan to spend a few days in Tokyo and then visit Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and other cities, it is much more economical than buying individual tickets. It is also ideal for those using public transportation like the Shinkansen and local trains to travel across Japan, as it significantly reduces transportation costs.
Japan’s public transportation network covers the entire country. By taking advantage of the convenient and comfortable local trains and Shinkansen, you can enjoy a pleasant travel experience. The Japan Rail Pass is a strong ally for efficiently touring local cities and tourist attractions.
Eligibility for Use
You can use the Japan Rail Pass if you meet one of the following conditions:
- International tourists visiting Japan for sightseeing with a “short-term stay” entry status. Residents of Japan or those visiting for purposes other than tourism are not eligible.
- Japanese nationals living abroad who have a Japanese passport and a document obtained from an embassy or consulate verifying that they have lived abroad for 10 consecutive years. In this case, the pass cannot be purchased in Japan and must be bought in advance from designated sales offices abroad.
Routes and Places You Can Go with the Japan Rail Pass
With the Japan Rail Pass, you can use not only the trains of the six JR Group companies but also some JR-operated buses and ferries. Specifically, it includes unlimited travel on Shinkansen, local trains, rapid trains, and limited express trains. However, some trains and seats may require additional fees, so it is important to check in advance.
The JR Group’s network is one of the largest in Japan. It covers areas from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, providing access to almost all major cities in Japan, such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hiroshima. You can visit not only tourist spots but also charming local areas, making your trip more fulfilling.
For more detailed information on applicable routes, please refer to the official JR website. It provides the latest information, specific usage conditions, and purchase methods, so it is recommended to check thoroughly before your trip.
Types and Prices of the Japan Rail Pass
| Type | Green Car (Adult) | Green Car (Child) | Ordinary Car (Adult) | Ordinary Car (Child) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | ¥70,000 (approximately $467) | ¥35,000 (approximately $233) | ¥50,000 (approximately $333) | ¥25,000 (approximately $167) |
| 14 days | ¥110,000 (approximately $733) | ¥55,000 (approximately $367) | ¥80,000 (approximately $533) | ¥40,000 (approximately $267) |
| 21 days | ¥140,000 (approximately $933) | ¥70,000 (approximately $467) | ¥100,000 (approximately $667) | ¥50,000 (approximately $333) |
Note: Prices in US dollars are approximate, based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 150 JPY.
The Japan Rail Pass offers three different usage periods: 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. For each of these periods, you can choose either an Ordinary Car or a Green Car.
If you opt for the Green Car, you can use the Green seats on both the Shinkansen and conventional lines. Green seats are akin to first-class seats on trains, featuring spacious seating equipped with footrests and power outlets, enhancing comfort. The seats are wider than those in the regular cars and can recline, allowing you to relax even during long journeys. This significantly reduces travel fatigue.
Green Cars are particularly suitable for business people who need to work during their travels or for those who wish to relax comfortably while on the move. Additionally, Green Cars generally have fewer passengers than regular cars, providing a quieter and more serene environment for travel. This makes it easier to concentrate on reading or working.
Using the Japan Rail Pass allows you to travel efficiently and economically throughout Japan. When purchasing the pass, be sure to choose the period and car class that best fit your travel plans.
Benefits of Using the Japan Rail Pass
You may be wondering whether or not to purchase the Japan Rail Pass. As mentioned earlier, it is highly recommended when visiting several cities in Japan. Here’s how much you can actually save using the Japan Rail Pass.
For example, let’s say you travel from Tokyo to Kyoto, then to Hiroshima, and finally back to Tokyo. You would take the Shinkansen “Hikari” or “Kodama” (the Tokaido Shinkansen includes “Hikari,” “Kodama,” and “Nozomi,” but note that the Japan Rail Pass does not cover the fastest “Nozomi”).
The regular fare would be as follows:
- Tokyo to Kyoto: ¥14,050 (approximately $93.67)
- Kyoto to Hiroshima: ¥11,500 (approximately $76.67)
- Hiroshima to Tokyo: ¥19,110 (approximately $127.40)
- Total: ¥44,660 (approximately $297.73) (As of March 2020)
A 7-day (Ordinary Car) pass costs ¥29,650 (approximately $197.67), so you can save ¥15,010 (approximately $100.07) just on the Shinkansen travel alone. If you use JR local lines or JR buses around Kyoto and Hiroshima, you can save even more money.
How to Buy a Japan Rail Pass in Japan
Usually, the Japan Rail Pass must be purchased before coming to Japan, through designated sales offices or travel agencies affiliated with JR. However, until March 31, 2021, you can also purchase it at major stations and airports in Japan, such as Narita Airport’s terminals (1, 2, and 3) at the “JR EAST Travel Service Center,” as well as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Osaka Station. For detailed information on purchase locations, please visit JR’s official website.
Buying the pass within Japan is slightly more expensive. For example, the 7-day (Ordinary Car) pass costs ¥33,610 (approximately $224.07). For detailed pricing, please refer to JR’s official website.
How to Reserve and Buy a Japan Rail Pass Overseas
Here is the usual method to reserve and purchase a Japan Rail Pass before coming to Japan:
- Obtain an Exchange Order before Visiting Japan To use the Japan Rail Pass in Japan, you need to purchase an exchange order before visiting and exchange it for the pass upon arrival. Exchange orders can be purchased through major Japanese travel agencies (JTB, Kintetsu International, Nippon Travel Agency, Tobu Top Tours) and their affiliated overseas agencies. If you are flying with JAL or ANA, you can also book through these airlines. Additionally, from June 1, 2020, you can make reservations through the dedicated “JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation” website.
- Exchange the Order for the Japan Rail Pass in Japan Upon arrival in Japan, take your exchange order to a “JR Travel Service Center” located at major airports and stations. You will need to present your passport at the counter, so make sure to have it handy. After exchanging the order, you will finally receive the actual Japan Rail Pass. For the location of JR Travel Service Centers, please visit JR’s official website.
This detailed explanation, including the cost in both yen and dollars, helps clarify the benefits and purchasing methods for the Japan Rail Pass.
