Having the Japan Rail Pass is like having a magic ticket in your pocket that lets you explore one of the most interesting countries in the world. Even though it’s convenient, it might not be right for your needs. Without doing the proper research, buying this pass could actually be a waste of money.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the Japan Rail pass to determine if it’s right for you!
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- What is the Japan Rail Pass and Why Do You Need It?
- Important to Know About the JR Pass
- Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing the JR Pass
What is the Japan Rail Pass and Why Do You Need It?
The Japan Rail Pass is a ticket available exclusively to tourists. It offers unlimited travel on the Japan Rail (JR) network, which includes an extensive option of trains, buses, and even the ferries! With the proper planning and research, the JR pass is:
- Cost-Effective: If you plan to cover a lot of ground across Japan, the JR Pass can save you a significant amount of money compared to purchasing individual tickets.
- Convenient: With this pass, you don’t have to worry about buying tickets for each journey. Once you know what train you’re taking, just reserve your seat and go.
- Flexible: The JR Pass allows for spontaneous travel decisions– perfect if you’re impulsive like me.
- (Mostly) Comprehensive: From the high-speed bullet (Shinkansen) trains to local lines, the JR Pass covers an enormous network. This makes it easy to explore both major cities and remote areas.
Important to Know About the JR Pass
As convenient as the JR Pass may be, it comes with many stipulations that can actually make it frustrating to use, if you haven’t done the proper research. Knowing the following can help you make a more informed decision about purchasing this pass:
It’s not all inclusive!
- It CANNOT be used on all trains in Japan: the JR Pass is valid on all JR Group trains, including the Shinkansen (EXCEPT Nozomi and Mizuho trains), limited express, and local trains.
- It’s NOT valid on non-JR trains (i.e., subways and private railways).
- The JR Pass does cover the Tokyo Monorail, which connects Haneda Airport to central Tokyo.
There are regional JR Passes
If you only plan on traveling within one region of Japan, you can get a regional pass. These are cheaper than getting the full JR pass, so check your trip itinerary to see what’s best for you. You can get passes for the following regions:
- JR East
- JR West
- JR Central
- JR Hokkaido
- JR Kyushu
- JR Shikoku
It’s expensive
- The price ranges from 50,000 yen to 140,000 yen (roughly 310 USD t0 860 USD), depending on the type and duration of the pass you purchase.
- You can choose from a 7, 14, or 21- day pass.
- There are 2 different categories: ordinary and green, which is their first- class car. (I do not recommend the green pass, as the ordinary seats are better than any ordinary seat you could hope for in the US.)
- Since even the least expensive JR pass is costly, it’s best utilized if you plan to travel extensively within the country. I traveled for two weeks between multiple regions, so it was worth the cost for me.
Some seats must be reserved
- Ordinary seats don’t need to be reserved, but green seats do.
- Seat reservations can be made for free at JR ticket offices, Midori-no-Madoguchi counters, or online here.
- It’s advisable to reserve all seats during peak travel seasons (March- May and September- November).
There are baggage restrictions
- Oversized baggage means the total dimensions of bag length, width, and height exceed 160 cm (63 inches).
- If your baggage is oversized, you must reserve a seat with an oversized baggage space or compartment.
- If you travel with an with oversized bag without a reservation, they will charge you a baggage fee if you get caught. (1,000 yen including tax)
- Bags with total dimensions greater than 250 cm (98 inches) can’t be brought on the train, with or without a reservation.
You can get discounts at some major tourist attractions in Japan.
- If you plan on getting the JR pass, this is another way you can make back some of that money. Find all the places you can get discounts here.
- Admittedly, a lot of places are just a free postcard, but as someone who collects almost every scrap of paper from my travels for my journal, I still think it’s pretty cool. But you can also get discounts at big tourists attractions like Shibuya Sky.
Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing the JR Pass
Purchasing the JR Pass online can be confusing, especially if you do not have someone to organize it for you. After reading the above, if you still think this pass is for you, here are the steps to purchasing:
Purchase a Voucher (Exchange Order)
- First, you need to purchase your JR Pass Exchange Order (voucher) online before arriving in Japan. The pass is only available to tourists so you cannot purchase it in Japan. This is the official site for purchasing.
- If you purchase from an overseas distributor (anyplace other than the site linked above) you must provide an address for an exchange voucher to be mailed to you. This can be either a home address or a designated address in Japan (like a hotel). Once the voucher gets delivered, you then need to bring it to an exchange office to get your actual pass.
- This method is WAY more complicated and I do not recommend it.
- If you buy directly from the official site, just head to the ticket office with the confirmation number you received when purchasing the pass. Click here for pickup locations.
- Once you buy the voucher, you have 3 months to exchange it for your rail pass.
Exchange Your Voucher
- If you purchased from an overseas distributor, once you get to Japan visit a JR Exchange Office with your passport and voucher. You have to specify the activation date of your pass (within 30 days from the exchange).
- If you bought directly from the official website, visit any exchange office to pick up your pass.
- You need to bring your passport to pick up the pass. A copy won’t be accepted, because they need to check your visitor stamp.
- You also need the reservation number you received when purchasing the pass.
Activate
- When you pick up your pass, you must choose an activation date. The activation date does not have to be the same day as the exchange date. However, it has to be within 30 days of the date in which the exchange is made.
- When choosing your activation date, keep in mind that the date cannot be altered once your JR Pass is already activated.
- Once activated, that’s it! Use your pass at any turnstile. It’s a pretty flimsy pass, so keep it somewhere safe!
- You CAN cancel your pass if you have not activated it yet. Once activated, you cannot cancel it.
Tip: Make sure you always carry your passport with your JR Pass, because sometimes the staff on the trains or at the station will ask to see it.
Here’s a short and informative video from the official site about purchasing and exchanging the JR Pass.
Even though it will likely save you money, deciding to purchase a JR pass is big financial decision. Did this post help you determine if the JR Pass is right for you? If so, let me know in the comments below!
