Japan Rail pass
JR rail pass
For long distance train travel in Japan, the Japan rail pass is the best and national wide pass. Designed exclusively for foreign tourists, the pass provides unrestricted access to JR trains for a duration of one, two, or three weeks. This pass comes in two varieties: ordinary and green car. The latter is specifically for green cars, the luxurious first-class train cars renowned for their more expansive and comfortable seating compared to ordinary cars.
Validity
- JR Trains:
The Japan Rail Pass opens the door to an extensive adventure on Japan’s railways. It’s your golden ticket to hop on nearly all trains within the vast JR network, from the lightning-fast Shinkansen to the scenic local routes. Take a look at the map below to discover the major lines that are covered by this pass.
- Tokyo Monorail to/from Haneda Airport:
If you’re flying in or out of Haneda Airport in Tokyo, the Japan Rail Pass has you covered for a smooth transition with access to the Tokyo Monorail.
- JR Ferry to Miyajima (Visitor Tax Not Included):
Experience the charm of Miyajima Island via the JR Ferry, compliments of your pass. Just note that the 100 yen visitor tax is not part of the deal.
- Venture Beyond on Select Non-JR Trains:
For those hidden gems on remote JR lines that seem unreachable, your Japan Rail Pass can be your magic key. Enjoy select non-JR trains to access these isolated routes. Remember, though, that you’ll need to embark and disembark at stations connected to a JR line. Here are a few non-JR train journeys you can embark upon:
- Aoimori Railway: Traverse between Aomori, Noheji, and Hachinohe to access the JR Ominato Line leading to the enchanting Shimokita Peninsula.
- IR Ishikawa Railway: Linking Kanazawa and Tsubata, this route grants access to the JR Nanao Line, your gateway to the scenic Noto Peninsula.
- Ainokaze Toyama Railway: Travel from Toyama to Takaoka, unlocking access to the JR Himi Line and JR Johana Line.
● Local JR Buses
The Japan Rail Pass isn’t just about trains; it extends its benefits to a select few local buses operated by JR (please note, this does not include highway buses). Here’s how these bus routes can enhance your journey as a foreign traveler:
Yamaguchi – Hagi
Kyoto Station – Ryoanji – Takao
Kanazawa Station – Kenrokuen
Tokyo Station – Tokyo Big Sight
JR Buses to Lake Towada
JR Tourist Loop Bus in Hiroshima
JR City Buses around Sapporo
JR Local Bus to Kusatsu Onsen
The Japan Rail Pass isn’t just a ticket; it’s your gateway to exploring Japan’s diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Whether you’re riding the iconic Shinkansen or embarking on a scenic bus journey, this pass ensures you can make the most of your Japanese adventure.
Navigating the Japan Rail Pass, where It Doesn’t Apply:
- Non-JR Trains:
While the Japan Rail Pass is your key to exploring the majority of Japan’s railway system, it’s important to note that it doesn’t hold sway over non-JR trains. JR boasts an extensive network that includes iconic Shinkansen routes, but Japan also has several other railway operators. These operators tend to focus on smaller regional networks, and in some cases, they run single lines. You’ll often find them connecting the suburbs of Japan’s major cities. Additionally, many of Japan’s subway systems are not under JR’s jurisdiction. When it comes to non-JR trains, the Japan Rail Pass typically doesn’t grant access.
So, while your pass unlocks a wealth of rail travel possibilities, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations when venturing beyond the JR realm.
- Nozomi and Mizuho Trains on the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen Routes
When it comes to the speed demons of the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen lines, namely the Nozomi and Mizuho trains, there’s an important caveat to be aware of – the need for a supplementary fee. These trains are renowned for their rapid pace and are a preferred choice for travelers looking to reach their destinations quickly. However, this convenience comes at an additional cost.
The amount of this fee depends on the distance you plan to travel and is consistent across all seat types, whether unreserved, reserved, or Green class (note that only Green pass holders are eligible for Green car seats). To give you an idea of what to expect, here are the supplemental fees for some popular sections of the journey:
Tokyo to Nagoya: 4,180 yen
Tokyo to Kyoto: 4,960 yen
Tokyo to Shin-Osaka: 4,960 yen
Tokyo to Hiroshima: 6,500 yen
Tokyo to Hakata: 8,140 yen
Shin-Osaka to Hiroshima: 4,170 yen
Shin-Osaka to Hakata: 4,960 yen
Shin-Osaka to Kagoshima-Chuo: 9,460 yen
Hakata to Kagoshima-Chuo: 4,500 yen
To secure your seat on the Nozomi and Mizuho trains, you’ll need to obtain a “Nozomi Mizuho Ticket,” which covers the supplemental fee. These tickets can be conveniently purchased at ticket counters located in major JR stations throughout Japan. So, if you’re eager to experience the thrill of high-speed rail travel in Japan, make sure you have your Nozomi Mizuho Ticket ready to go.
- JR trains operating non-JR tracks
Around a dozen JR trains operate on tracks that are not owned by Japan Rail (JR) companies, and passengers holding a Japan Rail Pass will need to cover the fare for these specific non-JR sections.
- Special compartments and berths
A supplement fee has to be paid for the special night compartment and night trains are not fully covered in Japan rail pass.
- Trains requiring liner tickets
Some suburban “home liner” trains, requiring a unique “liner ticket,” aren’t included in the Japan Rail Pass. These are mainly for suburban commuters and less likely to be used by foreign tourists. Adding to the complexity, certain trains with “Liner” in their names, like the Marine Liner and Seaside Liner, don’t demand a liner ticket and are entirely covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
- Highway buses
The Japan rail pass is not valid on any highway buses. Although it was valid in spring 2013 on a few JR highway buses.
The Japan rail pass has a few additional features:
- Discounts for some tourist sides and services
JR Pass holders can gain profit from discounts and free gifts at a selected shops and sightseeing spots. The discounts are typically of 10% which is a 100 Yen and gifts are basically a free postcard. You can also check the list of discounts on the official website.
- Free seat reservation
The JR pass holder pass can reserve their seat on JR trains for free.
Purchase and Exchange
There are two ways to purchase a Japan rail pass.
- Through the official website
If you are planning to purchase the Japan Rail Pass from the official website, you are required to specify a start date within one month during the purchase process. If you book the pass via the official website then you can book online reservation seats of your choice after the purchase. Later in Japan you only need your passport to collect the pass in Japan.
- Through online and offline travel agents
Many travel agents, be it online or offline have an authority to sell Japan rail pass including Japan Experience and klook. If you are purchasing through one of them then you’ll receive a voucher, this voucher later needs to be exchanged to the actual pass within Japan in 3 months of time period from the purchase. When you exchange the voucher for the actual pass, you can select your preferred start date within a one-month window. Purchasing the pass through travel agencies offers the added benefit of being able to bundle it with other travel products, potentially earning you points or discounts in the process. Also for the knowledge, selling of passes at the train station inside Japan was discontinued in September 2023.
Who can use it?
The Japan Rail Pass is exclusively available for individuals categorized as “temporary visitors” in Japan. Additionally, Japanese citizens who can provide evidence of having permanently lived abroad for a minimum of the last ten years are also eligible to use the pass. However, it is not accessible to residents of Japan.
Where and how can the voucher be exchanged?
You can exchange the voucher at specific major JR stations throughout Japan, including Narita Airport and Kansai Airport JR stations. For a comprehensive list of these designated stations and their operating hours, please refer to this page. Simply present your voucher and your passport (please note that photocopies are not accepted) to the ticket counter personnel. They will complete the necessary procedures, and you will receive your Japan Rail Pass.
Selected a starting date
When you exchange your voucher for the actual pass, you have the flexibility to choose any date within a one-month timeframe as your starting date. It’s important to note that once the actual pass is issued, you cannot modify the chosen starting date. Those who purchase their pass through the official website must decide on the starting date during the purchase process and are unable to make changes to it afterward.
How to use the Japan rail pass
Please refer to our individual pages for detailed information on using trains and Shinkansen in Japan. In most cases, the Japan Rail Pass serves as your ticket, eliminating the need for any additional tickets. However, if you intend to use a reserved seat, you will be required to obtain a seat reservation ticket. It’s worth noting that seat reservations are complimentary with the Japan Rail Pass.
Rail pass holder can use automatic ticket gates
Starting from June 2020, individuals holding the pass have the option to utilize the automatic ticket gates when entering railway stations. This is a departure from the previous requirement, where pass holders had to go through the manned gate and present their rail pass to the station staff.
How to make a seat reservation?
Japan Rail Pass holders have the privilege of making complimentary seat reservations at ticket machines or ticket offices throughout Japan once they have exchanged their voucher for the actual pass. It’s important to note that seat reservations cannot be arranged on the trains themselves. Additionally, individuals who bought their pass through the official website can also conveniently make seat reservations online via the same website. For more comprehensive information on how to make seat reservations, please refer to the pages dedicated to using trains and Shinkansen.
Is seat reservation necessary?
Most trains in Japan offer passengers the option of seat reservations, but it’s important to note that on many urban and local trains, this option may not be available. However, there is a select group of trains where seat reservations are mandatory, and they include:
- Narita Express (Tokyo – Narita Airport)
- Hayabusa and Hayate trains on the Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen
- Komachi trains on the Akita Shinkansen
- Tsubasa trains on the Yamagata Shinkansen
- Kagayaki trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen
- Limited express trains departing from Osaka/Kyoto towards Amanohashidate, Kinosaki Onsen, and Kumano.
- Sunrise Seto/Izumo night trains
Additionally, during the New Year, Golden Week, and Obon holidays, Nozomi trains on the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen temporarily require full reservations.
Seat reservation are recommended?
While numerous trains in Japan do not typically fill up, there are instances, particularly during peak hours and busy travel seasons, where some trains may reach capacity. To ensure a comfortable and stress-free journey, it is advisable to make seat reservations, particularly if you are traveling with a group and wish to sit together. It’s important to note that seat reservations are complimentary for rail pass holders. Furthermore, on a select few trains, reservations are obligatory.
What if a train is missed due to some reason?
Such a situation can be disruptive for both fellow passengers and the railway company, and it’s essential to make every effort to prevent it. In the event that you find yourself in this situation, it’s advisable to promptly cancel your reservation at a ticket office before it becomes problematic. This will allow you the option to either board a later train in the non-reserved section or make a new reservation for a forthcoming departure.
Does Japan rail pass payoff?
Before the significant price hike in October 2023, the Japan Rail Pass provided excellent value for just a few extended journeys. However, with the new pricing, the pass will often be costlier than standard train tickets or even air travel for the majority of travel plans. It will now be a financially advantageous option primarily for travelers covering exceptionally long distances within a brief timeframe, such as the Tokyo-Kyoto-Hiroshima-Kanazawa-Tokyo route over 7 days, or for those who engage in multiple extensive side trips from a central location.
Nonetheless, the Japan Rail Pass continues to offer excellent value for individuals embarking on their first trip to Japan and those who find the intricacies of Japanese train tickets daunting. It caters to those who are willing to pay a premium for the convenience and flexibility afforded by the all-you-can-ride benefit of the pass. For instance, pass holders are relieved of the need to purchase individual tickets for each train journey and can make impromptu side trips without incurring extra expenses.
Will it be useful for urban transportation?
The Japan Rail Pass is not a cost-effective option for urban transportation alone; it truly shines when extensive long-distance travel is a part of the itinerary. Nevertheless, in cities with comprehensive JR train networks, the pass can also serve as a valuable asset for urban transit.
Tokyo and Osaka stand out as examples where the pass is notably advantageous, thanks to the coverage provided by Tokyo’s Yamanote Line and Osaka’s Loop Line. However, in many other cities, such as Kyoto, non-JR train systems, subways, and buses are typically more convenient modes of urban transportation, even though they are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Green car vs ordinary car
Green cars provide passengers with more spacious seats, extra legroom, and improved onboard services. They also tend to be less crowded compared to regular cars. You can find green cars on the majority of Shinkansen and limited express trains, as well as on a select few local trains. While many travelers find the seat size and legroom in regular seats adequate, those seeking an added level of comfort may opt for the green car.
Is upgrading to a green car possible?
While it is an option, it’s important to note that with the ordinary rail pass, only the base fare is included. The additional costs for the green car and potential supplements for Shinkansen or limited express trains must be paid separately, and this can often result in a significant additional expense.
Can JR pass be shared or transferred?
The Japan Rail Pass is non-transferable and can only be used by the individual whose name appears on the pass. Railway personnel may request passengers to present their passports as a means of verifying ownership of the pass.
Till when is the validity?
The Japan Rail Pass operates on a calendar day basis, from midnight to midnight, rather than a 24-hour cycle. For instance, if you commence using a 7 day pass at noon on the first day, it will conclude at midnight at the conclusion of the seventh day, rather than at noon on the eighth day.
What if travelling on the train and pass expires at midnight?
If you find yourself on a train at midnight, the pass continues to be valid until the completion of your journey, which means when you exit the final station through the ticket gates. This rule applies even if you transfer to different trains after midnight. However, if you switch to a Shinkansen or limited express train after midnight, the pass will no longer cover the express supplement for that particular train.
