Japan Rail Pass/JR Pass Information

Japan Rail Pass / JR Pass Information

You may click the Order Online icon to purchase at this time, however we suggest that you take the time to read the important information below. This contains pass prices, pass types, ticket office locations, restrictions and the other useful information.

What is a JR Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass offers a wonderful opportunity for extensive and inexpensive rail travel throughout Japan. It covers virtually all Japan Railways (JR) trains: Shinkansen ("bullet trains"), long-distance Limited Express trains, airport express shuttle trains, local trains, as well as certain buses, and one ferry. The pass comes in both an Ordinary (coach class) and Green (first class) versions: you can make seat reservations free of charge in either class. The Japan Rail Pass is your key to transport ranging from world-renowned bullet trains dashing between major cities to charming local trains linking half-forgotten little villages. Enjoy all the convenience, comfort and safety of travel on Japan Railways.

Why should I use the Japan Rail Pass - JR Pass?

In the table below are some examples of the savings and advantages of using Japan Rail Passes - JR Passes

Narita Airport ~ Tokyo ~ Kyoto

Train:	Route:	Price (round trip):
Narita Express	Narita Airport Station ~ Tokyo Station	¥5,880
Bullet Train "Hikari"	Tokyo Station ~ Kyoto Station	¥26,440

Total Ticket Cost: ¥32,320
Compared to 7 Day JR Pass: ¥28,300

As you can see in this example you save approximately ¥4000 ($40.00). In addition to the savings you are also allowed to use any JR train and JR buses (some restrictions apply) for the full seven days during your stay in Japan.

Narita Airport ~ Tokyo ~ Osaka

Train:	Route:	Price (round trip):
Narita Express	Narita Airport Station ~ Tokyo Station	¥5,880
Bullet Train "Hikari"	Tokyo Station ~ Shin Osaka Station	¥27,500

Total Ticket Cost: ¥33,380
Compared to 7 Day JR Pass: ¥28,300

As you can see in this example you save approximately ¥5000 ($50.00). In addition to the savings you are also allowed to use any JR train and JR buses (some restrictions apply) for the full seven days during your stay in Japan.

Who is eligible?

1.	You are a foreign tourist visiting Japan from "abroad for sight-seeing" under the entry status of "temporary visitor".

2.	"Temporary visitor" entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for "sight-seeing, etc."If you apply for a "stay for sight-seeing" when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as "temporary visitor". Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a JR East Pass.

JR Pass types and prices

Type	Green		Ordinary
Duration	Adult	Child	Adult	Child
7-day	¥ 37,800	¥ 18,900	¥ 28,300	¥ 14,150
14-day	¥ 61,200	¥ 30,600	¥ 45,100	¥ 22,550
21-day	¥ 79,600	¥ 39,800	¥ 57,700	¥ 28,850

Age Key:
	= Green Adult: Age 12 and over		= Ordinary Adult: Age 12 and over
	= Green Child: Age 6-11*		= Ordinary Youth: Age 6-11*
* Children Under 5 are free		* Children Under 5 are free

How to obtain a Japan Rail Pass?

You must purchase an Exchange Order prior to departure for Japan (the Exchange Order cannot be purchased inside Japan). After you arrive in Japan, you turn in the Exchange Order to receive the actual JR Pass at an applicable JR station that has a JR Pass exchange office.

For Information on JR Pass Exchange Offices Click Here.

How to reserve your seat assignment.

1.	Shinkansen and most limited express and ordinary express trains have reserved Green car seats and both reserved and non-reserved ordinary car seats.

2.	A non-reserved seat can be used simply by showing your JR Pass.

3.	Seat reservations can be made without additional payment (see details at the link below). To make a reservation, apply at any Travel Service Center or a Reservation Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) at a JR station, or at a sales office of a JR-associated travel agency. There, show your JR Pass, and obtain your reserved-seat ticket before boarding. For Japan Rail Pass Online Seat Reservations, Click Here.

Valid Period

1.	You must exchange your JR Pass Voucher (Exchange Order) for an actual JR Pass within three(3) months from the date the Voucher was issued.

2.	At that time, you must specify the date you want to start using the JR Pass. It can be any date within one (1) month from the date the JR Pass is received.

3.	Once the JR Pass has a starting date written on it, the date cannot be changed.