Japan Rail Pass Benefits: Why it’s great for travelers
The Japan Rail Pass (JRP) gives you unlimited rides on JR trains, including most Shinkansen bullet trains, for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. It is exclusive to travellers who meet the Japan Rail Pass eligibility requirements.
- It allows unlimited JR train rides nationwide providing great flexibility.
- You can make significant savings e.g. 22% off for the "Golden Route" for 7 days.
- Free seat reservations on most services are included.
- Family-friendly pricing: Children aged 6–11 travel at 50% of the adult price, while children under 6 travel for free.
- Most Japan Rail Pass Shinkansen lines are covered (Nozomi and Mizuho require an add-on ticket).
- Airport lines from big cities like Tokyo. Narita Express (N'EX) (from Narita airport) and Tokyo Monorail (from Haneda airport) are included.
Japan Rail Pass Guide
Hop from neon-lit Tokyo to serene temples in Kyoto, Hiroshima’s coastal shrine, or Mount Fuji, all on a single pass. It’s the easiest way to explore Japan’s cities and countryside without juggling separate tickets or schedules.
But what does it cover? How do you get it?
This Japan Rail Pass Guide will answer all of your pressing questions. Let’s get ready for an exciting and hassle free trip to Japan!
Japan Rail Pass Coverage
The below map is only a general representation of the Japan Rail Group's train network.
Know Your Japan Rail Pass: Where You Can (and Can't) Ride
The Japan Rail Pass is a great value, efficient and highly convenient alternative to buying individual tickets. However, it's worth knowing what you can access and the general restrictions, which involves buying supplementary tickets.
What is Included?
- Unlimited JR Trains: Access to all Local, Rapid, and Limited Express JR trains nationwide.
- The Fastest Shinkansen: The Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains with an additional seat reservation fee. (It will be necessary for pass holders to purchase an upgrade ticket at any JR office in Japan)
- Most Bullet Trains: Includes the Hikari, Sakura, Kodama, and Hayabusa Shinkansen services (seat reservations are free).
- Airport Transfers: The Narita Express (Tokyo, Narita airport), Tokyo Monorail (Tokyo, Haneda airport), and Haruka Express (Osaka/Kyoto airport).
- Local JR Buses & Ferries: Includes local bus lines and the JR-West Miyajima Ferry.
- Isolated Connecting Lines: Limited travel on specific non-JR railways (e.g., Aoimori, Ainokaze Toyama, IR Ishikawa) is allowed solely to connect between JR stations.
What is Not Included?
- City Subways & Private Lines: Services like the Tokyo Metro, Odakyu, or Kintetsu are not covered.
- Long-Distance Buses: JR "Highway" or "Express" buses require separate tickets.
- Miyajima Visitor Tax: While the ferry is covered, the ¥100 island tax must be paid in cash upon arrival.
- Commuter "Liner" Trains: Special rush-hour trains requiring a liner ticket.
Class Comparison: Ordinary vs. Green
Japan Rail Pass offers two types of passes. Both include free seat reservations and full access to JR ticket offices and machines.
| Feature | Ordinary (2nd Class) | Green (1st Class) |
|---|---|---|
| Unlimited rides on JR lines | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free seat reservations | ✅ | ✅ |
| Reclining seats | ❌ | ✅ |
| Privacy and quiet compartment | ❌ | ✅ |
| Extra seating space | ❌ | ✅ |
| Additional amenities including drinks | ❌ | ✅ |
| Oshibori wet towel | ❌ | ✅ |
Pass Eligibility
The Japan Rail Pass is subject to strict government regulations.
- When visiting Japan: you must have a "Temporary Visitor" stamp on your passport which you secure on arrival. This is a key requirement of use.
Cancellation Policy
- Refunds are allowed: up to 6 months from the Exchange Voucher issue date if it has not been redeemed.
- The Exchange Voucher must be redeemed for a Japan Rail Pass: within 90 days of issue.
- Lost vouchers can be refunded: within 6 months only if not exchanged and subject to supplier confirmation. Refund processing typically takes 1–3 months.
Itinerary Inspirations
Maximize your time and budget with these popular travel plans. Whether you are planning a sprint across the Golden Route or a leisure journey from North to South, the Japan Rail Pass makes it possible.
Explore the examples below to see potential savings and find the best fit for you, to see whether you need the full Japan Rail Pass or just a ticket for a single route.
7 Day Pass Itinerary: The "Golden Route"
For a 7-day train journey through Japan, follow the famous Golden Route, which takes you from the modern capital, Tokyo, to the historic capital, Kyoto.
14 Day Pass Itinerary: Extended Golden Route
If you have two weeks, you can add even more destinations to your journey.
21 Day Pass Itinerary: North to South
For 3 weeks of unlimited JR train coverage, you can journey across Japan from North to South.
JR Pass not the right fit for you?
You can explore our individual train tickets to travel in Japan.
How to Buy & Exchange your Japan Rail Pass
How it Works
- Order Online: Buy your pass before you fly.
- **Receive *Exchange Voucher* We ship the physical Exchange Voucher to your home. Bring it to Japan!
- Exchange: Swap your Exchange Voucher for the actual Japan Rail Pass at a JR office upon arrival.
- Reserve: Use the pass to book specific train seats for free.
- Travel: Insert your pass at the ticket gate and enjoy the ride.
How to reserve seats at the ticket machine?
If you prefer or need to reserve seats later, you can do so at green JR ticket machines.
- Change the language to English (top-right corner).
- Select "Seat Reservation with Voucher Ticket".
- Insert only your Japan Rail Pass into the ticket slot.
- Press "All tickets inserted" to continue.
- Enter: Departure station and arrival station
- Select: Your preferred train and your preferred seat
- Confirm your selection.
Repeat this process for each ticket you want to book. After confirmation, the machine will return your Japan Rail Pass along with a seat reservation ticket.
How to Use the Japan Rail Pass at the Gate
- Local Trains: Insert your Japan Rail Pass into the automatic ticket gate slot.
- Reserved Trains: Insert both your Japan Rail Pass and your reservation ticket together into the gate slot at the same time (stacked).
- Important: Don't forget to retrieve your tickets as they pop out at the other end!
Luggage Rules for Shinkansen
If you are traveling with large suitcases (total dimensions 160cm–250cm) on the Tokaido, Sanyo, or Kyushu lines, you must follow these rules:
- Book the Right Seat: You must reserve a seat specifically with an "Oversized Baggage Area" at the ticket machine or counter.
- Book Before Boarding: You cannot reserve this space once you are on the train.
- Avoid the Fine: If you bring large luggage without this specific reservation, you will be charged ¥1,000.
Japan Rail Pass FAQs
No. You cannot buy the Japan Rail Pass in Japan. You must order it online before you travel. As of October 1, 2023, the Japan Rail Pass is not available for sale at stations or airports in Japan. You must purchase an Exchange Voucher online e.g. via Omio, have it shipped to your home address, and then exchange it for the actual pass upon arrival in Japan.
Unfortunately, no. Since the Exchange Voucher is a physical paper voucher that must be shipped to you by post, you cannot order it last minute. We recommend ordering at least 2 weeks before your trip to account for shipping times. Once you are in Japan, you cannot order the pass.
Non-Japanese Nationals: You are eligible if you are visiting Japan as a tourist with a "Temporary Visitor" stamp on your passport. You must enter through a manned immigration gate to receive this specific stamp (automated gates do not provide it). People on working holiday, military, diplomatic, or student visas are not eligible.
Japanese Citizens: You can buy the pass only if you reside abroad and have proof of 10 years of consecutive residency. You must possess one of the following prior to purchase:
- An "Overseas Residential Registration" from the Japanese Embassy.
- A "Certificate of Overseas Residence" from the Japanese Embassy.
- A permanent residency card (USA, Brazil, Canada) proving at least 10 years of residence.
You cannot book seats before arriving in Japan. Seat reservations can only be made once you have exchanged your voucher for the actual pass. Once you have the pass, reservations are free. You can book them at: * Ticket Machines: Scan the QR code on your pass at any JR machine with a passport reader. * Ticket Offices: Present your pass and passport to the staff at a Midori-no-madoguchi (Ticket Office).
* Airports (YES): The pass covers the Narita Express (Narita–Tokyo), Tokyo Monorail (Haneda–Tokyo), and Haruka Express (Kansai–Osaka/Kyoto). * Subways (NO): The pass does not cover private subway lines or railways (e.g., Tokyo Metro, Odakyu, Kintetsu, Nankai). * Buses (PARTIAL): It covers local JR buses, but not Highway/Express buses.
Generally, you can bring two pieces of luggage. However, if your suitcase has total dimensions (H+W+L) greater than 160 cm, you must adhere to the Baggage 160 rule: * Oversized Baggage Area: You must reserve a seat that includes space behind the rear seats. * Oversized Baggage Compartment: Located near washrooms; these are secure lockers but operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Failure to reserve space for oversized luggage may result in a fine.*
No. Regional passes usually cover specific areas (e.g., JR East for Tokyo, JR West for Kansai). The route between Tokyo and Kyoto traverses multiple regions, so only the nationwide Japan Rail Pass is valid for this specific journey.
* Lost Voucher (Before Travel): If you lose your Exchange Voucher before traveling, you can order a replacement (within 6 months of issue), and the lost one can be refunded. * Forgot Voucher: If you arrive in Japan without your physical Exchange Voucher, it cannot be reissued, reprinted, or refunded. * Lost Active Pass: If you lose the actual Japan Rail Pass in Japan, it cannot be reissued or refunded.
Cancellation may be requested within 6 months of purchase, provided that the voucher has not been exchanged or used. Once the voucher has been exchanged for a physical Japan Rail Pass, or if the pass has been used, cancellation and refunds are not permitted. Cancellation is free. Refund processing may take 1–3 months.
You activate the pass at a JR Ticket Office or Travel Service Center at major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai) or major stations (Tokyo, Shinjuku, Kyoto, Osaka). * Timing: The specific *time* of day you activate it doesn’t matter, only the date. * Future Activation: You can exchange your voucher today but choose a starting date up to 30 days in the future.
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