Japan Rail Pass

Home > Travel Tips > Japan Rail Pass

Travel in Japan is extremely convenient. Train lines connect every major city making it easy to get around. Trains, buses, and subways are reliable and rarely late. For example, if your train is scheduled to depart at 1:53 pm, it will actually leave at 1:53 pm.

Many tourists take advantage of the Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass), which offers unlimited use of the Japan Railways (JR) trains, including the Shinkansen, or bullet train. It can save you a lot of money, but you have to buy the pass before you enter Japan.

Should You Buy a Japan Rail Pass?

Train Departing at 13:53

Price

If you’re going to be on a tourist visa and plan to do any long-distance travel while in Japan, then it is probably worth it to get the Rail Pass.

Kyoto Station

©JNTO

For example, a round-trip ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto is 27,820 yen. To compare, the cost of the Rail Pass (7-day Ordinary) is 29,110 yen. That’s nearly the same price!

Add in the cost of the train from Narita airport to Tokyo station (3,020 yen one-way), and the Rail Pass has already paid for itself.

Japan Rail Pass

Types of Rail Passes

The JR Pass is available for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, Ordinary or Green Car. The Green Car is considered the first class cabin. It offers more space and is less crowded than the Ordinary cars.

Green Car on Shinkansen

Where to Buy

You have to plan ahead if you are interested in getting the Rail Pass. They are not available to buy in Japan. The passes are available to purchase online. Shop around because the price can vary from website to website. The price also fluctuates according to the exchange rate.

Rail Pass Exchange at Narita Airport

How to Exchange Your Voucher

When you arrive in Japan, you can exchange your voucher for the Rail Pass at the airport and at most major train stations. Take your voucher and passport (with a Temporary Visitor stamp) to a ticket counter and you will receive your Rail Pass.

Riding the Shinkansen with Friends

Seat Reservations

You don’t need seat reservations on most trains, but they offer peace of mind and convenience on the high-speed trains. All seat reservations are free with the Rail Pass. Just show your Rail Pass at a ticket counter to get your tickets.

Local Train in Japan

Local trains do not offer seat reservations. To ride a local train, all you have to do is show your Rail Pass to the staff at the ticket gate. You do not need to stand in line for a ticket or go through the automatic ticket gates.

TESTIMONIALS

“Our trip to Japan with Becki and Shawn was absolutely amazing! Their knowledge of Japan and ability to speak the language made everything so much easier.”

Andy & Amy

“Y’all are the best! Both of you are really what made this trip so fun! Thank you so much!”

Michael

“Becki’s exceptional Japanese took us through the intimate corners of Japan where we could interact in a relaxed atmosphere.”

Judy

“This was a very personal, customized, small group adventure that covered a lot of ground in a short period of time. The hotels were excellent and the food was varied and delicious. I am a raving fan!”

Hal

“Shawn and Becki are excellent guides and we recommend their tours highly.”

Mary & Barry

“This was a fabulously well organized tour and very well thought out. Becki and Shawn were also caring, thoughtful and insightful.”

Fabienne

“I appreciated the attention to detail, the care and thoughtfulness of you both, and the good humor. It enabled me to relax and enjoy Japan so much more.”

Sue

“I cannot recommend Japan and More highly enough! Our family of five spent about three weeks in Japan with Shawn and Becki, and we had an extraordinary experience of a lifetime.”

Peter

“Shawn and Becki are very helpful with Japanese culture and how to maneuver around Japan.”

Wanda & Andy

“Every detail seemed to have been taken care of. Most importantly they truly listen to your requests and they work really hard to fulfill them. We had so much fun. A trip to brag about forever.”

Anita & Adam

“Thank you for your warmth and perfect planning. The trip was wonderful and exceeded my expectations on every level.”

Susan

“Becki & Shawn put together an incredible experience for us in Japan. They made everything fun, easy & I couldn’t have asked for more!”

Robert & Stephanie

“The trip was amazing. It was everything I could have hoped for! I would not have been able to see and learn so much if it weren’t for Becki and Shawn!”

Blythe

“This was one of the best tours I have ever taken so far. Really experienced Japanese culture and food.”

Raj

“The main highlight was the energy and personalities of the tour guides, Becki and Shawn.”

Amaro

“Going on this tour was like spending time with old friends, even though we only met Becki and Shawn a week ago. Thank you for an authentic expat experience.”

John & Karen

“Becki and Shawn are beautifully organized. Everything is done with charm and kindness. Can’t ask for more!”

Lynn

“This trip exceeded our expectations. Becki and Shawn even accommodated our special interests in textiles and crafts. Their outgoing personalities and cheerfulness made everything fun. Thank you so much for everything!”

Elizabeth & David

“Becki and Shawn, thank you for a wonderful introduction to Japan, it’s culture, people, cuisine, and history…Thank you both for making this tour so special.”

Trudi & Lou

“Your well organized tour allowed us to see the culture, people and cities of Japan. We were relaxed and enjoyed all of it.”

Lise & Jeff

“I was able to see so much, cover so much ground and experience places I would not have even considered without Becki’s guidance. She is truly an expert on the country and culture! It’s a magical place.”

Jennifer

“I have been on many many escorted tours and I can honestly say this has been the best one. You provided exactly what you promised and still exceeded my expectations.”

Geri