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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
