The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a valuable option for travelers looking to explore Japan by train. This pass offers complete freedom of movement across the JR rail network, making it easier to discover the country's many wonders without worrying about purchasing individual tickets.
What is the Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass is a special pass designed exclusively for foreign tourists, allowing unlimited travel on train lines operated by Japan Railways (JR). There are two main types of passes: a national pass covering all of Japan and regional passes tailored to specific areas, ideal for those focusing on a particular region.
Options and Value
The national JR Pass is available in three versions, offering validity for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. It grants access to most JR trains, including the famous Shinkansen (Japanese bullet trains).
While the pass offers great flexibility, its value depends on the intensity of your travel plans. For instance, a round trip between Tôkyô and Kyôto costs approximately 28,380 yen (~180 €), while a 7-day JR Pass costs 317 €. This means the pass becomes cost-effective if you plan to take additional long-distance trips during your stay.
To accurately calculate the value of your pass based on your itinerary, you can use websites like Navitime, which is often more reliable than Google Maps for train schedules and fares in Japan.
Regional JR Passes: A More Affordable Option
Regional JR Passes, typically available for shorter durations (usually less than 5 days), are often more financially advantageous. They are perfect for travelers planning to visit only one region, such as Kansai, Kyûshû, or Hokkaidô.
These passes allow unlimited travel within the selected region without worrying about additional costs.
Who Can Buy a JR Pass?
The JR Pass is available only to foreign tourists staying in Japan on a tourist visa for less than 90 days. Japanese residents are generally not eligible, except those living abroad for more than 10 years under certain specific conditions.
How Much Does a National JR Pass Cost?
The cost of a JR Pass varies depending on the duration and class chosen (Ordinary or Green Car). Here are the prices listed on the Japan Experience website (with free shipping).
| Duration | Category | Ordinary | Green car |
| 7 consecutive days | Adulte | 317 € | 452 € |
| Enfant | 159 € | 226 € | |
| 14 consecutive days | Adulte | 516 € | 700 € |
| Enfant | 255 € | 350 € | |
| 21 consecutive days | Adulte | 636 € | 891 € |
| Enfant | 318 € | 446 € |
The Green Car option corresponds to a higher class with more spacious and comfortable seats, and more luggage space, mainly available on the Shinkansen and some long-distance express trains.
What is the Validity of the National JR Pass?
The national JR Pass covers a wide range of services, offering exceptional flexibility for exploring Japan. It is valid on the following JR train networks: JR Central, JR East, JR Hokkaidô, JR Kyûshû, JR Shikoku, and JR West. You can travel on local trains, limited express, express, rapid trains, and, of course, the Shinkansen.
In addition to trains, the JR Pass is valid on certain specific services such as:
- Tôkyô Monorail: Connects Haneda Airport to Hamamatsuchô Station, with an easy transfer to the JR Yamanote Line, ideal for getting around Tôkyô.
- Miyajima Ferry: Allows free access to Miyajima Island from Hiroshima, a must-visit for its shrines and Mount Misen.
- Certain private train lines not directly connected to the JR network but accessible via another company:
- Aoimori Railway between Aomori, Noheji, and Hachinohe to access the JR Ominato Line.
- IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata to access the JR Nanao Line.
- Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka to access the JR Himi and JR Johana Lines.
- Certain bus lines operated by JR:
- Yamaguchi - Hagi
- Kyôto Station - Ryoanji - Takao
- Kanazawa Station - Kenrokuen
- Tôkyô Station - Tokyo Big Sight
- JR Bus to Lake Towada
- JR tourist bus in Hiroshima
- JR tourist bus in Sapporo
- JR Bus to Kusatsu Onsen
What are the Restrictions of the National JR Pass?
The JR Pass does not cover all forms of transportation, so it’s important to be aware of its limitations to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Private lines and Metros
The JR Pass does not cover train or bus lines operated by private companies (with a few exceptions mentioned above), nor does it cover metro networks in major cities. For instance, in Tôkyô, you’ll need to pay to use the metro or Odakyû trains, but not the JR Yamanote Line.
Night Trains and Long-Distance Buses
Night trains, even those operated by JR, are not included in the JR Pass. Additionally, long-distance intercity buses are not covered, although there are specific passes for these services.
Where to Buy a JR Pass?
All JR Passes can be purchased online via the Japan Experience website, which we promote without receiving any commission. You will receive a voucher by mail that must be exchanged for the JR Pass in Japan within 3 months of purchase.
You can also buy a JR Pass through travel agencies or directly in Japan at Haneda, Narita, and Osaka airports. However, we advise against these options as they are much more expensive than ordering in advance online.
How Does the JR Pass Work?
1) Get your JR Pass
Once in Japan, you must exchange your voucher for the JR Pass at one of the designated collection points, such as major JR stations or international airports. Be mindful of the office hours to avoid any issues.
Also, many tourists collect their JR Passes at airports, where the lines can be extremely long. It's not uncommon to wait more than an hour to get your JR Pass. A better alternative is to leave the airport by paying for your transportation and pick up your JR Pass the next day at a major JR station (Tôkyô, Shinjuku, etc.).
2) Choose an Activation Start Date
When you pick up your JR Pass, you must choose an activation date. This choice is crucial, as once activated, the pass is valid for the number of consecutive days purchased (7, 14, or 21 days) and cannot be changed.
You can activate it immediately or up to 30 days after collection. For example, if a 7-day pass is activated on March 1st, it will be valid from March 1st at 00:01 until March 7th at 23:59.
3) Using du JR Pass
From the first day of activation, you can use the JR Pass to board JR trains without needing an additional ticket. At the automatic gates, simply insert the pass to open the barrier. If there’s an issue, an attendant is always available to assist you.
Reservations and Using the Shinkansen
While reservations are not required for the Shinkansen (except on the Kagayaki and Hayabusa trains, which have reserved seats only), they are highly recommended, especially during peak hours and busy periods like holidays. Reservations are free for JR Pass holders and can be made at no cost at the "Midori No Madoguchi" (みどりの窓口) counters found in major stations. Without a JR Pass, reservations are paid.
When accessing the platforms, insert your JR Pass into the machine. If you have a reservation, also insert the reservation ticket. Be sure to retrieve your tickets after validation, as you might be checked on board.
Baggage on the Shinkansen
For large luggage, with a combined dimension (height + width + depth) between 160 cm and 250 cm, a special reservation is required. This reservation is free but mandatory. If you haven’t made the reservation, a fine of 1,000 yen (~8 €) may be imposed.
Smaller luggage (less than 160 cm) can be placed on the overhead racks. Luggage exceeding 250 cm is not allowed on board and must be sent via a delivery service like Takkyubin.
