Going to Japan and looking for alternatives on saving money with transportation? Get to know everything about the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). Viver a Viagem went to Japan, used it and share the experience with you.

Just like in Europe the usage of train as a mean of transport is widespread in Japan. The country has one of the most dense rail network in the world.

• What is the Japan Rail Pass?
• Eligibility;
• Coverage area;
• Prices of Exchange Orders;
• Is it worth it?
• Validity
• Usage restrictions
• Purchasing the Exchange Order;
• Using the Japan Rail Pass;

What is the Japan Rail Pass?

Commuting in Japan is very easy, and most of the time meaning you will use trains to do it. By linking the rail network and tourism Japan Railway created a rail pass that enables foreigners take advantage on that network and save money.

Eligibility

• Foreigners visiting Japan for sightseeing under temporary tourism visa status;
• Japanese national living outside of Japan who meets the following conditions:
  • has the right of permanent residence in that country;
  • married to a non-Japanese residing in a country other than Japan;

Coverage area

Japan Rail Pass covers all JR train lines (local, express, limited and bullet train), Tokyo monorail, JR local buses and Miyajima ferry.

Train

Download full map in pdf.

Train lines in Japan are run by Japan Railway (JR) and private companies. For better maintenance they are split into regional companies. There are six JR regional companies: JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR, West, JR Shikoku and JR Kyushu.

In March 2015 Hokuriku bullet train line was launched, connecting Nagano to Kanazawa.

One year later, in March 2016 Hokkaido bullet train line was launched connecting Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate Hokuto in four hours. Future extension line will take the shinkasen to Sapporo.

Bus

Owners of the pass have also access to JR local bus lines: JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokai Bus, JR Shikoku Bus, West Japan JR Bus, Chugoku JR Bus and JR Kyushu Bus.

Ferry

Miiyajima ferry connecting Hiroshima to Miyajima island is also accessible through JR Rail Pass.

Monorail

O passe também é válido para o Tokyo Monorail, monotrilho que conecta o Aeroporto de Haneda à linha Yamanote da JR.

Prices of Exchange Orders

There are two types of Japan Rail Pass: Green (superior-class) and Ordinary. Each of these types is available as a 7/14/21 consecutive days pass.

Children who are age 6 through 11 are eligible for child PASS fare.

Is it worth it?

Most people read about JR Rail Pass and assume it’s the best deal to get. However, there are other regional passes worth the research. Prices are even better because they cover a smaller area. Don’t forget that JR Pass encompasses all the rail, bus and bullet train lines throughout the country.

Combining Japan Rail Pass and regional passes is the key to save money while traveling within Japan

Evaluating

1. Know your itinerary. Enlist the cities you want to visit and trace a linear route. Calculate the fare for each leg. You can access both Jorudan and Hyperdia for timetable and fares;
2. Get to know regional passes available for the cities around where you want to visit. Write down, prices and coverage;
3. Then, compare side by side and decide whereas the Japan Rail Pass is worth for your itinerary;

I stayed 30 days in Japan and purchased the 7-day pass. For the other days I got regional passes.

Validity

You must exchange your order voucher up to 90 days after the purchase.

Usage restrictions

It is not possible to ride both Nozomi (connecting Tokyo to Hakata) and Mizuho (connecting shin-Osana to Kagoshima-Chuo) bullet trains. Both are limited and have less stops along the way. There are other bullet trains running the same route with more stops, thus eligible for JR Rail Pass.

Express JR bus routes are not eligible as well.

Purchasing the Exchange Order

The voucher can be purchased at a JR designated sales office.

Once you purchase it, you will receive a Exchange Order voucher that must be exchanged for the Japan Rail Pass at any designated JR sales office in Japan. Search for a JR office in Japan.

Using the Japan Rail Pass

So you have the Japan Rail Pass in your hands. Now you have to set a day to start using it. Including that day, count 7, 14 or 21 days. That’s the period you will be able to use the pass.

Can you exchange someone’s Exchange Order?

No, you can’t.

How do you find a train to hop on?

Go to Jorudan or Hyperdia find the train and then go to the train station. Once you get to the station, check the timetable and board the train.

Reserved versus non reserved seats

For most carts reservation is not compulsory. As there are many trains per day seats are plentiful.

However, there are some trains such as Narita Express (taking people from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport) that require you to reservation.

Also, keep in mind that reserving a seat may come in handy during holidays, cherry blossom and autumn foliage season. Placing a reserve is free of charges for Japan Rail Pass holders.

For reserving a seat head to the train station and look for midori no madoguchi ticket office.

Boarding the train

If you don’t have a reserved seat ticket the rail pass is your ticket. Just find the train you want and board. Show both Japan Rail Pass and passport at the ticker gate and head to your platform.

Pay attention to the signs on each cart indicating which have reserved and non-reserved seats.

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