One of the best decisions you can make for your trip to Japan is to purchase a Japan Rail Pass. With this physical ticket, you can make the most of the extensive and reliable train network connecting every corner of Japan. Here’s everything you need to know about the Japan Rail Pass, from what it is and where it works to how you can get the most from it
What is the Japan Rail Pass?
Japan is known worldwide for its extremely efficient rail network that extends across the country. No matter where you want to travel across its four largest islands, you’re likely to find a train connection that can get you there. As such, it’s one of the best ways for international visitors to get around Japan.
Several factors contribute to the quality of Japan’s rail network. One is that the network is made up of a combination of different types of trains in Japan, such as local, regional, and high-speed trains, the last of which is the famous bullet train or shinkansen. Another factor is the extreme dedication it has to punctuality, with the average delay for Shinkansen trains just a matter of seconds. It also doesn’t hurt that stations are quite easy to navigate, with English signs and information available throughout.
But really, one of the most important reasons why train travel is so good for tourists is the Japan Rail Pass. With this one pass, foreign visitors gain unlimited travel all over Japan using trains operated by the Japan Railways (JR) Group. Composed of JR Central, JR East, JR West, JR Kyushu, JR Hokkaido & JR Shikoku, this group of six companies provide a whole range of regional and intercity train services, including shinkansen services. Using a JR Pass, you can freely travel as much as you like around Japan and potentially save lots of money in the process.
Who Can Use the Japan Rail Pass?
When looking into buying a Japan Rail Pass for your trip to Japan, you must understand who is eligible to use the pass. This is because the pass is not available for everyone and has strict requirements regarding nationality and visa status. We will go over all of this in this Japan Rail Pass Guide.
The Japan Rail Pass is only available for non-Japanese nationals on short tourism visits and Japanese nationals who live outside Japan and meet certain conditions. This means the Japan Rail Pass passenger must enter the country on a single-entry temporary sightseeing visitor visa of 15 or 90 days duration. It is not eligible for passengers who hold any other entry status or visa type regardless of duration, such as long-term visas which allow staying in Japan for more than 90 days, student visas, permanent residency visas, Tokubetsu Eijuken holders (Special permanent residency visa), entertainer visa, working holiday visa, military entry status, or any other visas which are not a temporary visitor visa with the purpose of sightseeing. To learn more about public transport in Japan check out our article on How To Travel in Japan.
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How the Japan Rail Pass Works
Because the Japan Rail Pass doesn’t work quite like an ordinary train ticket, the process of using it in the real world isn’t always clear. To ensure that there aren’t any problems for you when using the JR Pass, here’s a step-by-step guide to using your Japan Rail Pass.
Purchase Your Pass
The best way to buy your pass is from an authorized vendor before leaving for Japan. That’s because, while it’s possible to buy the pass when you get to Japan, it’s cheaper when bought from outside the country. Do know that passes can only be purchased up to 6 months in advance of the date you plan to use it, so don’t get too eager.
Receive Exchange Order
Upon completing your Japan Rail Pass purchase, JRPass.com will dispatch a physical Exchange Order to your specified address, regardless of your location. This document is crucial for activating your pass in Japan. Consequently, we strongly recommend ordering your pass with sufficient lead time to account for international shipping.
Activating Your Japan Rail Pass
Landing in Japan marks the start of an incredible adventure. To seamlessly begin your journey with the Japan Rail Pass, you’ll need to activate it at a designated Japan Rail (JR) Exchange Office. These offices are conveniently located at major airports and train stations across the country.
The Exchange Process
- Locate an Exchange Office: Upon arrival at airports like Narita or Kansai, or major stations such as Tokyo or Kyoto, look for the clearly marked JR Exchange Offices.
- Present Your Documents: Bring your Exchange Order (the voucher received after purchasing your JR Pass) and your passport.
- Choose Your Activation Date: You’ll select the date your pass will become valid. This date can be within 30 days of the exchange.
- Receive Your Japan Rail Pass: Once processed, you’ll receive your activated Japan Rail Pass, ready for unlimited JR travel.
Get Your Japan Rail Pass
Once at the office, you’ll hand both your order and passport over and fill out a form identifying your “Activation Day”, i.e., the date you would like to start using your Japan Rail Pass. Note that this date cannot be changed afterwards and must be within one month of receiving the pass.
Travel with your JR Pass
On the activation day you chose, look for the JR symbol at the station. Once at the turnstiles, show the attendant your pass and they’ll allow you to enter.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Exchange
- Allow Ample Time: Exchange offices can be busy, especially during peak travel seasons. Factor in extra time, particularly if you plan to travel immediately after arrival.
- Check Office Hours: Ensure the exchange office is open upon your arrival, as hours may vary.
- Have your documents ready: Having your exchange order and passport ready will speed up the process.
What Does the Japan Rail Pass Cover?
To avoid any confusion or problems when travelling by train with a Japan Rail Pass, it’s useful to know what it does and doesn’t cover. That’s because the JR Pass does not cover all train travel in Japan; it covers unlimited travel on most high-speed, limited express, express, rapid, and local JR train services. But like with everything in life, there are exceptions, as well as a few bonus inclusions in this Japan Rail Pass Guide.
Inclusions
Beyond the variety of JR train services on the classic network listed above, there are some specific train services that are included, such as:
– The Narita Express between Narita Airport and Tokyo;
– The Tokyo Monorail between Haneda Airport and Tokyo; and
– Local trains in cities like Tokyo operated by JR Group like the especially useful Yamanote loop line.
Exclusions
While the JR Pass covers trains in the JR network, there are a few notable exceptions. The most important are the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen services, which run on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
To ride the Nozomi and Mizuho trains, you will now need to purchase a special supplemental ticket. So while the lines are used in the JR network, those two specific train services have extra cost associated with them.
Luckily, there are other Shinkansen services on these routes that are covered under the JR Pass, so this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Of course, private railways operated outside of the JR Group and city metros are also excluded from this rail pass.
Buses and Ferries
Beyond trains, the JR Pass is also able to be used on various other forms of transport operated by the JR Group. This includes the network of local buses operated by Japan Rail. Moreover, they bear the JR logo on the bus and their bus stops. While you can check the full guide to JR buses, some local JR buses cover cities like Sapporo, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. Do note that JR highway buses are no longer included. One other unusual inclusion in the JR Pass is the Hiroshima-Miyajima ferry. It takes people to the popular attractions on the island of Miyajima in Hiroshima Bay.
Explore Japan Region by Region with Specialised JR Passes
While the nationwide Japan Rail Pass offers extensive coverage, regional JR passes provide a fantastic way to delve deeper into specific areas of Japan. These regional passes cater to travelers focusing on particular parts of Japan, offering cost-effective and convenient travel within those areas.
Benefits of Regional JR Passes
- Targeted Travel: Regional passes are ideal for those focusing on a specific area, such as Hokkaido, Kyushu, or Kansai.
- Cost Savings: If your itinerary centers on a particular region, a regional pass can be more economical than the nationwide pass.
- Flexibility: Like the nationwide pass, regional passes offer unlimited travel within their designated areas.
- Specialised Access: Some regional passes include access to unique local trains and attractions.
Popular Regional JR Passes
- Hokkaido Rail Pass: Explore the vast landscapes of Hokkaido, from Sapporo to Hakodate.
- JR East Pass (Tohoku Area): Discover the scenic beauty of the Tohoku region, including Sendai and Aomori.
- JR Kansai Area Pass: Travel throughout the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara.
- JR Kyushu Rail Pass: Journey across Kyushu, visiting cities like Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto.
- JR Hokuriku Arch Pass: Travel between Tokyo and Osaka through the Hokuriku region.
Choosing the Right Regional Pass
- Consider your travel itinerary and the specific areas you plan to visit.
- Compare the cost of the regional pass with individual train tickets.
- Check the validity period and coverage area of each pass.
Regional JR passes offer a fantastic way to experience the unique charm and attractions of Japan’s diverse regions. Explore our regional passes section to find the perfect pass for your next adventure.
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It’s best to Reserve a Seat, even with a JR Rail Pass
While your JR Rail Pass grants you unlimited Shinkansen travel for 7, 14, or 21 days, reserving a seat in advance is highly recommended for a smoother, more comfortable journey. Here’s why:
Why You Should Reserve a Seat
- Limited Unreserved Seating – Most Shinkansen trains only dedicate 1-3 cars to unreserved seating, while the rest require reservations. This means unreserved cars fill up quickly, especially on busy routes, and you may end up standing with your luggage.
- Peak Travel Periods Get Crowded – On weekends, public holidays, and peak seasons (e.g. cherry blossom season, Golden Week, New Year’s), Shinkansen trains are in high demand. A reservation guarantees you a seat for yourself and your travel group, so you can sit together stress-free.
- Hassle-Free Travel – While the idea of hopping on and off the Shinkansen sounds convenient, planning ahead helps you avoid unnecessary delays—especially when traveling with large suitcases. (Refer below for oversized luggage reservation info.)
How to Reserve a Seat at a JR Ticket Machine
Reserving a seat at a JR Rail Ticket Machine is quick and easy. Just follow these steps:
1️⃣ Select “English” and tap on “JR Rail Pass”.
2️⃣ Choose “Select Train to Use Now”.
3️⃣ Enter the number of passengers (1-6 people can be booked at once).
4️⃣ Scan the QR code on your JR Rail Pass ticket (this little piece of paper is crucial—don’t lose it!).
5️⃣ Enter your passport number when prompted.
6️⃣ Select your departure and arrival stations and pick a departure time (the machine will suggest the closest match).
7️⃣ Choose your preferred train from the list.
8️⃣ Press the “O” button for Ordinary Car.
9️⃣ Select Green No Oversized Baggage Button (Refer to instructions below if you’d like to Reserve Oversized Baggage Seats)
🔟 “Select from Seat Map”.
1️⃣1️⃣ Pick your seats for everyone in your group.
Press Confirm—your seat reservation tickets will print, showing your car and seat numbers.
💡 Tip: Keep these reservation tickets handy—you may need to present them to train staff during your journey.
By reserving in advance, you’ll skip the stress, travel in comfort, and make the most of your Shinkansen experience in Japan!
When in doubt ask a JR Rail Attendant
Navigating a busy train station while juggling bags, JR Rail Passes, and keeping track of your travel group can feel overwhelming.
Thankfully, JR Rail staff are incredibly helpful—just ask, and they’ll guide you through the ticket reservation process at the machine, making sure you get the seats you need without the stress.
Make Sure You’re Not Traveling with Oversized Luggage
Traveling on the Shinkansen with large luggage? Be aware that JR Rail requires reservations for oversized items. If your luggage exceeds the size limit, you’ll need to book a dedicated space.
What is Considered Oversized?
- Oversized baggage is defined as any piece of luggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) exceeding 160 cm, but not exceeding 250 cm.
- Each passenger can bring up to 2 pieces of luggage.
Oversized Luggage Reservation Requirements
- A reservation is required for oversized baggage. You will need to reserve a special seat with an oversized baggage area or compartment.
- Without a reservation, you may be charged a fee of 1,000 yen and will be required to store your luggage in a designated area.
Types of Oversized Baggage Storage
- Oversized Baggage Area: These seats are typically located at the rear of the car, with space directly behind the last row of seats for luggage.
- Oversized Baggage Compartment: These compartments are located in the deck area closest to your seat. They have size limits (typically 80cm x 60cm x 40cm, or up to 80cm x 60cm x 50cm for upper compartments) and may require a contactless IC card (like Suica or Pasmo) to lock.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey on the Shinkansen with your luggage.
Reserving a Seat with an Oversized Baggage Area (Behind the Last Row)
Certain last-row seats in some cars have extra space behind them for oversized baggage. Follow these steps to reserve one using a JR Ticket Machine:
1️⃣ Select “English”, then tap “JR Rail Pass”.
2️⃣ Choose “Select Train to Use Now”.
3️⃣ Enter the number of passengers (1-6 people can be booked at once).
4️⃣ Scan the QR code on your JR Rail Pass (keep this ticket safe!).
5️⃣ Enter your passport number when prompted.
6️⃣ Select your departure and arrival stations, then pick a departure time (the machine will suggest the closest match).
7️⃣ Choose your preferred train from the list.
8️⃣ Press the “O” button for Ordinary Car.
9️⃣ Select “Purchase Seat with Oversized Baggage Area”. (These seats are located in the last row of certain cars and have a shared space for large bags behind them.)
🔟 Tap “Select from Seat Map”.
1️⃣1️⃣ Pick your seats for everyone in your group.
Important to Note:
- This shared luggage space is available to the five passengers seated in the last row. Be considerate of others when placing your baggage.
- Not all reserved cars have these designated oversized baggage areas.
Reserving a Seat with an Oversized Baggage Compartment
If you prefer to store your luggage in a dedicated baggage compartment, follow steps 1-8 above, then:
9️⃣ Select “Purchase Seat with an Oversized Baggage Compartment” (These seats are near a secure luggage rack on the train deck).
🔟 Tap “Select from Seat Map”.
1️⃣1️⃣ Choose your seats for everyone in your group.
Important to Note:
- Upper and Lower Racks:
- Upper rack: Max luggage size 80 x 60 x 50 cm (Reserve an aisle seat to use this rack).
- Lower rack: Max luggage size 80 x 60 x 40 cm (Reserve a window seat to use this rack).
- You must lock your baggage using a contactless IC card (e.g., Suica, PASMO). Not all IC cards and mobile devices are supported—check before your trip.
- If your luggage is too big for these racks, reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area instead.
Alternatively this Youtube short explains the necessary steps with the Ticket Machine screens. Check it out here.
Reserving at a JR Ticket Office
Prefer human assistance? Simply visit a JR Ticket Office, inform the staff about your oversized luggage, and they’ll help you reserve the appropriate seat.
Additional Oversized Luggage Reservation Details
- No extra fees for reserving seats with oversized baggage storage—only the standard reserved seat fare applies.
- Limited availability – Reserve early, especially during peak travel seasons.
- JR Pass Holders: If your pass includes reserved seats, you can book oversized baggage storage at no extra cost. If you have a non-reserved JR Pass, you’ll need to upgrade to a reserved seat for an additional fee.
By securing your oversized baggage space in advance, you’ll enjoy a stress-free and comfortable journey across Japan on the Shinkansen!
How Does the Japan Rail Pass Save Money?
A big part of asking whether a rail pass is right for you is understanding how it can potentially save you money. This is true for any kind of rail pass anywhere in the world. To fully understand the value of a Japan Rail Pass. It’s worth comparing the cost of the pass with that of individual tickets. General and high-speed train fares in Japan are particularly expensive in comparison to other countries in the world. This means that when you add up the cost of a long list of single-trip tickets. Then compare it with the cost of the JR Pass you’re going to see some enormous cost savings.
For perspective, the cost of a 7-day Japan Rail Pass is roughly the same as a round-trip ticket between Tokyo and Kyoto. And yet, by paying a little more for the JR Pass you have seven days of train travel all over Japan, and not just that one round trip.
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How to Plan Your Rail Pass Journey
Once you’ve purchased your Japan Rail Pass and understood what’s included. It’s time to figure out how you’re going to use it to make your dream trip a reality. If you’re still at the brainstorming stage of planning. It will probably help to first take a look at the Japan Rail Pass Map. This map allows you to see the train routes available with your JR Pass in great detail. Not only does it show the Shinkansen and regional JR lines that are valid with your pass. But it also separately highlights private railways, trams, and ropeways not included. That way, you can see how much of your journey is covered/not covered using the Japan Rail Pass Guide.
Once you’re ready to start scheduling your train travel, you’ll want to use a timetable and route tool like Hyperdia. This app and website allow you to enter your route and find the different departures available. To best use Hyperdia for your Japan Rail Pass, it’s recommended that you de-select both “Nozomi/Mizuho” and “Private Railways” under “More Options”. De-selecting these options will then show you routes covered only by your JR Pass.
What Pass Options Are There?
Because everyone travels differently, several options allow you to tailor your Japan Rail Pass to your travel requirements. The first option regards the duration of your pass, with 7, 14, and 21-day durations available. This allows you to choose the right length to pass for your trip. There are also different passes for adults and children, providing a greatly discounted rate for children ages 6 to 11. (Note: Children ages 0 to 5 travel free if they don’t need a seat.)
One other way you can customise your Japan Rail experience is to upgrade your pass to Green Class. With a JR Green Pass, you are treated to the Japan Rail version of 1st Class travel. It includes wider seats in the quieter, more luxurious first-class carriages, along with other conveniences.
How to Do Seat Reservations Work?
One of the many benefits of travelling with a Japan Rail Pass is that it simplifies the process of making seat reservations when you travel by train. That’s because you get free seat reservations with your JR Pass. This allows you to secure a seat on a Shinkansen, limited express, or express train covered by the pass.
Is There Food on Board the Trains?
There’s little chance of you going starving as you travel by train in Japan. For starters, it’s quite common for passengers to purchase food and drinks before boarding. There are even special Japanese packed lunches that are sold in train stations called ekiben. Providing you the opportunity to explore more traditional Japanese food while on the train.
As for getting food while onboard a train, you generally choose between vending machines and the refreshment trolley. Both serve up a variety of drinks and snacks, while the refreshment trolley also offers ekiben as well. Trains in Japan do not have a restaurant car like in Europe.
Do Trains Have Amenities like Wi-Fi and Power Sockets?
To help you enjoy your journey, you’ll find power sockets with the standard Japanese configuration for nearly all Shinkansen and a majority of limited expresses. As for staying connected, free onboard Wi-Fi is increasingly available. With it already available on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Tohoku lines. If having the internet is important to you, you can hire a Pocket Wi-Fi device. This is to ensure you have WiFi access no matter where you are. That’s it for this Japan Rail Pass Guide, see you in the next one.
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