What is the JR Rail Pass?
The JR Rail Pass (JR = Japan Railway) is travel pass for travelers in Japan that allows unlimited access to all Japan Rail (JR) trains, JR buses, JR ferries, and JR airport transfers to anywhere in Japan.
The Japan Rail Pass is by far the most convenient and most economical way for foreigners to travel all around Japan. What makes this pass exclusive is that it is only valid for tourists ( or anyone who arrived with a travel visa).
The rail pass is very convenient for travelers who plan to tour the entire country because this special train pass allows you to ride on most bullet trains (Shinkansen) and all the JR local trains, buses, and ferries and any company associated with the national train company Japan Railways. For more information about the JR Rail Pass, click here.
Klook.comHow Do you Purchase the Rail Pass?
To purchase a rail pass, you must purchase the JR Pass through an associated travel company home country or you can conveniently order through this link and then you can pick it up when you are in Japan.
You will need to show your travel visa in your passport and provide some kind of proof of purchase like a receipt.
Note that if you are already in Japan, you cannot buy the rail pass (but this may change soon).
Where in My Country Can I Purchase the Rail Pass?
Designated travel agencies sell JR rail passes but the easiest way to buy a rail pass is to buy it online. But if you can’t purchase it online, you can either get it through your local travel agent or with one of these affiliated companies. JTB Corp., Nippon Travel Agency, KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL, Toptour Corporation, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, JALPAK, and their associated agencies.
How do you use the Rail Pass?
All you do is show your pass to the train attendant at the ticket gate and off you go.
By the way, having a rail pass also saves you time and the hassle from queuing in line to buy train tickets.
This is how my actual 21 day rail pass from 2014 looks like. It is all beat up because it’s a small little booklet about the size of a passport that I conveniently kept in my pant pocket. The 2023 Rail Pass should look similar.
So how Good is the JR Rail Pass?
From an economical standpoint it is really good because it is the cheapest way to travel all over Japan. If you plan your trip well, you can save thousands of dollars if you use the rail pass right. (NOTE: The JR Rail Pass will be significantly increasing the rail pass price starting in October 2023). You can buy your rail pass 6 months in advanced. So them while you can!
For example, if you were to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto with no pass, you will have to pay approximately $250 USD roundtrip. However if you buy a 7 day JR Rail Pass, which is about 29,800 yen (or around $250) you get to have UNLIMITED travel to anywhere in Japan.
As a solo traveler who uses the rail pass to get around the entire country multiple times, it is a cheap ticket that gives travelers the freedom to tour all of Japan. That freedom alone gives the JR rail pass a very good reputation making it worth every penny!
Cons of the JR RAIL PASS
The only con we can think of is that you can only use JR affiliated trains. You will have to pay if the train you want to ride is not affiliated with Japan Rail (JR).
What Happens if you lose your Rail Pass?
Unfortunately, if you lose your rail pass, you will be required to buy another one. Since 2023, the rail pass has become a ticket and it looks like it no longer comes with the ticket jacket as seen in the picture above.
Hack on how not to lose your rail pass?
See this simple technique on how to not lose your rail pass ever!
This post may be subject to change. The JR company has decided to change the rail pass price. New increased prices will go into effect starting in October, 2023. Get your tickets before then. This post was last updated on 9/22/2023.
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