Who is eligible for the Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass is designed for travelers, who wish to use the train in order to visit Japan.

Who is it for? Read the specific recommendations for Japanese Nationals here.

As it is designed for tourists, the Japan Rail Pass is accessible, with some exceptions, only to non-Japanese people, staying in Japan for a short amount of time.

Is my visa compatible with a Japan Rail Pass?

To be eligible for a Japan Rail Pass, it is necessary to have a visa giving a “temporary visitor” status, that is to say for a stay under 3 months.
Please note that some short-term visas, which are not for tourism purposes, do not
meet eligibility criteria (a stay in a military context, cultural and research activities, etc.)

What are the exceptions?

Japanese people can also qualify for this pass if they are living abroad with a 10 years resident visa or if they are married to a non-Japanese person living outside Japan. Please note that people with Japanese nationality are not eligible for regional Japan Rail Pass.
Visitors holding a long-term visa (student or Working Holiday for instance) cannot benefit from the Japan Rail Pass.

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