A Japan Rail Pass is a personal train ticket specifically designed for foreign travelers who wish to visit Japan.
WHAT DOES IT GIVE ACCESS TO?
It provides access to all train lines operated by Japan Railways (JR) throughout Japan (with the exception of some high-speed trains including the 'Nozomi' Shinkansen) for a period of 1, 2 or 3 weeks.
WHERE TO USE IT?
The Japanese railway network consists in more than 20 000 km of track. With this ticket you can reach the main attractions on the 4 main islands of the Japanese archipelago.
WHEN TO USE IT?
The Japan Rail Pass can be used 24/7, all year long, even if it is sometimes difficult to get a seat during the holiday periods:
- From December 28th to January 6th: New year holiday during which most Japanese go back to their hometowns
- From April 27th to May 6th: 'Golden week', time during which Japanese people travel in the country
- Around August 15th: 'O-bon Festival', which brings families together.
The JR Pass allows unlimited use of JR trains, including bullet trains, for a certain period of time, and can save you money if you plan on taking multiple long-distance train journeys. If you are traveling to multiple cities in Japan and plan on using the bullet train (Shinkansen) or other long-distance trains (local, express or limited-express trains), then the JR Pass can be a cost-effective option.
In addition to the National Japan Rail Pass, other regional ones can be bought (JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, JR East Pass, JR Kansai area Pass, JR Sanyo area Pass and JR Kyushu Rail Pass) but are only valid for a specific region.
Depending on the duration of your stay in Japan and the places you wish to visit, several types of pass are available. Below, our advice for an informed choice.
THE DIFFERENT JAPAN RAIL PASS
As the Japan Rail Pass can only be used for consecutive days from the starting date of use and throughout its period of validity, it is very important to match your itinerary, schedule and your Japan Rail Pass.Three types of Japan Rail Pass are available to the travelers: the 7 day pass, the 14 day pass and the 21 day pass.
THE 7 DAY JAPAN RAIL PASS
If you stay in Japan for a week and are planning to move around a lot then a 7 days Japan Rail Pass is ideal. For your trip you could:
- Make Tokyo or Kyoto your base and organize daytrips from there (from Kyoto it is very nice to spend a day in Nara or Miyajima for instance)
- Organize your own itinerary and change city everyday
THE 14 DAY JAPAN RAIL PASS
If you are lucky enough to stay in Japan for more than 10 days you can buy a 14 days pass Japan Rail Pass and organize your trip alternating visits and relaxing days.
THE 21 DAY JAPAN RAIL PASS
If you are staying in Japan for more than 2 weeks, it is very economical to get the 21 day Japan Rail Pass and will allow you to enjoy Japan at a leisurely pace.
Don’t forget that there are also regional rail passes that can complete the national one and will allow you to fully enjoy a specific region.
- You are planning on visiting Japan with a Japan Rail Pass but don’t wish to use it right after your arrival?
- Your trips are spread out and you are wondering if you will be able to use your pass each time?
- You wonder if it is possible to adapt your Japan Rail Pass to your schedule?
SHOUD I START USING MY JAPAN RAIL PASS AS SOON AS I EXCHANGE MY VOUCHER?
You don’t need to start using your Japan Rail Pass on the day of the exchange. When exchanging your voucher you will have to decide on the date you want to start using your pass. This date has to be within 30 days of the exchange.
CAN I ALTERNATE DAYS OF USE AND NON-USE?
No, it is not possible. No matter what type of Japan Rail Pass you buy, you will have to use it for consecutive days from the starting date chosen at the exchange (special conditions for regional passes). It doesn't matter if you don't use your Japan Rail Pass every day but it will only stay valid for a given period of consecutive days.
For instance, if you have a 7 days Japan Rail Pass and your starting date is January 6th, you can use it until January 12th. Over this period your pass will be valid without interruption.
HOW ARE THE DAYS OF USE COUNTED?
The validity of the Japan Rail Pass is counted in full days and not in periods of 24 hours. Regardless of the time at which you start using your pass on the 1st day, its validity will end at 11:59PM on the last day.
For instance, if you have a 7 day Japan Rail Pass and start using it at 1PM on January 6th, it will be valid until 11:59PM on January 12th (and not at 1PM on January 13th)
