The Japan Rail Pass: Everything you need to know!

The Japan Rail Pass (often shortened to JR Pass) is a specialized ticket issued by Japan Rail Group, the largest operator of the world-renowned Japanese public transportation. With this pass, travelers have unlimited access to much of the Japan Rail transportation network for a set amount of time, for one fixed price. 

Japan Rail Pass ticket

Japan Rail Pass ticket

@Wikimedia

Pass Type 7-Day Price 14-Day Price 21-Day Price
(Adult) Ordinary National 50,000 yen 80,000 yen 100,000 yen
(Adult) Green National 70,000 yen 110,000 yen 140,000 yen
(Children) Ordinary National 25,000 yen 40,000 yen 50,000 yen
(Children) Green National 35,000 yen 55,000 yen 70,000 yen

JR Group is divided into six different branches:

  • JR East
  • JR Central
  • JR West
  • JR Hokkaido
  • JR Shikoku
  • JR Kyushu

JR East covers much of the northern part of Honshu, incorporating the Tohoku Region, JR Central operates the middle part of Honshu, incorporating parts of Kanto, Hokuriku, and Kansai. JR West, manages the southern part of Honshu that includes parts of Kansai, and areas like Hiroshima and Chugoku. 

Each of these individual branches offer area-specific regional passes, but the National Japan Rail Pass provides comprehensive coverage for each of these regions.

 

The Japan Railway Network Regions

The Japan Railway Network Regions

In regard to other trains, it should be noted that all subway lines are not available with the JR Pass. The difference may not be immediately apparent, but the “JR” designation will be the main indicator for Japan Rail operated lines that are accessible with the pass.

Examples of these private lines that are not accessible are the Odakyu Line, Tozai Line, and Keio line in Tokyo, Midosuji Line, Tanimachi Line, and Yotsubashi Line in Osaka, and the Kuko Line, Hakozaki Line, Nanakuma Line in Fukuoka. 

 

Shinkansen Nozomi circulant en extérieur

Shinkansen Nozomi

MaedaAkihiko, Wikimedia Commons

The Mizuho Shinkansen, NOT ACCESSIBLE with the JR Pass

The Mizuho Shinkansen, NOT ACCESSIBLE with the JR Pass

@Wikimedia

This voucher will be traded in for a usable JR Pass at a registered exchange office in Japan, often dubbed “midori no madoguchi,” upon arriving in the country. Vouchers must be exchanged for JR Passes within 3 months of purchase. There are many of these exchange offices throughout the entirety of Japan.

The pass is available in iterations of 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. Choosing an activation date for the JR Pass is important, as it is when the period of valid use begins to countdown. The activation date is decided at the same time as exchanging the voucher at the JR office (though the exchange date and activation date do not need to be the same).

 

JR "Midori no Madoguchi" Ticket Office

JR "Midori no Madoguchi" Ticket Office

@Wikimedia

With the JR Pass, seat reservations for standard car seats are completely free (as opposed to further charges with an individual ticket). These reservations can be made at either the JR Offices or at the train ticket kiosks, both found within stations.

Additionally, travelers with oversized luggage (defined by being between 160 cm and 250 cm in total dimensions of LxWxH), will need to reserve space for this oversized baggage that will be located in the back or front of the train car.

JR Station Ticket Machines

JR Station Ticket Machines

@Wikimedia

This same process will be repeated once departing from the station of your destination. Normally, single use tickets are not redistributed upon leaving the station, but since the JR Pass is a reusable item, it will be. 

For those who have opted to reserve seats on the Shinkansen, a second ticket will be received from the JR Office for such. When entering the gates, both tickets will be inserted and recollected. However, when leaving, only the JR Pass ticket needs to be inserted. 

This is the current process that differs from the pass’ former way of usage, where it was physically presented to station attendants who would let passengers in and out of ticket gates.

 

JR Ticket Gates

JR Ticket Gates

@Wikimedia

Train timetable at the train station

Train timetable at the train station

@Wikimedia

Local JR trains that operate in individual cities and towns cover a, generally, smaller region and at slower speeds, so they are characterized by more standard amenities, though in general, still rather comfortable and accommodating. 

Local trains often have inward-facing seating, including priority seating for passengers who are older, have disabilities, have children or are pregnant. 

During busy commuting times, it is standard for passengers to stand, and at times, trains and stations can be very crowded, especially in major cities. It’s best to keep in mind the rush hour period to ensure smooth travels.

JR train interior

JR train interior

@Wikimedia

 
   
       
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