The Japan Rail Pass: What You Need to Know

When traveling around Japan, most people choose to travel by train. Japan is very well connected by rail, and the trains are world-renowned for being fast and reliable. 

But getting multiple long-distance trains during one trip can rack up quite the bill. That’s where the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) comes in. As we’ll see later, one round-trip from Tokyo to some of the most popular Japanese cities can cost as much as a full 7-day JR Pass!

Let’s take a look at how the Japan Rail Pass works and whether it’s right for you.

What Does the Japan Rail Pass Cover?

The JR Pass covers most of the JR (Japan Railways) lines around Japan. This includes everything from the slower “local” trains for shorter distances to the fast “express” trains that bypass small stations, and even the shinkansen (bullet trains).

This means that you can travel from Kyushu, the southern tip of Japan’s main island, right up to the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido. Some non-JR lines are even covered too.

Some examples of what is covered by the JR Pass:

• JR Line trains
• Almost all shinkansen (see below for exceptions)
• Tokyo Monorail to and from Haneda Airport
• Narita Express to and from Narita Airport
• Some local JR Buses (not highway buses)
• JR ferry to Miyajima

What Does the Japan Rail Pass Not Cover?

However, the JR Pass does not cover every element of public transport in Japan. Most notably, it doesn’t cover the metro or subway lines. However, in Tokyo there are a few JR lines that cross the city, such as the popular JR Yamanote Line, so you can still use the pass to get around without paying extra for subway fees.

Riding the Nozomi or Mizuho Shinkansen, the fastest bullet trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu lines, is initially restricted for Japan Rail Pass holders. However, by purchasing an additional Nozomi and Mizuho ticket along with the Japan Rail Pass before boarding, pass holders can unlock the opportunity to experience these rapid trains.

Integrating these high-speed trains into your itinerary enhances flexibility, enabling you to create a more dynamic and adaptable travel plan.  

Here are a few notable exceptions that the Japan Rail Pass doesn’t cover:

• Nozomi and Mizuho shinkansen (you will need to buy an additional ticket)
• Subway and metro lines
• Highway buses
• JR trains that use non-JR tracks
• Any transport in Okinawa

See here for more details.

That is not to say that you need to plan routes to avoid extra fees meticulously, but simply to be aware that you may need to pay a little extra here and there if you get on the subway. Just don’t jump straight onto the fastest shinkansen!

Is the Japan Rail Pass Cost Effective?

Now that you know how useful the pass can be, is it worth the price?   

Please have a look at our current Japan Rail Pass prices.

At first glance, it might seem like a lot, but when you consider how many days the pass covers and how it compares to buying individual tickets, you start to see the benefits! 

If you want extra space and a touch of luxury, you can instead order the Green Class pass, which is the equivalent of First Class, and gets you a seat on the “Green Car” of shinkansen and select trains.

Who is the Japan Rail Pass For?

The JR Pass is good to have if you are planning to visit more than one city during your trip to Japan and to travel between those cities via train or shinkansen. But who can use it? 

The pass is aimed at international travellers. That means anyone with a non-Japanese passport visiting Japan on a tourist visa.  

However, it is important to note that Japanese nationals and international residents, such as those with a work visa, are not eligible for this pass. For more detailed information, please refer to the following link. 

Children up to 11 years old get passes for half price, and children under 6 can use JR Lines for free if they do not occupy a seat. 

If your travel plans involve exclusively staying within a single city or region, the JR Pass may not be the most suitable option for you. In such cases, you might consider exploring our range of regional passes. For additional information, please feel free to reach out to us at jrp@japanspecialist.com.  

When navigating Tokyo and its surrounding areas, opting for an ICOCA card can greatly enhance your travel experience. This electronic card facilitates seamless train rides, allowing you to bypass ticket purchases by simply tapping the card at automated ticket gates. Conveniently reloadable, the ICOCA card ensures hassle-free transportation as you explore the vibrant city and its nearby attractions. 

How to Use the Japan Rail Pass

Remember a few important steps when buying and using your Japan Rail Pass.

When buying your JR Pass through Japanspecialist, make your order online and wait for your “exchange order” to arrive in the post via Fedex. It is important to note that this is not your pass but a paper voucher that must be exchanged for the pass once in Japan. You will not receive a digital copy or replacements, so don’t lose it.  

Once in Japan, go to a Japan Rail Pass exchange office to exchange your voucher and activate your Japan Rail Pass. Exchange offices can be found at major JR Stations and international airports, but see this list for specific locations.

Once you have the pass, you can use it at the automatic ticket gates or by showing it to the staff at the gates. Activating the pass starts the clock on your ticket’s validity, which is counted by days rather than 24-hour periods. If you activate your card at 3 pm on day one, it will stop working at midnight on day seven, not 3 pm on day eight.

If you are planning to use the shinkansen with the JR Pass, it’s best to reserve a seat in advance, especially for popular lines or at popular times like Golden Week and cherry blossom season. Seat reservations can be made for free with the JR Pass. For some lines, this can be done online, but you can also reserve at the dedicated shinkansen counters at shinkansen train stations.

Main Points to Note About the Japan Rail Pass

By this point, you probably have a good idea about whether the JR Pass is the right choice for you, but let’s recap some of the main points to keep in mind when booking and using your pass:

• You can use the JR Pass straight away from Haneda or Narita airports, but once your pass is activated, the clock starts on your designated pass usage period.
• The JR Pass does not cover all transport throughout Japan, but it does cover most trains from Kyushu to Hokkaido. See map here.
• The JR Pass is most beneficial for multi-city trips.
• Seat reservations can be made for free with the JR Pass.
• Children can receive a pass for half price, and children under 6 can ride for free if they do not occupy a seat. .
• While the JR Pass includes most shinkansen services, it does not cover Nozomi and Mizuho trains, which are the most direct options. To use these, you will need to buy an additional ticket. 

Essentially, if you are planning to visit multiple cities in Japan, the Japan Rail Pass is for you! If you want to know more, head to our JR Pass reservation page. But if you’re getting excited for your first bullet train ride, have a look at some of these awesome castles you can easily visit by shinkansen!