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Express Trains Haruka, Kuroshio, Thunderbird, Kounotori, and Super Hakuto (Kyoto to/from Kamigori).
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You can use the pass for 4, 5, or 7 days (depending on the ticket selected).
You'll have to reserve your seats. You can collect reserved seats at the ticket office (at the station) by showing your JR Pass. You can also skip ticketing lines and collect your tickets at the reserved seat ticket machine
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Travel in:
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Travel in:
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The JR Pass is budget-friendly, especially compared to buying individual tickets for frequent travel. For example, a single Tokyo to Kyoto round-trip train ticket costs a minimum of ¥16,000, while a 7-day National JR Pass starts at ¥50,000. A JR Regional Pass for West Japan (Kyoto and other regions) is cheaper at just ¥2,800.
Confused about booking your Japan Rail Pass? Worry no more! Our easy 4-step guide shows you the way.
Book your JR Pass online, and in advance. It’s convenient and hassle-free. Enter your planned travel date (departure date), and not the activation date.
You'll receive your physical Exchange Order at your doorstep.
Trade your Exchange Order within 90 days for a physical JR Pass at a designated JR office when you arrive in Japan (available at most major train stations and international terminals at airports).
Fill in the activation form and present your passport for verification at the exchange office. If you’ve opted for Green Class, once you’ve activated your pass, you can reserve your seats only. Your JR pass is now active and you can start exploring!
Say hi to local treasures beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka with JR Regional Passes. These affordable passes unlock specific regions, letting you tailor your adventure to your interests, budget, and location. Hike the Japanese Alps, see gassho-style farmhouses or soak in natural hot springs, there's a JR Pass for every region.
Areas covered: Hakodate, Sapporo, Otaru, Furano, Asahikawa, and Wakkanai
Ideal for: Nature lovers, winter sports enthusiasts, and adventure seekers
Ski the slopes of Niseko, soak in natural hot springs, and the largest national park in Japan, Shiretoko National Park — all this and more awaits at Hokkaido.
Starting price: ¥9,000
Areas covered: Tokyo, Yokohama, Nikko, Sendai, Chiba, Fukushima, Niigata, and Akita
Ideal for: Culture enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies
See bustling metropolises like Tokyo and Yokohama, serene temples in Nikko, and historical sites in Sendai with the JR East Pass. Don't forget to try regional specialties like Wakame Tsukemen, a dipping noodle dish while you're there.
Starting price: ¥27,000
Areas covered: Fuji, Nagoya, Matsumoto, Takayama, Gifu, and Izu
Ideal for: Traditional experiences, art lovers, and nature enthusiasts
From the fourth largest city in Japan, Nagoya to UNESCO treasure Mt. Fuji, and even historical gems like Matsumoto Castle and Takayama's traditional gassho-style farmhouses — this region is a nature lover's paradise.
Areas covered: Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kobe, Nara, Okayama, Tottori, and Okinawa
Ideal for: History buffs, foodies, anime and manga enthusiasts
While cultural giants Osaka and Kyoto need no introduction, you're in for more treats in West Japan. Dive deep into history at Hiroshima, walk through the World Heritage garden, the Korakuen, and even gorge down the world-famous premium-grade Kobe beef. Sounds inviting, doesn't it?
Starting price: ¥2,800
Areas covered: Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Kochi, Kubokawa, and Tokushima
Ideal for: Off-the-beaten-path explorers, nature lovers, hikers
Get up close with the cultural offerings of Shikoku, the island of 88 temples, from the Dogo Onsen in Matsuyama to the Iya Valley and the scenic cycling route of Shimanami Kaido.
Areas covered: Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Bepu
Ideal for: History buffs, onsen enthusiasts, nature lovers
Traverse volcanic landscapes, historical sites, and vibrant culture of Kyushu, from bustling Fukuoka to relaxing hot onsen in Beppu. Kyushu is also home to Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan.
Starting price: ¥10,000
The JR Pass is a discounted travel pass specifically designed for tourists visiting Japan. It grants you unlimited rides on most Japan Rail (JR) trains, including express and limited express trains, for a chosen period of 7, 14, or 21 days. You can also use it on some JR buses and the iconic Shinkansen bullet trains (except Nozomi and Mizuho).
JR Passes are only available to temporary visitors to Japan holding a valid tourist visa. Residents of Japan and those entering the country under special visas are not eligible.
JR Passes cater to diverse travel styles and plans by offering various options. Nationwide JR Passes grant you the freedom to explore all of Japan's main islands while Regional JR Passes are a cost-effective alternative if you have a clear itinerary focused on a specific area like Hokkaido, Kansai, or Kyushu. JR Passes also come in three durations: 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. Selecting the right duration ensures you can maximize the benefits of the pass within your planned travel period. For budget-conscious travelers who don't mind occasional busy periods, Regular Seating is the way to go. Otherwise, upgrade to a JR Green Class for wider, reclining seats with more legroom, along with additional amenities.
JR train pass prices vary depending on the type of pass you choose (Nationwide vs. Regional, duration, Green Class vs. Regular). The starting price for a standard 7-day Nationwide JR Pass is ¥50,000, while Regional Passes can start as low as ¥2,800.
The most convenient way to purchase a JR Pass is online. You can book your pass in advance, specifying your planned travel date (departure date) and not the activation date. You’ll then receive your Exchange Order (not your ticket) at your doorstep. Once in Japan, you can trade your Order for the JR Pass.
You'll receive an exchange order after purchasing your pass online. Upon arrival in Japan, exchange this order for a physical JR Pass at a designated JR office, usually located at major train stations and international airport terminals. Remember to fill out the activation form and present your passport for verification during this exchange.
While the exchange order is valid for 90 days after purchase, the activated JR Pass itself is only valid for 30 days. However, within those 30 days, you can enjoy unlimited rides for your chosen duration (7, 14, or 21 days).
JR Passes can be cost-effective compared to purchasing individual tickets, especially for frequent travel and long distances. They offer convenience, flexibility, and access to various transportation options within the JR network. However, if you're staying in one city and making minimal train journeys, a JR Pass might not be the most economical option.
The main difference lies in seat comfort and amenities. Regular seating offers standard comfortable seats, while Green Class provides wider, reclining seats with more legroom and additional amenities like complimentary drinks and towels. Green Class also comes with fewer crowds, making for a more relaxing travel experience.
Reservations are not mandatory for regular seating on most JR trains, and you can usually find a seat even during peak times. However, they are recommended for longer journeys, peak seasons (Golden Week, Obon), or if traveling in a group. Reservations can be made for free at JR ticket offices. If you're a JR Green Pass holder, you can also reserve your seats online.
While your JR Pass covers most Japan Rail trains, including express trains and the Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho lines), it is not valid on local trains operated by non-JR companies or subways within cities.
The JR Pass does not cover Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen, express bullet trains requiring separate tickets. Additionally, local trains operated by non-JR companies and subways within cities are not included.
While some JR-affiliated buses are included in the JR Pass coverage, it primarily covers JR trains. It's advisable to check the specific inclusions of your chosen pass or inquire at a JR ticket office for confirmation.
Unfortunately, lost or stolen JR Passes cannot be replaced or refunded.
No, JR Passes cannot be canceled or changed after purchase. This means you cannot modify your chosen travel dates or receive a refund if you decide not to use the pass. However, you can activate them any time within the next 3 months to use for your designated chosen period (7,14, or 21 days).
