There are numerous places online where you can purchase a Japan Rail Pass. More often than not, the JR Trains you will ride will be within the same city or will be labeled as regional or local trains. Unless the train is very empty with plenty of seats, don’t set your belongings on the seat next to you. Alright, let’s get into the nitty gritty. Once you have made the exchange and received your physical pass, you're almost ready to start exploring Japan! Confidently travel all around the country with your JR Pass for the best price and discover its landscapes from a safe and comfortable mean of transportation. Instead, store it overhead or in a designated luggage section in the car. You’ll usually see locals eating food, which gives you the signal that it’s okay. You’ll start with putting 2,000 yen ($18.45 USD) on the card at first, 500 yen of which is a deposit, so you’ll have 1,500 yen for riding the metro. Inside Japan sells the Japan Rail Passes and I know from dealing with the agency for several trips to Japan that they are entirely legit, honest and efficient. Here’s proof: In 2015, we received our JR Pass package in South Korea. Now you're going to Japan! Eligibility for use. In many Asian cultures, feet are seen as dirty, and propping them on the seat is considered rude. Plus, riding in one of those famous Shinkansen bullet trains is a bucket list experience in itself! Important: The exchange order is NOT your J-Rail Pass, but instead is a voucher of sorts. You can purchase a JR Pass online through an official Japan Rail Pass reseller. But I would rather buy it ahead of time online to give me the peace of mind before a big vacation, and it will save you money for an already pricey trip. This is going to be true of most travelers in Japan. JR Pass is available in Japan, on a trial basis till March 2020, for a much higher price in major airports and train stations. The only time we think this upgrade might be worth the money is during very busy times of the year, like during Golden Week in Japan. The railway in Japan is internationally known for its 20 000 km length servicing the whole country, its punctuality and speed. *Cue the pouring of champagne!*. Where to buy: Buy online at Klook.com, then show your mobile or printed voucher in exchange for the pass at the Osaka airport or the Osaka City Air Terminal at JR Namba Station. The JR Pass is one of our top tips for traveling in Japan on a budget, but we'll be upfront and tell you it is still not cheap. Order online via our website for our lowest price! The JR Pass is the ideal travel solution and the best way to discover Japan by train. Repeat this process for all major routes that you plan to take within Japan. Be sure to check with your country’s travel department to see if there is a cost for a Tourist Visa. When you get to the platform, it’s important to figure out where to queue. 5. All Rights Reserved. Be sure to grab everything you brought onto the train -- trash included -- and take it with you when you exit. Please adjust this in your security preferences before continuing. Narita Airport to Tokyo using the JR Pass: The quickest and most comfortable option to get to Narita Airport is on the JR Narita Express, which takes just 60 minutes and is free as part of the JR Pass (Narita Express train costs 3,000 yen ($27.60 USD) one way without the pass). - Official Seller - Free Help and Guide - Fast worldwide delivery - 7, 14 or 21 days. It’s not clear if it will be possible to buy the JR Pass in person after this time period. This is a discount pass for Japan’s rail system that is available only to tourists. If Europe has its own famous train pass called as ‘Eurail Pass‘, then so does Japan and it is called as the Japan Rail Pass (or JR Pass). Here is what it looks like this: Sometimes Shinkansen trains completely book up, especially during big holiday weeks (April 27-May 6, Aug 11-20, & Dec 28-Jan 6). Be quiet. Responsible and Adventurous Travel on Any Budget. You’re not alone. There are signs marking seats for the elderly, pregnant, or those in need. Below we’ve broken down the prices for a standard pass, as well as what it works out to be as a daily cost. So even if you’re only visiting two places, it sometimes does make sense to still get the pass. They can ship anywhere in the world (or you can have your pass delivered to your hotel in Japan), They have a standard 2-day shipping with free shipping (when the order is over a minimum amount), They have a 24/7 customer service message line, Every purchase comes with a free Japan Guide, JRail Pass has some of the most competitive prices on the market, and is actually the cheapest we’ve found. Travelers in Japan are eligible for a special pass that gives you unlimited train access at a steeply discounted rate. The exception to this rule is on Shinkansen (bullet trains), which are typically longer journeys. You fly into Tokyo and fly out of Osaka (or vice versa). You can use the JR Pass to get to and from major airports in Japan. Please wait until you get off at the station. You need a Japan Rail Pass, a train ticket particularly intended for foreign nationals who wish to visit and travel Japan. You will show your ticket (if you have one) and your JR Pass. Travel at your own pace with unlimited freedom to explore Japan. Great options for visiting specific areas of Japan. Itinerary: Osaka > Kyoto > Tokyo > Nagano > Tokyo > Osaka. Or where to buy the Japan Rail Pass? You can buy your Japan Rail Pass on our website or in our stores located : in Paris (30 rue Sainte Anne, 75001 Paris, France), Madrid (Plaza de José Moreno Villa nº2, 1ºC, Madrid 28008 Spain), in Los Angeles (100 W Broadway, Suite 3000, Long Beach, CA 90802, USA) or in Berlin (Lychener Str. Once you’re in Japan, exchange your order for the REAL pass! Alright, that’s the super trimmed down version, but if you want to know what “exchanging your order for the REAL pass” actually looks like, keep reading... Just like booking a flight, fill out the name of each passenger, length of pass (7-, 14- or 21-day pass), standard or Green Pass (first class), estimated date of arrival in Japan, and delivery address for the ticket voucher. I’ll start by saying that the cost of a 7-day JR Pass is cheaper than purchasing a round-trip ticket from Tokyo to Osaka (when you include transport to and from the airport). We did just that and recorded our findings below to show you how much money the Japan Rail Pass saved us. (Here is a list of the JR Exchange offices and hours). By purchasing this pass, you will have unlimited access to specific trains during a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day period.. Your pass will be mailed to your home address, so do not delay this process. They will look at your pass and wave you through. The trains look super sleek and are really nice inside. Sold by the Japan Railways Group (i.e., JR) with a bunch of different regional variations and even two different classes – Green Car and Standard Car – the Japan Rail Pass can be purchased both inside and outside of Japan (contrary to popular belief). Shinkansens are the bullet trains that Japan is famous for. In general, Japan is a pretty expensive country to travel, and if you’re anything like us, you’ll be trying to find every way possible to cut your costs in order to maximize your travel budget! Two Wandering Soles are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. At the office, you can specify the date you’d like your pass to start. Can you buy a Japan Rail Pass in Japan. However, if you’re very tall, are planning to do several long train journeys, or just like livin’ the First Class Life (and got some money to spare! So buy before you travel, to save money. It takes between 13 to 19 minutes to Haneda Airport from Hamamatsuchō Station, which is on the Yamanote Line connecting to Tokyo Station. Once your online order is confirmed, we send your Exchange Order (JR voucher) by post. Know which cars are women only. Be mindful of priority seating. For example, if you are a backpacker and are planning to do some hiking or WorkAways to keep costs low on your trip to Japan, the JR Pass might not be the best option for you. You can receive it either home before you leave or have it delivered to your temporary residence in Japan. What it boils down to is this: The Japan Rail Pass will likely save you money if you are visiting two or more cities in Japan. It’s free and super easy to find the right train that will get you to the airport on time. The Japan Rail pass is only good on the High Speed Rail (Shinkansen) and JR Train Lines. Narita Express (between Tokyo and Narita Airport), some metro lines in cities like Osaka and Tokyo, denoted as JR lines, some ferries around the country, like the ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island, Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen lines are NOT covered in the JR Pass, some other private train lines are not covered, the majority of buses and ferries around the country are not covered. Cheapest prices: Klook has the lowest Japan Rail Pass prices for both the passes themselves and delivery (with no extra charges).On average, Japan Rail Passes from Klook cost 1% … So where exactly do you buy it? The ICOCA card can be used throughout Japan, just like the Suica card, but can only be refunded in the Kansai area (Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, etc.). The pass was extremely usefull, easy to use and allowed me to have a great visit to Japan, Outstanding service, prompt to respond. Roughly the size of California, Japan is a relatively small country, yet it is packed with an uncanny number of places to visit. And it might not be a good choice for everyone. Privacy Policy. Article Contents Okinawa: This prefecture is made up of a grouping of islands that lie 400 miles southwest of mainland Japan, and most travelers will get there by air. When planning your Japan travel budget, be sure to consider which additional transportation passes you will need in addition to the JR Pass. So you don’t really have to worry about spending too much or seeking out the best deal possible – the difference is negligible. Below are just a few areas worth noting, but it certainly is not an extensive list: Hakone: This small mountain town known for onsen and views of Mount Fuji can be reached by JR trains, but once you’re there, getting around the area is not covered. The Shinkansen trains stations tend to be HUGE so make sure to budget extra time to get to your train. That’s one hell of a savings if you ask me! Like with everything in Japan, it is a little confusing at first glance, so we’re delving into the different options in Tokyo and Osaka, and we’ll help you determine which are best (and cheapest!) In Osaka, getting to Dotonbori, the popular downtown district, it takes a bit longer with just the JR Pass. Japan Railways Group (JR) has announced a price increase will apply to all purchases of Japan Rail Pass (including JR Regional Passes) due to consumption tax from October 1,2019. But buying the pass in Japan is about 15% more expensive, so my advice is just to order it online. This ticket will tell you the departure time, station, car, and seat. JTB USA website will be change price on September 30,2019 at 5:00PM (PST) Economical and simple to use, the JR Pass gives you access to the JR network nationwide and is a lot cheaper than buying individual train tickets. If there are no seats available on Local or Regional trains, try entering another car to find an open seat. Once you arrive at the train station, you will need to look for the JR counter. We have TONS of resources on travel in Japan and destinations throughout the country. Exit quickly. Don't forget to mention your order number, if you already have one. This is a discount pass for Japan’s rail system that is available only to tourists. You will simply receive a sticker in your passport as you pass through immigration at the airport.) Whether it is worth it for your trip is questionable so we recommend you have your plan in place, before making the decision to buy … It works just like an Oyster card in London, where you tap in and out of the metro gates. Where to Buy a Japan Rail Pass? We then issue a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Voucher. Another option is to have your JR Pass delivered straight to your hotel in Japan. Green Car is like a first class cabin, so if you prefer to travel first class that might be for you. You will then receive a voucher that has to be exchanged to the actual pass inside Japan and within three months of purchase. Add in the cost of getting to and from the airport and you’re more than covered. The Japan Rail Pass has been around for some time now and is only available to foreign tourists entering Japan, and Japanese nationals living outside of Japan. This is to encourage tourism in Japan. So if these are the only two cities on your Japan itinerary, you may not need to purchase the JR Pass. What does matter though, is finding a company with excellent shipping records and great customer service. ), and kids between the ages of 6-11 are eligible for a cheaper rate: 7-day Pass: Standard Pass= $137 USD, or Green Pass= $182 USD, 14-day Pass: Standard Pass= $217 USD, or Green Pass= $294 USD, 21-day Pass: Standard Pass= $277 USD, or Green Pass= $382 USD. Buying and using a Japan Rail Pass is simple and easy. Don’t just take our advice! Find out how much you can save using the JR Pass. 14-day Pass: $433 USD, or $30.93 USD per day, 21-day Pass: $544 USD, or $25.90 USD per day. About. When it comes to different vendors, the prices are within dollars of each other. Don’t take up excess seats. Before your trip to Japan, make sure you know which days and times you’ll be making your longer train journeys, and write down the information so you can easily reserve your seats in person. This has been done in response to many women reporting inappropriate incidences on the trains. JRail has a standard 2-day shipping delivery so you should plan accordingly. Now it’s about time we introduce you to the Japan Rail Pass (also called the JR Pass). Kamikochi National Park: Another region that is not connected by JR trains. Japan Rail Pass Now is America's No.1 choice for the Japan Rail Pass. 2. japan rail pass. From figuring out the trains to navigating the metro systems and even the local buses, we’re hitting it all! Just see our savings below, it’s kind of mind-boggling! But for now, there are a few more steps involved. The JR Pass includes free access on some metro lines in both Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Plus, the pass gives you free access to the JR Narita Express train, which is the fastest way to the airport and costs 3,000 yen ($27.60 USD) each way if you don’t have the JR Pass. Having the Green Pass means you don’t have to deal with waiting in lines or crowded cars. You can not buy your JR Pass in Japan but you can order it online and get it delivered to your hotel or address in Japan. With your ticket voucher in hand, you’re ready to head off to Japan. When you crunch the numbers, it's a no-brainer. So bookmark it, take screenshots, or pin it for later! It even works on buses and convenience stores too! Before both our trips to Japan (in 2015 and 2019), we ordered passes through JRail Pass (www.jrailpass.com), an official vendor. The simplest way is to say "sue-mee-mah-sen” (sumimasen). buy the Japan Rail Pass online at Voyagin.com which is an official partner of JR Rail. On some Shinkansen trains, which are typically longer journeys, there is a designated smoking car. The only rule is that it cannot be more than 30 days in the future. ), you might find it well worth the extra dough. For most nationalities, including US citizens, it’s free to enter Japan for less than 90 days. In 2019, we received our JR Pass package in Bali. We were living and teaching English in South Korea at the time, and compared to the cost of trains in Korea, we felt like the JR Pass was super expensive. What if you didn't buy a Japan Rail Pass 6. And we are here to help. We’ve traveled in Japan twice, and each trip had a very different time frame, itinerary, and budget. You cannot reserve seats on a local JR Train. We even rode in a non-reservable car from Hiroshima to Osaka and we had to stand in the aisle for the entire hour and a half ride because there were no seats open. Using this ticket can give you access to all train lines operated by Japan Railways (JR) including the amazingly fastest ‘Nozomi’ Shinkansen that has an operating speed of 300 km/h (185 mph). Yes, really! Compared to trains in many other countries, the regular class felt like first! You can also set it on your lap or put it at your feet, but do your best to leave seats available for others to use. During this trip, we ordered the 21-day pass, since we were traveling to many places and doing so quite quickly. Japan Rail Pass. It’s also worth noting that some popular tourist areas are not covered in the JR Pass. The train tracks throughout the country are well developed, the trains are fast, on time, comfortable and therefore perfect to cover long distances in a short time. Pay attention to when your stop is approaching and prepare your things. There are assigned seats in Shinkansens so make sure you’re in the right car, row, and seat. You need the actual paper pass when in Japan, so treat it like gold and make sure to not leave this piece of paper behind at home! Even though shipping is fast, things happen, and you don't want to worry about it. Until recently, it was necessary to buy your Japan Rail Pass outside of Japan (actually, you purchase an “exchange order” which you turn into an actual rail pass after arriving in Japan). On the Japan Official Travel App, regional trains look just like a local train, but may say “Express Line” or “Limited Express Line”. The Japan Rail Pass is a pass exclusively for non-Japanese residents to ride on the Japan Rail lines at a discounted rate. Typically there will be bathrooms in at least every other train car. You must present this stamp in the JR office to receive your physical Japan Rail Pass. Both times, our communications with JRail Pass were professional and timely. The Japan Rail Pass is an all-inclusive rail pass that allows unlimited rides on covered transportation systems across Japan. Japan Rail recently (as of March 8th, 2017) started selling the passes a higher price at major stations and airports for a trial period. This is one reason why we always travel with insurance. Ohhh, so satisfying. 1. Good to know: You can eat on Shinkansen trains! For example, if you plan to travel in Japan for 2 weeks, a 7-day pass might be all you need if you plan to spend the beginning and end of your trip in one place. If you can’t make it on the Haruka Express or want to connect to other stations, you can use the Kansai Airport Rapid train which takes 50 minutes to get to Tennoji and then you have access to the JR Osaka Loop line, which you ride for free with the JR Pass. Don’t smoke. Traveling by train is the most convenient and fastest way to get around Japan. If there are none, unfortunately, you’ll have to stand until someone get up and leaves their seat. It is okay to sit here if there is nobody in need, however, we preferred to avoid sitting in these sections just to be extra cautious. Once you have completed your order with us, we will send you a confirmation email with all the details of your order. You will need to present your exchange order along with your tourist visa (stamp in your passport) at the train station, as explained below. When you arrive in Japan, go to one of the JR ticket offices and show them each train you’d like to reserve. Still have a question about the JR Pass? Use; Like we said above, it’s only a couple dollars less than the competition. With Pocket WiFi in Japan, you get constant access to the internet with high speed unlimited data. Known around the world for being clean, fast and efficient, the trains in Japan are an excellent way to see the country. The Japan Rail pass will possibly save you hundreds of dollars when traveling in Japan. Instead, most tourists buy the Hakone Free Pass, which includes all bus, boat, and cable car transportation in the area. ), but there is another perk too: If you misplace a ticket or miss a train you have reserved seats for, you won’t lose any money. 7. You’re finally in Japan with the ticket voucher and a tourist visa, woohoo! Typically, it is on the left-hand side of the entrance gates, and there will be a person at the booth. Check out this FAQ page or shoot us a message with the subject: “JR Pass Question”. It is packed with advice that will save you money (and numerous headaches!) During this trip, we purchased the 7-day pass, which was a lot of money for us to fork over at the time. Sometimes a LOT of money, so listen up…. Manners are taken to another level in Japan, and certain things that you might not think twice about could be considered as very rude. Haneda Airport to Tokyo using the JR Pass: The easiest way to travel to and from Haneda Airport is on the Tokyo Monorail, which is free to ride with the JR Pass. Keep reading to see if you fit into any of these categories: These cities are very close together and the most time-consuming journey between the two is just shy of an hour and can be as cheap at 400 yen ($3.70) depending on which train line you take. The main rule is you need to be a tourist in Japan. Yes, you can ship out a voucher to a temporary address in Japan, like your hotel. You can use the Suica card in Osaka and other parts of Japan, but you can not get it refunded there. Other than that, it is strictly prohibited. And when you think about it, even at its most expensive, $39 per day for unlimited train travel isn’t too bad -- especially when you consider some routes are upwards of $100 USD for a single journey. On the Japan Official Travel App, JR local trains have a normal train icon and are denoted with the JR Pass symbol like this: Almost identical to the local trains, but regional trains make fewer stops and tend to be routes that link two towns together. You can get them for 7, 14, or 21 days. Alternatively, you can choose to have your JR voucher be delivered to your hotel in Japan. As we explained above, the cost of the 7-day pass is almost equivalent to the roundtrip fare from Tokyo to Osaka. This is where you will trade the voucher for your 7-, 14- or 21-day Japan Rail Pass ticket. If your balance begins to run low on funds, you can always recharge the card at ticket kiosks. That's it. That’s just $2 less than you’d pay for the 7-day JR Pass! It is possible to buy the Japan Rail Pass in Japan, at certain major stations. The JR Trains you should reserve seats in are the Shinkansen (bullet) trains that run in between major cities. Japanese train etiquette: It’s is frowned upon to eat while riding on local trains. From March 8, 2017 until March 31, 2020 (and possibly beyond that date), it is also possible to purchase the Japan Rail Pass at an increased cost (see table below) at selected major stations and airports inside Japan, including Narita Airport, Ha… Children 5 and under are free (yay! Leaving every 30 minutes from KIX, the Haruka Express takes 30 minutes to get to Tennoji (south Osaka), 51 minutes to Shin-Osaka, and 75 minutes to Kyoto. Taxis and buses are a decent way to get around, but renting a car will be your best option for exploring Okinawa. Again, this is not an exhaustive list of places not covered. You should reserve your seats ahead of time at any JR ticket service counter because Shinkansens tend to book up. However, if you completely lose your pass and you can’t find it, you are out of luck. We wondered the same thing before our trip. I told you trains in Japan are expensive. Your ticket for all of Japan. Most of your traveling is in remote parts of Japan or areas not covered by the JR Pass. 2. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: To travel through this area, visitors must take a handful of different modes of transport, including buses, cable cars, and funiculars, all of which is included in the Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket. So in addition to using our JR pass, we also recommend getting a local transit card in each city. Activate the pass when you ride your first train! Koyasan: This area known for Buddhist temple stays and stunning Okunoin Cemetery cannot be accessed with JR trains. What we paid for the 7-day JR Pass: $273 USD, What we would have paid for transportation without the JR Pass: $463 USD (50,260 yen). If you are a man (or traveling with one), be extra mindful about this. 1. Honestly, the answer varies for each traveler. We cut it pretty close by ordering ours a week before our trip, but thankfully, the shipping is fast and we got it just in time. See all tickets or see our range of Regional Passes. Do you have any more questions about how the JR Pass works? Many local Japanese people travel on these routes so they tend to book up. During both trips, we had a Japan Rail Pass, and both times it saved us money. There will be an option to “prioritize Japan Rail Pass routes,” which you will want to select. It depends on the country. And it is free with the JR Pass! There are a handful of companies out there, but with any purchase this big, we like to be sure we are going through a reliable, trustworthy source. The closest JR station is JR Namba which is still a 10-minute walk to get to the center of Dotonbori. Tip: Browse through the pictures in this article, which will give you a feeling of what the “regular class” looks like so you can make the best decision for your personal preferences. We can either post the JR Pass exchange order to you, or you can collect from our London office. If this trial is successful, JR will continue to offer this option. If your pass is stolen, you might be covered for additional expenses needed to complete your trip, but you will have to file a police report. Bonus Tip: Use your J-Rail pass to go from Osaka to Hiroshima on a day trip and explore the highlights of this historically significant city. First of all, it’s good to know that you do not need to reserve seats for every single train you plan to take in Japan. The Japan Rail Pass is currently available to buy (on a trial basis) at a higher price at a range of train stations and airports in Japan. You’ll need your tourist visa stamp to exchange the ticket voucher for the real Japan Rail Pass. If you’ve ever ridden the trains in India, this is the exact opposite! We always encourage readers to do their own research before making big purchases. JAPAN RAIL PASS Scope of Validity. This article is a big one, but it has everything you’ll need to know about transportation in Japan. 7-day Pass: $363 USD, or $51.86 USD per day, 14-day Pass: $588 USD, or $42 USD per day, 21-day Pass: $764 USD, or $36.38 USD per day, Wider and softer Lazyboy-style chairs that recline further, Typically cabins will be less crowded and quieter. The Suica card issued from the Tokyo metro can only be refunded within the Tokyo area. **Some of the destinations on this trip were not part of the JR lines, so we incurred additional costs. Voyagin is our top choice for where to buy a Japan Rail Pass. Hopefully, you’re reading this article in preparation to your trip to Japan, because purchasing your JR Pass is actually quite a bit cheaper online than it is to buy in Japan itself. Sounds strange, but it’s true. This means that Japanese nationals are not eligible for the special deal that JR pass holders receive. 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Us money n't freak out as we explained above, it sometimes does make sense to still the! This time period on travel in Japan, we knew the Pass, the choice is.! Be more than covered certain hours of the station the center of Dotonbori your day pack and ’...