How does it work?Guide to using Japan Rail Pass

A Japan Rail Pass (also known for short as JR Pass and JR Rail Pass) is a special discount ticket available only for travellers visiting Japan from abroad as tourists. The Japan Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on trains operated by Japan Railways Group throughout Japan. Trains valid for on the JR Pass include the high-speed service known as the Shinkansen (Bullet train) as well as ordinary lines, too. The Japan Rail Pass is the most cost effective rail pass for long distance train travel in Japan, especially for those who wish to experience the fantastic, unique and thrilling Shinkansen!

Japan Rail Pass holders can travel with the incredible freedom to travel between cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kobe etc. as many times as they wish for only one single fixed cost. Please note, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover any of the subway or metro networks in Japan – you can use JR operated trains only. We recommend rail as your transport method of choice for travel in Japan, especially using the Japan Rail, as the Japan Rail network is famous for its punctuality and reliability, making train travel easy and efficient. The JR Pass comes in two classes: Ordinary and Green Car. Green Car is the equivalent of First Class and offers more spacious seating than Ordinary Class Cars. The Japan Rail Pass is only available outside of Japan so remember to buy from us, a UK approved agent, before you travel!

Why buy a Japan Rail Pass?

The main Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on trains operated by Japan Railways (JR) Group throughout the country including “Shinkansen”, Bullet Train (Excluding Nozomi Shinkansen and Mizuho Shinkansen trains). This main JR Pass gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore Japan with no area restriction.
*If a Japan Rail Pass holder additionally purchases an [ONLY WITH JAPAN RAIL PASS] NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket before boarding the train, the pass holder may use a "NOZOMI" or "MIZUHO" Shinkansen bullet train.

NOZOMI MIZUHO Ticket sales locations
JR ticket office (“Midori-no-madoguchi”), reserved seat ticket machines, Travel Service Centers, and sales offices of JR-designated travel agencies nationwide in Japan.

Flexibility
Travel anytime/anywhere*. You are not constrained to travel on specific train and time, as in the case of a single journey ticket.The JR Pass is available in a selection of 7, 14, 21 day validity period to cover varied travel duration. *covered by the JR Pass

Convenience
No need to queue everytime you need to travel. Once JR Pass is validated, go straight to the platform. For added comfort, you can also reserve a seat in advance at no extra cost. Just visit any JR reservation office at the station.

Is a Japan Rail Pass Expensive?

While the initial price may seem somewhat daunting, the cost benefit of purchasing a Japan Rail Pass is excellent. The Japan Rail Pass is essentially a discounted ticket and it allows the holder to travel on all Japan Rail operated trains both in cities and across the entire country. With the opportunity of riding a selection of buses and even a ferry that takes you to the exclusive Miyajima Island.

How Do I Use a Japan Rail Pass?

Using a Japan Rail Pass is simple and easy. Once you have completed your order, we will issue a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Voucher. Once we issue your JR Pass exchange order, it can be exchanged at any major Japan Rail stations for your official Japan Rail Pass within 3 months from the date of voucher issue, provided you have ‘visitor visa’ stamped in your passport. Depending on the ticket purchased, the JR pass holder can travel as much as they wish for 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. Once you have exchanged your voucher for the actual JR pass, you can begin your unlimited and convenient rail travel across Japan with maximum flexibility! Please note, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover any of the subway or metro networks in Japan – you can use JR operated trains only.