A Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is one of the most useful things you can buy to help you explore Japan. The JR Pass entitles you to unlimited travel on any JapDesigned specifically for tourists, the JR Pass offers unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) operated transportation for a set period—7, 14, or 21 consecutive days—making it ideal for those planning to travel between multiple cities or regions.
The JR Pass is an exclusive offer for foreign tourists, providing unlimited access to most Japan Railways (JR) trains, buses, and ferries for a fixed period. It includes access to:
- The world-renowned Shinkansen (Bullet Train), which connects major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and beyond with incredible speed and efficiency. (Note: While most Shinkansen lines are covered, the pass does not include the fastest “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” services.)
- Local trains that connect smaller towns and suburbs
- Rapid and Express trains that provide faster regional travel
- JR-operated buses
- The JR Miyajima Ferry, which takes passengers to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island near Hiroshima.
With the JR Pass, you can travel across the country without the need to purchase individual tickets for each journey. In October 2023, Japan Rail increased the prices of the JR Pass, nearly doubling their cost. Despite his price increase, it is easy to get value from your JR Pass. If you want to see all of what Japan has to offer, then use a JR Pass to unlock Japan’s extensive rail network.
Key Information
Getting your JR Pass
The JR Pass needs to be purchased before arriving in Japan, and collected once in Japan. JR Passes can be easily purchases online. Simply click here to get started.
After purchasing, you will be issued an exchange order. The exchange order can then be used at exchange order offices to redeem your JR Pass.
Pass eligibility
The JR Pass is for tourists travelling to Japan only. Those living in Japan permanently or working visas are not eligible.
Here are some other eligibility requirements;
- Free for children aged 0-5 as long as they will not occupy separate seats and travelling with a pass holder.
- Valid only for non-Japanese passport holders with a “Temporary Visitor” Visa stamp on the passport. Non-Japanese passport holders with a permanent residence in Japan cannot use this product
- Secure a Temporary Visitor Stamp at immigration to be eligible for a JR Pass. Do not pass through the automated gates, as no stamp will be applied
- Japanese passport holders who have been residing outside of Japan for 10+ years are eligible to use a JR pass if they have 1) a valid Japanese passport and 2) a Copy of Overseas Residential Registration/Certificate of Overseas Residence from the Japanese embassy or legation of Japan in your foreign country of residence
- Age is determined based on your booking confirmation date
- Your exchange order must match your passport. Ensure that all information is correct before purchasing.
🚋 JR Pass Types and Pricing (as of Oct 2023)
The JR Pass opens up the country to you for a cost-effective rate. Plan on travelling across Japan, going to the major tourist cities, and everywhere in between. The JR Pass will be crucial, as you can take as many daily trips to anywhere as long as Japan Rail operates the service.
Duration | Ordinary Class | Green Car (First Class) |
7 days | ¥50,000 | ¥70,000 |
14 days | ¥80,000 | ¥110,000 |
21 days | ¥100,000 | ¥140,000 |
The value you get out of the Japan Rail Pass depends on the itinerary you have, and what you are wanting to do. If you are only going to stay in one city or region or region, then the pass isn’t for you. However, if you plan on taking the bullet train often to get around the country, it is an invaluable resource to attain and can quickly pay for itself when done correctly.
While trains are generally cheap for around town, long-distance trains are a different story. Popular destinations like Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Fukuoka can be far apart. And if you are planning on hitting all the biggest tourist destinations, then domestic travel can add up very quickly. For example, the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka is about 15,000JPY (About $115 USD), one way. On the bullet train, Osaka to Hiroshima is a little over 11,000JPY (about $82 USD). With the flexibility to jump on local train lines, express trains, and long-distance trains, then the Japan Rail Pass can really become a huge asset, which, depending on your itinerary, could save you big time.
FAQ's
If you’re planning to travel between multiple cities—for example, going from Tokyo to Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, or further—the JR Pass can save you a significant amount of money compared to buying individual tickets.
Beyond savings, the pass also offers convenience. You can hop on most JR trains—including local, rapid, and Shinkansen (except the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho)—without needing to buy a ticket each time. It also covers the JR Miyajima Ferry and selected JR buses, adding even more value.
However, if you’re staying mostly within one city or region (like just Tokyo or just Kyoto/Osaka), a regional pass or individual tickets may be more economical. The JR Pass is best suited for travelers who want to see a lot of Japan in a short period of time.
A ‘Green Car’ is the bullet trains first class seat. Offering more spacious seats and quieter cabins, the Green Car is a more stylish and comfortable way to get around Japan. However, this comfort does add cost to the journey.
For more information on where you can exchange your exchange order for a JR Pass, click here.
