Japan Rail Pass

Travel Classes:

• Green Pass (First Class) – Spacious seats, extra legroom, and a more comfortable journey.
• Ordinary Pass (Standard Class) – Comfortable travel in Ordinary Cars.

Validity Periods:

• Available for 7, 14, or 21 days.

Coverage Areas:

• JR-National Japan Rail Pass – Covers most trains in Japan, except Nozomi and Mizuho trains (extra fee required).
• Regional Japan Rail Passes – Valid for trains operated by specific JR companies (e.g., JR-Hokkaido, JR-Central, JR-West, JR-Shikoku, JR-Kyushu).

To purchase the Japan Rail Pass, visit our dedicated page and click the "Buy a JR Pass" button. Then, choose a 7, 14, or 21-day pass and order online within three months of your travel date (at least 10 days before departure to allow time for delivery).

• You'll receive an Exchange Order as proof of purchase, which can be delivered to both UK and international addresses.
• Upon arrival in Japan, exchange it for your Japan Rail Pass at a JR Exchange Office (located in airports and major stations—check opening times in advance).
• The Exchange Order is valid for three months, so time your purchase accordingly.

To collect your Japan Rail Pass, bring your Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order to a JR Exchange Office in Japan.

• You must present your Exchange Order and passport (with a temporary visitor stamp). Without these, you won’t receive your pass.
• Long queues are common at major stations like Tokyo, so plan accordingly to avoid missing your train.

The Japan Rail Pass covers travel on Shinkansen (bullet trains), local trains, buses, and even a ferry.

Seat Reservations:

• For high-speed Shinkansen, book seats at a ticket office or ticket machine in Japan to secure your spot—especially for busy routes.
• Some Shinkansen trains have non-reserved cars, but seat reservations are recommended.

Booking Tip:

• Use a reserved seat ticket machine at Tokyo Airport to book trains as soon as you arrive.

Non-Reserved Trains:

• For regular-speed trains, no reservation is needed—just board at the station.

Station Access:

• Insert your paper ticket into the ticket barrier, collect it on the other side, and proceed to your platform.