Japan Rail Pass Complete Guide

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a nationwide pass offering unlimited rides on most JR trains in Japan for one, two, or three consecutive weeks. It comes in two types: ordinary and green car. Green cars offer more spacious seats and are less crowded, but at a higher cost.

Price Increase: While previously a good deal for long-distance travel, a significant price increase in October 2023 makes the pass more expensive than regular tickets or flights for many itineraries.

Validity of the Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass allows for travel on the following:

JR trains: The pass is valid on nearly all trains operated by JR (Japan Railways) across the nationwide network, including shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express, rapid, and local trains. The pass covers major train lines as depicted on the provided map.

Tokyo Monorail to/from Haneda Airport: The pass is valid for travel on the Tokyo Monorail to and from Haneda Airport.

JR Ferry to Miyajima: The pass covers the JR Ferry to Miyajima, excluding the 100 yen visitor tax.

Some non-JR trains to access isolated JR lines: The pass is valid for a limited number of non-JR trains that grant access to remote and isolated JR lines that are otherwise inaccessible. However, passengers can only board and alight at stations that provide transfers to a JR line. The following non-JR trains can be used for this purpose:

Aoimori Railway between Aomori, Noheji, and Hachinohe to access the JR Ominato Line leading to the Shimokita Peninsula.

IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata to access the JR Nanao Line leading to the Noto Peninsula.

Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka to access the JR Himi Line and JR Johana Line.

From March 16, 2024: Hapi Line Fukui Railway between Fukui and Echizen-Hanando to access the JR Kuzuryu Line.

Local JR buses: The pass is valid for a limited number of local buses operated by JR (excluding highway buses). The following bus routes are useful for foreign tourists:

Yamaguchi – Hagi, Kyoto Station – Ryoanji – Takao, Kanazawa Station – Kenrokuen, Tokyo Station – Tokyo Big Sight, JR buses to Lake Towada, JR tourist loop bus in Hiroshima, JR city buses around Sapporo, JR local bus to Kusatsu Onsen.

The Japan Rail Pass is not valid or requires a supplement fee in the following cases:

Non-JR trains: The majority of train lines in Japan, including shinkansen, are operated by JR. However, there are other railway operators that serve smaller regional networks or individual lines, particularly in the suburbs of major cities. Most subway lines in Japan are also not operated by JR, so the Japan Rail Pass is generally not valid on non-JR trains.

Nozomi and Mizuho trains along the Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen: Riding the Nozomi and Mizuho trains, which are the fastest categories on the Tokaido/Sanyo and Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen, requires a substantial supplement fee. The fee varies based on the distance traveled and is the same for all seat types (unreserved, reserved, and Green); only Green pass holders can use Green car seats. The provided list shows the supplement fees for popular sections.

JR trains using non-JR tracks: Some JR trains operate on tracks owned by different railway companies. Passengers with a Japan Rail Pass must pay the fare for these non-JR sections. Refer to the special page on JR trains using non-JR tracks for a list of such trains.

Special compartments and berths: Certain special compartments, such as berths on night trains, are not fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Pass holders must pay a supplement fee. More details can be found on the night train page.

Trains requiring liner tickets: Some suburban “home liner” trains require a special “liner ticket” and are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. However, these trains primarily cater to suburban commuters, so foreign tourists are unlikely to use them. It’s worth noting that there are a few trains with “Liner” in their names that do not require a liner ticket, such as the Marine Liner and Seaside Liner. These trains are fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

Highway buses: The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on any highway buses. It used to be valid on a small number of JR highway buses before spring 2013.

Additional features of the Japan Rail Pass include:

Free seat reservations: Pass holders can make seat reservations for JR trains at no additional cost.

Discounts for selected tourist sites and services: Pass holders can enjoy discounts or gifts at certain sightseeing spots and shops. The discounts typically range from 10% off or 100 yen off, and the gifts often include a free postcard. The official website provides a list of available discounts.

Regarding upgrading to the Green Car

It is possible to upgrade to the Green Car, but the ordinary rail pass covers only the base fare. Pass holders must separately pay the Green car fee and any applicable shValidity of the Japan Rail Pass:

Is it possible to share or transfer the pass?

No, the Japan Rail Pass is strictly personal and can only be used by the individual whose name is printed on the pass. Railway staff may ask pass holders to present their passports as proof of ownership.

Does the pass have validity based on calendar days or 24-hour periods?

The Japan Rail Pass is valid based on calendar days, from midnight to midnight. For example, if a 7-day pass is activated at noon on day 1, it will expire at midnight at the end of day 7, rather than at noon on day 8.

What happens if the pass expires while on a train at midnight?

If you find yourself on a train at midnight when the pass expires, it remains valid until the end of your journey, which is when you exit the final station through the ticket gates. This applies even if you transfer trains after midnight. However, if you transfer to a shinkansen or limited express train after midnight, the pass will no longer cover the express supplement for that train.

Late-night purchase and exchange at railway stations

How can I purchase the Japan Rail Pass?

There are two methods to purchase a Japan Rail Pass:

1.Official website:

When purchasing through the official website, you must set a start date within one month from the time of purchase.

The advantages of purchasing through the official website include the ability to make online seat reservations after purchase and the requirement of only presenting your passport (no voucher) to collect your pass in Japan.

2. Online and offline travel agents:

Many authorized travel agents, both online and offline, sell the Japan Rail Pass, such as Japan Experience and Klook. If you purchase the pass through a travel agent, you will receive a voucher that needs to be exchanged for the actual pass within three months of purchase in Japan.

During the exchange, you can select a start date of your choice within a one-month period. One advantage of purchasing through travel agents is the option to combine the pass with other travel products and earn points or discounts.

Here a shortcut to the National Japan Rail Pass and other interesting experiences to book on Klook:

Who is eligible to use the pass?

The Japan Rail Pass can be used by short-term visitors to Japan (“temporary visitors”). It is also available to Japanese nationals who can provide proof of having permanently resided abroad for at least the past ten years. However, residents of Japan are not eligible to use the pass.

Where and how can the voucher be exchanged?

The voucher can be exchanged at designated major JR stations across Japan, including Narita Airport and Kansai Airport. Please refer to this page for a list of designated stations and their opening hours. Simply hand over your voucher and passport (photocopies are not accepted) to the ticket counter staff. After processing, you will receive your Japan Rail Pass.

Selecting a future starting date

When exchanging your voucher for the actual pass, you have the flexibility to choose any date within a one-month period as your starting date. However, once the actual pass is issued, the starting date cannot be changed. Customers who purchase their pass through the official website must select the starting date at the time of purchase and cannot modify it later.

How to Use the Japan Rail Pass

For detailed information on how to use trains and shinkansen in Japan, please refer to our separate pages. In general, the Japan Rail Pass serves as your ticket, and no additional ticket is required unless you want to reserve a seat. Seat reservations are free for Japan Rail Pass holders.

Accessing railway stations with the pass

Since June 2020, pass holders can use the automatic ticket gates to enter railway stations. Previously, they had to go through the manned gate and present their rail pass to the staff.

Seat reservations

Japan Rail Pass holders can make seat reservations for free at ticket machines or ticket offices throughout Japan after exchanging their voucher for the actual pass. Seat reservations cannot be made on board trains. Those who purchased their pass through the official website can also make online seat reservations on the same website. For more information on how to make a seat reservation, please refer to the pages on using trains and shinkansen.

Are seat reservations mandatory?

Seat reservations are optional on most trains, and on many urban and local trains, they are not available. However, there are a few trains that only offer reserved seating and require seat reservations. These include:

• Narita Express (Tokyo – Narita Airport)
• Hayabusa and Hayate trains on the Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen
• Komachi trains on the Akita Shinkansen
• Tsubasa trains on the Yamagata Shinkansen
• Kagayaki trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen
• Limited express trains from Osaka/Kyoto to Amanohashidate, Kinosaki Onsen, and Kumano
• Sunrise Seto/Izumo night trains
• Nozomi trains on the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen during the New Year, Golden Week, and Obon holidays

Are seat reservations recommended?

While many trains do not fill up completely, some may during peak hours and busy travel periods. It is always recommended to make seat reservations, especially when traveling in groups and desiring to sit together, for peace of mind. After all, seat reservations are free for rail pass holders. There are a few trains where reservations are mandatory (as mentioned above).

What if I miss a train for which I have a seat reservation?

Missing a train for which you have a seat reservation can cause inconvenience to other passengers and the railway company, so it should be avoided if possible. If you do miss a train, try to cancel your reservation at a ticket office before it is too late. You can then take a later train in the non-reserved section or make a new reservation for the next departure.

Seat reservations can be made at any JR ticket counter throughout Japan.

Is the Japan Rail Pass cost-effective?

Before the significant price increase in October 2023, the Japan Rail Pass was easily cost-effective for just a few long-distance trips. However, following the increase, the pass may be more expensive than regular train tickets or flights for most itineraries. It will only be worthwhile for those traveling long distances within a short time frame, such as Tokyo-Kyoto-Hiroshima-Kanazawa-Tokyo within 7 days, or for individuals taking multiple long-distance side trips from a base.

Check out our Japan Rail Pass Calculator for more information.

However, the pass still offers a good deal for first-time travelers and those who find Japanese train tickets complex. It provides convenience and flexibility with unlimited travel, eliminating the need to purchase tickets for each train ride and allowing spontaneous side trips at no additional cost.

BONUS TIP: If the National JRP is not worth for your trip, be dure to check out the REGIONAL JAPAN RAIL PASSES, which are JRP smaller versions, covering smaller areas but obviously way cheaper. I talk about them here <–

Is it useful for urban transportation?

The Japan Rail Pass alone is not sufficient for urban transportation and should not be purchased solely for that purpose. The pass is primarily beneficial for long-distance travel. However, in cities well-served by JR train lines, such as Tokyo and Osaka, the pass can also be useful for urban transportation. Tokyo’s Yamanote Line and Osaka’s Loop Line make the pass particularly valuable in these cities. In many other cities, non-JR trains, subways, and buses are more convenient but not covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

I hope this comprehensive guide helps you in understanding the JRP and deciding on wether to get it or not. If so and if you’d like to support my site, I suggest you to get it (as well as other Japan related services) through links that can be found all over my site. This way I get a small commission on the purchase at no additional cost for you! Thanks!

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