7 Handy Perks of the JR Pass and Why You Should Use it in Japan

If you’re travelling to Japan soon, check out this handy guide to the Japan Rail Passes. It will not only save you time and money, but it will make it so much easier for you to travel across the country and get the most out of your holiday.

With so many transportation options in Japan, here’s the low-down on one of the best ways to travel: the Japan Rail Pass. The JR Pass is exclusive for foreign travellers, and depending on the pass you purchase, you have access to all relevant train lines operated by Japan Railways.

This is not only the most convenient way to see the sights  of Japan, but it’s also cost-effective and comfortable. Here are the perks of a JR Pass and why getting one will be one of the best decisions you’ll make before travelling to Japan.

Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass in advance is simple and hassle-free for all travellers. You can book the JR Pass 6 months before you get to the country, which means you don’t have to wait to plan your trip of a lifetime.

Having a Japan Rail Pass means you don’t have to carry around a load of different paper tickets, as this will be your single ticket to travel through Japan.

How to buy JR Pass from Australia? Here’s how! – 

3. Once you arrive in Japan, visit any JR office located in airports and main train stations to submit your Exchange Order with your passport then redeem the JR Pass.

If you get to a destination and decide to spend more time there, or if you want to explore a different city, your mode of transportation must be flexible enough to adjust for you. With the Japan Rail Pass, you can be as spontaneous as you want.

The JR Pass also offers three different durations. You can get a 7, 14, or 21-day validity for the JR pass, which provides unlimited travel 24/7, making it really convenient since you wouldn’t need to buy individual tickets each time. 

Depending on the pass you’ve purchased, you’ll be able to access all relevant train lines operated by Japan Railways, including all trains on the JR railway network: JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, JR West, JR Center, JR East and JR Hokkaido. You’ll also be able to access other means of transportation like the JR Bus, JR Ferry and monorails. Explore the trains and the maps of the JR Lines here.

To figure out the best pass for you to purchase, check this article to find out all you need to know.

Sounds small, but it is big! Purchasing a JR Pass means you can reserve your spot on the train without even forking out huge amounts of money like other train systems worldwide.

On top of reserving train seats free of charge, you can also get discounts at Japan Rail-affiliated hotels. Many of these hotels are situated near railway stations, making them more convenient and affordable due.

The JR Pass gives you access to the Shinkansen or bullet trains which means you can get to places faster and make the most of your limited time in Japan!

For most people, purchasing a JR Pass will save them a lot of money (and time). When you add up a round ticket between the airport and the city on the JR N’EX (Narita Express from Narita International Airport into Tokyo), which is about $79AUD, as well as even one round-trip fare between cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto (which is about $373AUD), you’ve already paid off your 7-day JR Pass. So if you’re planning to do quite a bit of travelling and are in Japan long enough, there is no doubt that the JR Pass will save you money.

The JR Pass allows you to either travel economy (the Ordinary pass) or in style with their Green Class option. The Green Pass offers you first-class comfort with reclining seats, a footrest, space to stretch out your legs, and a travel magazine to keep you occupied during your journeys.

Get around Japan with a breeze using these amazing perks! Don’t forget to book your Japan Rail Passes before your holiday in this beautiful country.