If you’re planning your upcoming trip to Japan, you’ll be glad to know that getting around the country is pretty easy because of its efficient rail and subway lines.
Rail travel is even simpler when you have a Japan Rail Pass with you, as it allows you unlimited travel on express trains, bullet trains, long-distance trains, all JR trains, and JR buses without having to purchase individual tickets for each trip.
Don’t know where to buy your JR Pass in Australia? Here's a guide on the best sites to buy a Japan Rail Pass if you're travelling to Japan from Australia:
- How does the Japan Rail Pass work?
- Am I eligible to buy a Japan Rail Pass as an Australian?
- Can you buy Japan Rail Passes in Australia?
- How much is a JR Pass in AUD?
- What are my best options for booking Japan Rail Pass in Australia?
- Where to buy JR Passes in Australia
- What is the cheapest option for Japan Rail Pass in Australia?
- Can I get a refund if I don't use my Japan Rail Pass?
- How much is the delivery fee for JR Passes?
- How to order your Japan Rail Pass through Klook
- How do I redeem my Japan Rail Pass after booking on Klook?
- What is my Japan Rail Pass validity if I book on Klook?
- Can I buy Regional Japan Rail Passes in Australia?
- Is the Japan Rail Pass valid on all JR trains?
- Do I need to reserve a seat with a Japan Rail Pass?
You can find out more about these passes through our Japan Rail Pass guide below.
How does the Japan Rail Pass work?
Japan Rail Pass is the best way to travel around Japan
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a travel pass that allows foreign tourists to travel on most Japan Railways (JR) trains, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), local JR trains, and some buses and ferries. This pass is intended to make rail travel in Japan more convenient and cost-effective for tourists.
To use the Japan Rail Pass, you must first obtain a voucher before travelling to Japan. When you arrive in Japan, simply exchange the voucher for the actual pass at a JR Exchange Office.
Once you have the pass, you can travel on most JR trains without purchasing individual tickets. Upon boarding, simply show the pass to the train conductor. Keep in mind that the pass is not valid on certain trains, including the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen, as well as subway systems and non-JR trains.
Am I eligible to buy a Japan Rail Pass as an Australian?
Yes, only visitors who are non-Japanese passport holders and who are not permanent residents of Japan are eligible to use a Japan Rail Pass.
Can you buy Japan Rail Passes in Australia?
Japan Rail Passes are available to be purchased in Australia. Some sites like Klook even let you book your Pass in Australian dollars!
But note that it'll only be your exchange order that you receive. You still have to redeem your actual rail pass in person when you arrive in Japan.
How much is a JR Pass in AUD?
JR Pass costs can vary but it's typically around the 500 AUD range which can be a bit pricey or cost-effective, depending on how you choose to use the JR Pass.
What are my best options for booking Japan Rail Pass in Australia?
There are several websites that sell JR Passes in Australia. But before making your final decision on where to buy your JR Pass, it's important to research and compare prices, delivery options, and customer service. To make it easier for you, we've put together a table below to compare sites to buy JR Passes in Australia.
Where to buy JR Passes in Australia
Buy your JR Pass before your trip! Photo credits to @liamburnettblue from Unsplash.
So, where can you buy your JR Pass? And, how much is a JR Pass?
If you're based in Australia there are a few places you can buy your JR Passes before your trip, and we’ve simplified seven different websites for you in this handy table:
Company | Price in AUD (1x 7 days Whole Japan pass | Delivery Fee | Booking/ Handling Fee | Delivery Days | Delivery Type | Delivery to Japan | Payment in AUD $ | Payment Types | Pick Up? | Phone Line | Refund Policy Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$327.55 | $0 | $0 | 5 business days | Australia Post | No | Yes | Visa, MC, AMEX, PayPal, Afterpay | No | No | 10% | |
$327 | $0 | $14.30 | 4 business days | UPS / FedEx | Yes | Yes | Visa, MC, AMEX Wire Transfer | No | Yes | 15% | |
$327 | $0 | $0 | 2-10 business days | Australia Post | No | Yes | Visa, MC, AMEX | No | Yes | 10% | |
$355.38 | $0 | $0 | n/a | n/a | No | No | VISA, MC, JCB, AMEX, Diners, Discover | No | No | 10% | |
$341 | $21 | $0 | 3 days | FedEx Express | No | No | Visa, MC, AMEX | No | No | 20% | |
$329 | $0 | $10 | 2-3 days | n/a | No | Yes | Visa, MC, AMEX | Yes | Yes | $130 | |
$324 | $18 | $0 | 3 days | FedEx | No | No | Visa, MC, Bank Transfer | No | Yes | 15% |
What is the cheapest option for Japan Rail Pass in Australia?
A 7-day Whole-Japan Rail Pass can range from 324 AUD up to 356 AUD, with the cheapest option available from japan-rail-pass.com. However, after you add in the delivery fee and refund policy fee, it adds up to be more expensive than other websites.
The best value-for-money option is from Klook which costs only $327.55 with no delivery fees, no booking fees, and no credit card surcharge.
But there's an even cheaper option now to the JR Pass, the Klook Value Rail Pass. This rail pass allows you to travel to and from the airport and enjoy unlimited rides on the Tokyo subway and within the Kansai region—all while saving 190 AUD in the process!
Klook Value Rail Pass: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto Edition
Can I get a refund if I don't use my Japan Rail Pass?
A JR Pass is the best option for seeing the sights of Japan
In case you change your mind about your Japan Rail Pass, no worries! If you make your cancellation before redemption and within 12 months of your booking confirmation, you will be able to get a 90% refund.
How much is the delivery fee for JR Passes?
If you book your pass through Klook, you'll get your Exchange Order delivered by Australia Post for FREE.
How to order your Japan Rail Pass through Klook
Klook Voucher → Exchange Order → JR Pass
Booking a Japan Rail Pass on Klook is almost just as easy as using one. When you book your JR Pass on Klook, your Exchange Order will be delivered to your address, which you can then redeem for the actual JR Pass at any train station exchange office in Japan. Then simply show your pass before boarding the train!
For your peace of mind, Klook is an authorised Japan Rail Pass seller.
Can I buy JR Pass from Melbourne?
Yes, with Klook, you can!
How do I redeem my Japan Rail Pass after booking on Klook?
Klook will mail your Exchange Order to your address in Australia after you book. An exchange order, along with your passport, is required to redeem your JR Pass.
However there aren't any JR Pass Australia offices located in Australia. You have to redeem your Japan Rail Pass at any JR Pass office in Japan, which are located in major airports and cities. Most Aussie travellers redeem their Japan Rail JR passes at the airport. This is the most convenient option because they can use their Japan Rail Pass immediately to travel to their next destination.
What is my Japan Rail Pass validity if I book on Klook?
Your JR Pass should be purchased at least 7 days before your trip to Japan, so you have enough time for Australia Post to deliver it to you. You'll then have 90 days from the date of purchase on Klook to exchange the Exchange Order for the actual, physical JR Pass in Japan. After that, you have 30 days to activate your JR Pass and start hopping on trains in Japan.
Your pass validity is determined by the number of days you select when you book your Pass on Klook - they are available in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day options. The pass must be used consecutively and cannot be used on separate occasions.
Can I buy Regional Japan Rail Passes in Australia?
Apart from the Whole Japan Rail Pass, there are also regional JR Rail Passes that can be booked on Klook from Australia. These include:
Oshino Hakkai village - home of best spring water in Japan
Is the Japan Rail Pass valid on all JR trains?
Present your JR Pass to the station staff, and you’ll be on your way
Your JR Pass is valid for trains on the Japan Railways network. Shinkansen (bullet trains) or high-speed lines, the N'EX or Narita Express, Limited Express, Express, and Local trains are all included. After arriving in Japan, you can also take the Tokyo Monorail to/from Haneda Airport for easy access to the city.
You can also go to areas not covered by rail by hopping on JR buses! Credits: @noribds on Instagram
Like trains, your JR Pass is only valid on local buses operated by JR and does not include highway buses. While there aren't many buses that accept your pass, you can still use it to ride local buses after longer-distance train rides.
Do I need to reserve a seat with a Japan Rail Pass?
The Green Car is the ‘Business Class’ of JR travel
Seat reservations are highly recommended even if you already have your hands on a JR Pass. This can be done right before boarding the train. The type of train seat you can reserve is determined by the pass you purchased - Ordinary Car or Green Car (the equivalent of business class).
Written by: Nina Marable
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