Explore Japan by rail 🚝
With airfares getting more affordable (some under RM1500!), a trip to Japan is a must at any given time of the year. Ironically, traveling within Japan is often rather costly, and often times, this stops us from venturing beyond one city!
Read till the end to find out how you can enjoy massive savings with a JR Pass on your next holiday to Japan!
Clueless about JR Passes and don’t know where to start? This guide is all you need to get your next Japan holiday underway!
🚨Important Klook Tip🚨: Prices for the Whole Japan JR Pass and many JR Regional Passes have increased since 1 October 2023. Beat the price hike by booking single-journey Shinkansen and Limited Express train tickets now on Klook!
1. What is JR Pass?
A JR Pass is a personal transportation pass specifically for foreign travellers. There are two types of passes – Whole Japan Pass and other regional passes. 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 as well as JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, JR West, JR Central, JR East and JR Hokkaido. You’ll also be able to access other means of transportation like the JR Bus, JR Ferry and monorails.
Also, the JR Pass can be used 24/7, so yay to affordable and hassle-free transportation!
The JR Pass gives you unlimited travel on the following transportation networks:
JR Trains | The JR Pass can be used on almost all trains operated on the Nationwide JR (Japan Railway) network, as well as JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, JR West, JR Center, JR East and JR Hokkaido. JR Pass access also includes the Shinkansen (bullet train), limited express, express, rapid and local trains. |
|---|---|
Tokyo Monorail | To/from Haneda Airport |
JR Ferry | To Miyajima |
Local JR Buses | You can refer to the official list of valid bus networks to better plan your route. |
Selected Non-JR Trains (For access to isolated JR stations) | JR Pass holders can get on certain non-JR trains that have access to remote, isolated JR lines, only as a transfer to JR lines. They include specific stations in Aoimori Railway, IR Ishikawa Railway, and Ainokaze Toyama Railway. Check out the full list to better plan your trip. |
2. Am I eligible for a JR Pass?
Photo Credit: bady abbas on Unsplash
The JR Pass is eligible for travellers on a “Temporary Visitor” status in Japan. This means you’re allowed to stay in Japan for less than 3 months. In other words, the JR Pass is limited to non-Japanese nationals and people who are visiting for tourism purposes. This doesn’t include work or military-related reasons.
3. What are the different types of JR Passes available?
There are more than 20 JR Passes available and each caters to different needs. For example, if you’re planning to travel nationwide, it’s best to purchase the Whole Japan Rail Pass which gives you access to every JR line throughout Japan. This pass is available in three validity periods: 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day. With this, you can have unlimited travel within that validity period
However, if you’re only looking to travel citywide, then purchasing a Regional Pass might be more suitable for you. Do note that the days start from your first trip!
4. Which JR Pass should I purchase for my trip?
With so many passes to choose from, the first step is knowing the general areas of Japan you’d like to cover on your trip.
For example, if you’re looking to travel within a city, like Hokkaido, then purchase the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass.
Having said that, if you’re looking to a 2-week trip to Tokyo but have planned a whole bunch of road trips to the other parts of the country during your stay, then purchase the 14-day Whole Japan Rail Pass!
5. Where can I purchase a JR Pass?
The JR Pass is available at different airports and ticket sales offices in Japan but at a higher cost. It is highly recommended that you purchase the JR Passes online from authorised agents like Klook to save yourself the time, money, and hassle of scrambling for one when you land.
You will first receive a Mail Exchange Order (MCO) when you purchase a JR Pass outside of Japan. You will then need to present the Exchange Order together with your passport in Japan at a JR Rail Office in order to receive your JR Pass.
Klook Tip: Some regional passes may come with an Electronic Exchange Order instead of a physical one. This will be issued instantly to your Klook account once the booking is confirmed.
Buying on Klook
JR Passes on Klook are the CHEAPEST on the market and can be purchased in one hassle-free booking. Choose from a wide range of passes that are all exclusively discounted! The best part? Your Mail Exchange Order will be delivered directly to your door within 1 week.
When purchasing on Klook, what date should I select?
The departure date you select on the booking page should be at least 1 week from the date you intend to leave for Japan.
Klook Tip: Please make sure you have enough time to receive your Exchange Order before departing for Japan. You MUST have the Exchange Order to receive your JR Pass in Japan.
Physical Mail Exchange Order
For Whole Japan and selected regional JR Passes that require a physical Mail Exchange Order, your selected date should be at least 1 week from the date you intend to leave for Japan. This is to ensure that there is sufficient time for the delivery.
Electronic Exchange Order
For regional JR Passes that issue an Electronic Exchange Order, it will be issued instantly to your Klook account once the booking is confirmed. As such, you can buy this even on the actual day you plan to use it.
Do note, however, that all JR Passes are only valid for 90 days from the booking date. The exchange order will expire at 2359hrs on the last day. So do ensure that you book only up to 3 months ahead of your Japan trip.
Why do I need to fill in my personal information?
Japan Rail authorities require all users to submit accurate and valid personal information before a JR Pass can be issued. The information on the Exchange Order MUST reflect that of your passport. If not, the Exchange Order will be deemed invalid and you won’t be able to get your JR Pass.
When swapping your Exchange Order for a JR Pass in Japan, you MUST show your passport and Temporary Visitor stamp/sticker for validation. A photocopy of your passport is NOT accepted.
6. What’s the difference between the Klook voucher, Exchange Order, and JR Pass?
Klook Voucher
This is the voucher you receive upon completing your booking on Klook. If you have selected a pickup option from Klook office, you only need this to redeem your Exchange Order. You CANNOT use the Klook voucher to redeem the JR Pass in Japan.
Exchange Order
Also referred to as MCO, an Exchange Order is what you receive from your Klook pickup point or by mail. You MUST have this Exchange Order with you in Japan to exchange for the actual JR Pass.
JR Pass
This is the actual pass you will use on the transportation systems in Japan. You MUST exchange for this pass in Japan with the physical Exchange Order described above. You will need both the Exchange Order and the original passport associated with it to redeem for the actual JR Pass.
7. Where and how do I exchange my Exchange Order for the JR Pass?
Once you’ve received your Exchange Order from Klook, the next step is to bring it with you to Japan.
Physical Exchange Orders
You will have to visit a JR office located at airports and major train stations to receive your JR Pass. For the complete list of JR Ticket Offices, click here.
Electronic Exchange Orders
You may choose to do the exchange at a Green Ticket-Vending Machine also available at major train stations. The machine that allows exchange will have a blue passport icon clearly indicated above the screen. It is highly recommended that you check out the available stations for exchange ahead of time to avoid any disappointment.
8. How do I activate my JR Pass?
When exchanging your Exchange Order for a JR Pass, you can choose your start date.
This date will be the official date for which your JR Pass will be active for use, so do plan out your trip and choose wisely! The start date can be any day within 30 days and doesn’t have to be the date of exchange.
Klook Tip: This means that if you plan to use your JR Pass 4 days later, you can already exchange it now at the airport to start 4 days later. This will save you time looking for a JR Office or ticket machine to change for your JR Pass later.
9. When do I have to redeem my Exchange Order for a JR Pass? Can I activate it later?
Exchange within 90 days of booking, activate within 30 days of exchange!
You have to redeem your Exchange Order for a JR Pass within 90 days from the date of issue (the date of confirmed booking). Once you have redeemed your Exchange Order for a JR Pass, you don’t have to activate the JR Pass immediately.
You can select any date to activate your JR Pass, as long as it’s within 30 days from the date you swapped your Exchange Order for JR Pass in Japan. Do keep in mind that once you select the start date, you cannot change it.
10. What is the difference between the Green Car and Ordinary Car?
The Green Car comes with more luxurious seats, usually in a 2-2 configuration, while the Ordinary Car comes in a 3-2 configuration.
Commonly found on Shinkansen (bullet trains) and Tokkyu (limited express trains), the Green Car is equivalent to the first-class cabin in airplanes, and of course, is more expensive. On top of good service, guests can expect footrests, bigger seats, magazines, personal luggage space, and even a radio set!
Additionally, the Green Car option is increasingly popular during peak periods because it offers seat reservations. This also means that you have to make a reservation for each trip that you take!
Should I purchase a green car pass?
Based on the standards of the JR trains, the service on ordinary cars is often times good enough for the journey. However, the seat reservation feature and general perks of the Green Car (the space, and not having to deal with crowds) can be a good reason for you to purchase the Green Car pass!
11. What is the difference between reserved and non-reserved seats?
Some JR trains offer reserved seating, which simply means that you'll be allocated a seat in the reserved carriage. This is available most of the time on board Shinkansens as well as selected express trains, like the JR Haruka Airport Express.
When you want to reserve a seat, you'll have to first decide on the route and time. You may do so at a JR Station Ticket Office or at a green ticket-vending machine. You may do so only after you have received your JR Pass.
You will then receive an additional ticket indicating all the relevant details. Do note that some regional JR Passes have a limit on the number of reserved seatings you can have per pass, for example, the JR West Kansai Wide Area Pass has a limit of 6, while the Kansai Area Pass has a limit of only 2.
Klook Tip: Not sure if you want to reserve a seat on the train? Don't worry! Most trains will have non-reserved carriages that will allow you to board and you'll be free to take any available seats!
12. Is it recommended to reserve seats?
Even though it’s not mandatory, it’s good to reserve your seat for peace of mind. After all, the last thing you want when you’re traveling is an extra thing to worry about!
If you’re traveling in a group, it’s also a good idea to reserve your seats so you can sit together. Reserving your seat when traveling during crowded periods will guarantee you a seat as well, in case the unreserved seat cars are full.
13. Does it matter what time I start using my JR Pass?
The validity period of your JR Pass follows calendar days instead of a 24-hour rule. Hence, it doesn’t matter what time you start using your JR Pass.
For example, if you start using a 7-Day Pass at 3pm on 1 October 2022, it will expire at midnight at the end of 7 October 2017 (Day 7) rather than at 3pm on 8 October 2022 (Day 8).
14. What happens if I am on a train when the pass expires at midnight?
Your JR Pass will remain valid until the end of your journey if you happen to be on the train at midnight, given that you boarded the train before midnight. If you’re transferring to a Shinkansen, limited express, or express train after midnight, however, your JR Pass does not cover the extra charges.
15. How do I use my JR Pass?
JR Pass holders are now issued a ticket that they can use to go through the automatic gates. There is no longer a need to pass through the manned gate and present your pass to the staff.
Klook Tip: While the reserved seat ticket looks like the ticket used for the automatic gates, you will still have to enter using your JR Pass instead.
16. What are the JR Passes available?
Here’s the complete list of JR Passes available:
Nationwide:
Citywide:
- Shikoku
- Hokkaido
- Central
- Kansai
- West Japan
- East Japan
- Kyushu
Confused as to which JR Pass to get? Use our nifty JR Pass search tool by indicating which cities you plan to visit, and we'll filter out which is the best JR Pass for you!
17. How far ahead should I book my JR Pass before my trip to Japan?
We recommend that you book your JR Pass from Klook at least 2 weeks before your trip to Japan. This allows enough wiggle room in the validity period of your Exchange Order.
You can’t purchase your JR Pass more than 3 months before your trip, as it's past the validity period of your Exchange Order. Also, avoid purchasing your JR Pass too close to the date you’re leaving for Japan. You might not have enough time to receive your Exchange Order from Klook via mail.
18. Can I use my JR Pass from the airport?
Yes, you can but you will first need to swap your Exchange Order for your JR Pass and activate it at the airport. JR lines connect most airports in Japan to the closest main cities. You can use it on the Tokyo Monorail that links Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho station.
There’s also the Narita Express, also known as N’EX, that links Narita Airport to Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro stations. However, you CANNOT use the JR Pass on the Keisei Skyliner that connects Narita Airport to Tokyo.
For those heading to Osaka, there’s also the JR Haruka Express that links Osaka's Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka Station and Kyoto.
19. Can I cancel my JR Pass?
Once you’ve successfully booked your JR Pass with Klook, the Exchange Order will be mailed to you. Unredeemed vouchers can be refunded within 11 months, but lost, damaged, or stolen vouchers, including any causes relating to local schedule changes and suspended services will not be refunded.
There will also be no refunds or compensation relating to accommodation, meals, transportation, or other expenses incurred.
20. Do I need to reserve a seat for my luggage?
You will only need to reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area if you meet both the following criteria:
- You are traveling on the Tokaido-Sanyo-Kyushu Shinkansen
- You have a piece of luggage that measures more than 160cm when you add up the length + width + height
If you have luggage that isn't considered oversize, you may still reserve an ordinary seat and store your luggage in the overhead storage compartment.
21. Is the JR Pass worth it?
Definitely! With Japan’s very complicated train lines, it’s almost a must to purchase the JR Pass, unless you’re okay with coughing up money every time you’re traveling!
The main reason to get a JR Pass is for Shinkansen. A round trip on the Shinkansen topped with a couple of local journeys already amounts to the cost of a JR Pass. Whereas, the JR Pass offers unlimited journeys on various transportation networks within the validity period.
Having a JR Pass works out to be cheaper compared to purchasing a ticket for each separate trip. This is also especially true if you’re traveling long distances within Japan and are using public transport a lot.
Time to conquer Japan! 🇯🇵
Now that you know how the JR Pass works, it’s time to plan your Japan itinerary and purchase your JR Pass from Klook which is best suited for your trip! To fully optimise your trip, make sure to book your 4G WiFi Device, so you can always stay connected.
💡 Klook Tip 💡 Install the Klook app now to get the latest updates on the best travel deals made just for you! You'll also get 5% off your first app booking when you use the promo code <BETTERONAPP>. T&Cs apply.
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What is Klook?
Klook is a world-leading travel activity and service booking platform, covering over 400 destinations and over 100,000 travel services! Klook’s mission is to empower travellers around the world to discover, book, and experience the best things to do anywhere, anytime, including attractions, activities, car rentals, tours, local transfers, wifi, and SIM cards. 🧡
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