Explore Japan by Train with the Japan Rail (JR) Pass
With Japan fully reopened to visitors, a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun is all but the talk of the town these days. And after a couple of years away, the urge to visit as many cities as we can is truly real. So, What's the best way to do so?
For starters, moving at speeds of up to 320km/h, a trip on the Shinkansen would get you from Tokyo to Osaka in only 2.5h, and with stations in all major cities, you've just found the fastest and most convenient way to travel around Japan!
Before embarking on your journey, you'll first need to get yourself a JR Pass, and if you're clueless about them and don’t know where to start, this guide is all you need to get your next Japan holiday underway!
Japan Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Planning a Japan holiday? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
🚅 For starters, the Whole Japan JR Pass is a must for your adventures. It will come in useful when you are exploring various cities! However, if you are only spending time in one particular city or region, then a Regional JR Pass might be a better choice.
🏮 Tokyo Essentials: Transportation Passes & Top Must-Dos
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🏮 Osaka Essentials: Transportation Passes & Top Must-Dos
➡️ Want to save more on Osaka transportation passes and attraction tickets? Hit all your favourites and save up to 43% with the Klook Pass Osaka!
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Make this upcoming sakura season an unforgettable one
1. What is a JR Pass?
A JR Pass is a personal transportation pass specifically for foreign travellers. There are two types of passes – Whole Japan Pass and Regional Passes.
Whole Japan Pass
Gives you access to 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.
🚨Important Klook Tip🚨: Prices for the Whole Japan JR Pass and many of the JR Regional Passes will increase this October 2023. Beat the price hike by booking your JR Passes with Klook by 30 Sep! Perfect for those planning to travel to Japan by 28 Dec ✈️
Beyond the trains, you’ll also be able to access other means of transportation like the JR Bus, JR Ferry and monorails. In summary, the Whole Japan 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. |
JR Regional Passes
Coverage depends on the pass you have selected. These passes will generally be more affordable and suited for those who are only visiting particular cities or regions, such as Hokkaido or Osaka and its surroundings.
#KlookTip: It is important that you read the respective package description as some passes may only include selected trains and buses, and not cover Shinkansens for example.
Feeling lost on which JR Pass to get? Check out our nifty search tool to filter out which is the best JR Pass for you!
2. Am I eligible for a JR Pass?
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 your different travel 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 almost all JR lines throughout Japan. This pass is available in three validity periods: 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. With this, you can have unlimited travel within that validity period.
However, if you’re only looking to travel around only in a city or a region, then purchasing a Regional Pass might be more suitable. These passes are valid for different durations, starting from only 1 day!
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 and cities 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 forward to a 2-week trip to Tokyo but have planned a whole bunch of day 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 for purchase at different airports and JR 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. This Exchange Order will be mailed to you within 7 days of purchase (Philippines delivery). You will then need to present this Exchange Order with your passport in Japan at a JR Rail Office in order to receive your actual 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 in the market and can be purchased in one hassle-free booking. Choose from a wide range of passes that are all exclusively discounted. We even have a nifty search tool to filter out which is the best JR Pass for you!
You can also see on Klook if a JR Pass you're interested in requires a physical Mail Exchange Order or offers an Electronic Exchange Order.
For Whole Japan and selected regional JR Passes that require a physical Mail Exchange Order, it will be delivered directly to your door within a week. (Philippines delivery)
For regional JR Passes that issue an Electronic Exchange Order, it will be issued instantly to your Klook account once the booking is confirmed.
When purchasing on Klook, what date should I select?
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 2 weeks 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.
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.
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 delivery option, you must wait for your Exchange Order. You CANNOT use the Klook voucher to redeem the JR Pass in Japan.
Exchange Order (Physical / Electronic)
An Exchange Order, also known as an MCO, is what you will receive from Klook either by mail or on your Klook app, depending on the JR Pass you have purchased. 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 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 bringing it 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?
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 the Shinkansen (bullet trains) and Tokkyu (limited express trains), the Green Car is equivalent to the business class seats, 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 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.
Fret not if you can't decide on which train to reserve a seat on. 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?
JR West Hello Kitty-themed Haruka Express
Even though it’s not mandatory, it’s good to reserve your seat for peace of mind especially if you're travelling long distance. After all, the last thing you want when you’re travelling is an extra thing to worry about!
If you’re travelling in a group, it’s also a good idea to reserve your seats so you can sit together. Reserving your seat when travelling 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 December 2022, it will expire at midnight at the end of 7 December 2022 (Day 7) rather than at 3pm on 8 December 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 you 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?
There are more than 20 JR Passes available to cater to your every travel needs. Here’s the complete list of JR Passes available:
JR Pass | Validity | Voucher Type |
|---|---|---|
Nationwide: | ||
Regional: | ||
JR Central | ||
JR Kyushu | ||
JR Shikoku | ||
JR West | ||
JR East | ||
JR Hokkaido | ||
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 for you to receive your physical Mail 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, unless the one you have chosen offers the Electronic Exchange Order.
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 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 Exchange Orders 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.
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 travelling 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 a 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 travelling!
The main reason to get a JR Pass is for the Shinkansen. A round trip between Tokyo & Osaka 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.
#KlookTip: Download the Japan Travel by Navitime app on either Apple Store or Google Play Store to check the best routes to travel while in Japan. It will also indicate useful information like the fares, platform number, and also allow you to filter routes based on the type of JR Pass you have.
