JR Pass FAQ Cheatsheet
The train and subway system in Japan is by far the best way to get around, both locally and from city to city. The JR pass can be useful to help your trip but it may not be necessary for you. We found it particularly difficult to find definitive information on the pass, so we have attempted to simplify and consolidate the information here.
This is definitely a living document, so if we’ve missed anything or our information is out of date, please let us know! We want to make sure we’re providing the most accurate and relevant information so we welcome feedback.
What is a JR pass?
The JR Pass gives you unlimited access to JR trains either in a specific region or throughout the country. It can be a great way to save money, particularly if you’re planning to take day trips or split time between cities in Japan. This pass is only for foreign travelers, not for citizens or foreign residents. As such, you must purchase the pass prior to entering the country, it not available once you have entered.
Japan’s trains are mostly, perhaps entirely run by private companies, Japan Rail (JR) being the largest. The company formed when the nationally owned train system was privatized in 1987. JR is split into six smaller companies that run trains in their respective regions.
The popular pass for tourists provides access to all JR trains regardless of region. As for Tokyo, JR lines provide ample access to the city along and connect to the Tokyo Metro and Toei subway systems. The JR pass does not provide access to the Metro or Toei Lines. These are run by separate companies and you must pay to ride these trains.
Note: We only cover the full, nationwide pass here. For folks flying in to Tokyo and hoping to see multiple cities like Kyoto or Osaka, this is the best option.
How Much Does it Cost?
Cost can vary depending on who you purchase from. Some third party vendors advertise lower prices and provide additional benefits, but also come with limitations. The prices below are what the official JR site charges.
| Type | Green (business class) | Ordinary | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | Adult | Child | Adult | Child |
| 7-day | 70,000 YEN | 35,000 YEN | 50,000 YEN | 25,000 YEN |
| 14-day | 110,000 YEN | 55,000 YEN | 80,000 YEN | 40,000 YEN |
| 21-day | 140,000 YEN | 70,000 YEN | 100,000 YEN | 50,000 YEN |
If you’re looking for more information about pricing and the car classes, click here. The ‘Ordinary’ class is more comfortable than a typical economy airline seat. They typically provide ample legroom, a cupholder and tray table.
Does the JR Pass cover all trains in Japan?
No. The JR pass will cover trains that are run by the Japan Rail company. Other local lines like the Tokyo Metro, Toei Lines, and other region subway systems are not covered.
Why should I consider buying one?
The pass is intended to encourage travel outside of Tokyo and draw tourists to other cultural sites. If you plan to travel to other cities from Tokyo, then consider buying a JR pass. The pass will not be worth the money you spend if you do not intend to leave the metropolitan area of Tokyo, specifically on a Shinkansen. Read below for more details on specific benefits of the pass.
Shinkansen access
The JR pass will give you unlimited access to certain Shinkansen routes at no additional cost. There are two services, Nozomi and Mizuho that you cannot book with the pass, but any other Shinkansen is available to you. There really is no need to remember that because when you’re booking with your pass, you’ll only have options available to you. If you plan travel from Tokyo to Kyoto and back, often times that trip alone could cover more than half of the full cost of the pass depending on exchange rates.
Airport Transport
There are two major airports in the Tokyo area: Narita and Haneda. Haneda is located in the city, and Narita is located northeast of Tokyo in Chiba. The JR pass gives you access to the The Narita Express or N’EX at not additional cost. It has a number of stops, but will get you to major Tokyo stations like Shinjuku, Tokyo Station, or Shibuya.
Local Trains
The benefit of local trains is really based on proximity, but local travel alone will not make a JR pass worth the money you spend. If you choose to use the pass, find accommodations within reasonable walking distance of a JR station. JR trains can be very convenient, but less so if your hotel is on a metro line. Google maps is the best way to locate JR specific stations as they will appear with the JR logo as shown below.
The Yamanote line is a JR train and is one of the most useful local train lines in Tokyo. It runs in a loop around the city and hits major stations like Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Tokyo Station and Shinagawa. You can often get to where you need to go just by riding this line, but if not, it will connect you to other JR trains and subway lines quickly.
How can I Purchase a Pass?
You can purchase JR passes in one of two ways. Directly through the Japan Rail Company, and through any number of third party vendors.
1. Direct Purchase
Through the Japan Rail Company you are able to purchase online on their official site. Once you have done so, you’re provided a virtual ticket or pass number, allowing you to book seats on bullet trains immediately. This perk comes in handy if you have to catch a shinkansen shortly after arriving in the country. These trains do sell out, especially in high tourist season so this can provide some peace of mind.
You’ll still need to pick up your pass and any tickets you’ve reserved at a JR ticket office when you arrive. The offices are located at the airports and all major train stations. The lines at the airports are often very long, especially at Haneda. Paying a couple few hundred yen to get to Tokyo station and wait at a less crowded office is well worth it.
If you can afford to pay a little extra, I would recommend this option. Its simpler, and can provide some peace of mind. On our last trip, we needed to make a Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Osaka about 6 hours after landing in Tokyo. We had all our luggage and were jet lagged so being able to book a seat with space for our luggage ahead of time made our day less stressful.
2. Third Party vendors
There are many third party vendors and travel agents that will sell you a JR pass. They may offer cheaper options but there are some limitations to buting from them. Its good to know what you’re getting into.
Third party retailers are not able to provide you with your pass ahead of time, so you cannot book seats ahead of time. They will send you a voucher by mail, which you must bring with you and present at an office upon arriving in Japan to receive your pass. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the vendor on how to pick up your pass.
How do I activate my pass?
Depending on your method of purchase the activation process will look a little different. If you’ve purchased a pass through a third party, follow the instructions they have provided.
If you have purchased through JapanRailPass.net, you will need to go to a JR ticket office with your passport and purchase number in hand. You can find more information about how to retrieve the pass here.
NOTE: you MUST pick up your pass on or before the start date you have provided at purchase.
How do I reserve a seat?
Once you have purchased your JR pass through JapanRailPass.net, you’ll be able to reserve seats on specific routes on the Shinkansen. You’ll be asked to create a login to purchase a pass and from that portal you’ll find the option make reservations. You can also make reservations at ticket offices or kiosks in the train stations. Most of these ticketing kiosks are now digital and can be used in english.
Reservations can be made for either reserved or unreserved seats. If you’re traveling alone, or with little to no luggage, an unreserved seat may be fine. Reserved seats are recommended if you are traveling with luggage, so as not to disrupt other travelers.
Can I bring luggage on the trains?
The short answer is yes, of course. Carry on sized luggage can be brought on without a reserved seat. Larger suitcases and oversized luggage will require a reservation at a specific seat. Also, only certain trains have luggage compartments, so be aware of this when you’re booking. A helpful PDF from JR regarding oversized luggage can be found here.
