The Japan Rail Pass: journey across Japan
  • Official Japan Railway partner
  • Voucher to be redeemed
  • For all Japan
Japan Rail Pass advantages
Flexible itinerary
No advance booking necessary
One ticket for all your journeys
See prices
See prices
Adult(s)
Child(ren) -12yo
TOTAL
$362

What's included in your Japan Rail Pass package?

  • All Shinkansen lines in Japan
  • Japan Railway express trains
  • Narita Express (Airport transfer)
  • Tokyo Haneda Monorail
  • JR buses (except express)
  • Segment of the IR Ishikawa line
  • JR-West Miyajima ferry service
  • See the detailed map of lines included in the JR Pass

    Book your JR Pass with Japan Experience!

  • Free travel guide
  • Assistance available 7/7
  • Free Delivery options
  • Upgrade to a JR Green Pass!

    The JR "Green Pass" allows you to travel using the "Green Car", the equivalent of First Class, on all valid Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho) and certain express lines.

     

    The Green Japan Rail Pass offers a great value for the money, providing the option for extra comfort, spacious luggage storage, additional legroom, and amenities such as hot towels and complimentary drinks on certain lines.

     

    If you plan on travelling during peak travel seasons (such as May, August, and September), purchasing the Green JR Pass is an excellent option, since it is less crowded and offers a great experience when riding the Shinkansen!

    Using the Japan Rail Pass

    How to exchange the JR Pass Voucher?
    The voucher can be exchanged within a 3-month period following the date of issue.
    How to exchange the JR Pass Voucher?

    Japan Experience will send you a voucher to your shipping address in your home country or even to your place of accommodation in Japan. 
    This voucher is not the pass itself but will be used to exchange for your pass in Japan

    To exchange your voucher for the Japan Rail Pass, follow the instructions below:

    • Take your voucher(s) to one of the JR exchange offices. Many offices will be located inside JR train stations, as well as at a number of major airports. Note that not all major airports in Japan will have an exchange office. 
       
    • Present your voucher(s) to the JR exchange office staff along with the passport(s) associated with each. You will be asked to confirm your activation date. Remember, your activation date and exchange date DO NOT have to be the same. If you intend to use your pass on a later day, you are free to do so, as long as it is within 30 days of the exchange date. 
       
    • Receive your usable JR Pass and, if you wish, you'll be able to make reservations for any upcoming train rides with reserved-seating options. This can also be done at a later time at a JR office or at the machines also available at JR stations. 
    Pass activation
    The voucher can be exchanged for a 3-month period following the date of issue.
    The activation date of the pass, once the pass has been exchanged, cannot be changed.
    JR Pass Validity
    The Japan Rail Pass is valid on all JR lines throughout Japan. This includes free use of almost all Shinkansen
    JR Pass Validity
    • The Japan Rail Pass is valid on all JR lines throughout Japan. This includes free use of almost all Shinkansen (Hikari, Sakura, Kodama, Hayabusa etc). 
      Since 1st of October 2023, the Shinkansen Nozomi and Mizuho can also be used with the Japan Rail Pass. To take these two trains, travellers have to pay an extra charge in stations for the mandatory seat reservation (4.000 - 8.000 Yen).
    • The JR Pass is valid on the Tokyo Monorail, some lines of Aomori Railways and some local JR buses.
    • The JR Pass is valid on the JR Miyajima ferry in Hiroshima.
    • The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on private (non-JR) railway lines such as: Hakone-Tozan, Nankai-Koya, Fujikyu, Kitakinki-Tango. 
      Some JR trains do travel over non-JR tracks and JR Pass holders are required to pay a supplement for this part of the journey (either on board or at the station).


    Nationwide JR Route Map
    JR Map in Tokyo area
    JR Map in Kanto Area

    JR Pass Eligibility
    The Japan Rail Pass is accessible to visitors from abroad with a non-Japanese passport, traveling to Japan with a "temporary visitor" visa
    JR Pass Eligibility

    The Japan Rail Pass is accessible to any traveler, with a non-Japanese passport, traveling to Japan with a "temporary visitor" visa of 90 days or less: tourist, business trip, family visit, etc...

    People who travel to Japan for more than 90 days (working holiday, military, diplomatic, cultural, research, working visa, etc.) are not eligible. 

    Japanese citizens can buy and use the JR Pass if they reside abroad and have proof of a ten-year consecutive residency. This proof must be issued before purchasing the Japan Rail Pass.

    Be aware, however, that the conditions are very restrictive.

    You must obtain and fill in one of the following documents:

    1 - An "Overseas Residential Registration" from the Japanese Embassy of your place of residence

    2 - A "Certificate of Overseas Residence" from the Japanese Embassy of your place of residence

    3 – For the United States, Brazil and Canada, a permanent residency card (the length of residence must be at least 10 years on the day you purchase the JR Pass).

    For more information, please see our JR Pass FAQ below

    Everything You Need to Know About the Japan Rail Pass

    Other transport options recommended by our experts for traveling around Japan!

    Japan Rail Pass
    From $342

    • Unlimited travel on Japan Railway trains, buses and ferries
    • No need to book trains in advance
    • Cost efficient for itineraries with more than 3 steps a week
    Individual Train Tickets
    From $23

    • Book your seat up to 9 months before travel date
    • Flexible cancellation and modification policy
    • Cost efficient for itineraries with less than 3 steps a week
    Regional Passes
    From $17

    • Unlimited travel within a specific region
    • Good addition to train tickets
    • Cost efficient for extensive local travel

    Itineraries with the Japan Rail Pass


    7 day itinerary


    For a 7-day train journey through Japan, follow the famous “Golden Route,” which takes you from the modern capitl of Japan, Tokyo, to the historic capital, Kyoto!

    Excursions included: Nara and Osaka from Kyoto, Miyajima from Hiroshima.

    Save 21% on this trip with a JR Pass!

    14 day itinerary


    If you have two weeks to explore Japan by train, take the opportunity to add even more destinations to your “Golden Route” journey.

    Other destinations include: Nikko Kamakura and Hakone from Tokyo, Amanohashidate Bay, Nara and Osaka from Kyoto, Miyajima from Hiroshima, Seto Sea islands (Naoshima, Inujima...) from Uno.

    Save 12% on this trip with a JR Pass!

    21 day itinerary


    For 3 weeks of unlimited JR train coverage, you can journey across Japan from North to South! From Tokyo, fly to Sapporo, Hokkaido. Stop off at Morioka and Sendai, which will give you access to the hidden gems of Tohoku.

    Extend your journey to Kyushu Island in the south, and discover the cities of Fukuoka and Nagasaki. On the way back from Kanazawa, stop off in Nagano, the ideal starting point for exploring the Japanese Alps.

    Save 28% on this dream itinerary with a JR Pass!


    Frequently Asked Questions about the Japan Rail Pass

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