If you’re considering a trip to Japan, the JR Pass should absolutely be on your radar. It’s a remarkably cost-effective way to travel the country, using one of the most impressive public transport systems I’ve ever experienced. The process can be overwhelming, so use this JR Pass guide!
What is the JR Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a special pass only available to foreign tourists. It gives you the freedom of unlimited travel (think EuroPass style) on specific trains and buses operated by Japan Railways (JR). The most popular JR lines include the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains), local trains, and select buses.
The Basics:
- The JR Pass must be purchased in the States before your trip to Japan.
- You must choose a pass type (7-day, 14-day, or 21-day).
- You can choose between a Standard Pass or a Green Pass (first class).
- The JR Pass is valid once you activate it. Activation must be done in Japan, and it must be done within three months of the date of issue.
- The activation date is the first day you want to use the pass for travel.
Navigating the process:
Step 1: Order your JR pass online roughly a month before your trip. There are quite a few companies to choose from. We went with JTBUSA. When completing the online form, be sure to double-triple-check that all your names and passport numbers are correct.
Step 2: The company will snail mail paper vouchers, known as an exchange order, to your home address. Keep these somewhere safe and bring them with you to Japan.
Step 3: Find a JR office when you touch down in Japan. There are offices at Narita and Haneda airports; you can also find them at every train station.
Step 4: Present your exchange order and passports to the JR office desk agent. Tell them which date you would like to start your JR Pass. They will then print out your actual JR Pass tickets. Don’t lose these! You must insert them into a ticket machine whenever you enter and depart a train station.
Standard vs. Green Car
- First-class cars are called Green Cars. They are on the Shinkansen (bullet train) and Tokyo (limited express trains).
- Green Car passes are about 30% more expensive than standard passes.
- While the Green Car seats are more spacious and luxurious, I found the standard seats to be top-notch compared to any other public transport I’ve ever experienced. So, the standard ride is so good that I don’t see the need to splurge on the Green Car.
- You will tend to find more business travelers in Green Cars, giving them a less family-friendly vibe.
- All Green Car seats are reserved, so you can’t just jump on a train at the last minute. Having Green Car passes means you sacrifice some flexibility.
Tips and tricks
- Before deciding on the JR pass, crunch the numbers and determine if it’s a smart financial move. Jot down your itinerary and work out how many train rides you’ll need. Use this handy calculator, and it will tell you if individual train tickets or a JR pass is the better deal. Remember to include your airport transfers (we rode the Narita Express, which is included in the JR pass). If you’re planning to ride the bullet trains less, the JR pass might not be your best bet.
- Train cars in Japan are super quiet. If you’re traveling with kids, let them know this expectation.
- Don’t forget to hit up one of the many train station food stands for a bento box before boarding a Shinkansen. Eating is allowed on bullet trains, and our kids loved loading up on new Japanese snacks and drinks for train rides.
- My biggest tip for train travel in Japan: PACK LIGHT! Whatever luggage you bring, be ready to haul it up and down loads of crowded staircases in every train station. Every train we rode had luggage racks above the seats; they were on the narrow side (our Away “The Carry-On” fit perfectly; I saw many people struggling to get more oversized bags to fit). Larger luggage racks can be found at the end of Shinkansen cars, but they cost money, must be reserved ahead of time, and are first come, first served.
- If you are looking to purchase new luggage for your trip, don’t forget to use my link for $20 off your order of Away bags!
Conclusion
If you plan a trip to Japan, you’ll want to check out the JR Pass. It’s like a golden ticket to explore the country using one of the most impressive public transport systems I’ve ever experienced. The process is confusing initially, but follow this guide, and you’ll be good to go!
