Japan is a place of ecstasy with unlimited options for tourists to explore. It is an amalgamation of cutting edge technology and rich history. With high end transportation, Japan stands out for its convenient railways that connect to major destinations. Nevertheless, what might seem like an obstacle would be the cost. Japan is a country that empties one’s pockets in no time, and spending extra on trains would be a major hindrance. With the Japan Rail Pass, also known as the JR Pass, one can cut down on major expenses. Stroll through the entire article to learn everything about the Japan Rail Pass.

Japan Rail Pass Cost

Below is a table with the cost of Jr pass price in INR (Indian Rupee)

What is a Jr Rail Pass?

The above mentioned price details might have raised a couple of questions in your head. Let us now dive into a basic understanding of what the Japan Rail Pass is. A Japan Rail pass is an easy pass that makes traveling convenient for tourists. This Jr Pass provides tickets at a discounted price for both ordinary and first class travelers. The Japan Railways provided this benefit to make sure that their tourists have a hassle free and budget friendly train journey to explore the beauty of Japan.

The Japan Rail Pass grants unlimited access to a wide range of transportation options operated by the Japan Railways (JR) Group. This includes the famous Shinkansen bullet trains, with the exception of the “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains. The pass also covers limited express trains, express trains, and local trains throughout the JR network. Additionally, the pass can be used on BRT (Bus Rapid Transit System) services.

Destinations the Japan Rail Pass Covers

The JR Pass covers the vast majority of Japan’s destinations. Here is a list of popular destinations that can be reached with the JR Pass.

Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list, and the JR Pass covers many more destinations throughout Japan. When planning a trip, it’s always a good idea to double-check the specific train lines and routes covered by the JR Pass.

Regional Japan Rail Pass

There are regional jr passes that are segregated based on regions of Japan. If you are planning to cover one part of Japan, you can choose the pass accordingly. These passes are designed for travelers who plan to explore a specific region of Japan extensively. Here are some examples of regional JR Passes.

1. Hokkaido Rail Pass:

This pass allows unlimited travel on JR Hokkaido trains within the Hokkaido region, including popular destinations such as Sapporo, Hakodate, and Furano.

2. Kansai Area Pass:

This pass covers the Kansai region, which includes cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. It provides unlimited travel on JR trains and buses in the area.

3. Kanto Area Pass:

The Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and its surrounding areas such as Yokohama, Nikko, and the Fuji Five Lakes region, is covered by this pass.

4. Kyushu Rail Pass:

This pass allows unlimited JR train travel within the Kyushu region, which includes Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Beppu.

5. JR East Pass:

This pass covers the Nagano and Niigata regions, providing access to popular snow resorts in the area as well as Nagano, Niigata, and Matsumoto.

These regional passes typically offer flexibility and cost savings for travelers who plan to focus their exploration within a specific region. It’s important to check the coverage and validity of each regional pass, as they may have specific restrictions or limitations on certain train lines or routes.

How to buy a Japan Rail (Jr) Pass

Buying a Jr Pass is not a very tedious process.

To purchase a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), you need to follow these general steps:

• Check your eligibility: The JR Pass is available to foreign tourists visiting Japan on a “Temporary Visitor” visa. Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
• Choose a pass type: The JR Pass is available in a variety of lengths (7, 14, or 21 days) and classes (Ordinary or Green). Decide which pass type suits your travel needs.
• Purchase: You can purchase the JR Pass in one of three ways:

1. Online: Go to the official website of a JR Pass authorized seller, such as Japan Rail Pass (https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/) or Japan Experience (japan-experience.com). Fill in the required information, choose a pass type, and pay. The pass will be shipped to your specified address outside of Japan.
2. Authorized resellers: Some travel agencies and tour operators around the world are authorized to sell JR Passes. Check to see if there are any authorized resellers in your country. To purchase the pass, visit their office or contact them.
3. Exchange offices in Japan: In some cases, you can purchase the JR Pass after you arrive in Japan. However, please note that this option is only available for travelers entering Japan with a “Temporary Visitor” visa stamp, and the pass is sold at a higher price compared to purchasing it outside of Japan.

• If you purchase the JR Pass online or through an authorized reseller, you will receive an exchange order or voucher for the actual pass. Bring your exchange order and passport to a designated JR Pass exchange office located in major airports or train stations once you arrive in Japan. They will check your eligibility and issue you the actual JR Pass.
• Activate the pass: The JR Pass must be activated before it can be used. The pass will be stamped with the activation date. From that point, your chosen duration
• Using the pass: Once activated, you can use the JR Pass to travel on eligible trains throughout Japan, including shinkansen (bullet trains) and many other JR-operated trains. When entering or exiting the stations, show your pass to station staff and use the designated JR Pass gates.

Official Japan Rail Pass Website: Japan Rail Pass

Additional Information on Jr Pass for Indians

1. Cancellation and refund: If you need to cancel your JR Pass, you can do so before the exchange voucher is exchanged for the actual pass. A cancellation fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Once the exchange voucher is exchanged for the pass, refund will not be processed.
2. Documents Required: When purchasing the JR Pass, you must present the following documents:
   • Passport: A valid passport demonstrating your temporary visitor status in Japan.
   • Temporary Visitor Stamp: You must have a stamp in your passport indicating your entry into Japan as a temporary visitor.
3. Exchange Voucher: You will receive an exchange voucher after purchasing the JR Pass. This voucher needs to be exchanged for the actual JR Pass in Japan. There are exchange offices at major JR stations and airports.
4. Validity Period: The JR Pass is available for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. The validity period begins on the exchange date in Japan and ends at midnight on the last day.
5. Seat Reservations: The JR Pass allows you to travel on most trains without paying additional fees. Nevertheless, it is best to make seat reservations during peak travel seasons. Reservations for seats can be made at JR ticket offices or reservation counters.

Important to Note:

• The JR Pass is only available to foreign tourists and cannot be used by Japanese citizens.
• Certain special trains like Twilight Express and the Hokkaido Shinkansen, are ineligible for the JR Pass.
• The JR Pass does not include access to local transportation networks or transportation within individual cities.

In conclusion, the major catch is to understand whether or not you need a Japan Rail Pass. If you are only going to visit one of the cities in Japan, we would recommend not avail this pass. If you are planning a Japan tour and are unable to move forward with your plans, check out Pickyourtrail’s Japan tour packages, which have a variety of options available. You can also customize your own tour package to make things easy.

Mountains whisper secrets to cherry blossoms, as ancient temples guard dreams of the rising sun in Japan’s embrace.

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