Japan Rail Pass
The Japan Rail Pass is a card that allows unlimited use of JR trains up and down the country. This is an essential card for travelers who are planning to travel beyond Tokyo.
In the Tokyo region, the Japan Rail Pass is especially useful for getting to the Narita Airport, using local trains such as the Yamanote Line, and visiting nearby cities such as Nikko, Kamakura, and Yokohama.
The only limitation of the card is that it's not valid for the newest Nozomi or Shinkansen (bullet) trains.
Prices
The pass is expensive, but if you know the price of individual tickets it begins to seem much more attractive. The cost of a week-long pass is similar to that of a return ticket between Tokyo and Kyoto.
The prices vary depending on validity and the chosen class: Green (first class) and Ordinary (standard class).
| Validity | Adult (Normal) | Child (Normal) | Adult (Green) | Child (Green) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 days | ¥ 50,000 (US$ 324.45) | ¥ 25,000 (US$ 162.22) | ¥ 70,000 (US$ 454.23) | ¥ 35,000 (US$ 227.11) |
| 14 days | ¥ 80,000 (US$ 519.12) | ¥ 40,000 (US$ 259.56) | ¥ 110,000 (US$ 713.80) | ¥ 550,000 (US$ 3,569.01) |
| 21 days | ¥ 100,000 (US$ 648.91) | ¥ 50,000 (US$ 324.45) | ¥ 140,000 (US$ 908.47) | ¥ 70,000 (US$ 454.23) |
The child tariff is applicable to children from 6 to 11 years old.
Where to Buy
The Japan Rail Pass is only for foreigners and can only be acquired abroad which is why, as strange as it may sound, the card is not sold in Japan.
- Buy the Japan Rail Pass - currently not available -
Where can I change the voucher?
Once you're in Japan, you can change the voucher in some of the main stations (Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Tokyo, Shinjuku, etc). You'll find a list on the back of the voucher.
When you get your Rail Pass you should indicate the start date on the front. To access the trains you'll need to show the pass to the employees at the door.
