What is Japan Rail Pass? Is JR Pass unlimited train rides? Should I buy it? These are some of the questions I'm getting from those traveling to Japan. If you are planning to visit different areas in Japan like Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo, Japan Rail Pass is a convenient and economical ticket pass. But getting the JR's regional passes is recommended if you plan to explore one particular area ( within Tokyo or Osaka only). These factors to consider whether you will buy a Japan Rail Pass.
The JR Pass is a very cost-effective personal transportation pass for foreign travelers. You will get unlimited travel over the Japanese rail network. It can be used on all JR national trains, including Shinkansen bullet trains, Narita Express trains, local buses, Miyajima Ferry, and more. You can select a pass valid for 7, 14 or 21 days and the option of a Standard Pass or a Green Pass.
Suppose you are traveling north to south of Japan with the JR Pass. You'll be able to access all relevant train lines operated by Japan Railways, including all trains on the JR railway network and JR Kyushu, JR Shikoku, JR West, JR Central, JR East and JR Hokkaido. You can also use the ticket pass on JR Bus, JR Ferry and monorails.
How does it work?
1. Place an order for the JR Pass through KLOOK. You can order it HERE.
2. Receive the Exchange Order via mail ( It will take up to 10 days)
3. Activate the JR Pass in Japan ( In the airport or any JR pass ticket booth)
Where to buy JR Pass?
It's recommended to buy the JR Pass on KLOOK. It offers the cheapest rate on the market and can be purchased in one hassle-free booking. You can choose 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day and the Mail Exchange Order will be delivered directly to your door within 2 weeks. With these passes, you will have unlimited access to every JR line throughout Japan.
Pricing of the JR Pass is below:
Ordinary Pass
7-day pass - P12, 275
14-day pass- P19, 562
21-day pass- P25,027
Green Car Pass
7-day pass - P16, 395
14-day pass- P26, 546
21-day pass- P34, 524
Benefits of JR Pass:
1. Great value and incredible savings
3. One ticket for all of Japan
3. Travel on high-speed bullet trains ( 320Km/h)
4. Free seat reservations - secure your seating
Who are eligible for a JR Pass?
Only some people can get the JR pass. This pass is only for eligible international tourists ( non-Japanese nationals). Also, you can only get the pass on a "Temporary Visitor" status in Japan. You are only allowed to stay in Japan for less than 3 months ( depending on the number of days approved by the embassy on your visa ).
What are the different types of JR Passes available?
There are two types of passes – Whole Japan Pass and other regional passes. The whole JR Pass is recommended if you are going to different destinations in Japan. An example is traveling from Hokkaido, Japan, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Narra. And if you are only going to stay in a specific area ( Tokyo only), buying a regional pass like the JR TOKYO Wide Pass is recommended.
What is Klook voucher, Exchange Order, and JR Pass?
Klook Voucher
If you book the JR pass via Klook, you will get a Klook Voucher, giving you the option to redeem the Exchange Order.
Exchange Order
After redeeming your Klook Voucher, your Mail Exchange Order will be delivered directly to your door within 2 weeks. This original copy of the Exchange Order will be replaced with the actual JR Pass. All you need to do is to go to a JR pass ticket office in Japan to get the JR Pass. There's JR pass ticket office at the airport.
JR Pass
It is a small ticket that you will be using when using transportation systems in Japan.
When do I have to redeem my Exchange Order for a JR Pass?
Once you have the Exchange Order, you can exchange for a JR Pass within 90 days from the date of issue (the date of confirmed booking). If you already have the actual JR Pass, you have an option on when to activate it as long it's at most 30 days from it was issued. Please be reminded that once you select the start date of your JR Pass, you cannot change it.
What is the difference between Green Car and Ordinary Car?
If you get the green card pass, you will get a special seat on the train. It's like the first-class cabin in an airplane. The seats are more extensive and spacious enough to stretch your feet. Inside the ordinary car, it offers a lot of reserved and nonreserved seats. Unlike a Green car, the Ordinary car has regular seats.
What Shinkansen trains and JR trains are covered?
The JR pass covers all Japan Shinkansen lines ( bullet trains) connecting you to all major cities in the country, including the famous Akita Shinkansen line, Hokkaido Shinkansen line, Joetsu Shinkansen line, Kyushu Shinkansen line, Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, Tokaido Shinkansen line, Yamagata Shinkansen line, etc. Please be reminded that Nozomi & Mizuho trains are NOT covered by the pass.
How do seat reservations?
Seat reservations are required before you board the train, especially if riding on shinkansen. There are 2 ways for you to reserve train tickets.
1. The easiest way to conduct seat reservations is through the ticket machine in all train stations.
2. Another option is to visit the JR ticket office in the stations and show your Japan rail pass to the staff to get your reserved seat JR train tickets.
Please be reminded that you can reserve a ticket if you travel within the city. But if you travel from one city to city, like from Tokyo to Osaka, it requires you to reserve a ticket. Make sure to use the Japan Railpass app like Japan. Official Travel App.
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Things to Remember
1. A confirmation email and Klook voucher cannot be used to redeem the JR Pass in Japan. Only the Exchange Order can be used for redemption.
2. You must book your JR Pass before traveling to or entering Japan.
3. The name, country of residence, and passport numbers entered when booking must be an exact match to the passports used when boarding
4. It is recommended to book the JR Pass at least 14 days before you intend to travel to Japan. The date selected above on the calendar is not the date of activation but the date you intend to leave for Japan.
5. Please secure the Exchange Order once you receive it.
6. You have 90 days - from the purchase date on Klook - to swap the Exchange Order for the actual, physical JR Pass in Japan at an Official Exchange Office. Once exchanged in Japan, you have 30 days to activate your JR Pass and start traveling on the trains.
7. Visit the Japan Rail Pass official website for more information about the pass eligibility
With spring fast approaching in Japan, let's celebrate the season of beautiful cherry blossoms. Japan's renowned national flower is expected to bloom in the last week of March, which is the perfect time to visit this lovely destination. For a free hassle tour, I recommend booking the JR pass and activities via Klook. You may book it HERE. Enjoy and happy traveling!
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