The National Japan Rail Pass 全国ジャパン・レール・パス

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a very popular transportation option for foreign tourists wanting to explore Japan by train. It offers unlimited travel on JR lines across the country, including the famous Shinkansen (新幹線) bullet trains, while helping you skip the lines for buying individual tickets.

What is the Japan Rail Pass?

The Japan Rail Pass is a train pass designed exclusively for foreign tourists. It allows unlimited travel across the Japan Railways (JR) network, which includes six companies covering all of Japan: JR East, JR West, JR Central, JR Kyûshû, JR Shikoku, and JR Hokkaidô.

Two main pass options

• National JR Pass: Best for travelers covering long distances across multiple regions.
• Regional Passes: Great for exploring a specific area of Japan (Kansai, Tôhoku, Kyûshû, Hokkaidô, etc.).

This article focuses only on the National JR Pass.

How much does the National JR Pass cost?

The pass is available for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days. Prices from our partner Japan Experience (free shipping) are:

Le pass est proposé avec des durées de validité de 7, 14 ou 21 jours consécutifs. Voici les tarifs de notre partenaire Japan Experience (frais de port gratuit).

Green Car (グリーン車): This is Japan’s equivalent of first class, offering more spacious seats, a quieter atmosphere, and sometimes extra luggage space. The ordinary class is already very comfortable, with plenty of legroom.

Is the JR Pass worth It?

The JR Pass is only worth it if you're taking multiple long-distance trips. Here are a few examples:

• Tôkyô - Kyôto (round-trip): ~26,640 yen (~166 €)
• Tôkyô - Hiroshima (round-trip): ~36,760 yen (~230 €)
• Kyôto - Kanazawa (round-trip): ~28,360 yen (~177 €)

We recommend simulating your itinerary on websites like Navitime. For instance, a route like Tôkyô → Kyôto → Kanazawa → Kyôto → Tôkyô will cost around 55,000 yen (~344 €). In that case, only the 7-day pass would be cost-effective.

In our opinion, regional passes often provide better value.

Where to buy JR Pass ?

• Online (recommended): Order your pass on our partner Japan Experience’s website. You'll receive a voucher by mail that must be exchanged in Japan within 3 months.
• Upon Arrival in Japan: Available at some airports (Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Chubu Centrair, etc.), but typically more expensive than buying online.

Who Is eligible for the Pass?

The JR Pass is only for non-residents of Japan under the following conditions:

• You're visiting Japan on a tourist visa (under 90 days).
• Japanese nationals living abroad for over 10 years may be eligible under strict conditions (documentation required).
• People with student, work, or resident visas are not eligible.

What does the National JR Pass cover?

The national pass covers nearly all JR trains and select additional transport services.

Included trains

• Local, rapid, express, and limited express JR trains.
• Shinkansen, except Nozomi (のぞみ) and Mizuho (みずほ).
• Tôkyô Monorail (Haneda Airport ⇄ Hamamatsuchô).
• JR Ferry to Miyajima (from Hiroshima).
• Private Line Segments Required to Connect JR Networks:
  • Aoimori Railway: Aomori ⇄ Noheji ⇄ Hachinohe
  • IR Ishikawa Railway: Kanazawa ⇄ Tsubata
  • Ainokaze Toyama Railway: Toyama ⇄ Takaoka

Included buses

• JR tourist buses in Hiroshima and Sapporo
• JR Bus Kantô (Tôkyô ⇄ Tokyo Big Sight, Nikko, Kusatsu)
• JR Bus Tôkai (Kanazawa ⇄ Kenrokuen)
• JR Bus Chûgoku (Yamaguchi ⇄ Hagi)
• In Kyôto: JR line to Ryoanji and Takao

The National JR Pass gives access to a wide range of JR-operated transportation.

What is not covered by the National JR Pass?

Despite its flexibility, the JR Pass does not cover everything. Here's what's excluded:

• Nozomi (Tôkaidô Line) and Mizuho (Sanyô Line) Shinkansen
• Private railways: Odakyû, Keihan, Tôbu, Hankyû, Meitetsu, etc.
• City metros and trams (Tôkyô Metro, Ôsaka Metro, etc.)
• Sleeper trains
• Non-JR intercity buses

Tip: Get an IC Card (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) to use on non-JR lines.

How to activate and use the JR Pass in Japan?

1. Pick Up Your JR Pass

Go to a JR Travel Service Center (in major stations or airports) with:

• Your original passport
• Your JR Pass voucher

Note: Lines at airport counters can easily exceed one hour. It's often easier to exchange your voucher at a JR station (Tôkyô, Shinjuku, Kyôto, etc.).

2. Choose the Activation Date

You can choose to activate your pass immediately or up to 30 days later. The period runs consecutively, with no pauses.

• Example: A 7-day pass activated on July 1 is valid until July 7 at 11:59 PM.

3. Use the JR Pass

Insert your pass at JR automatic gates or show it to a station agent if there’s no gate.

How to use the JR Pass for Shinkansen travel?

Shinkansen trains have both non-reserved and reserved cars.

We recommend reserving your seat (free with the JR Pass), especially in these cases:

• You're traveling with large suitcases
• You're taking the Hayabusa (Tôhoku Shinkansen) or Kagayaki (Hokuriku Shinkansen)
• You're using the Narita Express

Non-Reserved travel

Just show up at the platform a few minutes before departure, insert your pass at the gate, and hop on a non-reserved car.

Reserved travel

Book in-person or online:

• At the station: Use "Midori no Madoguchi" (みどりの窓口) ticket offices or English-friendly machines.
• Online: Use the JR-EAST Train Reservation site (for JR East and JR Hokkaidô).
• If you don’t have a JR Pass, you can also book train tickets through our partner Japan Experience.

Luggage rules

Baggage regulations are based on total size (L + W + H):

• Under 160 cm: No reservation needed.
• 160–250 cm: Free reservation required.
• Over 250 cm: Not allowed onboard.

Overhead racks are spacious. Our size L suitcase (41 x 30 x 65 cm) fits easily.

Alternative: Use a luggage delivery service like Takkyubin (宅急便) to send your bags between cities.

Frequently asked questions

Is the JR Pass worth it?

It’s difficult to make the National JR Pass pay off due to the high cost. We suggest checking regional passes based on your travel plans.

Can I use the JR Pass on subways in Tôkyô, Kyôto, Ôsaka, etc.?

No, subways are not operated by JR and are not covered by the pass.

Is the JR Pass refundable?

Yes, but only if the voucher hasn’t been exchanged. Refunds are available within one year of purchase, minus a 10% cancellation fee.

Can I let someone else use my JR Pass?

No. The pass is personal and non-transferable. You may be asked to show ID during inspections.