What is the Japan Rail Pass Nationwide? The pass is a train ticket that allows Japan Rail Pass users to take *unlimited train services throughout the JR train line networks inside Japan. You can choose any option of 7, 14, or 21 days depending on your itinerary of travel. *Notes: Shinkansen (except Nozomi & Mizuho Shinkansen), limited express, express, rapid and local trains. Green vs Ordinary You also can choose between the normal Ordinary pass, OR if you’re looking to travel in more comfortable ways, go for the Green pass which offers you business-class facilities with much quieter, less crowded coach cabins with reclining seats, a footrest, and space to stretch out your legs for the long journey.
What JR Shinkansen trains and JR trains are covered?
The pass covers all JR Japan Shinkansen lines connecting you to all major cities in the country like
1. Tokaido Shinkansen line (Tokyo – Shin-Osaka – Tokyo)
2. Joetsu Shinkansen line (Tokyo – Niigata – Tokyo)
3. Tohoku Shinkansen line (Tokyo – Shin-Aomori – Tokyo)
4. Hokkaido Shinkansen line (Tokyo – Shin-Hakodate – Tokyo)
5. Hokuriku Shinkansen line (Tokyo – Kanazawa – Kanazawa)
6. Sanyo Shinkansen line (Osaka – Hakata – Osaka)
7. Kyushu Shinkansen line (Hakata – Kagoshima – Hakata)
8. Nagasaki Shinkansen line (Takeo-Onsen – Nagasaki – Takeo-Onsen)
9. Yamagata Shinkansen line (Fukushima – Shinjo – Fukushima)
10. Akita Shinkansen line (Morioka – Akita – Morioka) JR NATIONWIDE 7, 14 & 21 DAYS The pass also covers most of the major airport trains as follows :
1. JR Narita Express (Narita Airport – Tokyo – Narita Airport)
2. Tokyo Monorail (Haneda Airport – Hamamatsucho – Haneda Airport)
3. JR Haruka Express (Kansai International Airport – Osaka/Kyoto – Kansai International Airport)
4. Rapid Airport (New Chitose Airport – Sapporo – New Chitose Airport)
Notes : Other International Airports like Fukuoka Airport and Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport do not have JR lines connecting from the airport to the cities so a separate additional fee is required. Besides JR trains, pass holders can also take selected JR buses & JR-West Ferry within this pass. Is it worth it to buy the JR Pass Nationwide? It is worth it if you can cover longer destinations in Japan within the validity period like :
Example : JR Pass Nationwide 7 Days: 29,650 yen (Actual Price in Yen) Tokyo Station – Osaka Station – Tokyo Station (1x time trip using Tokaido Shinkansen, back and forth) = 28,400 yen (Actual train fare) Even though it doesn’t reach the actual price of the Pass, this is only a 1x time trip and has not yet added up to other destinations in Japan. Plus, you still have the remaining days left to use the train networks inside Japan. It is a no-brainer to purchase the JR Pass Nationwide if you are already going from Tokyo and Osaka, back and forth using the quicker Tokaido Shinkansen Line!
*Note: Please consult with our contact person for more details on other destinations and guides to purchase the pass.
How to do Seat Reservations? One of the best things about the JR Pass Nationwide, you are able to make unlimited seat reservations without any charges (depending on the availability of the seats) when riding the Shinkansens and other JR trains that have reserved seat coaches.
There are 2 ways for you to reserve train tickets.
1) You can visit the JR Ticket Office in the stations and just show your Japan Rail Pass to the train staff to get your reserved seat JR trains tickets.
2) You can also go to the reserved seat ticket machine in most major JR line stations to book and issue a reserved seat ticket without waiting in line at the ticket office. You can use the Japan Rail Pass on almost all trains operated on the nationwide network of Japan Railways (JR), including *shinkansen, limited express, express, rapid and local trains. *Except Nozomi & Mizuho Shinkansen
Reminder
Refund Policy
To exchange your Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order for the actual Japan Rail Pass, you will need to follow these steps:
Purchase the Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order: The Japan Rail Pass cannot be purchased directly in Japan. You need to buy an Exchange Order from an authorised sales office or an authorised travel agent before arriving in Japan.
Arrive in Japan: Once you arrive in Japan, locate a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office. These offices are usually found in major airports, including Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and other major train stations.
Present your Exchange Order: When you visit the Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office, present your Exchange Order along with your passport. Make sure to have your passport with you, as it will be required for verification purposes.
Choose the validity period: At the exchange office, you will be asked to choose the start date for your Japan Rail Pass. The pass can be activated on any day within 30 days of the exchange, but once activated, the validity period cannot be changed.
Complete the application form: You will need to fill out an application form with your personal details, including your name, passport number, and duration of stay. The form is usually available at the exchange office, and staff will assist you if needed.
Receive your Japan Rail Pass: After completing the form and verification done, the staff will provide you with the actual Japan Rail Pass. The pass consists of a paper ticket and a small booklet containing important information about the pass, including rules and instructions.
Remember to keep your Japan Rail Pass with you at all times during your travel in Japan, as you may be required to show it to the staff when entering and exiting the train stations or boarding the trains.
