Japan Rail Pass Frequently Asked Questions

When you arrive in Japan Train will be the best option to commute as it connects all parts of the country. For this majority of travelers purchase a Japan Rail pass(JR Pass)/ The cost-effective way to travel across Japan is by purchasing  JR Pass before you go to japan. Because JR pass are not sold inside the country.

 Basically, there are two kinds of pass – 1. Green car and 2. The Ordinary car. Green cars are considered first class cars while Ordinary cars are economy class cars. Not to forget that you can purchase it for one to three weeks of time.

Where To use Japan Rail Pass

Japan Railway Pass are widely accepted by all JR operated Transport Services all over Japan, The following lists will help you understand in detail:

• Ferry to Miyajima Island (Hiroshima)

JR Trains – The JR pass is valid on nearly all trains operated in Japan by JR group such as :

• Local Trains
• Rapid Trains
• Express Trains
• Limited Express Trains
• Shinkansen Trains(Bullet Train)

Tokyo Monorail from/to Haneda International Airport - JR pass holders can easily access the Shimokita Peninsula and are allowed to stop on and of at the following stations only :

• Aomori
• Noheji
• Hachinohe

Local JR Buses -JR Pass can also be used in JR-operated local buses. Not all places are connected with JR bus, they can be useful who are going to visit following areas:

• Kanazawa Station
• Kenrokuen
• Kyoto Station -Ryoanji
• Lake Towada
• Sapporo
• Yamahuchi-Hagi

JR pass is generally not accepted on JR highway buses except for the lines listed as follows :

• Morioka - Hirosaki
• Nagoya - Osaka/Kyoto
• Nagoya - Osaka/Kyoto/Tsukuba
• Osaka -Kasai Flower Center/Tsuyama
• Sapporo - Otaru
• Tokyo

JR pass will not be valid or requires additional fees except in the following cases :

• Mizuho train along the Kyushu/Sanyo Shinkansen
• Nozomi Trains along the Sanyo/Tokaido Shinkansen
• JR trains that use non JR tracks
• JR liner trains
• Berth and special compartments

Additional features for the visitors who have purchased JR PASS includes :

• Discounts at any JR-affiliated Hotels

• Free seat reservations

Can passes be upgraded to Nozomi or Mizuho?

Japan Railway Pass may not be upgraded but pass holders who are willing to ride the Mizuho or Nozomi must pay the full amount. 

What is the difference between Green cars and Ordinary cars?

Green cars are first-class compartments with wide floor space for your feet and your luggage. They are usually less crowded than ordinary cars. These green cars are usually available on the majority of limited express trains, shinkansen and few numbers of local trains too. Ordinary cars are just ordinary with no extra feature, your just travel like any ordinary person would do.

Are upgrades to green car possible?

Yes, you can upgrade to green cars. But this will add up a lot of money to your budget travel as you have to pay additional fees for green cars.

The Difference Between 24-Hour Periods and Calendar Days

The Japan Rail Pass is based on calendar days not based on the period of 24 hours. If you don't understand the 24-hour period it means that if you begin using a seven-day pass at 10 a.m. for day one, it will quit working on day seven, not 10 a.m on day 8.

Your JR Pass Expires But You're Still boarding On The Train - What will happen?

Will your pass expires while you are on the train? don't worry if you on the train and your pass expire. Pass is valid until you finish your trip. You won't have any issues even you have to transfer the train. But if you need to transfer express, limited express, or shinkansen the pass won't cover.

Can Passes Be Transferred or Shared?

The person who is allowed to use the pass is the one whose name is printed in the JR Pass. Railway staff at the station may ask you to verify  JR pass with the passport.

Does The JR Pass Work For Night Trains?

No, JR pass won't cover night trains, you have to pay an extra amount to ride night trains and it consists of additional compartment charges too.

How To Purchase and Exchange Japan Rail Pass

JR pass is allowed only for the tourist and one must buy it online before coming to the country. When Pass is bought, you will get a voucher and the voucher must be exchanged to acquire the actual pass within the 3 months of purchasing it.

Who Is Permitted To Use A Japan Rail Pass?

All JR Pass is only eligible to all the short-term tourists in Japan. JR Pass is not allocated to the Japanese Residence or long-term visitors. Even Japanese nationals permanently living outside the country or those who have a spouse that resides outside the country will have to provide proof of the overseas residence before granted assess to JR Pass.

Where Can JR Passes Be Bought?

JR Pass can be easily purchased on the internet, on the JR official Websites, or from the travel agent near you.

Where and how JR Pass is exchanged?

The Vouchers can be easily exchanged at designated Railway stations, including the major international Airport railway station such as Narita and Kansai International Airport. All you have to do is fill up the form with your details such as your name and passport number. Then hand over the form to the Railway personnel and get your Pass.

How To Choose The Date to Start?

The starting day won't be the same day as the voucher is exchanged. Stating day can be any day within a one-month time period. Once a pass is issued, there won't be any change to the starting day.

How Can  We Use Japan Rail Pass?

JR Pass is your ticket to ride JR trains in Japan. You won't be required any other extra ticket to board the train.

Automatic ticket Gates Cannot Be Used

You are supposed to go to the manned gates as you will be asked to verify your Pass with your travel passport. 

How To Make Seat Reservation?

Most of the seat reservations cannot be done on the ticket machines except JR East. You have to go to the JR office at the station to make Reservations of the seat.

Is It Compulsion To Have Seat Reservation?

You don't need to make seat reservations for the local trains. The majority of seat reservations are optional. Whereas , number of trains require seat reservations such as listed below :

• Night trains
• Komachi trains along Akita Shinkansen
• Hayate and Hayabusha trains along Tohoku Shinkansen
• Narita Express

Miss A Train, You  Have Seat Reserved, What will Happen?

If you miss the train you have a seat reservation, cancel it As Soon As Possible. Then either you can travel through a non-reserved compartment or make a new reservation for the next departure.

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