The Japan Rail Pass (also known as the JR Pass) is the #1 most popular travel option for foreign visitors to Japan.
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It&#;s a joint offering from the six companies comprising the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). It is the most economical means of travelling throughout Japan by rail, and includes most of the famous shinkansen - or bullet trains.
Travelling by shinkansen isn&#;t necessarily cheap but it can be fantastic value if you purchase the Japan Rail Pass.
In this Ultimate Guide I'll answer all the most frequently asked questions about the JR Pass, give you a free "Essential Japan Rail Pass" checklist and my recommendations on where to purchase.
Download my "Essential Japan Rail Pass" checklist:
Passes are best bought in advance outside of Japan. Buying passes outside Japan will always be the cheapest option.
The options are passes running for 7, 14 and 21 consecutive days. What&#;s more, the savings get proportionally greater if you can buy a longer pass. Simply choose the duration that best fits with your plans.
Passes can be purchased around the world from a number of authorised local travel agents. A complete list of authorised agents can be found on the official JR Pass website: www.japanrailpass.net.
They will cost more to buy inside Japan, than buying in advance outside of the country.
You&#;re actually buying something called an Exchange Order which you must exchange for the tickets themselves when you are in Japan. This can be done at JR Travel Service Centres located in most major JR train stations.
Conveniently, Centers are located in the major airports including Narita and Haneda (Tokyo) and Kansai (Osaka).
As JR Passes are primarily used by foreign tourists travelling in Japan, all information and services are in English (and multiple other languages as well). Key staff at counters where you exchange your vouchers for the passes will speak English.
There are some restrictions on use; for example, the pass cannot be used for travel on Nozomi or Mizuho trains (the two fastest services) on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu shinkansen lines. However, by paying an additional fee, it is possible to include these services within your pass.
Foreign visitors can save money by minimising their trip cost through the use of the Japan Rail Pass. This article will help guide you to make a choice of which length of Japan Rail Pass is suitable for you, based on the length of your stay, itinerary and use.
The Japan Rail Pass makes it possible to travel an unlimited amount of times on the entire JR rail network, including many high speed bullet train lines.
Order your JR Pass
Receive the Exchange Order
Active your JR Pass in Japan
Enjoy unlimited travel
Order your Japan Rail Pass online at JRPass.com.
You are sent an Exchange Order via FedEx Express or UPS for fast and secure shipping in advance of your departure to Japan. You will exchange the Order for your Japan Rail Pass once inside Japan.
Once inside Japan hand over your Exchange Order for your Japan Rail Pass at a Japan Rail Exchange Counter, and activate it by choosing a start date. There are exchange counters at all major JR Rail stations, and at many international airport terminals - including Tokyo Narita, Tokyo Haneda and Osaka's Kansai International Airport.
The Japan Rail Pass enables you to have an unlimited number of journeys on Japan Rail services, and have the freedom to explore Japan in speed and comfort. The more you use it, the more of Japan you'll see and the more you'll save!
The Japan Rail Pass is valid on:
The Japan Rail Pass is an excellent way to travel throughout Japan and without having to worry about extra costs incurred while using the local JR lines. It's worth it if you are planning on travelling throughout Japan using public transport and staying at least a week or two.
The pass is available in two versions, the Ordinary (standard) car pass and Green car pass. Each type can be purchased for 7 days, 14 days or 21 days consecutive travel.
SEE ALSO: Using Public Transport in Japan
The pass covers railways, buses and one ferry. Here&#;s the complete list:
It is possible to add the two fastest services, Nozomi and Mizuho trains, to the pass for an additional fee
SOURCE: based on information found on the official Japan Rail Pass website.
A Nationwide JR Route Map is available for free download as a PDF file from the official website here: Nationwide JR Route Map. The same map is reproduced on the inside of the current pass design.
You can use the Jorudan's online timetable site Japan Transit Planner to determine whether or not the journey you wish to make is covered by the pass.
Download my "Essential Japan Rail Pass" checklist:
In summary, anyone entering Japan on a 15 or 90 day tourist visa can buy the JR Pass. Only tourists and those on holiday in Japan are eligible. If you are a business traveller, you will not be allowed to use it on your travels. Japanese nationals can also use them if they can provide the eligibility documentation JR requires. See the official website for more eligibility information.
You can&#;t game the system either as you are required to show your tourist visa or stamp in your passport at the JR Exchange Office when seeking to exchange your order voucher for a pass. Therefore, at the airport on arrival if you use an automated gate, it is important that you get a member of staff to stamp your passport.
Passes can only be purchased by foreigners in Japan who have a passport issued by a country other than Japan and are granted temporary visitor status and Japanese nationals residing abroad who meet certain conditions.
The cost of the Japan Rail Pass is determined by how many days you are planning on staying and the version of the pass that you choose.
A price guide for both Ordinary (Standard Class) and Green Car (First Class) passes from an authorised agent outside Japan are shown in the tables below. The exact price you pay will vary - depending on where you choose to purchase and the exchange rate at the time of purchase.
Although the base price is set in Japan, authorised agents outside of Japan will often include extras (such as Japan travel guides, express delivery, etc.) to differentiate their service from others, and this affects the price charged.
Duration
Adult
Child
7 Days
¥50,000
¥25,000
14 Days
¥80,000
¥40,000
21 Days
¥100,000
¥50,000
Duration
Adult
Child
7 Days
¥70,000
¥35,000
14 Days
¥111,000
¥55,500
21 Days
¥140,000
¥70,000
Note: the price you pay in your local currency may undergo slight variation depending on fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Green cars are essentially first class cars (I&#;m not sure where the naming convention comes from). As you&#;d expect, opting to travel via Green car brings with it a few extra benefits including: larger seat, greater foot space, and enhanced onboard service. There are fewer seats in Green cars compared with standard class so there are fewer passengers too.
Green cars are available on most shinkansen and limited express trains, as well as on a few local trains. Green car Pass holders can also use Ordinary cars if they wish, they're not restricted to travelling only in Green cars.
If you are a wheelchair user then note that not all Green cars are accessible. You can read more about accessible travel in Japan using trains and the JR Pass in our guide: 12 Best Tips For Accessible Travel in Japan.
The most common way of buying a Japan Rail Pass is through an authorised website. Some of these are dedicated to the Japan Rail Pass, others offer a broad range of tickets and experiences. You will receive a voucher that needs to be exchanged for an actual pass once you are inside Japan and within three months of purchase.
JR started selling passes online in , but their prices are around 13% more expensive. You may just prefer the peace of mind of booking through the official Japan Rail Pass Reservation website, and the site does enable you to make seat reservations online.
You can also collect your pass using just your passport and not a voucher that needs to be exchanged.
It&#;s worth noting that Japanese expats living abroad cannot buy passes through the JR Reservation website (even though they are eligible for the Japan Rail Pass).
Accredited travel agents outside of Japan are authorised to sell the Japan Rail Pass.
What you&#;re actually buying is an Exchange Order which will be sent to you. After receiving the voucher, and once you are inside Japan you have three months to exchange it for your actual Japan Rail Pass. It's advisable to place an order well in advance just in case you experience delays in delivery.
The Japan Rail Pass can be purchased at a range of major train stations and airports including Narita, Haneda and Kansai airports.
A complete list of the sales offices (including service hours) can be found on the official Japan Rail Pass website here: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html. Note: you will pay approximately 13% more per pass if buying inside Japan.
When you exchange your voucher for the actual pass, you can select any start date provided it is within one month from the day you exchange. Note: once the actual pass is issued, the start date cannot be changed.
If you purchase passes through the official JR website you will need to select the start date of the passes at the time of purchase, and again, the start date cannot be changed later.
For Japan Rail Passes purchased in advance outside of Japan, you need to activate them at an exchange office after arriving in Japan. Exchange offices can be found in several major train stations and airports.
The official JR Pass website has a complete list of exchange offices here: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html.
Seat reservations are free with the Japan Rail Pass. After exchanging your voucher for the actual pass, you can make seat reservations for JR trains for free at ticket machines or ticket offices across Japan. Note: reservations cannot be made on board trains.
Seat reservations are optional in Ordinary class cars, but all seating in Green cars is reserved so you will need to reserve in advance.
Most non-shinkansen and local train services do not offer seat reservations. You can read more details on how to make seat reservations on the JRPass.com website here.
Portable WiFi is essential for getting online and keeping in touch
For stress-free travel and help with activating your Japan Rail Pass
Japan by Rail guidebook, includes rail route guide and 30 city guides
New rules concerning oversized luggage were introduced in . Oversized luggage is defined as the total measurement of the three sides (length, width and height) is over 160cm and within 250cm.
If your luggage is oversized, on some shinkansen you must make an advance reservation for both the seat and baggage area.
This applies to the following shinkansen: Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu (routes: Tokyo &#; Nagoya &#; Kyoto &#; Shin-Osaka &#; Hiroshima &#; Hakata &#; Kagoshima-Chuo).
NOTE: Luggage where the three sides measure over 250cm is not allowed to be brought onto shinkansen at all. (If you have luggage over 250cm and are travelling by shinkansen consider using a luggage forwarding service instead.)
If you bring oversized baggage on board shinkansen without making an advance reservation, you will be charged a carry on fee of 1,000 JPY (inc. tax) and be required to store your baggage in a space designated by the train crew.
Full details on the luggage restrictions are available to download in a free PDF on the official Japan Rail Pass website here: Japan Rail Pass - Oversized Baggage (Instant Download PDF).
For more Japanese Standard Railsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
For tips on accessible travel in Japan using the Japan Rail Pass and trains in general, please read our dedicated guide: 12 Best Tips For Accessible Travel in Japan.
While some visitors to Japan will not need a Japan Rail Pass, it can be an excellent travel tool for those looking to maximise the use of their time, while saving money over multiple train tickets and journeys.
Perhaps the best thing about the Pass is that it offers unlimited shinkansen journeys. Think about that for a moment. You can travel as much as you want on services. The more you use the pass, the more you are saving.
To get the most out of the rail pass, you need to consider your length of stay, itinerary, and budget of travel. The pass can save you money if you are willing to invest a bit of time in planning your itinerary around its uses.
If you need some ideas for itineraries, the JRPass.com website has a number of suggested itineraries from 3 to 14 days.
It all depends on your rail travel plans and itinerary. The Japan Rail Pass is convenient, but its use requires a certain amount of planning.
The most important thing to consider about purchasing a Japan Rail Pass is the length of your stay in Japan and how many places you plan to visit using the train (especially JR trains), how you are planning on travelling throughout the country, and how the rail pass can make that easier, faster and cheaper.
If you&#;re not sure that the Japan Rail Pass will be worth buying for your travel plans then you should total up the cost of buying individual train tickets for each of your journeys (or regional rail passes) and then compare that with the cost of the Japan Rail Pass.
Just remember, the pass offers unlimited travel, so you might well want to add in extra trips than you originally planned as the more you travel on a Japan Rail Pass the better value you get out of them.
You can use a site like Japan Transit Planner to calculate the total cost of individual tickets.
One approach to maximising the value of your pass is to book accommodation in a location at the centre of a region you want to explore. Hotels typically allow storage of large suitcases (sometimes for a small fee). You can then use the pass to make day or short overnight trips to surrounding areas taking only a day or overnight bag with you.
One of the questions most tourists have is whether or not the pass can be used on the Tokyo Metro system. The answer is no. It can only be used on Japan Railway (JR) lines during your travels in Japan.
The Tokyo Metro is very convenient and easy to use, but if you plan on using this system, you will need to pay for each trip separately. A good option for travel on the Tokyo Metro is to buy a pre-paid travel card such as the Suica Card. And if you stay in Tokyo and only do some short day trips around Tokyo for sightseeing, using the Japan Rail Pass won&#;t be cost effective.
Since the Japan Rail Pass operates on consecutive days only, it is best suited to itineraries that are built around moving frequently within 7, 14 or 21 day periods. It also offers the best value for the longest distances travelled.
If you are visiting only one region then you might want to consider one of the many regional rail passes. These are offered by different railway companies. Some regional passes cover areas (e.g the Kansai Area Pass, Hokuriku Area Pass), others cover entire islands (Hokkaido Rail Pass, Kyushu Rail Pass).
Also, depending on your travel plans, the Japan Rail Pass and regional rail passes can also be used in conjunction with each other.
For example, if your itinerary included periods of frequent rail travel and then none for a while and then resumed but only in one area, then it might be better to buy a 7, 14 or 21 day Japan Rail Pass for the period of intense travel and later pick up a regional pass just to cover an area that you plan to spend an amount of time in.
I have an in-depth guide to regional rail passes in Japan HERE. It includes 5 recommendations for the best-value regional passes.
Download my "Essential Japan Rail Pass" checklist:
Yes. Should you decide that you want to change the dates or the area where your pass is valid or should you lose your pass, then it is possible to exchange it for an official receipt. You would need to get a refund of the pass you have purchased and then purchase a new pass. This can only be done before the starting date of periods of use.
The Japan Rail Pass can be used for unlimited rides for the duration of your pass (7, 14 or 21 consecutive days). The valid period is based on full calendar days (midnight to midnight) rather than 24 hour periods. For example, if you start using a 7-day pass at midday on day 1, it will expire at midnight at the end of day 7, and not at midday of day 8.
Yes, you can buy the Japan Rail pass at a ticket office in Japan, but it is more expensive to buy it inside the country than outside of the country in advance.
Locations of the ticket offices in Japan can be found on official JR website here: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html
To activate your Japan Rail Pass, you must exchange your voucher at an exchange office after arriving in Japan. There are offices in airports and at major JR train stations; opening times will vary. Fill out the form with your details and present your passport and your "Temporary Visitor" stamp/sticker.
The official Japan Rail Pass website includes a list of all of the exchange offices: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html.
If you decide that you do not want to use your pass or if it is not valid in the areas where you are travelling, then it can be returned for a refund as long as the pass has not been activated.
If you have an actual Japan Rail Pass (i.e. you have already exchanged the voucher for a pass), it can be turned in at any exchange office for a refund, but only if this is done before the start date of the pass.
If you still have the voucher (i.e. it hasn&#;t yet been exchanged for a pass), you need to contact the retailer you originally purchased it from for a refund. The terms and conditions will vary.
If there are any issued reserved-seat tickets, it is necessary to cancel all the issued reserved-seat tickets.
No - the pass is only valid for the person named on the pass. You cannot lend the Japan Rail Pass to another person, or use it if you have not activated it.
No - the opposite in fact. Buying the Japan Rail Pass in Japan will be more expensive than buying it in your home country before you travel. Passes can be purchased in many countries through officially authorised travel agents. Prices are controlled so do not vary by much between agents. However, you might want to shop around before buying one as agents often include free extras (like Japan guides) to entice you to buy through them.
A list of authorised global agents can be found here on JR official website.
Not quite. However, the vast majority of services (including the Hikari, Sakura, Kodama and Tsubame services) are covered. However, Nozomi and Mizuho trains running on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu shinkansen lines are not automatically covered, but can be added for an additional fee. All other bullet trains are included within the standard price.
Full details of the shinkansen services covered by the pass can be found on the official Japan Rail Pass website (Instant Download PDF).
Yes. The Narita Express, also known as N'EX, is a Limited Express train operated by JR East that runs between Narita Airport and central Tokyo. You can ride the Narita Express for free using the Pass, but seats must be reserved in advance.
Stops include many popular places to stay including: Narita (town), Chiba, Tokyo Station, Shinbashi, Hamamatshucho, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Yokohama and Ikebukuro.
Yes, provided those local trains are part of the JR network. The pass isn&#;t limited exclusively to using shinkansen (&#;bullet trains&#;). A Japan Rail Pass can be used on almost all JR (Japan Rail Group) trains.
The period of validity of a Japan Rail Pass is 7, 14 or 21 consecutive days. All three versions offer unlimited travel during their period of validity.
Generally speaking the answer is no. However, the pass is valid on a small number of non-JR trains. Agreement has been reached with some train companies to provide access to remote JR lines that otherwise would be inaccessible.
A complete Nationwide JR Route Map is available to download from the official Japan Rail Pass site here: https://japanrailpass.net/pdf/Nationwide_JR_Route_Map_web_.pdf
Before publishing this guide, I asked subscribers if they had any questions about using the pass. Most questions are covered above, but there were a few specific questions that weren't. So here they are:
There is no limit on the number of passes (Japan Rail or regional) you can purchase within a 90 day tourist visa. This gives you great flexibility when planning your itinerary, especially given that further passes can be bought inside Japan once you are already here.
No, as the pass is already being heavily subsidised, no special discount for seniors is available.
Not as part of the Japan Rail Pass service. You just need to plan your itinerary in advance and think about how you could utilise the Japan Rail Pass within that.
For example, you might use more than one pass during your travels but not use them back to back. Think about how you might get the best value out of the three different durations (7, 14 and 21 days) and then order passes to complement your preferred travel style.
Depending on your itinerary, consider using the Japan Rail Pass in combination with a number of regional rail passes, or only use regional rail passes.
Alternatively, if it's really slow train travel you're after then look for the Seishun Juhachi Kippu - loosely translated as 'Youthful 18 Ticket' - and often abbreviated to Seishun 18. This provides five days of unlimited travel, and is specifically designed for hopping on and off JR trains, using non-reserved seats in ordinary cars of ordinary trains (including rapid trains) on any JR line in Japan.
Unlike all the Japan Rail Passes, the five days covered by the Seishun 18 do not need to be consecutive.
In keeping with its name, the Seishun 18 Kippu is only available three times a year during school holiday seasons, is a seasonally available railway ticket, which gives you five days of unlimited, nationwide travel on local and rapid JR (Japan Railways) trains for only ¥12,050. That's just ¥2,410 per day.
This pass can be purchase at most Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines at major JR East stations, JR Ticket Offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi), and JR EAST Travel Service Centers. Learn more about the ticket by visiting the JR East website.
Download my "Essential Japan Rail Pass" checklist:
I hope this Japan Rail Pass Ultimate Guide has been useful and has helped you decide if you need to use the Japan Rail Pass or not. If it has been useful please share this post with friends.
I've used the pass many times since first coming to Japan in . The design may have changed a little, but the value it offers only ever increased. That is until the major price increases in .
Since then, its value is more debatable and whether or not it is a good purchase for you will very much depend on individual circumstances.
Hopefully this post has helped you decide if the Japan Rail Pass is right for you, or not.
Don't forget to download your free "Essential Japan Rail Pass Checklist".
A writer and publisher from England, Rob has been exploring Japan&#;s islands since . He specialises in travelling off the beaten track, whether on remote atolls or in the hidden streets of major cities. He&#;s the founder of TheRealJapan.com.
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If you are planning a trip with the Japan Rail Pass, better be prepared! You will be riding Japanese trains quite often.
In Japan, railroads are the primary mode of passenger transportation, and they have been ever since the first passenger steam locomotives debuted in Japan during the Meiji Restoration in .
There is 30,625 km of rail lines all over Japan and they carry more than 9 billion passengers per year. Due to the country&#;s extensive use of its rail system, 46 of the top 50 busiest stations in the world are located in Japan.
Most Japanese rail lines have a unique name, normally taken from one of the cities or regions along the route, which means that the system is incredibly easy to navigate (the line names are even indicated on the tickets!).
Even so, figuring out how to manage the Japanese transportation system might be somewhat of a challenge for some. With that in mind, we&#;ve created this complete guide to the train system in Japan to help solve any doubts regarding riding the densha (how you say train in Japanese!).
The Japanese train system
The railway system in Japan is so well developed, punctual, extensive and diverse that you can simply assume that wherever you plan to go &#; there is a train that will take you there.
The very first thing to know is that railway lines in Japan are not operated by a single company. Japanese National Railways, a government-owned company, used to be in charge of the entire rail network in Japan as well as everything associated with it.
However, In , the JNR underwent privatization and was split into six independent rail companies:
Together, they make up the Japan Railways Group, or JR Group. JR Group owns roughly 80% of the railroads, but the rest are privately owned companies.
Due to this, when reading the visual maps above any ticket-vending machine around Japan you will notice that some lines headed in the same direction have different prices. This is so because each company has its own price list.
You are free to select the company you wish. The Japan Rail Pass multi-use ticket is part of the National JR Group and the JR Pass can be used on the vast majority of main services!
For more information about the national, regional and local lines, please check our maps page.
Privately owned rail companies
There are dozens of private railway companies in Japan. Some operate just a single line, while others manage larger networks.
According to the Japan Private Railway Association, these are the major private railway companies currently operating in the country:
Greater Tokyo
Greater Nagoya
Greater Osaka
Greater Fukuoka
Combined, these companies operate over 2,870.1 kilometers of railways across Japan. However, remember that the JR Group controls over 20,135 km of lines in Japan, a far greater number, and that you can use the JR Pass on the majority of these services.
Types of trains in Japan
Following are the intercity and suburban Japanese train categories explained:
Shinkansen (Super Express)
Also known as bullet trains, these are the fastest transportation modes in Japan with very few stops (if any) in comparison to the rapid or local ones.
The Shinkansen run on separate tracks and platforms since their track gauge is completely different from the others. This is due to the line&#;s high-speed capabilities and overall construction.
A Super Express fee is required when boarding any of the bullet trains, in addition to the regular base fee. The price is usually between 800 and 8,000 yen, depending on your final destination.
Note: Shinkansen bullet trains are included in the Japan Rail Pass, which means that JR holders will not have to make any extra payments* when boarding this train during the validity of their pass.
*A surcharge and a special complementary ticket to the JR Pass are required to use the &#;Nozomi&#; and &#;Mizuho&#; train services (from October 1, ).
Limited Express trains
There are over a 100 different types of Limited Express trains, with a limited number of stops, so they only go to major Japanese stations. Similar to the Shinkansen, the Limited Express also requires an additional fee to be paid. The Japan Rail Pass does cover some of those trains, however not all of them. The extra cost can vary between 400 and 4,000 yens.
Express trains
Many of the Japanese Express trains have been stopped and upgraded to Limited Express or downgraded to Rapid. The JR Group operates the current Express trains, which means Japan Rail Pass holders can use them free of charge. All other passengers will be charged an additional fee.
The JR Pass also covers the main airport transfers, which are usually operated by express or limited express trains: Haneda International Airport (Tokyo Monorail), Narita International Airport (Narita Express), and Kansai International Airport (Haruka Express).
Rapid trains
Passengers will not be charged any extra fees when boarding a rapid train. A single train ride costs equally to one local train ride. The only difference is that rapid trains skip a few stops in comparison to the local one, which makes their time of arrival notably shorter.
Local trains
To ride a local train you will need to buy a regular ticket. No extra fee will be required. Local trains can either go from point A to point B or run at loop lines in both directions (like the Yamanote line in Tokyo or the Osaka loop line), stopping at all stations. It is recommended not to take these trains for long distances as they are some of the slowest and least spacious in Japan.
Special trains
While most trains are geared toward commuting or business travel, there are many trains that are designed for tourists. In Japan, this type of train is broadly referred to as joyful trains.
The most popular trains are the various steam trains that run on more scenic lines. These mostly run on weekends and holidays and many operate only in the summer months. Many of them called character trains have been given unique designs to attract visitors to scenic locations.
This started with trains featuring characters popular with children, but more recently, prominent industrial designers have been recruited to design unique trains more appealing to adults.
One of the most recent tourist trains to debut in Japan is Kyushu&#;s 3.5- hour Coto Coto rolling restaurant train, launched in .
Train tickets in Japan
Before explaining the ticket-buying process, let us focus on the train ticket options you will have with the different companies and services (you can also read our article about Train tickets in Japan for more detailed information):
The Japan Rail Pass
With the JR Pass, you can choose between a 7, 14 and 21-day pass, giving you access to all Japan Railways Group (JR) trains, buses, and ferry services available throughout Japan.
Buy your JR Pass
Standard train tickets
These are the regular tickets that will take you from point A to point B. For short distances, it is easier to purchase them from the ticket machines, which you can find easily on any platform.
IC cards
IC cards are prepaid rechargeable transportation cards, which can be used to pay your train or bus fare &#; similar to the London Oyster card, for example. Pasmo and Suica are the most popular transportation cards in Tokyo.
What is more, there is an increasing number of shops and restaurants where travelers can use an IC card to make a contactless payment.
Note: Please keep in mind that each Japanese city has its own prepaid travel card. The good news is that they are interchangeable, which means you can use your Tokyo Suica card on the Kyoto metro.
City passes
Many Japanese cities offer city passes that grant 24h unlimited access to any of the city transportation means such as trains, trams, buses, and metro. Such passes are also referred to as Day Pass. You can purchase them at a ticket counter in any of Japan&#;s big cities: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo, Nagoya, Hiroshima and more.
How to buy individual train tickets
Tickets for short-distance trips are sold at vending machines, whereas tickets for long-distance trips can be purchased at ticket counters.
First-timers might be puzzled by the typical Japanese ticket machines as grasping how to buy a ticket right from the beginning is not always easy. Don&#;t be scared! Here is our step-by-step guide to managing the Japanese ticket vending machines:
How to use the ticket vending machines
The station you are currently at will be written with larger letters (usually red) and in some occasions indicated by a red arrow (&#;You are here&#; style).
The map displays the names of the stations in both Japanese and English together with the price to get to each destination.Once you have selected the amount and inserted it, your ticket will be immediately printed and you will be given your
change (if any).Even though it might seem complicated or too unfamiliar at first, don&#;t be discouraged. The second try will already be easier!
Note: Keep your ticket with you until the end of your trip. You will need it to get out at your destination station.
How to reserve train seats on Japanese trains
All Japan Rail Pass holders are entitled to free seat reservations. If you are a JR Pass holder, you can simply go to any of the ticket offices located at the stations, specify which train you are planning to take and that is all. You will be given a confirmation of your seat reservation within seconds.
The procedure is the same for passengers with no Japan Rail Passes. However, they will have to pay an extra fee. The exact amount depends on the selected type of train and class.
Note: Always remember that Japanese trains are punctual to the second. If you have a seat reservation, make sure to be at the station in advance.
Getting around Japanese train stations
Japan Rail Pass holders enter the train platforms at the station from a different gate than those with standard train tickets. To enter, JR Pass travelers should go to the glass booth located next to the gates and show their JR Pass (and passport, if required) to the staff.
When at the station waiting for your train, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
Note: for more information about stations, please refer to our complete guide about Japanese train stations.
Where to store your luggage
Riding the trains with large suitcases is not recommended as there is little storage space provided on most trains. This excludes the Narita Express, which will take you to and from Narita Airport to central Tokyo, and the Haruka train. Both are well equipped for large luggage, however, the rest of the trains are not.
Shinkansen trains offer overhead storage compartments for regular luggage. Also, there is space behind the last row of seats of each car. However, this space is limited, and there is no guarantee it will be available.
Check the Japan Railways regulations for Shinkansen luggage for full specifications.
Note: for more information about transporting luggage, please refer to our guide about luggage forwarding and coin lockers.
Other travel tips
It is important to understand that the Japanese follow a strict etiquette in public and especially when riding a train or taking a bus. Always bear in mind that speaking on the is not accepted, as you are disturbing those who surround you.
Listening to loud music, placing your bags on the seat next to you or not giving it up to the elderly, sick or pregnant is practically forbidden.
A final recommendation will be to enjoy to the fullest your time in Japan but always to be mindful of those around you.
Cover photo &#; Local train next to Ueno Station (Tokyo) &#; By @chucknado (Flickr)
For more information, please visit European Standard Rails.