Convenient Tickets for Getting around Japan

The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a special ticket offered jointly by the six JR Group companies that operate a network of railroads in Japan. With this pass, "unlimited rides on all trains and buses in Japan (operated by JR only)" are possible.

It is recommended for tourists from overseas who are visiting cities that are far from each other. For example, you can save a great deal of money on transportation costs when traveling by Shinkansen to multiple cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, etc.

The 7-day pass for a standard or green car is about 34,000 yen, which is enough to pay for a round trip on the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Hiroshima (about 37,000 yen for a standard unreserved seat).

Privilege Only for Travelers from Overseas

You can use the Japan Rail Pass if any of the following apply.

1. Foreign tourists visiting Japan for sightseeing with "Temporary Visitor" immigration status

2. Those who have a Japanese passport and "documents that can confirm that the period of stay is 10 years or more in a row and have been obtained at a diplomatic mission abroad"

Notes

1. Only JR lines can be used. In principle, it cannot be used on private railways, public trains, and buses.

2. If you miss the train, there is no additional payment within the JR network.

Other Types of JR Passes Offered by Each JR Company

Local JR companies also provide their own JR passes within their own network.

Many of these local JR passes offer more advantages compared to the above mentioned Pass.

You may use the pass for other local railways than JR lines. You may eventually receive discounts at major tourist attractions.

Please check details at their website or ask at their ticket counter in the major station.