26 May JR pass tips for travelers to Japan
Planning to travel to many places in Japan but still want to save money?
JR pass is a must-use item for foreigners traveling to Japan.
This is a magical ticket that many Japanese locals dream of having. Yes, it is only for you travelers so understand how to use it, use it well and traveling around Japan will be very cost efficient.
Photo by Takeshi Kuboki
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Days
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Green Cabin (First class)
|
Regular Cabin
|
||
|
–
|
Adult
|
Child
|
Adult
|
Child
|
|
7 Days
|
￥38,880
|
￥19,440
|
￥29,110
|
￥14,550
|
|
14 Days
|
￥62,950
|
￥31,470
|
￥46,390
|
￥23,190
|
|
21 Days
|
￥81,870
|
￥40,930
|
￥59,350
|
￥29,6700
|
Who should use JR pass?
If you plan to travel long distance, most likely it will pay off.
However, if you are thinking to use it just for urban transportation, it may not be worth it.
JR pass users can basically use most of JR lines such as;
- JR trains
- Tokyo Monorail
- JR ferry to Miyajima
- JR buses
Photo by Matthias Harbers
However, there are a few exceptions.
Trains that you can’t rides are Nozomi and Mizuho trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
For Nozomi and Mizuho, you are required to buy the basic fare and the limited express charge, and for a Green Car, the additional Green Car surcharge.
Attractive Features of JR Pass
- Free seating reservation for JR trains
- JR affiliated hotel discounts
Photo by Geoff Stearns
FAQ for JR Pass Users
Q. Can anyone buy it?
Anyone who is temporary visiting Japan is eligible to buy JR pass.
Q. Where can I buy it?
You can buy online at http://www.jrpass.com/. JR has announced that it will be available at Narita, Haneda, and Kansai airport starting sometime in 2016.
Q. Where can I pick up the actual JR pass?
You can pick it up at the offices located in many places around Japan. Present your passport and exchange it with your voucher and you are all set to explore Japan with your JR pass.
Q. When can I start using it?
You can start anytime within 1 month upon receiving JR pass.
Q. How do I use it?
JR pass will be your ticket so no need for additional tickets unless you are reserving seat. It is important to remember that with JR pass, you will need to use the gate where JR staff is present.
Q. How do I reserve a seat?
One of the bonuses for JR pass holder is free seating reservation. Reservation can be made at any JR ticket office. Note that you won’t be able to make a seating reservation once you are on board.
It is recommended to reserve a seat during peak season
Q. How do I reserve a seat?
One of the bonuses for JR pass holder is free seating reservation. Reservation can be made at any JR ticket office. Note that you won’t be able to make a seating reservation once you are on board.
If you know you are traveling long distance in short time, JR pass will be a good tool to have!
Take advantage of being a traveler and enjoy cost efficient vacation in Japan!