Are you ready to embark on a journey through the stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage of Japan? The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is your ticket to unlimited exploration, offering convenient and affordable travel options. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about ordering your Japan Rail Pass, so you can make the most of your adventure.
The Japan Rail Pass: Your Ticket To Unlimited Exploration
Soure: japan-guide.com
The Japan Rail Pass is not just a ticket; it's your key to unlimited access to Japan's world-class transportation network. Whether you're planning a week-long exploration or an extended 21-day adventure, this pass has got you covered.
You can effortlessly hop on and off the fastest trains, buses, and ferries, allowing you to discover Japan's hidden gems at your own pace.
What's Included With Your JR Pass
The standard JR Pass opens up a world of possibilities, including:
Shinkansen Trains: Travel on iconic Shinkansen lines, such as the Tokaido, Sanyo, Hokuriku/Nagano, Hokkaido, Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, and Kyushu Shinkansen.
Rapid and Local Trains: Enjoy easy access to major local train lines, including the Yamanote line in Tokyo and Chuo-Sobu line in Tokyo.
JR Bus Services: Explore top attractions like Mt. Fuji, Nara, Nikko, Fushimi Inari, Himeji Castle, Miyajima, Kanazawa, and even Tokyo Disneyland with JR bus services.
Selected Ferry Services: Access selected ferry services to explore Japan's beautiful islands.
Main Airport Transfers: Hassle-free transfers between major airports like Narita to Tokyo (Narita Express), Haneda to Tokyo (Tokyo Monorail), Kansai Airport to Osaka (Haruka Express), and Kansai Airport to Kyoto (Haruka Express).
Please note that the Japan Rail Pass does not cover rides on the Nozomi and Mizuho bullet trains. However, JR Pass holders can enjoy the high-speed Hikari train service, which makes more stops but reaches the same impressive speeds.
The Green Pass Advantage
Soure: japan-guide.com (Standard seats on the left, Green Pass seats on the right.)
Want to elevate your travel experience? Consider upgrading to the "Green Pass." With this pass, you gain access to all first-class Shinkansen and select fast-line trains. Enjoy extra comfort, more seating space, reclining seats, complimentary hot towels (oshibori), and even free drinks on some lines. It's the perfect choice, especially during peak seasons when you can relish a spacious and comfortable ride.
In summary, the Green Pass offers a first-class travel experience with more comfortable seating, additional amenities like hot towels and free drinks on certain lines, and the advantage of less crowded trains during peak seasons. However, it is available only for adults and comes at a higher price point compared to the Standard Pass, which is suitable for both adults and children.
Why Buy Your JR Pass Outside Of Japan
Before we delve into the details of each pass, it's important to highlight the benefits of purchasing your JR Pass outside of Japan. Not only is it generally 10% to 15% cheaper to buy your JR Pass outside of Japan, but it's also more convenient, as they are readily available in Singapore. If you wait until your arrival in Japan, you'll have limited options for purchasing your pass.
Japan Rail Pass Pricing Options
Let's kick off by breaking down the most popular JR Passes available in Japan. Don't worry if it all seems a bit overwhelming at first; we'll unravel it systematically.
To simplify matters, we've organized them based on common travel requirements:
Traveling Throughout All of Japan
Note that the prices for JR Pass will be raised starting from October 2023, according to the Japan Railways (JR) Group on 14 April 2023.
| Pass Type | Duration | New Price (JPY) | Current Price (JPY) | New Price (S$) | Current Price (S$) |
| Ordinary | 7-day | 50,000 | 29,650 or 33,610 | 497 | 295 or 334 |
| Ordinary | 14-day | 80,000 | 47,250 or 52,960 | 795 | 470 or 526 |
| Ordinary | 21-day | 100,000 | 60,450 or 66,200 | 994 | 601 or 658 |
| Green Car | 7-day | 70,000 | 39,600 or 44,810 | 696 | 394 or 446 |
| Green Car | 14-day | 110,000 | 64,120 or 72,310 | 1,093 | 637 or 719 |
| Green Car | 21-day | 140,000 | 83,390 or 91,670 | 1,392 | 829 or 911 |
These are the new and current prices for Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for adult passes on ordinary and green cars, both in Japanese Yen (JPY) and Singapore Dollars (S$).
Regional JR Pass
For travelers focusing on a particular part of Japan, a regional rail pass is a wise choice. It eliminates the need for a country-wide JR pass and offers varied validity durations with flexible day options.
Here are the regional passes tailored to cover specific areas in Japan:
JR Hokkaido Passes
The JR Hokkaido Pass grants access to the entire northern island of Japan, covering all JR Hokkaido train routes. With this pass, travelers can journey from the vibrant city of Sapporo, known for its mesmerizing winter ice festival, to the southern port city of Hakodate.
JR East Passes
The JR East Pass encompasses the vast rail system in the eastern part of Honshu, Japan's main island, covering both the Kanto and Tohoku regions. It's the perfect pass for those venturing between Tokyo and the mountainous Nagano or even further to the northern port city of Niigata.
JR West Passes
With the JR West Pass, travelers can traverse the southwestern part of Honshu, exploring the Kansai and San’in regions. This pass is ideal for those eager to witness the breathtaking Seto Inland Sea coastline and visit iconic cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tottori.
JR Central Passes
JR Central offers a variety of passes, one of which is the Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass. Other notable options include the MT. Fuji - Shizuoka Pass, granting travelers the opportunity to delve into the Japanese Alps and visit enchanting mountain towns like Kamikéchi.
JR Shikoku Passes
The JR Shikoku Pass covers multiple rail lines on the Shikoku island, including all JR Shikoku train services. This pass provides a comprehensive exploration of the island, from Matsuyama, its largest city, to Takamatsu, Kagawa prefecture's capital, and the myriad of historical sites in between.
JR Kyushu Passes
The JR Kyushu Pass allows holders to immerse themselves in the beauty of Japan's southernmost island, renowned for its subtropical landscapes, hot springs, and volcanoes. This pass encompasses the entire island, from bustling cities like Fukuoka and Nagasaki in the north to the scenic city of Kagoshima in the south.
Eligibility Requirements
The Japan Rail Pass is designed for foreign visitors exploring Japan for short stays.
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- Hold a non-Japanese passport with a "temporary visitor" stamp for 15-90 days.
- Be a Japanese citizen living outside Japan for at least 10 years.
Stay Connected with eSIM
Don't miss out on staying connected during your adventure. Get your Japan eSIM card so as to ensure that you have fast internet access to share your experiences instantly with friends and family.
Ordering Your JR Pass
Getting your Japan Rail Pass is a breeze, and we're here to guide you through the process. Here's a simple step-by-step overview of how to order your pass:
Step 1: Order Online
Start by placing your order online. You can click on the regional JR pass if you are travelling only specific region. It's a quick and straightforward process that ensures you have your pass ready before your trip.
Step 2: Receive Your Exchange Order
We offer convenient delivery options. Choose to have your pass delivered to your home, hotel in Japan, or any other address that suits you.
Step 3: Obtain Your JR Pass
Once you're in Japan, head to any of the JR Exchange Offices. Exchange your order for your JR Pass and get ready to embark on your Japan adventure.
Step 4: Start Exploring
With your Japan Rail Pass in hand, you have the freedom to explore Japan's diverse regions, cities, and attractions without the hassle of purchasing individual tickets.
FAQs: JR Pass
JR Pass Conclusion
With the Japan Rail Pass, you unlock the doors to Japan's captivating wonders, from its bustling metropolises to its serene countryside. It's your passport to convenient and affordable travel, allowing you to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Order your Japan Rail Pass today and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Land of the Rising Sun.
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