Deeper Explanations: The Japan Rail Pass
A few days ago we talked about riding the rail and purchasing a Japan Rail Pass to parlay some of our travel costs. After reading the article, Jamie of Frugalista Japan posted this:
So, I’m confused. Can this be used on Shinkansen? Or are you limited to only using standard trains? Also, I’m not sure about Tokyo, but within Kyoto city there are no JR lines, just the ones going to Kyoto station - after that you would have to pay separate costs for city subways etc. It sounds worth it if you plan to travel several different cities mind you, but only if it *can* be used on Shinkansen too…
I’m not sure I’ll answer all Jamie’s questions, but here’s some additional information I hope will be helpful to you.
Why do I need a rail pass?
As we saw when we visited http://www.hyperdia.com/cgi-english/hyperWeb.cgi, side-trips during your visit to Japan can get quite expensive. Purchasing a rail pass gives you unlimited, discounted riding privileges on (a majority) of transports owned/operated by the Japan Rail Company, during the duration of your pass.
Do I qualify for a rail pass?
If you are a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad and your passport is stamped “temporary visitor”, you can purchase a rail pass. If you are a Japanese national living in a foreign country, you may purchase a rail pass if you are qualified to reside permanently in that country, or if you are married to a non-Japanese who resides in a country other than Japan.
How many days does a rail pass cover?
You can purchase the rail pass in increments of 7-days, 14-days, or 21-days. All travel is consecutive. For example, if your pass begins August 1, you are allowed unlimited access to JR transport from August 1 to August 7. In this example, travel before August 1 or after August 7 will not be covered by your pass.
Where do I purchase a rail pass?
If you are a student the rail pass can be purchased through STA Travel. You can also purchase the pass through www.japanrailpass.net or www.jalpak.com. Otherwise, contact your local travel agent who will either be able to purchase the pass for you or will at least know the right direction to which to point you.
How much does a rail pass cost?
Current prices (non-discounted) for the Universal/All Over Pass
What’s with this “ordinary” pass and “green” pass stuff?
Some say ordinary and green, while others say first class and second class. Ordinary = 2nd class, green = 1st class. Green/1st class supposedly offers superior accommodations while Ordinary/2nd class offers basic accommodations. I opted for an ordinary pass and was quite comfortable. There was plenty of legroom (although I am only 5’5”) and plenty of room to maneuver about in my seat. The aisles are fairly large and my seatmates and I were able to co-exist peacefully for the duration of the 4-hour trip.
How will I receive my rail pass?
By post, most likely by a service such as UPS or FedEx but it may also come USPS. What you actually receive in the mail, however, is not the rail pass but an exchange order.
What is an Exchange Order?
Instead of sending you the actual pass, you will receive an exchange order before you leave your home country. The EO is like a voucher. It says once you get to Japan, you can turn it in at an Exchange Office and you will be given the official Japan Rail Pass.
What is the procedure for turning in the Exchange Order?
After you arrive and have gotten settled in, locate the nearest Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office. Most are located in various metro stations throughout Japan. You can go here to Japan Rail Pass.net’s stations page to find the one nearest you. At the Exchange Office, you will be asked to fill out a short form and to show your passport. Do NOT attempt to exchange your order for a pass WITHOUT YOUR PASSPORT! (As a matter of fact, Japan requires foreign citizens to carry their passports on them at all times). After the application is filled out, your customer service representative will ask you when you want your pass to begin. Pick a day that is suitable to you, keeping in mind that all travel is for consecutive days and should fit seamlessly with your itinerary. Once this step is completed, your pass will be printed, stamped and handed over to you. Keep if in a safe place, especially if there is time to spare before you actually begin your travels.
How do I know WHEN to start my pass?
This depends on your own personal itinerary. Last year, I arrived at Tokyo International Airport/Narita and stayed in Tokyo an entire week before I began my side trips. The day before my first trip (to Nara), I made my way to the Exchange Office at the Shibuya Metro Station to turn in my Exchange Order and receive my Rail Pass. The process was relatively simple and took just about 20 minutes to complete, as there were a few people in line ahead of me.
Now I’m ready to travel … do I need to make a reservation?
You can. Shinkansen, most limited express and most ordinary express trains have reserved green car seats as well as reserved and non-reserved ordinary seats. To reserve, just visit any Travel Service Center or Reservation Office at a JR station. Show your pass and reserve your seat. Be aware, however, seat reservations cannot be guaranteed during crowded times like holidays. The three time periods to watch out for:
- Dec – Jan 6 … New Year Holiday
- Apr 27 – May 6 … Consecutive holidays in a comfortable travel season
- Aug 11 – Aug 20 … Obon season
On which modes of transport can I use my Japan Rail Pass?
All trains operated by the Japan Railways Group are included with only a few exceptions. The extensive Shinkansen “bullet train” network is fully covered with the exception of the Nozomi-type train. All JR Limited Express and Express trains to cities such as Kanazawa are also covered. In addition, thousands of local trains both in cities and rural areas are included. You may see references in older materials to ‘ferries.’ Before the construction of the Seikan Tunnel to Hokkaido and the Seto Bridge to Shikoku, these islands were linked by JR Ferries, but these have been replaced by train links. Only the small Miyajima ferry near Hiroshima is presently included.
At present, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover Nozomi-type Shinkansen “bullet trains” on the Tokaido/Sanyo lines connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Hakata (Fukuoka) and other cities. There are however many Hikari and Kodama Shinkansen trains on the same lines so you can travel freely with a rail pass. You should be aware though that long trips between Tokyo and Hiroshima or points further southwest (Fukuoka, Nagasaki etc.) may take a little longer than with Nozomi trains. If you want to use a Nozomi train, you will have to pay full price for tickets.
Are there other types of Rail Passes?
Absolutely!
- The Universal or “All Over” Pass … covers the whole of Japan, wherever there are JR Lines
- The Hokkaido Rail Pass … for all Hokkaido railway lines and some JR Hokkaido bus lines
- The JR East Pass … for all East railway lines and some private railway lines
- The JR West Kansai Area Pass … for local Kansai area trains plus limited express trains between Kansai Airport, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto (non-reserved seating only).
- The JR West Sanyo Area Pass … for shinkansen including the Nozomi and local train/ferry in the Sanyo area, plus limited express between Kansai Airport and Shin-Osaka.
- The Kyush Rail Pass … for most central JR Kyushu railway lines.
- The Kyushu Rail Pass - Northern Kyushu Area … for all JR Kyushu railway lines in the northern Kyushu area.
** Please note, each pass carries its own price and are not priced the same as the Universal/All Over Pass **
And there you have it. Rail passes can be a bit confusing but with a little research you can decide which pass makes the best choice for you. For more information, visit Japan Rail, Japan Rail Pass, and the Japan Rail Pass Wikipedia article.
Happy riding!!!
