Where and How to buy JR Pass: JR Pass user guide, how to use Japan Rail Pass to its maximum.

Rail pass for visitors
New look of JR Pass (Year 2018) (C) JR Rail

Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass) covers all JR lines throughout Japan. This is only rail pass that covers throughout Japan. If you travel even a round trip to Osaka from Tokyo, the price of 7-day pass almost equal to normal fare. I think this pass gives the greatest deal to the travellers who wants to travel in Japan.

Japan Rail Pass Official site is very informative. But some points are not clear. And it does not show you how to get the worth of this pass.

In this post, I tell you about this pass as simple as possible. I compare a regular fare and JR pass, how to choose the retailer, additional charge and many more.

How to buy JR Pass

You have four ways to buy JR Pass.

Purchasing at the authorized dealer

Only authorized dealers are allowed to sell JR Pass. You can find the agent list at this page of Japan Rail Pass official site.

These following companies are major wholeselers:

  • JTB (the biggest travel agency in Japan)
  • NTA (Nippon Travel Agency / third biggest and the oldest travel agency in Japan)
  • KNT (Kintetsu International / same group as Kintetsu Railways. Second biggest travel agency)
  • Top Tour (Same group as Tobu Railway)
  • JALPAK (Same group as Japan Airlines)

You can find many company names on the official website, but most of them are subcontractors who purchase and sell passes from the above major wholesalers.

JR Pass online purchase from wholesalers and subcontractors

In these days, many companies have a contract with these above distributors. And an online sales by wholesalers and subcontractors have been very active these days. In particular, many subcontractors specialize in JR Passes, and we actively sell them by using their websites to send JR Passes to countries around the world.

You can find as many online retailers as you want by googling with the JR Pass. To find out if these companies are official companies, you may check the agent list at the link above. If it’s a company listed there, you can buy a JR Pass from it.

ACP Rail is one of the reliable online retailer because they deal with JR group company, JR East directly. This company is the official retailer of JR East. Their online purchasing site is connected with JR East official site.

Japan Rail Pass online purchasing at ACP Rail

JR Pass online purchase from the official site

Until now, online sales have been mostly done by subcontractors, but the JR Pass official website has been renewed on June 1, 2020, and you can purchase directly from the official website.

However, the price will be higher than the agent price. As I will explain later, the JR Pass can be purchased now even after arrival in Japan, and the online sales price on the official website will be the same as the sales price in Japan.

e.g.
7-day ordinary pass
Agent price JPY 29,650
Official website online price JPY 33,610

If you buy a pass from the agent’s site, an exchange order will be sent to you by mail, so you will need to pay the shipping fee, but even if you take this into consideration, the agent price will be much cheaper.

However the online seat reservation is available on only JR Pass official site. You can book a seat online before you go with peace of mind. If you buy the JR Pass at the travel agent, you cannot book a seat online.

Please see another post below to find the detailed information on the Japan Rail Pass official online reservation:

In my opinon, if you plan to visit Japan in the busy season, such as the year-end/New Year holidays, you may buy it at the official site.

Purchaing JR pass in Japan

Currently you can purchase JR pass in Japan until the end of March, 2021. Please see the link below to find the details:

Official announcement about JR pass by JR group (PDF)

If you forget to buy it before you go, or you will find your trip plan after you arrive in Japan, you can buy the JR pass after you arrve in Japan.

Types and prices

There are two types, Green and Ordinary, and three duration, 7, 14 and 21-day. And the price varies depending on the agent price and the official website price/domastic sales price in Japan.

Click to view large

The differences between the official site/sales in Japan prices and the agent prices are shown in red. The sales price in Japan and the official site are 10 to 12% higher than the agent prices.

When you purchase it, the rates are adjusted by your country’s currency.

Tokaido Shinkansen
If you have a round trip to Kyoto from Narita airport by the Tokaido Shinkansen and Narita Express, you can get the worth of 7 days JR pass.

This pass is eligible for a train, a few JR bus and a ferry services which are provided by Japan Railways Group with a few exceptions. I will explain these exceptions later.

In my opinion, JR Pass is most unbeatable deal if you travel in some of regions of Japan. There are many kinds of the rail passes in Japan, such as JR East Pass, JR Hokkaido Pass, JR Kyushu Pass and many more. But JR Pass is only rail pass that covers throughout Japan. And of course it covers both Tokyo and Kyoto. But if you need the detail information about other passes, please access to the list of the train pass. I wrote about many other rail passes in the posts.

How to find that you can get the worth of JR pass. Tips for using JR pass efficiently.

Once you decide the first day of use, you have to complete your trip in the fixed day. If you intend to use 7-day JR pass and stay in Japan for 7 days or less, you can start using it right after you arrive in Japan. However if you stay in Japan for the longer period than Japan Rail Pass duration, you have to find which JR pass you should buy and which day you should start using it.

Airport access

You can take JR trains at Narita airport, Kansai airport and New Chitose airport. These airports are covered by JR pass. And Haneda airport is connected to downtown Tokyo by Tokyo Monorail. This is covered by JR pass too. Please see the table below how much the fare of these airport access:

AirporttrainDestinationfare
NaritaNarita
Express
Tokyo
Shinagawa, Shinjuku
Yokohama
2,820 yen
3,190 yen
4,290 yen
HanedaTokyo
Monorail
Hamamatsucho500 yen
KansaiLimited Express
Haruka
Tennoji
Shin-Osaka
Kyoto
2,230 yen
2,850 yen
3,370 yen
New
Chitose
Rapid AirportSapporo
Otaru
1,590 yen
2,300 yen

*All fare include the base fare and the reserved seat fee.

Other airports, such as Chubu (Nagoya), Fukuoka are not covered by JR pass. You cannot start using JR pass right after arrival in these airports and the additional fare is required to take the other transportation to get to the nearest JR station first.

Using JR pass in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Sapporo

If you start using JR pass after arrival in Narita, Haneda, Kansai or New Chitose, you will stay in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto or Sapporo. You can use JR Pass to take the JR local trains in these cities. But it is not very efficient to use JR pass for sightseeing inside these cities. Because the train fare is not big enough to help getting the worth.

Please see the one way fare for the major segments in these cities in the table below:

SegmentOne way base fare
Tokyo to Shinjuku200 yen
Tokyo to Yokohama470 yen
Osaka to JR-Namba190 yen
Osaka to Kyoto560 yen
Osaka to Nara800 yen
Osaka to Sannomiya (Kobe)410 yen
Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama240 yen
Kyoto to Inari (Fushii Inari)140 yen
Sapporo to Otaru640 yen

As you see the table above, the train fare in these cities are inexpensive. It does not help to get the worth of JR pass. If you can get the worth by the other trip(s), you can use JR pass in these cities. But it is not recommended to use it in the cities.

If you intend to start using JR Pass right after arrival in the airport but you will stay in one of these cities, please think again when you should start using JR Pass.

I explain about how to use JR Pass in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto in these following posts:

The nearest place to get the worth of JR pass 7-day from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka

You may have heard that you can get the worth of 7-day JR Pass by Tokyo to Osaka round trip. It is true. The round trip fare and the Shinkansen seat fee are slightly less than 7-day JR Pass price. If you use JR Pass for the airport to Tokyo (or Osaka), and/or making some local train trips in the city, you can get the worth of it.

You have to use JR pass for a long train ride as much as you can, such as Tokyo to Osaka round trip. I would like to show you not only Tokyo to Osaka round trip but also more trips to get the worth of 7-day JR Pass. You can find the nearest place to get the worth of 7-day JR Pass from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.

7-day pass is sold at 29,110 yen. If one way base fare and the reserved seat fee are more than 14,560 yen or more, you can get the worth of 7-day pass by only one round trip.

From Tokyo

As the map above, these following round trips fares are higher than the price of 7-day JR pass.

  • The round trip to Shin-Kobe
  • The round trip to Morioka
  • The round trip to Komatsu
  • The round trip to Takayama

Shin-Kobe is one station away from Shin-Osaka on the Shinkansen. As I mentioned above, if you use JR Pass to make a few local train trips, you can get the worth by the round trip to Shin-Osaka.

Komatsu is a bit away from Kanazawa. It is same thing as the round trip to Shin-Kobe. You can get the worth of 7-day pass by the round trip to Kanazawa and some local train trips.

You also can find some more information in my Youtube movie:

From Osaka

As the map above, these following round trips are enough to get the worth of 7-day JR pass.

  • The round trip to Omiya
  • The round trip to Ueda (via Kanazawa)
  • The round trip to Hakata
  • The round trip to Tsuwano

If you go east from Osaka, Omiya is the nearest destination to get the worth of 7-day JR pass. Omiya is just outside Tokyo. But as I mentioned above from Tokyo to Shin-Kobe, you can get the worth of it by Osaka to/from Tokyo round trip and some local trips.

Ueda is one station away from Nagano by Hokuriku Shinkansen. You also can get the worth of 7-day JR pass by round trip to Nagano and some local train trip.

If you go west, the round trip to Hakata (Fukuoka) is okay to get the worth. You also can get the worth of it by the round trip to Tsuwano too.

You also can find some more information in my Youtube movie:

From Nagoya

As the map above, these following round trips are enough to get the worth of 7-day JR pass.

  • The round trip to Utsunomiya
  • The round trip to Tokuyama

If you go east from Nagoya, the round trip to Tokyo is not enough to get the worth. Utsunomiya is the nearest destination to get the worth of it. Utsunomiya is the gateway to Nikko. If you intend to visit there, you can get the worth of it easily.

If you go west, the round trip to Tokuyama is the nearest destination to get the worth of 7-day JR pass. Tokuyama is two stations away from Hiroshima on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. If you make a round trip to Miyajima from Hiroshima by the local train and take the ferry to Miyajima, the total fare is very close to JR Pass 7-day price.

Tokyo to Osaka (or versa) one way trip is not enough to get the worth of even 7-day JR Pass.

If you will have only one way trip between Tokyo and Osaka, the regular fare ticket is your choice. I wrote about using single ticket at the post, For non JR pass travellers. Guide to use JR single ticket, basic rules, validity and stopover.

You also can find some sample itineraries in the links below:

Tokyo – Osaka one way trip sample itinerary

Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo one way sample itinerary

Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka one way sample itinerary

The faretable of the major segments

I would like to show you the fares for your convenience. If you have a multi-city travel, the fare may be cheaper. But you can use this faretable to find that you can get the worth of JR Pass or not. These following fares are based on the Shinkansen and/or daytime limited express train reserved seat fee, and the base fare.

stationTokyoOsakaNagoya
Sapporo26,820 yen37,100 yen34,350 yen
Hakodate23,420 yen33,700 yen31,060 yen
Aomori17,350 yen27,370 yen25,210 yen
Akita17,800 yen27,820 yen25,440 yen
Sendai11,200 yen22,620 yen20,240 yen
Niigata10,570 yen22,310 yen19,930 yen
Nikko5,580 yen18,530 yen16,030 yen
Echigo-Yuzawa6,670 yen19,500yen17,110 yen
Nagano8,200 yen11,790 yen7,330 yen
Odawara3,470 yen12,620 yen8,940 yen
Nagoya10,880 yen6,930 yen
Takayama14,710 yen10,600 yen6,030 yen
Toyama12,730 yen9,430 yen11,350 yen
Kanazawa14,120 yen7,650 yen8,020 yen
Osaka14,140 yen6,350 yen
Kinosaki Onsen16,340 yen5,600 yen9,520 yen
Okayama16,820 yen6,600 yen10,870 yen
Hiroshima18,560 yen10,810 yen13,810 yen
Fukuoka (Hakata)22,330 yen15,580 yen18,020 yen
Kumamoto26,500 yen18,540 yen22,080 yen
Kagoshima29,860 yen21,900 yen25450 yen

Please use hyperdia to find the fare for other segments.

Hyperdia perfect guide

How to choose Green seat pass or Ordinary seat pass

Green seat on Super Ozora by 283 series (C) Sonic Rail Garden
Green seat on Super Ozora by 283 series in Hokkaido (C) Sonic Rail Garden

I explain about Green and Ordinary class seats in the movie below:

Green seat is like business class seat. There are some higher class than Green class, such as, Gran class, Premium Green calss. But these are not covered by JR pass at all.

If you take Gran Class by JR Pass, both Ordinary pass and Green pass cover only a basic fare only. You have to pay a limited express surcharge and Gran class seat fee. Please see the post,Japan Rail Pass can be used for Hayabusa to get details.

Advantages of Green class seat are space and atmosphere. Green class seat is much more spacious and quieter than ordinary seat. Shinkansen and most of Limited Express have this class. Even some local trains, such as Rapid trains in greater Tokyo area have Green seat too. Please read one of my post, Worthwhile buying Japan Rail Pass Green Pass?. I explained the details about Green class seat in this post. I hope it may help you to decide which pass you purchase.

If you are sensitive about your budget, the ordinary class is fine. I am sure you will be satisfied with the ordinary class seat too. It is way better than economy seat on the flight. My height is 6’1″ (184 cm). But the leg space at the ordinary class seat is totally fine for me.

How to exchange

JR Pass exchange order

You will receive “Exchange Order” at the time of purchasing of JR Pass if you buy a pass at an official vendor or their online service. It is not the actual pass but the voucher. You have to exchange for the actual pass after you arrive in Japan. The validity of exchange order is three months from the date of issue. The pass never be sold out.

If you buy the JR Pass at the official JR Pass reservation site, you will recieve a reservation number. You will not receive any papers. It is easier to handle.

Exchange place
English signage of JR exchange office at Tokyo station

You can exchange and receive an actual pass at the designated stations. Narita airport, Kansai airport, Tokyo, Shinagawa, Osaka, Kyoto and more than 40 major stations throughout Japan are on the list. Please find the list of the exchange places in the link below:

JR Pass exchange and sales office list, Japan Rail Pass official site.

If you want to buy the JR Pass after you arrive in Japan, you can buy it at the stations on this sales office list.

When you turn in, go to the exchange place and tell the staff that you will exchange JR pass. You will receive the application form and fill in. After that, you will proceed the window and show your passport and exchange order to get the actual pass.

When you turn in the pass, you can choose the first day of use within one month from this day.

e.g.
If you exchange a pass on June 1st, you can choose the starting date from June 1st to 30th.

The start and finish dates will be stamped on your pass. Once the dates are stamped, you cannot change it.

Definition of one day

It means 00:00 to 23:59.

e.g.
If you start to use 7 days pass on April 1st, your pass is expired at 23:59 on April 7th.

There are an exception. If you are on board at 23:59 on the last day, you still can continue to travel by train. Your pass cover until you get off the train. After you get off the train, as long as you don’t exit the station, your pass still cover basic fare.

e.g.
Day 7 Tokyo 22:53 (Limited Express Tokiwa) 00:24 Mito

Even though your arrival time is 00:24 on 8th day, this trip is covered until you get Mito by JR pass
If you do not exit Mito station, you still can take local train because the base fare is covered by JR pass until you exit the station

e.g.
Day 7 Tokyo 22:53 (Limited Express Tokiwa) 00:24 Mito
Day 8 Mito 00:33 (local train) 00:39 Katsuta

You can take a local train only. You cannot take any limited express trains after you get off it at Mito.

Validity

JR Pass covers most of the railway service and the ferry service by Japan railways. You can go almost anywhere throughout Japan except Okinawa. (Any JR companies do not offer a train service in Okinawa.) Please see the Japan Railway’s route map and the Shinkansen (bullet train) route map in the links below:

Nationwide JR route map, Japan Rail Pass official site
Shinkansen (bullet train) route map, Japan Rail Pass official site

But there are a few exceptions when you use JR pass. I would like to show you which services are NOT covered by Japan Rail Pass.

Nozomi and Mizuho on the Tokaido, the Sanyo and the Kyushu Shinkansen lines

The Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen runs between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Hiroshima and Hakata.

I think this is the biggest thing that you have to know.

Nozomi is the fastest and most frequent train service on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima and Hakata. Mizuho is the fastest train between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo. JR Pass is NOT valid for these trains. Even a basic fare to take Nozomi and Mizuho are not covered by JR Pass at all. If you take Nozomi or Mizuho, JR Pass does not help you at all. You have to pay a full fare beside JR pass.

JR pass covers Hikari between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, and Sakura between Shin-Osaka and Kagoshima-Chuo which are the second fastest trains. The difference between Hikari and Nozomi are the following:

Trip time between Tokyo and Shin Osaka — 3 hours by Hikari / 2.5 hours by Nozomi
Frequency — 2 trips of Hikari per hour / 5 to 6 trips of Nozomi per hour
*There are some more trips of both Hikari and Nozomi in a peak hour.

Please refer one of my post, Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to get the details abut the difference between Nozomi and Hikari.

Mizuho is the fastest train on the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen. Sakura is the second fastest but Sakura runs more than Mizuho. You cannot take Mizuho by JR Pass but this is not an issue.

All Shinkansen trains on the Tohoku, the Hokkaido, the Akita, the Yamagata, the Joetsu and the Hokuriku Shinkansen are covered by JR Pass fully.

Gran Class of Tohoku, Hokuriku and Hokkaido Shinkansen

The seat of Gran class (C) Asacyan (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

JR Pass covers Tohoku, Hokkaido and Hokuriku Shinkansen trains fully. Gran class that is the highest class seat is available on these Shinkansen lines. This is a higher class than Green class. If you take this Gran class, both Japan Rail Pass Ordinary and even Green cover a base fare only. You need to pay all amount of surcharge beside JR Pass. This extra charge is not the difference between Green class and Gran class. You must pay Gran class full amount fee.

Delux Green on JR Kyushu trains

Some limited express trains in Kyushu have Delux Green Class. If you take this class, you have to pay both Limited Express surcharge and Delux Green surcharge. Even Green Pass does not cover both surcharge.

Green Private Compartment

Green compartment on Super View Odoriko (C) Sonic Rail Garden

These following trains have Green seat compartment.

If you use this type of seat by Japan Rail Pass, your party must be 4 persons because it is based on 4 person. If you use this by 3 persons or less, you have to pay surcharge for insufficiency.

The overnight train and sleeper car

There are only two scheduled overnight trains in Japan now. Those are Sunrise Seto and Sunrise Izumo. If you use a compartment on these trains, JR pass covers only a base fare. However this train has the ordinary class which is called, “Nobi Nobi seat”. This ordinary class seat is covered by JR pass fully. Please see the links below to find more information:
Sunrise Izumo (Tokyo – Izumoshi)
Sunrise Seto (Tokyo – Takamatsu)

Trains run through Non JR lines

Some of limited express trains go through Non JR lines. You have to pay some extra for the section where your train goes on Non JR line. Because Japan Rail Pass cover only JR lines. The following list shows you the trains which go through Non JR lines. Please refer each train’s page to get the details about the extra charge.

Bus services

There are eight bus companies in JR Bus Group. But these bus companies and JR’s railway company, which is now divided into seven, were formerly state-owned, but became a separate organization with the privatization, and it is called the JR group.

These eight bus companies operate local bus services and highway bus services. But Japan Rail Pass covers a few local bus services only.

JR’s local bus services are a sort of commute service. I pick up some lines for the tourist.

Japan Rail Pass may cover some more bus services. But even official site does not provide any detailed information. As far as I know, I can confirm that JR Pass covers only these bus services at this point.

Ferry Service

Miyajima ferry service is operated between Miyajimaguchi and Miyajima. Japan Rail Pass is valid for this route. Miyajima is UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most popular destination for foreign travellers. This ferry cruise is very short trip. It takes only 10 minutes. Please refer one of my post, How to get Miyajima to get the details about Miyajima.

JR Kyushu operates the international ferry service between Hakata and Busan (Korea) But this is NOT covered by Japan Rail Pass.

Other train services

Japan Rail Pass does not cover any NON JR train services, such as the subways (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Yokohama, Sendai, Fukuoka), other train services by private companies, city bus services, local bus services and ferry services. The following list shows you major train services that Japan Rail Pass does not cover.

  • Sapporo Subway
  • Sendai Subway
  • Tokyo Subway
  • Yokohama Subway
  • Keihin Kyuko Railway (a.k.a. Keikyu, Shinagawa-Haneda-Yokohama)
  • Keisei Railway (Narita airport-Chiba-Ueno)
  • Tobu Railway (Asakusa-Nikko/Knugawa Onsen)
  • Odakyu Railway (Shinjuku-Hakone/Enoshima)
  • Izu Kyuko Railway (Ito-Shimoda)
  • Fuji Kyuko Railway (Otsuki-Kawaguchiko)
  • Nagoya Railway (a.k.a. Meitetsu, Chubu airport-Nagoya-Gifu)
  • Nagoya Subway
  • Kyoto Subway
  • Osaka Subway
  • Nankai Railway (Namba-Kansai airport/Koyasan/Wakayama)
  • Kintetsu Railway (Namba-Nara/Kyoto/Ise/Nagoya)
  • Hankyu Railway (Kobe-Umeda-Kawaramachi,Kyoto)
  • Keihan Railway (Yodoyabashi-Sanjo,Kyoto)
  • Hanshin Railway, Sanyo Railway (Umeda/Namba-Kobe-Himeji)
  • Fukuoka Subway
  • Nishitetsu Railway (Tenjin-Dazaifu)

Tokyo Monorail between Hamamatsucho (Tokyo) and Haneda airport is not JR train but this is owned by JR East and it is covered by Japan Rail Pass.

The following trains and segments are non JR lines. But those are covered by JR Pass.

  • Local and rapid trains on Aoimori Railway between Hachinohe and Aomori. But you cannot make a stopover except Hachinohe, Noheji and Aomori
  • Local and rapid trains on Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka. But you cannot make a stopover except Toyama and Takaoka (after March 14, 2015)
  • Any trains on IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata. But you cannot make a stopover except Kanazawa and Tsubata. There are direct trains from Kanazawa or Osaka to Wakura Onsen. These trains are go through this segment and then go on JR Nanao line. If you take these trains, extra charge is not required on top of JR Pass.

How to use JR pass in major cities and tourist spots

You can get most places in Japan by JR pass. JR pass covers most of JR trains which include Shinkansen, limited express trains, and other rapid commute trains and local trains in the cities.

But as I explained above, JR pass does not cover Non JR trains, subways and city bus. I also would like to explain the coverage by major places and you can find the detailed coverage of JR pass.

Sapporo

Subway, tram (street car) and city bus are not covered.
Subway and tram route map

You can walk to get Odori Park or Clock tower from Sapporo station if you want. But subway is better way.

Hakodate

Tram and city bus are not covered. You need to pay extra to get some tourist spots, such as Hakodate mountain.

Nikko

You can take Tohoku Shinkansen to get Utsunomiya and take Nikko line local train to Nikko. All trips to Nikko is covered. Please see the link below to find more information:

How to access to Nikko from Tokyo. There are three ways from Tokyo, Shinjuku and Asakusa.

But JR pass does not cover any local transportation, such as a local bus in Nikko area.

Tokyo

You can take any local trains in Tokyo to access to many places. But some of places cannot be accessed by JR pass, such as Asakusa, Tsukiji market, Tokyo Skytree. Please see the post below to find the detailed information:

You also can access to/from both Narita airport and Haneda airport. JR pass covers Narita Express and Airport Rapid train to/from Narita. Tokyo Monorail is covered by JR pass to/from Haneda airport.

Lake Kawaguchi

You can use JR pass to get Otsuki but you have to pay extra for taking Fuji Kyuko railway from Otsuki to Kawaguchiko station. Please see the link below to find more information:

Japan Railways is the best way to access Mt. Fuji? How much can we use Japan Rail Pass to go to Mt. Fuji?

Hakone

You can get Odawara by Shinkansen but after arrival Odawara, JR pass does not help you. Please see the link below to find more information:

How to access Hakone from Tokyo. Compare Japan Railway and Odakyu lines

Nagoya

Subway and other Non JR trains, such as Meitetsu railway is not covered. You need to pay for access to/from Chubu airport (Centrair).

Chubu (Nagoya) airport transportation guide. Find info about airport station and access to Nagoya
Transportation Bureau, City of Nagoya

Snow Monkey Park in Nagano

You can get Nagano by JR pass but you have to pay for bus and/or train to get Snow Monkey Park. Please see the link below to find more information:

Trip to Tohoku, Chubu and Chugoku in 2016 winter – Part 9, Visit Snow Monkey Park in Nagano

Shirakawago

You can get Kanazawa, Takayama, Toyama and Takaoka by JR pass. But you have to take a bus from one of these stations and need to pay for the bus. Please see the link below to find more information:

How to access to Shirakawago from Takayama, Kanazawa, Takaoka and Toyama.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

You can access to Nagano, Shinano-Omachi or Toyama by JR Pass. After arrival in these cities, you need to pay for local transportation. Please see the link below to find more information:

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, one of most spectacular sightseeing route in Northern Japan Alps

If intend to go through whole part of Alpine Route, you can use Tateyama Kurobe option ticket. Please see the following link:

Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (one way)

Kyoto

You can get Arashiyama, Nijo, Fushimi Inari and Uji by JR pass. But you need to take subway, city bus and/or other Non JR railways to get the various tourist places. Please see the post below to find more information:

Osaka

You can take any local trains, such as Osaka Kanjo line (Osaka loop line). You can access to Universal City (USJ) too. But JR-Namba station is not very convenient and some places in the city cannot be accessed by JR pass, such as Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium. Please see the post below to find more information:

You also can take Limited Express Haruka and Kansai Airport Rapid Train by JR pass to/from Kansai airport. Nankai railway is not covered.

Kobe

Actually many places can be accessed by JR station. You can get Kobe by JR pass easily. You may not add any additional deals. Please see the link below to find more information:

Guide to take trains in Kobe. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?

Nara

You can get Nara by JR trains from either Kyoto and Osaka. Most of tourist spots in Nara can be accessed by walk from JR Nara station. Please see the link below to find more information:

How to access to Nara by Japan Rail Pass. If you don’t use JR Pass, Kintetsu Railway is more convenient.

Mt. Koya (Koyasan)

You should take Nankai railway from Namba or Shin-Imamiya. Nankai railway is not JR and you need to pay extra. Please see the link below to find more information:

How to access World Heritage Mt. Koya. Japan Rail Pass can be used to get Mt. Koya?

Hiroshima

You can access to Hiroshima by Shinkansen and it’s covered by JR pass. And also JR pass covers Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus “Meipuru-pu” fully. This bus covers most of tourist spots in Hiroshima. Please see the following link to find the detailed information:

Hiroshima sightseeing loop bus Meipuru-pu official site

Miyajima

You can take JR local train to Miyajimaguchi and then take ferry to Miyajima. Both train and ferry are covered by JR pass. Please see the link below to find more information:

How to access to Miyajima from Hiroshima by local train. No extra charge for Japan Rail Pass user.

Fukuoka / Hakata

JR Pass does not cover Fukuoka city subway and Nishitetsu railway. Only subway connects Fukuoka airport and Hakata. But you cannot use JR pass to get airport because subway is not covered. Some places around Fukuoka is covered by Nishitetsu railway, such as Dazaifu Tenmangu shrine. But Nishitetsu railway is not covered by JR pass either.

Who is eligible?

If you are the foreign tourist, you have to be “Temporary Visitor”. This entry status will be stamped at immigration on your passport. Other status cannot be acceptable. You have to show your passport at the station when you pass your exchange order to get actual pass.
If you are already in Japan as other status, you have to change your status first. Otherwise you cannot buy Japan Rail Pass. Please see “How to buy and exchange”.

If you are Japanese citizen who have permanently status in foreign country, or who married to a non-Japanese, you are qualified.

How to refund

You can refund within one year from issue date before you turn in for the actual pass. Simply bring or send your exchange order to the agent where you purchased it. They will subtract a handling fee and refund to you. The handling fee is usually 10% of the amount. Contact to your agent and make sure it before you refund.
You can NEVER refund after turned in the actual pass.

Lost or Stolen

Once you lost it, it’s over. Either an exchange order or an actual pass cannot be reissued.

Comments

  1. HM&MJ says:

    Hello Takeshi san,

    First of all, thank you for providing these explanations and responses to those who ask. You are doing a terrific service to everyone! My wife and I will be in Japan from November 10 to November 20, 2015.

    We land in Narita on the 10th (from Los Angeles) and will stay near Tokyo Station for 1 night.

    We then go to Kyoto the afternoon of November 11 and stay there until November 14.

    We plan on going to Osaka sometime on November 14, spend the night there and head to Kinosaki Onsen on November 15 for 1 night.

    We come back to Osaka on November 16 for 1 more night followed by a return to Tokyo on November 17. We will remain in/around Tokyo until our departure on November 20th.

    Will the JR pass work for us? If so, should we get the 14 day pass even though we only need it for a little over 8 days? We look forward to your advise. Thank you again.

    HM & MJ

  2. Rudolph Sada says:

    Hi Takeshi san,

    We are 2 couples in our early 60s healthy and active, who are planning to travel to Japan from 6 March to 23 Mar 2016. the majority of the trip will be with an organized tour . There will be 2 days pre tour in Tokyo, 21/2 days in Kyoto and 3 days post tour in Osaka when we will be on our own.

    Day 1: Depart US from SAN
    Day 2: arrive Tokyo NRT and we will stay 2 nights in a hotel in Ginza Tokyo very near to subway station Higashi Ginza(H09 or A11). Our thought is taking the Keisei Skyliner from NRT to Tokyo and buy that deal combined with 2 or 3 days Subway Pass.
    Or just take the Narita Express?
    Day 5 & 6 Start with tour travel overland to Hakone
    Day 7 to Nagoya then Kanazawa with tour train
    Day10 with the tour train to Kyoto
    Day 15 tour ending with the tour train bringing us to airport Osaka KIX
    Post tour, we plan to stay in Osaka for 3 nights then depart from KIX to LAX on March 23, 2015.
    In Osaka we plan to do a day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima as referred in your recent blog.

    Since our unmet transportation needs will be mostly in Osaka, KIX,Hiroshima and within Kyoto area ( with the exception the train from Kyoto to Osaka KIX which is included with the tour) ,
    What is your recommendation for our best choice? Is it the JR West 7 days Pass or a Sanyo Rail pass or other combination?
    To be honest this is slightly confusing.

    Arigato,

    Rudy

    • Hi Rudy san,

      First of all, let’s talk about access to Ginza from Narita.
      I agree that Keisei deal is very good. Subway pass will be useful in Tokyo. But if you take Skyliner, you have to take very crowded subway trains with your luggage. I suppose your luggage will be quite big because you will stay in Japan for more than 2 weeks. If you are okay with it, this deal is recommended.

      If you will be tired and want to check in hotel ASAP, Narita Express + taxi is the easiest. Ginza is very closed to Tokyo station. You can get Ginza from Tokyo station by taxi in 10-15 minutes with 1000-2000 yen fare.

      For staying in Osaka, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is the best choice for you.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html

      It covers the rest of your trip in Kansai area.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Rudolph Sada says:

        HI Takechi San,

        Thanks for your prompt and very helpful reply. The recommendation of using Narita Express then taxi to hotel was right on the money as you addressed our overall concern as we will arrive about 17:00 hours Tokyo time, bone tired with luggages in tow.

        I would like that you expand further on the question Narita to Ginza choice of transport, based on what I read in JTNO website, here are the few comparison choices:

        1. Narita Express to Tokyo station 3020 yen
        There was one way direct N’EX discount ticket of 1500 yen but apparently it was discontinued as the JR East website listed only round trip discount ticket of 4000 yen.

        2. Skyliner to Ueno station 2470 yen

        3. Limo bus to hotel in Ginza 3100 yen but it will take longer time.

        What is the cost difference of taxi from Ueno station versus Tokyo station to Ginza hotel ?

        Additionally, I guess I have to wait and see until I am near to my departure time to see what kind the discounted tickets offered as it changes periodically. Don’t I?

        The second recommendation of Jr West Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass is excellent for our itinerary. I have not decided as to what hotel to stay in Osaka as our base, but what do you think about Umeda area so it will be close to Osaka JR station.

        Again mucho arigato,

        Rudy

  3. Beatrice says:

    Hi Takeshi, I am travelling to Japan late March next year and this is my first visit to the country. I will be arriving at Haneda Airport and travelling down to Osaka for 3 days before travelling back to Tokyo for another 5 days stay.

    For the JR pass, will it be good if I get it? From your post, unless I took the non-JR trains and those which are non-ordinary class, there is no additional charges right?

    • Hi Beatrice,

      JR pass 7 days price is slightly cheaper than round trip fare by Shinkansen. But you will have some more chances to take JR trains in both Tokyo and Osaka. So it will be paid off. 7 days JR pass is a right choice for your trip.

      JR Pass does covers reserved ordinary seat. You don’t need to pay any additional to take this class.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. Kim Evangelista says:

    Greetings! We’ll be in Japan from Oct 25-Nov 7, exactly 14 days so I’m thinking of getting the 14 day pass. Please confirm if this is what we need. Here is our itinerary:

    Tokyo – 2 nights
    Niigata – 2 nights
    Kyoto – 2 nights
    Mt. Koya – 1 night
    Kyoto – 1 night
    Hiroshima – 2 nights
    Tokyo – 3 nights

    *with possible day trips to nearby areas like Nara, Nikko, Miyajima, Osaka, etc.

    Appreciate the help!

  5. Cameron says:

    Hello,

    My brother and I are travelling to japan in feb 16 for just under a month. We are thinking of getting Japan Rail Pass.
    we will be doing the following major travelling;

    Tokyo to Osaka – one way
    Osaka to Kyoto – and back
    Osaka to Nara – and back
    Sapporo to Furano- possible and back to Sapporo

    As well as normal train travel around Osaka, Sapporo, and Tokyo Briefly.

    Do you think it will be worth us getting a Pass??

    Awaiting your reply;

    Regards

    Cameron

  6. Kali Micallef says:

    Hello,
    I will be travelling to Japan with my mother and grandmother and am confused on which pass I will require (between a 7 and 14 day pass?)
    The main travelling we will be using trains for are:
    – Travelling from Osaka airport to hotel
    – Travelling from Osaka to Hiroshima (and return)
    – Travelling from Osaka to Nara (and return)
    – Traveling from Osaka to Kyoto
    – Exploring districts in Kyoto
    Travelling from Kyoto to Tokyo

    can you suggest which of the trips above we are best to use a JR Rail pass? Or perhaps a JR Pass is not required for some trips?

    Thank you in advance!!

    Kali

  7. Margaret Lim says:

    Hi

    We are traveling to Japan in mid October and will be driving from Nagoya to Kanazawa.

    From Kanazawa, we would like to take the train to Osaka where we will spend 3-4 days before taking the train to Nagoya to fly back home.

    Basically our root will be :

    Day 1 – Kanazawa to Osaka
    Day 2 Osaka to Kyoto to Osaka
    Day 3 Osaka to Kobe to Osaka
    Day 4 Osaka to Nagoya.

    Kindly advise what sort of tickets we should buy and how we can buy the tickets.

    Thanks

    Margaret

  8. Sue says:

    My husband and I are travelling to Japan to visit our daughter. We can buy the 7 day JR Pass but our daughter cannot. We are travelling from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima, return. What is the best option for our daughter? How can I compare the costs?
    Thanking You.

    • Hi Sue,

      It is very tough. Because there is no deals available to cover whole part of Japan for resident. If your daughter make a trip with both of you, she has to pay single fare. Japanese residents pay single fare otherwise they take highway bus. There are so many bus companies in Japan. The following site shows you one of major company, Willer Express.
      https://willerexpress.com/en/

      I have sample fare table at the link below. You can find rough cost for your daughter:
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html

      Roughly if your daughter travel Fuji, Kyoto, Hiroshima without JR pass, the cost is about double of JR pass 7 days.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

    • Sue says:

      Thank you for your reply. I was reading about the Kansai Thru Pass that my daughter may be able to buy. She live in TANAGURA-MACHI
      HIGASHISHIRAKAWA-GUN Fukushima. I didn’t mention that she needs to travel from her home to Tokyo and we are all travelling back with her after our trip.
      Itinerary is
      4 nights in Tokyo
      Day trip from Tokyo to Mt Fuji
      Travel to Kyoto, 3 nights there and a day trip to Hiroshima and probably Nara, Osaka, Kobe.
      Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo to TANAGURA-MACHI
      HIGASHISHIRAKAWA-GUN Fukushima then back to Tokyo. I was going to use 1 7 day JT Pass for the day trip to Mt Fuji onwards including our return trip to Tokyo which will be 7 days. My question is – would the Kansai Thru Pass be worth buying for our daughter and is there any other type of Pass she could buy for any of the other areas of travel. Also, Is a return ticket cheaper? Still unsure what trains we could use to save costs seeing she isn’t entitled to the JRPass. Thank you very much for any information. Sue

      • Hi Sue,

        I think it’s too much for 3 night in Kyoto. You may spend two full days for just Kyoto. There are many many spots to see in Kyoto. If you go to Hiroshima, you will spend another full day. I have sample itinerary of day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka/kyoto at the link below:
        https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/day-trip-to-hiroshima-and-miyajima-from-osakakyoto.html

        Kansai thru pass (KTP) does not work for Hiroshima. It’s too much for exploring in Kyoto. Subway/bus pass is enough for Kyoto.
        http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes

        If you spend 2 days for Kyoto, one day for Hiroshima, you have only one more day. KTP is minimum 2 days. If you go to Kobe, KTP may work. But the trains that are covered by KTP are not covered by JR pass. When you go to Nara or Kobe, you and your husband can use JR pass to take JR train. If your daughter use KTP, you have to purchase KTP too. I think you waste your money. I think single ticket is much better choice for your daughter. If you think about cost for whole family, KTP is not a good idea.

        On the other hand, all of your family member need Kyoto city deal. Because JR pass does not cover subway and bus in Kyoto anyway.
        https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html

        For your daughter, purchase one long ticket is the best idea. If you go to Hiroshima, your daughter can purchase one single ticket to Hiroshima and make a stopover at Kyoto. I explain about single ticket at the link below:
        https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html

        If the distance is more than 600km one way, your daughter get 10% off each for both trip. If you travel to Kyoto, it’s less than 600 km, but more than 600 km if you go to Hiroshima.

        At last, she can use Mt. Fuji Round trip ticket.
        https://jprail.com/destinations/world-heritage-destinations/mt-fuji-round-trip-ticket-is-back-in-2014-perfect-choice-for-just-trip-to-fuji-san.html

        This deals is available for the tourist who has non Japanese passport. Short stay visa is not required. You also can find more details about this pass at JR East official site.
        http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/fuji/index.html

        Cheers,

        Takeshi / JPRail.com

        • Sue says:

          Wow, it is all confusing but I wanted to ask also about the Puratto Kodama Economy Plan – it is a fantastic discount ticket that allows one to travel from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka area for about 10,300 yen. This is roughly 3,000 yen less then a regular Shinkansen ticket. This is a fantastic discount ticket that any one can purchase, so it does not matter what your visa status is (unlike the Japan Rail Pass). How does this compare to the long ticket from Tokyo – Hiroshima via Kyoto?
          Thanking you, Sue

          • Hi Sue,

            This is very affordable choice. But Kodama is very slow. Look at the timetable of Shinkansen below:
            http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
            http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf

            First of all, please understand the conditions fully of this deal. You can take only the train that is shown “K”. It takes about 4 hours, but if you pay another 3000 yen for Tokyo-Kyoto, you can get Kyoto in 2.5 hours. So think about 3000 yen is worth for getting extra 1.5 hours in Kyoto.

            As long as you understand this condition, this is a good deal. And also if you purchase Tokyo-Kyoto and Kyoto-Hiroshima separately, total fare is not much different. If you need an exact cost, please check the fare at Hyperdia:
            https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html

            I recommend you to go for single ticket.

            Cheers,

            Takeshi / JPRail.com

            • Sue says:

              Hi Takeshi, thank you so much for your time in helping me and my family. I’ve looked at the Hyuper Dia with various options and think your idea of the long ticket maybe the way to go for my daugher who is unable to buy the JR Pass. So I can book a long ticket Tokyo – Hiroshima (or Miyaiimaguchi ) for 22,240 yen (23,180 Yen). Can stop in Kyoto for a day or 2 (use local transport) then train to Hiroshima or Miyaiimaguchi on same long ticket. Then purchase another long ticket for return from Miyaiimaguchi to Shirakawa 23,180 yen. Can stop at Hiroshima then stay in Kyoto , and then travel to Tokyo and finally arrive in Shirakawa on same ticket? Can you confirm if I am on the right track. Thank you again. Sue

              • Hi Sue,

                It’s good to go. When you purchase ticket, you can purchase and book all tickets at same time. You need to purchase both Tokyo – Hiroshima and Hiroshima – Tokyo at same time to get 10% return trip discount. If you want to get discount, both ways must be same segment. So you cannot purchase to Shirakawa from Hiroshima. You have to purchase Hiroshima-Tokyo and Tokyo-Shirakawa separately.

                You can purchase a ticket for your daughter when you exchange your JR pass if you want. She doesn’t need to be there. I usually complete all bookings when I exchange JR pass. If you book your reserved seat when you exchange your pass, you should book a seat for your daughter too. You can get seats side by side easily.

                Cheers,

                Takeshi / JPRail.com

                • Sue says:

                  Thank you Takeshi, can I get 10% discount on Tokyo – Miyaiimaguchi and Miyaiimaguchi to Tokyo? Does it matter which ticket I buy as long as it starts in Tokyo and ends in Miyaiimaguchi and not worry where it goes in between as I will be travelling to Kyoto on a different day. “Thanks ,Sue

                  • Hi Sue,

                    Of course, you can purchase Tokyo-Miyajimaguchi return ticket. You can make stopover as many as you can, like Kyoto and Hirosjima. I gave you the link about single ticket but I just put it again just in case.
                    https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html

                    Cheers,

                    Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • Sue says:

                      Hi there, couple more questions in regards to my daughter’s travel option in Japan as a non JR Pass holder. If she buys a return long ticket from Skin-Shirakawa to Miyajimaguchi she can stopover in Tokyo, Kyoto and will arrive on the 6th day at Miyajimaguchi.(that’s OK, isn’t it?) On the same day she uses her return ticket and stops at Hiroshima ?? then stopover at Kyoto then travels through Tokyo and back to Shin-Shirakawa within another 6 days? I wasn’t sure if stopping at Hiroshima would be allowed on that ticket as in the same area as Miyajimaguchi? Otherwise she could buy return from Skin-Shirakawa to Hiroshima. When I calculate the price of the return long ticket I look at basic fare only, what if the fare is a different price (depending on train etc) what price is the one they will charge. When we book the individual tickets the seat is then charged, is that right. Can you give me the price on the above return long ticket to see if I am working out correctly please. Thank you so much. Sue

                    • Hi Sue,

                      If you buy a ticket from Shin-Shirakawa to Hiroshima, it’s valid for 7 days. She can use it. She can make a stopover at Hiroshima too.
                      I cannot give you a price because if I do this, I have to calculate for everybody. Unfortunately I cannot do it and please understand. As I gave you a link, please find it at Hyperdia.
                      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html

                      She needs to purcahse return base fare ticket when she buy it at Shin-Shirakawa. And also she needs to buy Shinkansen supplement ticket from Shin-Shirakawa to Tokyo if she takes Shinkansen. If you want, you can buy rest of Shinkansen supplement ticket (include reserved seat) for her. As I told you, you can purchase for three of you at same time.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • Sue says:

                      I thought only 6 days not 7 days valid, as 1085km from Shin-Shirakawa to Hiroshima Station.
                      801 – 1000 km 6 days
                      From 1001 km and up, add 1 day every 200 km.

                      Please confirm, thanks, Sue

                    • Hi Sue,

                      That’s why 7 days. 1001 to 1200 is valid for 7 days.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • Sue says:

                      Thank you that’s good I thought it meant 1200 km = 7 days. I’m finding the Hyperdia hard to use. The price for the extra supplement you were talking about is found where? Sorry so many questions about this. I do appreciate your time and effort. Sue

                    • Hi Sue,

                      When you check the fare, you see “Seat Fare”. That is supplement. You need to purchase it beside base fare ticket for every segments, like Shin-Shirkawa to Tokyo, Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Hiroshima. When you choose it, JR Pass cannot take Nozomi and Mizuho. Only Hikari, Sakura and Kodama are covered by JR pass. PDF timetable is also available. It does not show any fares but it’s more convenient to choose the trains.
                      http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/westbound.pdf
                      http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • K.K.Teo says:

                      Hi Takeshi San

                      Below are our planned itinenaries. Would appreciate someone could help to check if there’s a need to change.

                      We’ll be getting a 7 days JR pass n will activate on Day 4. To Day 10. Not sure if we activate our pass on the correct day.

                      Day 1 -Arrival KIX airport at 21.30.

                      Day 2 -Nara Park/Fushi Inari

                      Day 3 -USJ

                      Day 4 -Day trip to Hiroshima/Miyajama

                      Day 5 -Himeiji/Kobe

                      Day 6 -Arashimaya/Kiyomizudera

                      Day 7 -Namba n taking afternoon train to Kanazawa

                      Day 8 -Shirakawago/Kanazawa

                      Day 9 -Take morning train to Nagano n drop by Zenjoki Temple follow by Snow Monkey Park

                      Day 10-Take morning train to Roppongi. Afternoon to Akihabara/Shinjuku

                      Day 11- Disneyland

                      Day 12- Disneysea

                      Day 13-Asakusa/Odaiba

                      Day 14- Ueno/Harajuku/Shinkuju

                      Day 15- Yokohama

                      Day 16- Roppongi/Tokyo Tower. Proceed to airport at 3pm.

                      TIA for your help !

                    • Hi K.K.Teo san,

                      It’s perfect! I have nothing to say about your plan. 🙂

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • Sue says:

                      Hi Takeshi, in regards to my daughter’s train tickets in Japan as a non JR Pass holder, I’m just checking this is correct before she buys her tickets.
                      She is departing Skin-Shirakawa on 9th Oct -stopovers in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and arrives in Miyajimaguchi on 15th Oct. Return to Shin-Shirakawa via the above places from 15th-18th Oct.
                      So she purchases a return (long) base fare ticket from Skin-Shirakawa to Miyajimaguchi (Base fare is 13,180 each way.) She needs to buy Shinkansen supplement ticket from Shin-Shirakawa to Tokyo if she takes Shinkansen (reserved or unreseved). This will give her a 10% discount each way on the base fare? If uses her Suica card is it a little cheaper again? We can buy the rest of Shinkansen supplement ticket (include reserved seat) for her when we purchase ours in Tokyo using Suica card.
                      When she is in Tokyo can she get off at any station in Tokyo with this ticket and also when departing Tokyo to Kyoto?
                      Thank you very much for checking if this is correct.
                      Susan

                    • Hi Susan,

                      Your understanding is right. You have understood the rules of single ticket. I have nothing to say.
                      Regarding Suica, it does not give you/her any discount on this single ticket. She can use it for exploring in Tokyo, and other major cities, like Osaka and Kyoto.

                      Regarding stopover, if she get off at Tokyo station, she has to start at same station, Tokyo. So if you get off at Ueno, restart place is Ueno. She cannot go back and cannot take same route, Just keep moving forward.

                      You will use JR pass, right? So as I mentioned, you can book Shinkasen ticket for her when you exchange JR pass and receive your Shinkansen ticket. You may get seats side by side.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • Sue says:

                      Hi Takeshi
                      In regards to the Return Long Distance Basic Fare Ticket for my daughter from Shin-Shirakawa to Miyajimaguchi – the train from Hiroshima to Miyajimaguchi is on JR Sanyo Line – will we get the full 10% discount, as discount is only on SHINKANSEN?
                      Thanks, Sue

                    • Hi Sue,

                      10% discount is applied to base fare ticket only. You cannot get any discount for Shinkansen surcharge.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • Sue says:

                      Hi Takeshi
                      Yes I realise the discount is only on Basic Fare. What I’m asking does the discount include the JR Sanyo part of trip? (Basic fare or only on SHINKANSEN) . Should we book just to Hiroshima return or to Miyijiguchi?
                      Thanks, Sue

                    • Hi Sue,

                      It’s applied to all JR lines, both Shinkansen and conventional. Sanyo line is included.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

                    • Sue says:

                      Hi Takeshi
                      When my daughter arrives in Tokyo with her long distance return ticket, she said she has to put her ticket in the machine to depart station. Is that correct? I told her she needs to keep the ticket and just show staff member. I have read the procedures on how to enter and depart the stations but just want to check with you as this is a long distance return tickets. At what stages does she put her ticket in the machine – as she boards train? When she departs train? Does she just use the supplement in the machine?
                      Thank you
                      Susan

                    • Hi Susan,
                      When she start and complete the trip, she can put the ticket into the machine. When she makes a stopover, take man gate. There are both machine and man gate at most of stations.

                      If you or she does not have any idea how to use it, ask station staff.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  9. sharon says:

    Hi Takeshi San

    May i know if i can reserve seat for my 7 days when i exchange my jr pass? Where can i check the operating hours of the exchange office?
    Am looking at either kyoto or osaka station.

    Thank you for your help !

  10. SKNG says:

    Hi Takeshi san,

    I have drafted my itinerary, one thing keep bothering me is which option will be cheaper ie to get the JR pass nationwide (this will cover my airport to and for transport?) to cover all my itinerary or i should go for Kanto 3 days pass, Takayama-Hokuriku Area 5 days Pass + day pass for those areas with no special pass.

    Please advise.

    DATE TIME CITY OVERNIGHT
    22/12/15 Dpt fr KL 0810 TOKYO东京 TOKYO东京
    Arr at 1550 TOKYO东京

    NARITA – TOKYO STATION (1000 Yen) 1655-1832

    23/12/15 Dpt fr TOKYO东京 MT FUJI
    D1 Arr at MT FUJI富士山

    JR KANTO 3 DAYS PASS (8,400 Yen)

    24/12/15 MT FUJI + HAKONE MT FUJI
    D2

    25/12/15 Dpt fr MT FUJI富士山 NAGOYA名古屋
    D3 Arr at TOKYO东京
    Dpt fr 1230 TOKYO (Shinjuku Station)
    Arr at 1524 NAGOYA名古屋

    26/12/15 NAGOYA名古屋 NAGOYA名古屋

    JR Rail Pass (11,130 Yen)

    27/12/2015 Dpt fr 0908 NAGOYA名古屋 TAKAYAMA高山
    D1 Arr at 1222 TAKAYAMA高山

    TAKAYAMA-HOKURIKU TOURIST 5 UNLIMITED DAYS PASS

    28/12/15 Dpt fr 0850 TAKAYAMA高山 SHIRAKAWA-GO白川乡
    D2 Arr at 0940 SHIRAKAWA-GO白川乡

    29/12/15 Dpt fr 1625 SHIRAKAWA-GO白川乡 KANAZAWA金泽
    D3 Arr at 1750 KANAZAWA金泽

    30/12/15 Dpt fr 1800 KANAZAWA金泽 FUKUI福井
    D4 Arr at 1921 FUKUI福井

    31/12/15 Dpt fr 1507 FUKUI福井 KYOTO京都
    D5 Arr at 1637 KYOTO京都

    1/1/16 KYOTO京都 KYOTO京都

    2/1/16 Dpt fr 1500 KYOTO京都 OSAKA大阪
    Arr at 1528 OSAKA大阪

    JR Rail Pass (1,100 Yen)

    3/1/16 Dpt fr 1100 OSAKA大阪
    Tsit at 1215 TOKYO东京
    Dpt fr 1715 TOKYO东京
    Arr at 2355 KL
    Fare to Osaka (KIX) To Be Checked

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