Tak found it at 100 yen shop, Daiso. (C) {Amy_Jane}
If you are a first time visitor, you don’t know how big is Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass). Actually it’s not handy size. I had an experience that I almost lost it! One of my reader, Tak gave me a very useful information. He found the perfect size case at 100 yen in Japan. I would like to share this information with you.
Thank you very much for your work, Tak!
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[The following text and photo by Tak ]
Do you find it hard to take the JR pass out of your bag and put it back every time as it is too large? The size of the pass is almost same as a postcard and it does not fit into your wallet or pocket. I find that keeping the pass and reservation tickets is very trouble when you have large suitcases or backpacks, as you would need to take them out of your bag and put them back several times.
For example, you would need to take the pass out of your bag and put it back as many as three or four times to take Shinkansen using JR pass. First, you need to go to a ticket counter to reserve a seat. You need to take the pass out of your bag and show it to issue your reservation ticket. As most of you have large suitcases or backpacks, you would need to put the pass into your bag again to free your hands to carry the bags. The pass is too large and you can’t just put them in your pocket or wallet. Once you are done with the reservation, you would go through the ticket gate and show the pass again. There are many people rushing trough the ticket gate and it is very trouble to take out the ticket. Some people might bump into you and you must say “Sumimasen (sorry)”… At some station, you will need to go through another ticket gate to get to the Shinkansen platform. You must take out the pass from your bag again. Finally, when your Shinkansen comes to the platform, you would go onboard. Then, you will need to take out the reservation seat ticket to check the your seat number. While you are relaxed in the train, a conductor might come to you to check your tickets. You must show the JR Pass again. It is a problem if you fully utilize the JR pass and take the train many times a day. Besides, if you take the pass out of your bag and put it back many times, you have more risk of losing the pass. If you lose the JR Pass, it is not possible to re-issue the pass or purchase a replacement one in Japan. You must not lose it or your journey ends!
While I was travelling in Japan, I found this case at Daiso in Takasaki station.
Daiso is a 100 yen shop which is found everywhere in Japan. This is originally designed for insurance or hospital card organizer but I found this perfectly fits for the JR pass as if it was made for these. When you open the folder, you will find compartments for cards, which fit just for reservation tickets. You will also find another folder with zip lock. I noticed some tickets are longer than credit card size but these can be fitted as well. There is a hole for putting a strap through it. However, this case doesn’t come with a strap. You will need to buy it separately but you can find a strap in Daiso as well. I found an ID card case with strap. That strap can be taken out and attached to this case. Once you attach the strap, you can even hang it around your neck. If you hang it around the neck, I don’t think you will lose the ticket. It might look bit ugly, but you can just hide it under your jacket when not in use. When you need it, just flash the pass to the staff at the ticket gate and walk through it. Now, it is so much easier to go in and out of the ticket gate. When you get to the train, you will also find the seat number easily as your reservation ticket is also kept in the folder. You will not have to search your bag anymore. When the train conductor comes to your seat to check your ticket, you can just show the folder. I noticed some conductors take the ticket out of the folder patiently (maybe bit annoyed?) and put stamp on the ticket. Some don’t care at all.
I would like to share this information as this 100 yen case saved a lot of trouble at least for me. Daiso has recently opened shops outside Japan as well. I found the same case in Sydney Daiso. I think some of you might find the same one in your country. If you are looking for a similar case from other shops, size of the JR Pass is 15cm x 10cm. Please be careful that they have changed the size of the JR pass recently. The new one with machine printed ticket is slightly bigger than old one with date stamp. I had another case which I bought a few years ago but now I had to find a new one which fits with the new size.
Don’t lose the JR pass and have a safe trip!
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
i will stay at Grand Nikko Odaiba and i plan to visit Asakusa, Ueno, Ginza, Akihabara, Shinjuku and Shibuya.
I can see that Odaiba stations is on Yurikamome Line.
do you think i can use the below tickets for traveling from Odaiba to those cities?
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html#anc03
i try to check the tokyo toei and subway line, but can’t find the Yurikamome Line so i am afraid those tickets 24/48 hours can’t be used for Yurikamome line.
thanks
beni
Hi Beni,
Yurikamome is not covered by subway pass and any other major deals. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for the answer.
Will that be the same for goint to puroland? We cant use either JRPass or that subway/24-48 hours ticket?
What do u think will be the best way in terms of buying ticket, from harajuku to puroland?
Regards
Beni
Hi Beni,
Only regular ticket is your choice. It’s located outside downtown area. Subway pass and any other local deals do not cover this place.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
How about JR Pass, can I use it to go to Puroland from harajuku?
Seems I still have 1more day to be able to use JR Pass.
Thanks again
Regards
Beni
Hi Beni,
No, either. You need to take Odakyu or Keio railway. Both are not JR.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
What size is the JR Pass (I read on the internet that it changed size since 2014) ? Can we buy this clearpass case (in this post) in Haneda airport ? or elsewhere in Tokyo ?
Thanks for helping,
Fabienne
Hi Fab,
Actually I looked for this case in the last year but I couldn’t find it. I’m not sure 100% but I think this case is no longer available.
As far as I know, there is no cases available which JR pass fit in.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your answer. I bought clear plastic badges 6×4 inches and the JR Passes fit very tightly in. These badges are unfortunately of no use because they can’t be removed easily. Just to let know other people. Fab
Thanks for your info, Fab.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I am very sorry but I did not notice this statement by now even though it is in bold font. “Your comment will not be shown until I approve.” I should have been more careful with it.
No worries, Tak san.
I have received so many comments in these days. Previously return user can post the comment without approve. But I sometimes missed the comment of return readers. So I have changed it.
Thanks for your answering Ed’s inquiry.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Tak,
Great article. Quick question, which particular Daiso in Sydney did you find one?
We went to Chatswood Daiso and they don’t have it.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Hi Ed,
I saw it in Chatswood Daiso at the time when I wrote it in 2014. It is probably sold out by now. I saw a similar case in another $2.8 shop (not Daiso), but that is without a hole at the top. I think the hole to put a strap at the top makes a difference. If I remember correctly that was probably at the top floor in Market city in Chinatown. I think I also saw it in a $2.8 shop in George st cinema area. The shop is upstairs of a shop which sells Japanese souvenirs. By the way, if you go there, you will find the Japanese souvenir chocolate and snacks which are usually found in tourist places or train stations only. It’s interesting to find such things outside Japan.
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Terrific handy information. Just bought the case from Daiso in Ikebukuro Sunshine City basement 1 yesterday. Perfect size for the JR pass.
Just a follow up comment: this case for JR Passes was FANTASTIC! Perfect size, easy to use, fitted Reserved Seat tickets beautifully; we just loved it! Thanks for writing about it.
Hi Tak! Thanks for the helpful advice! I managed to find this in a Daiso shop in Singapore too.
Hi: thanks so much for this info: we used to be able to put the JR Passes in our Aussie passport covers, but now the passes are bigger, so this is perfect.
I have bought some from Daiso in Melbourne: they actually got them in for me!!
I assume the Pass fits in the compartment which opens out….so you can have it open like a book??
I get where the reserved tickets will go, and the ziplock section will be excellent for store receipts etc
Thanks again!
Hi Takeshi and Tak, thanks for sharing. This certainly helps becos for first time like me, i have no idea that the JR pass will be this big. Its even more cumbersome for ladies to take the pass in and out of the bag. i will look for this when i go to the Malaysia Daiso shop.
Cheers