The Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a cost-effective and convenient transportation option for travelers visiting Japan from foreign countries for sightseeing, offering unlimited travel on an extensive network of trains operated by Japan Railways Group. With a single pass, tourists can access various trains, including the high-speed Shinkansen "bullet trains," limited express, express, and local trains. Available in 7-, 14-, and 21-day options, the JR Pass allows visitors to easily explore Japan's major cities and attractions, providing an affordable and efficient way to discover the country's diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history.

You can conveniently purchase a Japan Rail Pass from Amnet, a specialized Japanese travel agency in the United States. Amnet offers an easy-to-use online platform for ordering your JR Pass, providing exceptional travel support for your journey to Japan. As a trusted seller of JR Passes in the U.S., Amnet ensures a seamless purchasing experience, allowing you to focus on planning your unforgettable adventure through Japan's extensive railway network.

Foreign tourists visiting Japan under the status of "Temporary Visitor" on their entry visa

Note: Japanese citizens are eligible only if they have proof of over 10-years of overseas residency. Please see details here: here. (Since June 1, 2017)

Note: Japanese citizens meeting the conditions above are required to show proof of eligibility at the point of purchase. Photos or scans of required documents must be sent to the agent.

Note: If you have dual citizenship, be sure to get your non-Japanese passport stamped when entering Japan. You must get this stamp in your non-Japanese passport to prove you are a "non-Japanese temporary visitor."

To obtain the actual JR Pass, follow these steps:

1. Purchase a voucher on this page before traveling to Japan. The voucher is not the actual pass.
2. Bring your voucher, along with your passport, to a JR Pass exchange office in Japan.
3. Fill out the application form provided at the exchange office.
4. Present your passport for verification of your temporary visitor status.
5. Hand over the Exchange Order and receive your JR Pass.

Please note that the actual pass can only be received in Japan and that Amnet only provides vouchers necessary to receive the pass. Now you're all set to enjoy unlimited travel on Japan's extensive railway network!

The prices in dollars are determined at the beginning of every month and will depend on the currency exchange rate. Current prices are shown on this page.

With a JR Pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel during the validity period (7, 14, or 21 days) on a wide range of transportation options:

JR-Group Railway Trains:

• All Shinkansen "bullet trains," except "Nozomi" and "Mizuho" trains
• Limited Express trains
• Express trains
• Rapid trains
• Local trains

Buses:

• Local lines of JR Bus Companies: JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokai Bus, West Japan JR Bus, and Chugoku JR Bus
• Local bus lines of JR Bus Divisions: JR Hokkaido, JR Shikoku, and JR Kyushu
• JR Highway Bus Lines: Morioka to Hirosaki, Aomori and Towadako; Tokyo to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Tsukuba Center; Nagoya to Kyoto and Osaka; Osaka to Tsuyama Car Shed and Kasai Flower Center

Ferry:

• Miyajima to Miyajima-guchi (near Hiroshima), excluding "Beetle U" (Hakata-Pusan)

For more detailed route information, visit the Japan Rail Pass website to plan your adventure!

Absolutely! After receiving your pass, you can reserve seats by informing the Japan Railways officer at the Midori-no-madoguchi about your travel dates and desired destinations. During peak times, reserved seats might not be guaranteed, so it's a good idea to reserve your seats as soon as you arrive in Japan.

Shinkansen, along with most limited express and ordinary express trains, offer reserved Green Car seats and both reserved and non-reserved ordinary car seats. You can access a non-reserved seat by simply showing your Japan Rail Pass.

Seat reservations come at no extra cost. To reserve a seat, visit any Travel Service Center or Reservation Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) at a JR station, or a sales office of a JR-associated travel agency. Present your pass and obtain your reserved-seat ticket before boarding.

Keep in mind that during busy periods, securing a seat on a specific train isn't always guaranteed. The most challenging times for seat reservations include:

1. 12/29-1/5: The New Year holiday period, when many Japanese people travel for vacations or visit their hometowns.
2. 4/28-5/5: Due to consecutive holidays and pleasant travel weather, there's widespread travel across Japan for leisure and recreation.
3. 8/10-8/15: This period is known as the Obon season, another traditional time for traveling to hometown areas in Japan.

Plan ahead and reserve your seats as early as possible during these peak times to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience with your Japan Rail Pass.

The primary difference between an ordinary JR Pass and a Green Pass lies in the level of comfort and services provided. The ordinary pass grants you access to standard cars on trains, while the Green Pass offers a more luxurious experience in the "Green Cars," which are equivalent to first-class accommodations.

Green Cars provide more spacious and comfortable seats, often with more legroom, as well as additional amenities such as reading lights and footrests. They tend to be less crowded, ensuring a more relaxed travel experience. Additionally, some trains offer complimentary beverages and other services exclusively to Green Car passengers.

While both the ordinary and Green passes grant you access to an extensive range of trains, the Green Pass offers a premium, more comfortable experience for travelers seeking extra convenience and luxury during their journey across Japan.

Regional JR Passes like the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass, JR West Rail Pass, and JR Kyushu Rail Pass are also available upon request. Feel free to contact us using our online form.

The Japan Regional Pass is specifically designed for foreign tourists visiting Japan from abroad for sightseeing purposes, under the "temporary visitor" entry status. This status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows stays in Japan for 15 or 90 days for sightseeing purposes. When entering Japan, if you request a "stay for sightseeing," immigration officials will stamp your passport as "Temporary Visitor." To receive or use a Japan Rail Pass, your passport must have this stamp or sticker.

Please note, if you use an automated gate, your passport won't receive a stamp. Instead, use a manned automated gate or request a clerk to apply the stamp to your passport.

If you can't find the answer to your question here, don't hesitate to contact us for more information about JR Passes.