Discover the benefits and how to use Japan Rail Pass for unlimited train travel. Plan your trip and save money with this essential guide.

What is the Japan Rail (JR) Pass?

Japan Rail Pass, also known as JR Pass, is a special type of pass that allows unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) trains, including the high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains, for a set period of time. This pass is available only to foreign tourists and can be used on most JR trains throughout Japan, including the Hokkaido, Tohoku, Akita, Yamagata, Joetsu, Hokuriku, Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, and West Japan JR lines. The pass also covers the Narita Express train that connects Narita Airport to Tokyo and several JR ferry services.

The JR Pass can be purchased for either 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days, and the cost varies depending on the duration of the pass and the class of travel. The pass must be purchased before arriving in Japan and can only be used by foreign visitors with a tourist visa. It is important to note that the JR Pass cannot be used on private railway lines, subways, or buses operated by JR companies. Overall, the JR Pass is a convenient and cost-effective way for foreign tourists to explore Japan and experience its extensive rail network.

The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Hokusai

JR Pass Validity

The validity of the JR Pass depends on the type of pass purchased, with options for 7, 14, and 21 consecutive days of travel. It is important to note that the validity period starts from the date of activation, which is typically the date of the first use of the pass.

During the validity period, the JR Pass allows unlimited travel on almost all JR trains, including the high-speed Shinkansen bullet trains, limited express trains, and local trains. It also covers the JR ferry services and the Narita Express train that connects Narita Airport to Tokyo. However, it is important to note that the pass cannot be used on private railway lines, subways, or buses operated by JR companies.

JR station

The JR Pass can be used for any number of train rides within the validity period, making it a cost-effective option for those who plan to travel extensively in Japan. For example, a 7-day pass can be used for seven consecutive days of travel, while a 14-day pass can be used for 14 consecutive days of travel. It is also possible to upgrade to a higher class of travel by paying the price difference.

In summary, the validity of the JR Pass depends on the duration of the pass purchased, and it allows unlimited travel on most JR trains during the validity period. It is a convenient and cost-effective option for foreign tourists to explore Japan and experience its extensive rail network.

Accommodations

Many JR trains have Green Cars (First class): all have ordinary cars. You can use Green cars or ordinary cars with a Green-type JR Pass, and you can use ordinary cars with an Ordinary-type JR Pass without paying additional charges.

Here are a few of the advantages of choosing a Green Japan Rail Pass:

  • Extra comfort,
  • extra seating space,
  • reclining seat (40° angle),
  • and free drinks on some lines.

How to Order a JR Pass

At Amnet, we're proud to offer the JR Pass to our valued customers in the United States. Our convenient online ordering platform simplifies the process of purchasing your JR Pass Voucher, ensuring a seamless travel experience in Japan.

Our team of experts is dedicated to providing exceptional travel support, assisting you every step of the way as you plan your unforgettable journey through Japan's extensive railway network. With Amnet, you can confidently embark on your Japanese adventure, knowing that our top-notch service and extensive knowledge of the JR Pass will enhance your trip.

Terms and Conditions

It typically takes about 1-2 business days for us to process your online order. Keep in mind, this doesn't cover shipping time.

  • If you're planning to leave the U.S. in under 3 business days, please give us a call right away.
  • Remember, you can't order your pass more than 3 months before you plan to use it.

Feel free to purchase multiple Japan Rail Passes in a single online order. Shipping fees apply to each shipping address, not each rail pass.

Cancellation Policy

If you need to cancel an order after it's been processed (regardless of whether you received it or not), we'll refund the amount minus 15% of the face value. Unfortunately, we can't refund the shipping fee. To proceed with the cancellation, you'll need to mail back the JR Pass exchange order at your own expense. Without it, we can't process your refund.

To cancel your order, simply send us a written request via email.

Keep in mind:
Even if you call to cancel, you'll still need to send us a written email request. In the subject line, include "CANCELLATION REQUEST" followed by your name and/or confirmation number (which you can find on your invoice). We'll send you an email to confirm we've received your cancellation request.

Refund Process for Exchange Orders:

Mail the original exchange order(s) back to the branch where you made the purchase.

To ensure a smooth process, we recommend using a traceable or trackable mailing method for returning JR passes, as they're equivalent to cash. We can't be held responsible for lost or stolen passes, which can't be replaced or refunded. Along with the unused exchange order(s), enclose a written refund request and the following information:

  • Your first and last names, daytime phone number, and email address
  • A copy of the invoice(s)
  • Written request for a refund

Please note that refunds, minus 15%, can only be credited back to the original credit card used for the JR pass purchase. Once we receive your original exchange order(s), we'll send you an email confirming that we got them and are processing your refund request.

Refunds usually take about 15-20 business days to process. You'll receive another email from us once your refund has been processed successfully.

JR Pass Exchange Locations & Hours

Station Location M-F Sat-Sun
Kushiro Station Travel Center 10:00-18:00
Obihiro Station Travel Center 9:00-17:00
Asahikawa Station Travel Center 9:30-17:30
Sapporo Station JR Information Desk 8:30-19:00
Sapporo Station Travel Center (East Exit) 10:00-19:30 10:00-18:00
Sapporo Station Travel Center (South Exit) 10:00-20:00
New Chitose Airport Station JR Information Desk 8:30-19:00
Hakodate Station Travel Center 10:00-18:00
Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station Ticket Office 9:00-20:00
Aomori Station Travel Center 9:00-17:30 (until 3/31)
Aomori Station Travel Center 10:00-17:30 (from 4/1)
Hachinohe Station Travel Center 10:00-17:30
Morioka Station Travel Center 10:00-19:00
Akita Station Travel Center 10:30-18:00 10:30-17:00
Sendai Station Travel Center 10:00-19:00 10:00-18:00
Yamagata Station Travel Center 10:00-18:00 10:00-17:00
Fukushima Station Travel Center 10:00-18:00 10:00-17:00
Niigata Station Travel Center 10:00-19:00 10:00-17:00
Nagano Station Travel Center 10:00-19:00 10:00-17:30
Mito Station Travel Center 10:00-19:00 10:00-17:00
Narita Airport Station (Narita Airport Terminal 1) JR EAST Travel Service Center 8:15-19:00
Narita Airport Station (Narita Airport Terminal 1) Ticket Office 6:30-8:15 & 19:00-21:45
Narita Airport Station (Narita Airport Terminal 1) Narita International Airport Terminal 1 Travel Center 9:00-20:00
Airport Terminal 2 Station (Narita Airport Terminal 2 & 3) JR EAST Travel Service Center 8:15-20:00
Airport Terminal 2 Station (Narita Airport Terminal 2 & 3) Ticket Office 6:30-8:15 & 20:00-21:45
Haneda Airport (International Terminal Station) JR EAST Travel Service Center (Tokyo Monorail 2F gate/Arrival lobby) 7:45-18:30
Tokyo Station JR EAST Travel Service Center (Marunouchi North Exit) 7:30-20:30
Tokyo Station JR Tokai Ticket Office (Yaesu Central Exit) 7:30-20:30
Ueno Station Information Center (Central Ticket Gate) 9:00-19:00
Shinjuku Station JR EAST Travel Service Center (New South Exit) 8:00-19:00
Shinjuku Station Information Center (East Ticket Gate) 8:00-19:00
Shibuya Station Information Center (South Exit) 10:00-18:30
Ikebukuro Station Information Center (Central Passage) 9:30-18:00
Shinagawa Station Information Center (Central Ticket Gate) 9:00-19:00
Shinagawa Station JR Tokai Ticket Office 9:00-19:00
Yokohama Station Travel Center 10:00-20:00 10:00-19:00
Shin-Yokohama Station JR Tokai Ticket Office 8:00-20:30
Odawara Station JR Tokai Ticket Office 5:45-22:30
Mishima Station Ticket Office (South Exit) 5:45-23:05
Shizuoka Station Ticket Office 5:00-23:05
Hamamatsu Station Ticket Office 5:50-23:20
Nagoya Station Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office 10:00-19:00
Nagoya Station Ticket Office 6:00-10:00 & 19:00-23:00
Toyama Station Ticket Office (Central Exit) 5:40-23:30
Kanazawa Station Ticket Office (Central Exit) 4:40-23:30
Kyoto Station Ticket Office (JR West Central Exit) 5:30-23:00
Kyoto Station Ticket Office (JR Tokai Shinkansen Hachijo Exit) 8:30-23:00
Higashi-Maizuru Station Ticket Office 5:30-23:00
Nishi-Maizuru Station Ticket Office 5:30-23:00
Shin-Osaka Station Ticket Office (JR West Japan East Exit) 5:30-23:30
Shin-Osaka Station Ticket Office (JR West Japan East Exit) 5:30-23:00
Shin-Osaka Station JR West Japan Travel Corner 9:00-20:00
Osaka Station Ticket Office (Central Exit 12, 13) 5:30-23:00
Kansai Airport Station Ticket Office 5:30-23:00
Nara Station Ticket Office 9:00-20:00
Sannomiya Station Ticket Office (Central Exit) 5:30-23:00
Okayama Station Ticket Office 5:00-23:30
Tottori Station Ticket Office 5:45-23:00
Yonago Station Ticket Office 5:00-22:00
Sakaiminato Station Ticket Office 7:10-18:30
Hiroshima Station Ticket Office 4:50-23:00
Shimonoseki Station Ticket Office 5:30-22:30
Takamatsu Station Travel Center 10:00-18:00 10:00-17:00
Matsuyama Station Travel Center 10:00-18:00 10:00-17:00
Tokushima Station Travel Center 10:00-18:00
Kokura Station Travel Center 11:00-19:00 10:30-18:00
Hakata Station Travel Center 10:00-20:00 10:00-18:00
Hakata Station JR Kyushu Ticket Office 7:00-23:00
Saga Station Travel Center 10:30-19:00 10:30-18:00 (Sat)
Nagasaki Station Travel Center 10:30-19:00 10:30-18:00
Kumamoto Station Travel Center 10:30-19:00 10:00-17:30
Oita Station Travel Center 10:30-19:00 10:30-18:00
Miyazaki Station Travel Center 10:30-18:00 10:30-18:00
Kagoshima-Chuo Station Travel Center 11:00-19:00 10:30-18:00