Eligibility
Foreign tourists (specifically U.S. passport holders) visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing under the entry status of “temporary visitor.”
Temporary Visitor entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for “sight-seeing, etc.” If you apply for a “stay for sight-seeing” when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as “Temporary Visitor,” as shown below. *In order to receive or use JAPAN RAIL PASS, your passport must bear this stamp or sticker below.
New eligibility requirements for sales of an Exchange Order for JAPAN RAIL PASS starting June 1, 2017
People who have both their Japanese passport and written proof—obtained from the embassy or legation of Japan in the foreign country where they live—that they have been living legally in the country for 10 consecutive years or more. * You must present both your passport and proof of eligibility to purchase an Exchange Order in a country other than Japan, and to exchange your Exchange Order for a JAPAN RAIL PASS in Japan. * You cannot use a photocopy of your passport to purchase an Exchange Order or to exchange your Exchange Order for a JAPAN RAIL PASS. * You can purchase an Exchange Order and exchange it for a JAPAN RAIL PASS only if your stay in the country for 10 consecutive years or more is verified by such written proof.
For Multiple Citizenship (including child) for Japan and other countries:
1) When you enter with Japanese passport: The name of the issuing embassy or legation abroad and the issue date must be in the form of a stamp, and the issue date must be within the 6 months prior to the date of purchase of the Exchange Order. In addition, you will need a single copy of your Overseas Residential Registration or Certificate of Overseas Residence verifies that any family members living with you in the country have stayed for 10 consecutive years or more, such a document is valid for those family members.
2) When you enter with non-Japanese passport: You must enter for sightseeing under the entry status of “temporary visitor.” * For Multiple Citizenship, there are cases where entering with foreign passports are not permitted, so we would recommend to bring a single copy of your Certificate of Overseas Residence.
Caution: Even if you visit Japan with an Exchange Order, to be turned in for a JAPAN RAIL PASS (hereinafter “JRP”), the exchange cannot be made unless you have “Temporary Visitor” status; if you enter Japan under any other official status, such as “Trainee,” “Entertainer,” “Reentry Permit,” or ” Military (even Veteran),” you cannot exchange the voucher for a JRP. Please note that according to strict interpretation of the Japanese Immigration Law, “Temporary Visitor” status differs even from other types of stay that are also only for short time periods.
Type and Price
There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS: Green (for superior-class Green cars), and Ordinary. Each of these types is available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day PASS.
The above are yen prices for a JAPAN RAIL PASS Exchange Order; the actual cost in local currency is calculated based on the Banker’s selling Rate (BSR) ,etc., at the time the Exchange Order is issued. Note that the purchase exchange rate may differ from the exchange rate in effect when you actually visit Japan. The local currency price, applicable exchange rate, and issue date for an Exchange Order are specified on the Exchange Order itself. Children who are age 6 through 11 as of the date on which the exchange order is issued are eligible for child PASS prices. Prices are subject to change. The applicable price is the price valid on the date when an Exchange Order is issued.
Type and Price
There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS: Green (for superior-class Green cars), and Ordinary. Each of these types is available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day PASS.
The above are yen prices for a JAPAN RAIL PASS Exchange Order; the actual cost in local currency is calculated based on the Banker’s selling Rate (BSR) ,etc., at the time the Exchange Order is issued. Note that the purchase exchange rate may differ from the exchange rate in effect when you actually visit Japan. The local currency price, applicable exchange rate, and issue date for an Exchange Order are specified on the Exchange Order itself. Children who are age 6 through 11 as of the date on which the exchange order is issued are eligible for child PASS prices. Prices are subject to change. The applicable price is the price valid on the date when an Exchange Order is issued.
Scope of application
Validity period
-
The validity period of a JAPAN RAIL PASS is the consecutive 7, 14, or 21 days beginning on the date the PASS is first used.
-
Within three months from the date the Exchange Order was issued, you must turn in your Exchange Order to obtain your JAPAN RAIL PASS (for example, an Exchange Order issued on April 15 would have to be turned in by July 14). At that time, you have to specify the date that you want to start using the PASS. It can be any date within one month from the date the PASS is received.
-
Once the PASS has a starting date written on it, the date cannot be changed.
Transportation services
-
This information applies to JAPAN RAIL PASSES issued in Japan on or after April 1, 2013. The JAPAN RAIL PASS is valid for the railways, buses, and ferry boats shown below:
Railways
All JR Group Railways-Shinkansen”bullet trains” (except any reserved or non-reserved seat on “NOZOMI”and”MIZUHO”trains) limited express trains, express trains, and rapid or local trains. (With some exceptions) *JAPAN RAIL PASS holders can also use the Tokyo monorail. *Aoimori Railway (Metoki-Aomori. However, the use of local or rapid trains between Aomori-Hachinohe, Aomori-Noheji and Hachinohe-Noheji is permitted. Passengers disembarking on Aoimori Railway lines in these sections must pay separate fares. However, passengers disembarking at Aomori Station, Noheji Station, or Hachinohe Station do not need to pay separate fares.
Remarks:
The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.) If you use a “NOZOMI” or “MIZUHO” train, you must pay the basic fare and the limited express charge, and for a Green Car the Green Car surcharge. In addition, if you use the GranClass car of the Tohoku Shinkansen, you must pay the limited express charge and the GranClass car surcharge. Note also that passengers using JR trains on non-JR lines must pay additional fares and charges for sections traveled on such lines.Some JR trains use the lines of private railways for direct services.
Train accommodations
-
Most JR trains have Ordinary Cars (coach class) while many long-distance trains also offer Green Cars (superior class). With a Green-type JAPAN RAIL PASS you can use either class, while with an Ordinary-type JAPAN RAIL PASS you can use only Ordinary Cars without paying an additional charge. Refer to the table2 below for details.
-
The cars with ● can be used with JAPAN RAIL PASS. Use of the cars with ★ requires paying additional charges. There are no Green Cars on most HIKARI and KODAMA trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line (Shin-Osaka ·Hakata), or on TSUBAME trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen line(Shin-Yatsushiro – Kagoshima- chūō )
Remarks:
*1 The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved (incl. Green Car) or non-reserved, on ”NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains.
*2 There are no Green Cars on most “HIKARI” and “KODAMA” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line (Shin-Osaka―Hakata), or on some “SAKURA” and “TSUBAME” Series 800 trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen line.
*3 If you use a “DX Green” (operated by JR Kyushu), you must pay the limited express charge in addition to the DX Green charge.
*4 If you use the GranClass car, only the basic fare is covered with your JAPAN RAIL PASS for both Green Car and Ordinary Cars and you must pay the limited express charge and the GranClass car surcharge additionally.
・Private Compartments are available on some “HIKARI” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. ・Green Private Compartments are on certain limited express trains, such as “Super-view Odoriko.”
・Use of “Home Liner” and other “liner” trains requires an additional charge.
Validity period
-
The validity period of a JAPAN RAIL PASS is the consecutive 7, 14, or 21 days beginning on the date the PASS is first used.
-
Within three months from the date the Exchange Order was issued, you must turn in your Exchange Order to obtain your JAPAN RAIL PASS (for example, an Exchange Order issued on April 15 would have to be turned in by July 14). At that time, you have to specify the date that you want to start using the PASS. It can be any date within one month from the date the PASS is received.
-
Once the PASS has a starting date written on it, the date cannot be changed.
Scope of application
Transportation services
-
This information applies to JAPAN RAIL PASSES issued in Japan on or after April 1, 2013. The JAPAN RAIL PASS is valid for the railways, buses, and ferry boats shown below:
Railways
All JR Group Railways-Shinkansen”bullet trains” (except any reserved or non-reserved seat on “NOZOMI”and”MIZUHO”trains) limited express trains, express trains, and rapid or local trains. (With some exceptions) *JAPAN RAIL PASS holders can also use the Tokyo monorail. *Aoimori Railway (Metoki-Aomori. However, the use of local or rapid trains between Aomori-Hachinohe, Aomori-Noheji and Hachinohe-Noheji is permitted. Passengers disembarking on Aoimori Railway lines in these sections must pay separate fares. However, passengers disembarking at Aomori Station, Noheji Station, or Hachinohe Station do not need to pay separate fares.
Buses
Local lines of JR Bus (excluding some local lines. Pass validity for particular routes is subject to change.) (JR Bus : JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokai Bus, West Japan JR Bus, Chugoku JR Bus, JR Shikoku Bus, JR Kyushu Bus)※The PASS is not valid for travel on express bus routes operated by JR Bus.
Ferry
Only the JR-WEST Miyajima ferry is covered. ※JR Kyushu Jet Ferry between Hakata and Busan (Korea) is not covered. ※You will be required to additionally pay a Miyajima Visitor Tax (100 yen) upon your visit.
Remarks:
The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.) If you use a “NOZOMI” or “MIZUHO” train, you must pay the basic fare and the limited express charge, and for a Green Car the Green Car surcharge. In addition, if you use the GranClass car of the Tohoku Shinkansen, you must pay the limited express charge and the GranClass car surcharge. Note also that passengers using JR trains on non-JR lines must pay additional fares and charges for sections traveled on such lines.Some JR trains use the lines of private railways for direct services.
Train accommodations
-
Most JR trains have Ordinary Cars (coach class) while many long-distance trains also offer Green Cars (superior class). With a Green-type JAPAN RAIL PASS you can use either class, while with an Ordinary-type JAPAN RAIL PASS you can use only Ordinary Cars without paying an additional charge. Refer to the table2 below for details.
-
The cars with ● can be used with JAPAN RAIL PASS. Use of the cars with ★ requires paying additional charges. There are no Green Cars on most HIKARI and KODAMA trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line (Shin-Osaka ·Hakata), or on TSUBAME trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen line(Shin-Yatsushiro – Kagoshima- chūō )
Remarks:
*1 The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved (incl. Green Car) or non-reserved, on ”NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains.
*2 There are no Green Cars on most “HIKARI” and “KODAMA” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line (Shin-Osaka―Hakata), or on some “SAKURA” and “TSUBAME” Series 800 trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen line.
*3 If you use a “DX Green” (operated by JR Kyushu), you must pay the limited express charge in addition to the DX Green charge.
*4 If you use the GranClass car, only the basic fare is covered with your JAPAN RAIL PASS for both Green Car and Ordinary Cars and you must pay the limited express charge and the GranClass car surcharge additionally.
・Private Compartments are available on some “HIKARI” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line. ・Green Private Compartments are on certain limited express trains, such as “Super-view Odoriko.”
・Use of “Home Liner” and other “liner” trains requires an additional charge.
Exchange method & Station
-
You cannot use an Exchange Order when you travel on JR lines. Turn in your Exchange Order and obtain your JAPAN RAIL PASS at one of the JAPAN RAIL PASS exchange offices. shown on the pages to the right. (Please note the Service hours and closing days.) *The process of redeeming your Exchange Order for a JAPAN RAIL PASS may take longer than you expect, for example due to a line at the ticket counter. Please leave enough time when you visit the exchange office.
-
Your Exchange Order must be turned in for a JAPAN RAIL PASS within three months of the date the Order was issued.(for example, an Exchange Order issued on April 15 would have to be turned in by July 14)
-
At the exchange office, you will be asked to fill in a short application form and to show your passport with the Temporary Visitor stamp/sticker you received on entry into Japan. You must show your passport and this stamp/sticker to process the Rail Pass Exchange Order.
Please Note:
-
In order to receive a JAPAN RAIL PASS, the name appearing on the Miscellaneous Changes Order must match the name appearing in your passport.
-
Without your passport, the pass exchange will not be made. (A photocopy of your passport is also not acceptable because you must show the “Temporary Visitor” stamp/sticker in it.)
-
Individuals described in paragraphs a and b below must provide additional documents proving eligibility in addition to their passport. If an applicant is unable to provide written proof of eligibility and the clerk is unable to verify compliance using electronic data or other means, the PASS may be denied.
-
You are a Japanese national living outside of Japan who meets the following conditions. a. who has the right of permanent residence in that country b. who is married to a non-Japanese residing in a country other than Japan. Note: Present the following documentation along with your Japanese passport when you purchase the Exchange Order and when you exchange it for a JAPAN RAIL PASS: Persons meeting condition (a) must provide written proof of the following: Right of permanent residence* That they are living in a country other than Japan Persons meeting condition (b) must provide written proof of the following: That they are living in a country other than Japan That they are married to a foreign national That their spouse (a foreign national) is living outside Japan.
How to book a reserved seat
-
Shinkansen*, most limited express and ordinary express trains have reserved Green Car seats and both reserved and non-reserved ordinary car seats. (The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen. Please use “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” and “TSUBAME” trains.)
-
A non-reserved seat (except for “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen) can be used simply by showing your JAPAN RAIL PASS.
-
Seat reservations can be made without additional payment. To make a reservation, go to any Travel Service Center or a Reservation Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) at a JR station, or to the sales office of a JR-associated travel agency. There, show your PASS, and obtain your reserved-seat ticket before the boarding. (“NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains and the trains marked with * require the payment of an additional charge.)
Please Note:
-
There are no Green Cars on most “HIKARI” and “KODAMA” trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen line (Shin-Osaka—Hakata), or on Series 800 trains on the Kyushu Shinkansen line.
-
The JR buses “Mizuumi-go” between Aomori and Towadako and “Oirase-go” between Hachinohe and Towadako require reservations. Please obtain your reserved-seat ticket before boarding these buses.
-
Use of Homeliner or other Liner trains is subject to additional fees.
-
Some trains have no non-reserved seating (all seats are reserved).
-
The process of obtaining your reserved-seat ticket may take longer than you expect, for example due to a line at the ticket counter. Please leave enough time when you visit the ticket counter.
Oversized Baggage in Shinkansen
If your overall baggage size is between the dimensions of 160cm – 250cm (oversized baggage); you will be required to make a seat reservation in advance. When you bring oversized baggage to Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen (Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto-Shin-Osaka-Hiroshima-Hakata-Kagoshima-chou), you will be assigned to a seat that provides extra baggage space.
FAQ
This policy is already effective, from May 20th, 2020.
The total measurement of the three sides (length, width and height) is over 160 cm and within 250 cm.
The existing space behind the rearmost seat in the train car will be designated as the storage space.
At the ticket office, you will need to reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area in advance and board, and then leave your baggage in the designated storage area inside the train car.
No additional charge will be required when making the reservation. If you bring in oversized baggage without making an advance reservation, you will be charged a carry-on fee (1,000 JPY; tax included) and be required to store your baggage in the space designated by the train crew.
A sufficient number of seats have been set aside for passengers with oversized baggage, but some trains do get crowded, so if all seats are taken, please reserve another train.
Improved service through the advance reservation system
1) Before boarding Passengers with oversized baggage can secure the baggage area in advance and use the Shinkansen without being concerned about storing their baggage.
2) Boarding/getting off the train It will be possible to promptly store the oversized baggage in the baggage area reserved in advance located near the boarding door on the train, making it possible to smoothly get on and off the train.
3) While on the train Passengers who made an advance reservation can store the baggage in the “baggage area” near their seat and not have to be concerned about their baggage.
*Seats with oversized baggage area are for passengers with oversized baggage, in principle; however, other passengers who require baggage area for a baby stroller or other items may also use the seats.
*Baggage with a total three side measurement within 160 cm may be stored in the rack above the seat.
FAQ
This policy is already effective, from May 20th, 2020.
The total measurement of the three sides (length, width and height) is over 160 cm and within 250 cm.
The existing space behind the rearmost seat in the train car will be designated as the storage space.
At the ticket office, you will need to reserve a seat with an oversized baggage area in advance and board, and then leave your baggage in the designated storage area inside the train car.
No additional charge will be required when making the reservation. If you bring in oversized baggage without making an advance reservation, you will be charged a carry-on fee (1,000 JPY; tax included) and be required to store your baggage in the space designated by the train crew.
A sufficient number of seats have been set aside for passengers with oversized baggage, but some trains do get crowded, so if all seats are taken, please reserve another train.
Improved service through the advance reservation system
1) Before boarding Passengers with oversized baggage can secure the baggage area in advance and use the Shinkansen without being concerned about storing their baggage.
2) Boarding/getting off the train It will be possible to promptly store the oversized baggage in the baggage area reserved in advance located near the boarding door on the train, making it possible to smoothly get on and off the train.
3) While on the train Passengers who made an advance reservation can store the baggage in the “baggage area” near their seat and not have to be concerned about their baggage.
*Seats with oversized baggage area are for passengers with oversized baggage, in principle; however, other passengers who require baggage area for a baby stroller or other items may also use the seats.
*Baggage with a total three side measurement within 160 cm may be stored in the rack above the seat.
Oversized Baggage in Shinkansen
-
If your overall baggage size is between the dimensions of 160cm – 250cm (oversized baggage); you will be required to make a seat reservation in advance. When you bring oversized baggage to Tokaido/Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen (Tokyo-Nagoya-Kyoto-Shin-Osaka-Hiroshima-Hakata-Kagoshima-chou), you will be assigned to a seat that provides extra baggage space.
Terms and Conditions
(Usage Notes)
Usage notes
-
The turn-in period of the JRP is within 3 month, starting from the date stamped on the voucher. (You may select the beginning date of use within 1 month from the exchange.)
-
JRP exchange offices and Travel Service Centers’ service hours are subject to change or discontinuation without notice.
-
A voucher that has not been turned in for a JRP can be returned to IACE office, within one year of the date of issue for a refund. In such case a 10% cancellation fee will be subtracted from the refund. A voucher cannot be refunded if lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable. IACE will not be responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable voucher.
-
Use of a JRP is strictly limited to the signer (hereafter “you”) only.
-
The JRP is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. You may use “HIKARI”, “SAKURA”, “KODAMA”, and “TSUBAME”. If you use a “NOZOMI” or “MIZUHO” train, you must pay the basic fare and the limited express charge, and for a Green Car the Green Car surcharge.
-
If you have a Green- or Ordinary-type JRP and you want to use the GranClass car on the Tohoku Shinkansen, you must pay the GranClass surcharge and the associated limited express charge.
-
If you have a Green- or Ordinary-type JRP and would like to use a berth on a limited express or ordinary express sleeping car, you must pay the limited express or ordinary express charge in addition to the berth charge. Moreover if you travel on a sleeping car that passes through Morioka to Aomori, you must pay on board the basic fares for the two local sections traveled over: IGR Iwate Ginga Railway (Morioka-Metoki) and Aoimori Railway (Metoki-Aomori).
-
If you have a Green- or Ordinary-type JRP and want to travel on a train that requires a numbered ticket or liner ticket (supplementary ticket guarantees passengers a seat on board), a charge is payable to obtain these tickets.
-
If you have a Green- or Ordinary-type JRP and want to use an ordinary private compartment on a Shinkansen or a limited express train, you must pay the Shinkansen or limited express charge.
-
If you travel overnight on the last day your pass is valid, the basic fare will be covered as far as you travel, including train changes, until you first exit a station. However, surcharges are only covered for the train on which you were riding past midnight on the final day your pass was valid.
-
If you have a Green-type JRP and choose to use a reserved or non-reserved ordinary car seat, you cannot receive a refund for the fare or any other fees.
Terms and Conditions
Foreign tourists
(specifically U.S. passport holders visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing under the entry status of ” temporary visitor)
Please turn in the voucher with your passport.
[ CAUTION ]
Even if you visit Japan with an Exchange Order to be turned in for a JR Pass , the exchange cannot be made unless you have “Temporary Visitor” status; if you enter Japan under any other official status, such as “Trainee,” “Entertainer,” or “Reentry Permit,” you cannot exchange the voucher for a JR Pass. Please note that according to strict interpretation of the Japanese Immigration Law, “Temporary Visitor” status differs from other types of stay that are also only for short time periods.
Japanese passport holder
(Who lives outside of Japan) Please turn in one of the following 3 documents along with passport and voucher.
1. Copy of your Overseas Residential Registration issued by the embassy or legation (consulate) of Japan in the foreign country where you live.
The copy must show that you live in the country at least 10 years or longer. If a single copy of your Overseas Residential Registration verifies that any family members living with you in the country have stayed for 10 consecutive years or more, such a document is valid for those family members. For children under 12 years of age whose stay in the country is less than 10 years at the time of purchase of voucher, if a single copy of the Overseas Residential Registration verifies that they live together with the applicant whose stay in the country is 10 consecutive years or more, and if they also use the JR Pass together with that applicant, their eligibility requirements are satisfied. In the case of a copy of an Overseas Residential Registration issued solely for a child under 12 years of age, if the child’s stay in the country is less than 10 years, they do not meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Certificate of Overseas Residence issued by the embassy or legation (consulate) of Japan in the foreign country where you live.
The certificate must show that you live in your address (or place of temporary residence) at least 10 years or longer.
This Certificate of Overseas Residence does not verify the eligibility requirements of family members living with you, including children under 12 years of age whose stay in the country is less than 10 years.
3. Permanent Resident Card issued by your country of residence (Special case limited to the USA, Canada, and Brazil)
The name (Last Name and First Name) and date of birth must be the same as those in your passport. The date recorded in Resident Since must be at least 10 years earlier than the date of purchase of the Exchange Order. US Green Card which does not say “Permanent Resident Card” in the front of the card (issued prior to 1998), those cards does not show beginning date of residency, therefor you need to prepare either a copy of Oversea Residential Registration or a Certificate of Overseas Residence. You can purchase a voucher and exchange it for a JR Pass only if you meet the above conditions for a Permanent Resident Card. If you cannot meet the above conditions, please present a copy of your Overseas Residential Registration or a Certificate of Overseas Residence as written proof. * Written proof must be obtained prior to purchasing voucher (and within the last 6months).
For multiple citizenship (including child) in Japan and other countries
In accordance to Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, an alien is defined as “a person who does not have Japanese nationality”. Those who possess dual citizenship must go through immigration as a Japanese national by law.
Those with dual citizenship will be processed as Japanese nationals upon re-entry (not entry), and cannot go through immigration with foreign passports at this time.
Therefore, in order to qualify for the use of JR Pass, everyone (including minors) must present a copy of Oversea Residential Registration and/or Certificate of Oversea Residence, both issued by the embassy or legation of Japan, along with your Japanese Passport and voucher.
Please be aware that without these documents, you are not eligible to use the JR Pass.
[ Other Conditions and Information ]
1. Your Voucher must be turned in for a JAPAN RAIL PASS within three months of the date the Order was issued. (for example, an Exchange Order issued on April 15 would have to be turned in by July 14) (You may select the beginning date of use within 1 month from the exchange.)
2. JR Pass exchange offices and Travel Service Centers’ service hours are subject to change or discontinuation without notice. Please check JR Pass website for updated information. www.japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html
3. A voucher that has not been turned in for a JR Pass can be returned to IACE office, within one year of the date of issue for a refund. In such case a 10% cancellation fee will be subtracted from the refund. A voucher cannot be refunded if lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable. IACE will not be responsible for lost, stolen, damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable voucher.
4. Use of a JR Pass is strictly limited to the signer (hereafter “you”) only.
5. When using your Pass, you can either pass through the automatic ticket gate or present it to an attendant at a manned ticket gate. At the manned ticket gate, the attendant will apply a stamp to your Pass. When passing through the manned ticket gate, always present your Pass to the attendant so that the period of validity is clearly visible.
6. While using JR Pass, you must carry your passport and be prepared to present it to a station attendant or car conductor if requested.
7. The JR Pass is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. You may use “HIKARI”, “SAKURA”, “KODAMA”, and “TSUBAME” on these lines. To board on the “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” Shinkansen services, you must pay in full for the basic fare and the limited express charge.
8. When using JR Pass to travel on JR Group transport services that extend through lines operated by companies other than JR Rail, JR Miyajima Ferry, JR Bus (excluding some routes such as expressway bus lines), and the Tokyo Monorail, you must pay separately for the fare and other charges of the distance traveled on such sections. However, no separate fare or charges are required when such travel passes through the following segments without stopover.
(1) The Aoimori Railway between Hachinohe and Aomori, Aomori and Noheji, or Hachinohe and Noheji. (Valid only for use on ordinary trains)
(2) The IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata. (Excluding travel on trains other than JR lines extending beyond that segment)
(3) The Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka. (Valid only for use on ordinary trains) (Excluding travel on trains other than JR lines extending beyond that segment) You must purchase a Liner ticket in addition to the Pass to use “Ainokaze Liner.”
9. If you have a Green- or Ordinary-type JR Pass and you want to use the GranClass car on the Tohoku Shinkansen, you must pay the Gran Class surcharge and the associated limited express charge.
10. If you have a Green- or Ordinary-type JR Pass and want to travel on a train that requires a numbered ticket or liner ticket (supplementary ticket guarantees passengers a seat on board), a charge is payable to obtain these tickets.
11. If you have a Green- or Ordinary-type JR Pass and wish to travel in a private compartment on a Shinkansen or a limited express train, you will be required to pay the limited express charge for the private compartment, as well as the Green Car charge if the private compartment is a Green Car accommodation. An extra charge is also required if you wish to travel in a sleeping car, a DX Green Car accommodation.
12. If you ride in a Green Car using an ordinary car pass, you will be required to pay the Green Car charge, as well as the limited or regular express service charge. (No extra charge applies when using a Green Car JR Pass.)
13. If you use non-reserved seating, or if you travel in an ordinary car using a Green Car pass, no refund shall be paid for passenger fare or other charges.
14. If you travel overnight on the last day your pass is valid, the basic fare will be covered as far as you travel, including train changes, until you first exit a station. However, surcharges are only covered for the train on which you were riding past midnight on the final day your pass was valid.
15. Once you have started using JR Pass, the validity period cannot be extended, nor will any refund be issued, even if trains and other qualifying transportation services are suspended or delayed for any reason. Moreover, the JR Group will not bear additional costs due to changes in your route, such as alternative transportation costs or accommodation charges.
16. Reservations can only be made after exchanging your voucher for a Japan Rail Pass at a designated train station. Please note that it is not possible to reserve seats in advance before exchanging the voucher for a JR Pass.
17. In addition to the terms and conditions set forth above, when using JR Pass you must obey the JR Group’s regulations, terms and conditions, and the laws of Japan.
18. The official terms and conditions of JR Pass are written in Japanese, and the text of the Japanese version shall be given priority of interpretation in the event of questions regarding transportation conditions that may arise regarding conditions written in other languages.
About IACE TRAVEL
IACE TRAVEL was first established on February 1st, 1970 in New York, New York as a provider of commercial airline tickets and charter flights catering to corporate and leisure travelers. Since then, our company has evolved in tandem with the dynamic landscape of the global travel industry, with our seasoned, multilingual team now offering a comprehensive suite of services to meet a diverse array of travel-related inquiries. Whether you're looking for airline tickets, travel packages, JR Passes, immersive summer camp experiences in Japan, promotion and marketing consulting, or assistance with organizing corporate MICE events, we have the expertise to assist you.
The Japan Travel Experts
Whether you're embarking on your first trip to Japan, organizing a large school trip, or frequently traveling there for business, the Japan travel professionals at IACE Travel have the knowledge and know-how to make your request a reality. The members of our team share a deep bond with Japan, stemming from either originally being from the country, strong familial connections, or having a prolonged immersion in its language and culture, and are prepared expertly assist you in planning your next trip to Japan, ensuring it is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
IACE TRAVEL
Let's
Keep in Touch!
Newsletter.
Be among the first to hear about the latest news, tips, events and special offers.
© 2024 IACE TRAVEL
What is JRPass?
Japan Rail Pass is a very profitable pass when traveling in Japan. Trains, buses and ferries of JR Pass including Shinkansen can be used within the validity period. We offer unlimited JR trains for one, two or three weeks at a cost that residents of Japan can only dream of. The pass comes in two types: ordinary and green car. The latter is valid on green cars (first class cars) that offer more spacious seats than ordinary cars. Since there are conditions of use, please be sure to check before purchasing. JR pass can be purchased online. Please select the path you want to use and proceed to the purchase step. When ordering is completed, “exchange certificate” will be shipped from our company to your address.
