Japan Rail Pass

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The JAPAN RAIL PASS is the most economical way to enjoy Japan by rail. Japan has one of the most developed and extensive rail networks in the world and although local trains are reasonably priced, inter-city and express trains can often be expensive. The JAPAN RAILPASS allows unlimited access on all Japan Rail (JR) lines for the period of your tour around Japan for a heavily discounted price. This pass is only available to foreign tourists, or Japanese living abroad permanently and must be purchased BEFORE leaving New Zealand. HIS NZ also offers other regional passes for convenient , low-cost travel around Japan.

Who is eligible for a Japan Rail Pass?

To be eligible to purchase a JAPAN RAILPASS you must meet one of the following conditions.

1. You are a foreign tourist 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 upto 90 days for "sight-seeing, etc". When you enter Japan without a visa, entry personnel will stamp your passport as "Temporary Visitor," as shown below. Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a JAPAN RAIL PASS.

2. You are a Japanese national living in a foreign country who is either qualified to live permanently in that country OR married to a non-Japanese residing in a country outside of Japan.

Note: You will have to provide proof of the above conditions when purchasing exchange order in New Zealand, and also when obtaining JAPAN RAIL PASS in Japan. If you are permanent resident of New Zealand please present your PR permit. OR If you are married to a non-Japanese residing in New Zealand without permanent residency please provide a marriage certificate as well as your passport.

CAUTION:

Even if you visit Japan with an Exchange Order, to be turned in for a JAPAN RAILPASS, 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 change the Exchange Order for a JAPAN RAILPASS. Please note that according to strict interpretation of the Japanese Immigration Law, "Temporary Visitor" status differs even from other types of stays that are also for only short time periods.