Japan Rail Pass

Japan Rail Pass

The Japan National Rail Pass is for unlimited travel on Japan Rail lines and selected buses and ferries.

Economy
Duration Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
07 Day NZD $361 NZD $180
14 Day NZD $576 NZD $288
21 Day NZD $737 NZD $368
Green
Duration Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
07 Day NZD $482 NZD $241
14 Day NZD $781 NZD $390
21 Day NZD $1,016 NZD $508

We offer FREE postage, however if you wish to collect instore or purchase instore a $10 per booking fee will apply at all branches.

Purchase a JR Pass

With 12,400 miles of tracks you can rail almost anywhere in Japan.

  • Unlimited rail travel throughout Japan on the JR lines.
  • Available for a 7, 14 or 21 consecutive day period.
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) or Green (1st class) travel.
Nationwide JR Route Map
Shinkansen Map

Usage Information

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is valid for the railways, buses, and ferry boats as mentioned below.
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, and the BRT. (With some exceptions)

  • JAPAN RAIL PASS holders can also use the Tokyo Monorail.
  • Aoimori Railway services between Aomori and Hachinohe (but only for travel on local or rapid service trains encompassing the segments between Hachinohe and Aomori, Aomori and Noheji, and Hachinohe and Noheji. Travel is not covered if you disembark at any other station on the Aoimori Railway line other than Aomori, Noheji, and Hachinohe.)
  • The IR Ishikawa Railway Line between Kanazawa and Tsubata. However, travel must be conducted on local or limited express trains and must encompass the full segment between these two stations. Travel is not covered if you disembark at any station on the IR Ishikawa Railway line, within or outside the segment (excluding Kanazawa or Tsubata).
  • The Ainokaze Toyama Railway Line between Toyama and Takaoka. However, travel must be conducted on local trains and must encompass the full segment between these two stations. Travel is not covered if you disembark at any station on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway line, within or outside the segment (excluding Toyama or Takaoka).
  • 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.
  • Only the JR-WEST Miyajima ferry is covered.
    Hydrofoil ferry service operated by JR-KYUSHU between Hakata and Busan (Korea) is not covered.

Only going to a specific area in Japan and don't want to buy the Japan National Pass? Check out our Regional Passes. 

JR Regional Passes

JR West Pass

JR Explore the Kansai area of Japan with the Japan Rail West Pass Kansai.

Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $167 NZD $83
Hokuriku Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
04 Day Economy NZD $62 NZD $30
Kansai Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
01 Day Economy NZD $28 NZD $14
02 Day Economy NZD $56 NZD $28
03 Day Economy NZD $68 NZD $34
04 Day Economy NZD $80 NZD $40
Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
07 Day Economy NZD $186 NZD $93
Kansai Wide Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $112 NZD $56
Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $167 NZD $83
Osaka Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Area
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
07 Day Economy NZD $298 NZD $149
San'in Okayama Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
04 Day Economy NZD $55 NZD $27
Sanyo San'in-Northern Kyushu Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
07 Day Economy NZD $273 NZD $136
Sanyo-San'in Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
07 Day Economy NZD $236 NZD $118
Setouchi Area Pass
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $211 NZD $105

Purchase a JR Pass

Can be purchased in Japan, save by purchasing in New Zealand before your departure!
New Zealand Residents travelling on a Japanese Passport are not allowed to purchase JR West Pass.

Kansai Area Pass

Unlimited travel on the Kansai-Airport Express " Haruka " and local trains with non-reserved seats in the Kansai area ( Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, Himeji and ... ).
> Routes Map
  • Available for 1 to 4 consecutive days travel.
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) travel only.
  • A Visitor may purchase Kansai Area Pass ONLY ONCE per visit.
  • Not Valid on Bullet Trains " Shinkansen "

Kansai WIDE Area Pass

Unlimited travel on the Sanyo Shinkansen ( incl. Nozomi and Mizuho, Shin-Osaka ⇔ Okayama), Limited Express and local trains in the area with non-reserved seats from Kansai Airport to Osaka, Kyoto Kobe, Nara, Himeji, Okayama, Wakayama, Kinosaki-Onsen, Shiga and Tsuruga, Takamaatsu and Iga-Ueno.
> Routes Map
  • Available for 5 consecutive days travel.
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) travel only.
  • A Visitor may purchase Kansai WIDE Area Pass ONLY ONCE per visit.
  • Not Valid on " Tokaido Shinkansen " ( Shin-Osaka ⇔ Tokyo ), " Sanyo Shinkansen " ( Okayama ⇔ Hakata )

San'in Okayama Area Pass

Unlimited travel on the Limited Express, Rapid services and local trains in the San'in and Okayama pass areas.
> Routes Map
  • Not valid on Bullet train " Sanyo-Shinkansen " ( Shin-Osaka ⇔ Hakata )
  • Valid trains : 
    Non-reserved seats on Express Trains " YAKUMO, SUPER HAKUTO(Incl. Kamigori ⇔ Chizu) etc."
    Rapid services, and local trains on JR-West Conventional lines.
  • Offers superb convenience and value for travellers also visiting the Kansai area when used in conjunction with a Kansai WIDE Area Pass.

Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass

Unlimited travel on the Sanyo Shinkansen ( Incl. Nozomi and Mizuho, Shin-Osaka ⇔ Okayama ), Hokuriku Shinkansen ( Kanazawa ⇔ Joetsu-Myoko ), Limited Express and local trains in the area with non-reserved seats.
> Routes Map
  • Valid on : 
    Non-reserved seats " Sanyo Shinkansen " ( Shin-Osaka ⇔ Okayama ),
    " Hokuriku Shinkansen " ( Kanazawa ⇔ Joetsu-Myoko ).
    Special Rapid Services, Rapid Services, and Local trains on JR-WEST Conventional lines.
  • Not Valid on : 
    " Hokuriku Shinkansen " ( Joetsu-Myoko ⇔ Tokyo )
    " Tokaido Shinkansen " ( Shin-Osaka ⇔ Tokyo )
    " Sanyo Shinkansen " ( Okayama ⇔ Hakata )

Other Pass

Hokuriku
Area


> Routes Map

Kansai - Hiroshima
Area


> Routes Map

Hiroshima - Yamaguchi
Area


> Routes Map

Sanyo - San'in
Area


> Routes Map

Okayama-Hiroshima-
Yamaguchi Area

Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass
> Routes Map

  

Osaka - Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass

Unlimited use of ordinary car reserved seat on Hokuriku Shinkansen ( Tokyo to Kanazawa ), Limited Express, and local trains ( incl. Rapid service, non-reserved seat on " HARUKA " ) and Tokyo Monorail lines within the free usage area.
> Routes Map
  • Available for 7 consecutive days travel.
  • Can be use IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata to access the JR Nanao Line, Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka
  • Not Valid on " Tokaido Shinkansen " and " Sanyo Shinkansen "

 

JR East Pass

Travel throughout Tokyo & Eastern Japan with the JR East Pass.

Flex Nagano Niigata
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $219 NZD $109
Flex Tohoku Area
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $243 NZD $121

 

Purchase a JR Pass

Nagano Niigata Area Destination : Narita / Haneda Airport to Tokyo, Nikko, Nagano, Niigata
Tohoku Area Destination : Narita / Haneda Airport to Tokyo, Nikko, Aomori, Sendai, Morioka, Akita

New Zealand Residents travelling on a Japanese Passport are not allowed to purchase JR East Pass.

Unlimited travel on local, limited express and express trains including Shinkansen trains on the following rail company lines:
Nagano, Niigata AreaTohoku Area
JR East Lines, Izu Kyuko Line, Tokyo Monorail
Hokuetsu Express
Echigo TOKImeki Railway: Arai-Naoetsu		 Aoimori Railway
Iwate Galaxy Railway (IGR)
Sendai Airport Transit
The following limited express trains that directly run between the JR East lines and Tobu Railway lines: the Nikko, the SPACIA Nikko, the Kinugawa, and the SPACIA Kinugawa.
The pass can be used for travel on local and rapid trains between Shimo-imaichi and Tobu-nikko/Kinugawa-onsen on Tobu Railway Lines. Between Kurihashi and Shimo-imaichi Stations, the pass may be used only on limited express trains that connect directly with Tobu Railway Lines.*

> Nagano, Niigata area Map
> Tohoku area Map


Note:

  • The JR EAST PASS is not valid for the Tokaido Shinkansen as that is operated by a different rail company.
  • GALA Yuzawa Station is in operation only in winter and spring.
  • Special operating intervals and trains may be in service to meet the needs in the aftermath of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.
  • The JR EAST PASS is valid for JR buses.
  • The JR East Pass can be used on the Narita Express for direct access from Narita Airport to Tokyo.
  • New Zealand Residents travelling on a Japanese Passport are not allowed to purchase JR East Pass.

Valid:
Flexible 5-day pass: you can use the pass on any 5 days within a 14-day period starting with the date of purchase or exchange in Japan. You do not have to determine your 5 travel dates at the time of purchase or exchange.

 

JR Hokkaido Pass

Explore the Island of Hokkaido in Japan by Rail
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $231 NZD $115
07 Day Economy NZD $304 NZD $152

Purchase a JR Pass

Hokkaido Pass Destination: Hakodate, Niseko, Noboribetsu, Sapporo, Otaru, Asahikawa, Kushiro and Abashiri
New Zealand Residents traveling on a Japanese Passport are not allowed to purchase JR Hokkaido Rail Pass.

The Hokkaido Rail Pass is valid for all train lines of the Hokkaido Railway Co. and selected JR Hokkaido Bus lines.
Excluding Bus Routes: Sapporo to Asahikawa, Monbetsu, Hiroo, Obihiro, Erimo, Shin Sapporo-Atsubetsu Stadium, JR Shiroishi Sta.-Sapporo Dome, Shin Sapporo-Sapporo Dome & irregular lines.
The Hokkaido pass offers the following durations:

  • 3 day consecutive pass
  • 5 day consecutive pass
  • 7 day consecutive pass
  • 4 day flexi pass (over a 10 day period)

JR Hokkaido Pass no longer covered the rides on following Hokkaido Shinkansen line of “Hayabusa” or “Hayate”.
Kikonai-Goryokaku (As this JR line will be owned by private train line of “Dounan isaribi” line JR Hokkaido pass no longer valid on this line).

Services of Hokkaido Shinkansen line will end their service.

  • Limited Express Train of “Hakucho” (Shin-aomori- Hakodate)
  • Limited Express Train of “Super Hakucho” (Shin- aomori- Hakodate)
  • Express Train “Hamamasu” (Aomori - Sapporo)

 

JR Tohoku South Hokkaido Rail Pass

Unlimited use of trains operated by JR Trains in the Tohoku  (Fukushima, Miyagi, Yamagata, Akita, Iwate
and Aomori Prefectures) region and JR Hokkaido trains in Southern Hokkaido except for Goryokaku and Kikonai Station (as far as Sapporo) on 5 days of your choice within a 14 day period.
Only the following non-JR trains lines lines can also be used with JR East Tohoku Hokkaido Rail Pass,

  • All trains along the Iwate Ginga Railway and Aoimori railway between Morioka and Aomori.
  • Sendai Airport Transit

In the designated area, you can use all type of JR East (including Bus rapid transit
and JR Hokkaido trains, including Shinkansen (except Tokaido Shinkansen),
limited express trains local trains (except some "liner" trains). Seat reservation can be made for free.

tohoku_south_hokkaido

> JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass Map

 

 

 

JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass

Unlimited use of trains operated by JR Trains in the Kanto (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, Tochigi and Ibaraki Prefectures) and Tohoku (Fukushima, Miyagi, Yamagata, Akita, Iwate and Aomori Prefectures) region and JR Hokkaido trains in Southern Hokkaido (as far as Sapporo) on 6 days of your choice within a 14 day period.
Only the following non-JR trains lines lines can also be used with JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass,

  • Limited express trains between Shinjuku and Tobu-Nikko and Kinugawa Onsen and local trains between Tobu-Nikko, Shimo-Imaichi and Kinugawa Onsen.
  • All trains along the Izukyu Line between Ito and Izukyu-Shimoda on the Izu Peninsula.
  • All trains along the Iwate Ginga Railway and Aoimori railway between Morioka and Aomori.
  • Tokyo Monorail between central Tokyo and Haneda Airport.

In the designated area, you can use all type of JR East (including Bus rapid transit and JR Hokkaido trains, including Shinkansen (except Tokaido Shinkansen), limited express trains local trains (except some "liner" trains). Seat reservation can be made for free.

 

JR Central Area Tourist Pass

Explore Japan's amazing tour destination with unlimited rides of JR trains and other transportation..

Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $226 NZD $113
Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $136 NZD $68
Mt. Fuji Shizuoka
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
03 Day Economy NZD $55 NZD $27
Takayama-Hokuriku Area
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
05 Day Economy NZD $173 NZD $86

Purchase a JR Pass

Tourist pass destination : Areas around Shirakawa-go, Alpine route, Kumano Kodo, Mt. Fuji

This ticket is not available in Japan, please purchase an Exchange Order before leaving Japan.
New Zealand Residents travelling on a Japanese Passport are not allowed to purchase JR Tourist Pass.

The pass offers you unlimited access for five days to limited express trains of conventional lines and ordinary trains running between specific tour destination such as Shirakawa-go, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route, Kumano Kodo and Mt. Fuji. You can also use reserved seats for up to four times.

 

Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Area Pass

Unlimited travel on JR trains, a ferry line and buses running in Mt. Fuji and Shizuoka area. 
Available services:
Train - Tokaido Main Line, Gotemba Line, Minobu Line, Izu Hakone Railway
Bus - Fujikyuko Bus, Tokai Bus, Izuhakone bus, Shizutetsu Justline, Entetsu
Ferry -  S-Pulse Dream Ferry
Bullet train (shinkansen), sleeper train, and limited express without non-reserved seating is not valid with this
pass.

 MtFuji Shizuoka Area Pass
> Routes Map
  • Available for 3 consecutive days travel.
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) travel only.
  • maximum of four seat reservations
  • Not valid for bullet train, sleeper train, and limited express without non-reserved seating.

 

Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass

Unlimited rides on JR conventional lines between Nagoya-Gero-Toyama, and between Shinano-Omachi
-Matsumoto-Nagoya. Use of transportation within the marvelous Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is also included. 
Available services:
Train - any non-reserved seats of JR between Nagoya to Toyama (via Tokaido/Takayama lines) & Shinano-
Omachi to Nagoya (via Oita/Shinonoi/Chuo Main lines), Dentetsu-Toyama and Shinano-Omachi within Alpine Route
Bus - buses included in Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

 MtFuji Shizuoka Area Pass
> Routes Map
  • Available for 5 consecutive days travel.
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) travel only.
  • During busy season (mid April to mid May, mid August, early October), much congestion is expected.
  • maximum of four seat reservations
  • Not valid for bullet train, sleeper train, and limited express without non-reserved seating.


Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Pass

Unlimited travel on JR trains, buses around Osaka, to Ise Jingu Shrine and World Heritage Kumano Kodo.
Available services:
Train - Non-reserved seating on JR, Ise tetsudo, and Wakayama Electric Railway, between Nagoya station -
within Osaka City
Bus - Mie Kotsu Buses (limited lines), Kumano Kotsu Buses

 Ise Kumano Wakayama Area Pass
> Routes Map
  • Available for 5 consecutive days travel.
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) travel only.
  • maximum of four seat reservations
  • Bicycle rental at Wakayama Station is included (for 12 and over)
  • Not valid for liners, Kintetsu lines, reserved seats of 'Haruka Airport Express', Bullet train, or sleeper trains.

 

Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass

Unlimited travel on JR trains, buses from Nagoya to Osaka, Kansai Airport through Hokuriku Area.
World Heritage Shirakawa go and more on the way!
Available services:
Train - Non-reserved seating on JR between Nagoya - Toyama, Kanazawa-Kyoto, and Osaka City area,
the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Toyama-Kanazawa station, Toyama Chiho Railway
Bus - Nohi Bus, Hokutetsu Bus, Kaetsuno Bus

 Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass
> Routes Map
  • Available for 5 consecutive days travel.
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) travel only.
  • maximum of four seat reservations
  • Nohi Bus, Toyama Chiho Railway, and Hokutetsu Bus require reservation.
  • Not valid for reserved seats of 'Haruka Airport Express' or Tokaido Shinkansen.

Purchase a JR Pass

JR Kyushu Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Kyushu Rail Pass covers the island of Kyushu in West Japan.
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
03 Day Economy NZD $195 NZD $93
05 Day Economy NZD $225 NZD $111
07 day Economy NZD $243 NZD $121
Northern Kyushu
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
03 Day Economy NZD $115 NZD $52
05 Day Economy NZD $134 NZD $62
Southern Kyushu
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
03 Day Economy NZD $97 NZD $45

Purchase a JR Pass

Kyushu Pass Destination: Fukuoka, Beppu, Mt. Aso, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Saga, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Oita and other places in Kyushu area

The Kyushu Island Rail pass is ideal for travelling to places like Nagasaki, Suizenji Park, Kagoshima and Obi Castle.
It also includes travel on the Kyushu Shinkansen and limited express trains, but excluding the Sanyo Shinkansen (Fukuoka - Osaka, Operated by JR West). The Northern Kyushu version of the pass is not valid south of Oita and Kumamoto (The Northern Kyushu version will become valid on trains between Kumamoto and Misumi).

  • Available for a 3 or 5 consecutive day period
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) travel only.
Seat reservations can be made for free.
From April 2015, a maximum number of free seat reservations will be introduced as follows:
(Both Northern Kyushu & Kyushu Rail Pass)
  • Up to 10 free seat reservations can be made with the 3-day pass
  • Up to 16 free seat reservations can be made with the 5-day pass

Note: Non-Japanese citizens who are visiting Japan for the purpose of sightseeing and traveling on a short-stay visa.

  1. You must hold a passport issued by a country other than Japan.
  2. You must reside outside Japan and are visiting Japan on a short-stay visa.

*New Zealand Residents travelling on a Japanese Passport are not allowed to purchase JR Kyushu Pass.

JR All Shikoku Pass

Explore the Island of Shikoku in Japan by Rail.
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
03 Day Economy NZD $109 NZD $54
04 Day Economy NZD $121 NZD $60
05 Day Economy NZD $134 NZD $67
07 Day Economy NZD $158 NZD $79
Kagawa Mini Rail & Ferry
Duration Class Adult (12+) Child (6-11)
02 Day Economy NZD $48 NZD $24

Purchase a JR Pass

All Shikoku Pass Destination: All Shikoku Area
New Zealand Residents travelling on a Japanese Passport are not allowed to purchase JR Shikoku Pass.

All Shikoku Rail Pass

Unlimited travel on trains, bus, and ferry around All Shikoku region. 

Available services:
Train - Non-reserved seats on all JR Shikoku lines (travel to North from Kojima station is excluded),
Tosa Kuroshio Railway, Asa Kaigan Railway, Iyo Railway, Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad, Tosaden
Kotsu lines
Bus - Shodoshima Olive Bus
Ferry - Shodoshima Ferry between Takamatsu and Tonosho

 All Shikoku
> Routes Map
  • Available for 2, 3, 4 or 5 consecutive days
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) travel only.
  • If you travel beyond the valid area of the rail pass, you will be required to pay the fares and charges specified by the railway company concerned for the sections traveled.
  • Seats can be reserved online.
  • Not valid for Sunrise Seto, Botchan Train, other ferry service, other bus lines service, or travelling to the North from Kojima station.


Kagawa Mini Rail & Ferry Pass

Unlimited travel on JR trains, railroads, ferry and a bus service in Kagawa Prefecture with handy price.

Available services:
Train - Yosan line, Kotoku line, Dosan line, All Takamatsu-Kotohira Electric Railroad lines
Bus - Shodoshima Olive Bus
Ferry - Shodoshima Ferry between Takamatsu and Tonosho

 Kagawa
> Routes Map
  • Available for 2 consecutive days
  • This pass offers Economy (2nd class) travel only.
  • If you travel beyond the valid area of the rail pass, you will be required to pay the fares and charges specified by the railway company concerned for the sections travelled.
  • Not valid for Sunrise Seto, other ferry services, or other bus lines services

Ticket can be exchanged from the Warp Takamatsu branch, Warp Plaza at Sakaide Station, or Takamatsu Station JR reservation office after hour.

Important Notice

1. This website uses a credit card authentication service which ensures a high degree of online security.
You can pay for any of your products on this website with your credit card once an online authentication has been completed.
We are only accepting Visa and MasterCard, although there is an option on the payment page.

2. 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. 
New Zealand Residents travelling on a Japanese Passport are not allowed to purchase JR East, West, Shikoku, Hokkaido or Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Passes.

3. Rail Passes can be picked up the same day they are ordered or issued immediately from your nearest branch during business hours.
JR Pass costing fluctuates depending on the status of the exchange rate. For more information please consult with Travel Japan Staff.

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is a special ticket that is available only to travellers visiting Japan from foreign countries for sight-seeing. To be eligible to purchase a JAPAN RAILPASS you must meet one of the following two conditions.

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 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. Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a JAPAN RAILPASS.

There are 15 types of Japan Rail Pass!

Click to Download Shinkansen Map
Nationwide JR Route Map click to open
* An Exchange Order must be presented in Japan within 3 months from date of issue.
This must be done at a JR Station that has a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office.

 

Caution:

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 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. Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a JAPAN RAIL PASS.
Japan railpass sampleJapan railpass sample
*Examples of the "Temporary Visitor"
entry status stamp
    
   Caution:
       If you visit Japan with an Exchange Order (H.I.S. Exchange Order) to be exchanged in for
       a JAPAN RAIL PASS, the exchange cannot be made unless they have "temporary visitor"
       status: to enter Japan under any other official status, such as "trainee" or "entertainer" or
       "Re-entry Permit," will make the pass invalid. 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.

■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.


■Acceptable written proof

(1)Copy of your Overseas Residential Registration issued by the embassy or legation of Japan in the foreign country where you live (limited to an Overseas Residential Registration with a date of acceptance at least 10 years earlier)

(2) Certificate of Overseas Residence issued by the embassy or legation of Japan in the foreign country where you live (limited to a Certificate of Overseas Residence with a date at least 10 years earlier as the date on which your address (or place of temporary residence) was established as your present address)

(3) As a special case limited to the USA, Brazil, and Canada, the Permanent Resident Card issued by these 3 countries can be used as written proof until further notice (limited to a Permanent Resident Card confirming your stay in the relevant country for 10years or more).

*In regard to (1), 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.

* Concerning children (under 12 years of age) whose stay in the country is less than 10 years at the time of purchase of an Exchange Order, if a single copy of the Overseas Residential Registration stated in (1) 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 JAPAN RAIL PASS together with that applicant, their eligibility requirements are satisfied.

*The copy of the Overseas Residential Registration and the Certificate of Overseas Residence are only valid for 6 months after the date of issue.

*You cannot use a photocopy of your written proof to purchase an Exchange Order or to exchange your Exchange Order for a JAPAN RAIL PASS.

*Definition of “10years or more”: At the time of purchase of an Exchange Order, a date in the same month 10 years earlier or before is valid.(Example) In the case of the purchase of an Exchange Order on June 1, 2017, a date any time in June 2007or earlier is valid.
(A date between June 1 and June 30, 2007 is deemed as “June 2007” and valid.)

*You can purchase an Exchange Order and exchange it for a JAPAN RAIL PASS only if you can present any one of the written proof described in the above (1) to (3).

Note: New Zealand Residents travelling on a Japanese Passport are not allowed to purchase JR East, West, Shikoku, Hokkaido or Sanyo-Shikoku-Kyushu Rail Passes.

Purchase a JR Pass