Buying a Japan Rail (JR) Pass: TIPS

If you're planning on traveling around Japan, the Japan Rail (JR) Pass is a must-have. It's a cost-effective way to explore the country, especially if you're planning to visit several destinations. In this blog post, we'll discuss how to purchase a JR Pass from within Japan, where to buy it, and some of the best places to visit using the pass.

Where to buy the JR Pass in Japan:

The JR Pass can be purchased outside of Japan, receiving a voucher that will be exchanged in Japan. But, if you're already in Japan, you can currently also purchase from certain JR station offices. However, you can purchase a "JR East Pass" or "JR West Pass" which is only valid for certain regions of Japan at anytime within Japan.

If you have a tourist visa and have not entered Japan yet, you can purchase the JR Pass from authorized agents outside of Japan. They'll send you a voucher that you can exchange for the actual pass when you arrive in Japan.

Some recommended Places to Visit using the JR Pass:

With the JR Pass, you'll have unlimited access to most of Japan's train lines. Here are some of the best places to visit using the pass:

1. Tokyo: Japan's bustling capital city, Tokyo is a must-visit destination. The city is home to many cultural and historical landmarks, including the famous Shibuya Crossing, the Tokyo Skytree, and the Imperial Palace.
2. Kyoto: Kyoto is Japan's cultural capital and is home to numerous temples, shrines, and historical sites. You can take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto using your JR Pass.
3. Hiroshima: Hiroshima is a city that is rich in history and culture. You can use your JR Pass to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Kyoto to Hiroshima. The city is home to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Osaka: Osaka is known for its food, nightlife, and shopping. You can take the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Kyoto to Osaka using your JR Pass. Osaka is also home to Universal Studios Japan, which is a popular tourist attraction.
5. Hokkaido: Hokkaido is Japan's northernmost island and is known for its natural beauty. You can use your JR Pass to take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokkaido.

Conclusion:
The JR Pass is an excellent way to explore Japan. If you're already in Japan, you can purchase a JR East Pass or JR West Pass, which is valid for certain regions of Japan. However, if you're planning to visit multiple destinations, the JR Pass is the way to go. With the pass, you'll have unlimited access to most of Japan's train lines. Be sure to visit some of Japan's top destinations, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, and Hokkaido.

Check out some Japan Rail guides:

Why JR PASS?

One of the biggest benefits of the Japan Rail Pass is the significant savings it offers compared to buying individual tickets. For example, a one-way shinkansen journey from Tokyo to Osaka can cost as much as 14,000 yen, but with the Japan Rail Pass, you can make this journey as many times as you want during the duration of your pass!

That's a huge saving! And if you're planning to travel around the country for a few weeks, the savings can quickly add up.

Another advantage of the Japan Rail Pass is that it makes your trip much more convenient. With a single pass, you don't have to worry about purchasing tickets every time you want to travel, which saves you time and reduces the stress of navigating a new country. You can simply hop on any train, bus, or ferry and start exploring.

The Japan Rail Pass is also an environmentally-friendly way to travel. By taking the train, you can enjoy scenic views of the country, avoid traffic and parking headaches, and reduce your carbon footprint. With the shinkansen, you can even reach your destination in a fraction of the time it would take to drive, making it a great option for those who want to see as much of the country as possible.

Overall, the Japan Rail Pass is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Japan. With its unlimited travel, convenient use, and substantial savings, it's the ultimate solution for anyone looking to experience all that this amazing country has to offer.

The JR Pass is valid on almost all Japan Railways (JR) trains, including local trains, rapid trains, express trains, and even most shinkansen (bullet trains). However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Here are some trains that are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass:

Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen: These two trains are the fastest shinkansen trains in Japan, running between Tokyo and Kyushu. However, they are not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Instead, you can take the Hikari or Sakura shinkansen, which are still fast and comfortable.

Some Express Trains: The Japan Rail Pass does not cover all express trains. For example, the Tokaido Limited Express, which runs between Tokyo and Kyoto, is not covered. However, you can take the shinkansen on the same route, which is faster and more comfortable.

Private Railways: The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on private railways, which are owned and operated by companies other than Japan Railways. For example, the Tokyo Metro and the Toei Subway in Tokyo are not covered by the pass. However, you can use the pass on JR lines that run parallel to these private railways.

Some Local Trains: While the Japan Rail Pass covers most local trains, there are a few exceptions. For example, the Aomori Railway, which runs in the northern Tohoku region, is not covered by the pass. However, you can take the JR Tohoku line, which runs parallel to the Aomori Railway.

The JR Pass is also valid on other transportation other than trains, such as buses and ferries!

In conclusion, if you're planning a trip to Japan, the Japan Rail Pass is an essential tool for making the most of your journey. Whether you're looking to save money, make your travels more convenient, or reduce your impact on the environment, the Japan Rail Pass is the perfect solution. So why wait? Start planning your trip to Japan today and discover all that this amazing country has to offer!