by Most travelers who are planning to go to Japan are thinking about purchasing JR pass. Yeah, this is kinds of super Japan train pass! All Japanese feel jealous to international travelers who are eligible to use JR pass!
However, there are some terms & conditions you need to keep in mind otherwise you can’t exchange the actual pass in Japan even if you purchase. Let’s see what we need to be careful for JR Pass usage.
1. How does JR PASS work?
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is for international visitors and the purpose of this pass is to invite more travellers from all over the world. So only non-Japanese passport holders and some Japanese who match the conditions can purchase JR Pass. You must buy in Australia before arriving in Japan. At this stage you can’t purchase in Japan (Before COVID crisis, some places in Japan were available to purchase, but now all domestic purchases have been closed.)
JR Pass is super cheap train pass for all Japan Railway Company’s train network! For example, if you book normal bullet train (Hikari) from Tokyo to Kyoto, the cost will be approximately $150 one way, but the JR Pass 7 days ordinary pass is $300~$350. If you travel a lot by train, you can understand how you can save the travel cost by using JR Pass.
The JR Pass rate depends on the currency rate. Every week or every day, depending on travel agents, the rate is changeable.
2. Must receive “Temporary Visitor” stamp
When you go through immigration and enter Japan, you must go through immigration booth and receive temporary visitor stamp. The below photo is the sample.
JR Pass is for international travellers who visit Japan as sightseeing purpose.
It means, if you visit Japan for working, studying, or permanent resident, they are not eligible.
That’s why you need to get the above temporary stay stamp on your passport.
Now most Japanese airports have auto immigration system so you can enter Japan without passing through manned booth.
But, you must go through the manned booth otherwise you can’t get the temporary visitor stamp.
Don’t forget to proceed “manned booth” to receive the stamp on your passport.
When you exchange your JR Pass voucher to the actual pass, you need to show your passport and the temporary visitor stamp.
Regarding the stamp, if you want to use any duty free shop, you also have to show the temporary visitor stamp to get the duty free.
I am strongly recommend going through the manned booth to get the temporary stay stamp every time.
3. Some restrictions to book bullet train (Shinkansen)
JR Pass allows you to board almost all JR trains including some bullet trains and limited express.
You can board Narita Express with JR Pass and in addition to JR lines, Tokyo monorail is also available by JR Pass.
However, please be careful of unavailable train services for JR Pass;
・”NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” bullet trains are not eligible. 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 additional Green Car surcharge.
・Aoimori Railway services between Aomori and Hachinohe are ok, 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 are possible to use by JR Pass. 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 are also ok. 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).
For more information, you should get the JR Pass brochure when you purchase JR Pass. Please read it carefully and enjoy your Japan train journey!
