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Japan Rail Pass
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Japan Rail Pass

If you are planning to travel through Japan on your own, get a Japan Rail Pass for 7, 14 or 21 days.

The rail pass allows you to travel in comfort throughout Japan - and it's flexible. The Japan Rail Pass can only be purchased outside Japan, so make sure to get it before you leave. The pass is valid for both train, ferry and some busses within Japan.

With the Japan Rail Pass in your pocket you can explore every corner of Japan. You have the option of three passes:

  • 7 day rail pass
  • 14 day rail pass
  • 21 day rail pass

Besides easy access to the ultramodern and fast railway network, you also have, as mentioned above, access to a number of bus and ferry lines within Japan. This makes your trip around the country much more flexible and leaves you with plenty of opportunities when you're out exploring.

The Japan Rail Pass is an ideal way for you to smoothly, quickly and comfortably travel Japan. If you travel with a Japan Rail Pass you also save yourself the trouble of having to buy single train and bus tickets all the time.  In addition to this, it's worth mentioning that if you take just 3 trips with the Shinkansen (the Bullet train) the pass already pays itself.

Why should I buy the Rail Pass in advance and not in Japan?

Simply because it's cheaper. Save some bucks and have everything ready before departure, and don't waste time finding your way around the train station (note that not all train stations sell the Rail Pass), looking for the place to buy it. 

Suggested itinerary with a Japan Rail Pass

If you are looking for some route inspiration for your rail adventure in Japan, here's a suggested itinerary, which fits a 21-day Japan Rail Pass.

Tokyo > Kyoto > Osaka > Nara > Wakayama > Osaka > Tokyo > Yamagata > Hakodate > Niseko > Sapporo > Otaru > Tokyo.

More info

Japan Rail Pass route map

Japan Rail Pass route map

Includes

The Japan Rail Pass provides unlimited travel on the entire national JR network, including the high speed bullet train lines. Travel at your own pace with unlimited freedom to explore Japan.

Features

  • One ticket for all of Japan
  • Travel on the high speed bullet trains
  • Free seat reservations - secure your seating
  • Great value and amazing savings

Public Transport in Japan

Japan is the land of trains. Fast trains. A real "train culture" has emerged over the last decades and travel by public transport is no problem in Japan. Trains and buses run frequently and are well organized.

Japan Rail Pass - Only available for sale outside of Japan

A Japan Rail Pass is available in "red" or "green", also known as "ordinary/comfortable/2nd class" and "more comfortable/1st class". And please note, you cannot buy the Japan Rail Pass within Japan. You HAVE to obtain it before you leave from your home country, since the rail pass is only intended for international travellers. We recommend to purchase the Japan Rail Pass at least 3 weeks before departure.

Pass activation and seat reservations

When you purchase a Japan Rail Pass in your home country, it must be activated within 3 months. In Japan you need to exchange your voucher/coupon to an actual rail pass and activate it on a railway station, before your can explore Japan for 7, 14 or 21 days. Seat reservations are recommended and this can be done without any cost for pass holders. At www.hyperdia.com you can find timetables for most transport in Japan and make reservations.

Japan consists of four main islands which you can visit with your red or green Japan Rail Pass. For example you can start your journey in hip Osaka, sleep in a temple in Koyasan, relax at the beach in Shimoda, catch the train to traditional Takayama and finish your trip with a day of shopping and sushi in Tokyo!

How to get a Japan Rail Pass

As indicated above, you can only buy the Japan Rail Pass outside of Japan. You can get it right here at KILROY!

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