Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass lets you travel unlimited on most trains operated by the Japan Railways (JR) Group, including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains.
It’s available for 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days and offers an easy, flexible way to explore Japan by rail.
 

You can choose between:

• Green Pass (First Class): larger seats, extra legroom, and a quieter, more comfortable journey.

• Ordinary Pass (Standard Class): comfortable seats and access to all Ordinary Cars.

Passes are available for 7, 14, or 21 days.

There are two main options:

• JR-National Pass: covers most JR trains across Japan, except Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen (a supplement is required).

• Regional Passes: valid within specific areas such as JR Hokkaido, JR West, or JR Kyushu.

You can buy your Japan Rail Pass directly on Trainline:

1. Visit our Japan Rail Pass page and click Buy a JR Pass.

2. Choose your travel duration (7, 14, or 21 days).

3. Order online at least 10 days before your trip to allow for delivery.

You’ll receive an Exchange Order (proof of purchase) by mail, valid for three months.
Once in Japan, exchange it for your pass at a JR Exchange Office (available in airports and major stations).
Remember to bring your passport with a Temporary Visitor stamp.

The pass includes travel on:

• Shinkansen (bullet trains)

• Local JR trains

• JR buses

• JR ferry routes

Seat reservations:

• Recommended for Shinkansen and long-distance routes—book at a ticket office or machine in Japan.

• Some trains have non-reserved cars where you can board freely.

💡 Tip: You can use reserved seat machines at airports or stations like Tokyo to book as soon as you arrive.

When entering a station, simply insert your paper ticket into the ticket gate, collect it on the other side, and head to your platform.

• Passes are fully refundable if cancelled before the first day of validity.

• After activation, refunds are only available in case of illness or accident (official proof required).

• Lost or stolen passes are not refundable or replaceable.