Japan Rail Pass

The detail below is quoted from the issuer's own page in the language they publish it in. We do not translate another company's conditions, because a translated condition is a condition we have changed.

What it covers

Ordinary-car and Green-car seats on all JR Group lines nationwide, including Shinkansen (excluding Nozomi and Mizuho services, which require a separate paid ticket even for pass holders), JR limited express, express and local trains, the JR Bus Company routes specified by the pass, the JR West Miyajima ferry, and the Tokyo Monorail. Non-JR operated lines are not covered unless a separate fare is paid for those sections.

Who can buy it

Available to foreign tourists entering Japan under 'Temporary Visitor' entry status (a passport stamp or sticker confirming this is required at exchange), or to Japanese nationals living abroad who hold Overseas Residential Registration or a Certificate of Overseas Residence issued within six months of purchase and meet additional residence conditions. Other entry statuses (student, trainee, entertainer, worker, etc.) do not qualify.

How long it lasts

Sold as 7, 14 or 21 consecutive-day passes, each available in Ordinary or Green (first class) versions, and in adult or child (age 6-11) rates.

What it costs

As published on the official site for use through 30 September 2026: 7-day Ordinary adult JPY 50,000 / child JPY 25,000; 7-day Green adult JPY 70,000 / child JPY 35,000; 14-day Ordinary adult JPY 80,000 / child JPY 40,000; 14-day Green adult JPY 110,000 / child JPY 55,000; 21-day Ordinary adult JPY 100,000 / child JPY 50,000; 21-day Green adult JPY 140,000 / child JPY 70,000. The operator states prices rise from 1 October 2026 for passes bought other than through the official website (for example 7-day Ordinary adult rising to JPY 53,000), so treat these as subject to change and confirm on the official site before booking.

Seat reservations

Seat reservations are optional on most trains and can be made free of charge at ticket machines, JR ticket offices, or online, but are compulsory to ride Nozomi/Mizuho-class equivalents is moot since those services are excluded outright. A single pass is capped at 110 seat reservations and cannot hold two overlapping reservations for the same day.

What catches people out

The pass is registered to one passport and is non-transferable; the traveller must carry that passport and show it on request. Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen services are excluded outright, a common trap for first-time buyers expecting full Shinkansen coverage. Refunds are only possible before the activation date (minus a JPY 560 fee); once validity has started, no refund is given even for train suspensions or delays. Passengers using an automated immigration gate on arrival will not get the passport stamp needed for eligibility unless they specifically request one from a staffed counter.

SourceOpen the page at The six JR Group companiesRead on the issuer's own page on 2026-09-06. Terms and prices change, so check before you buy.