A Japan Rail Pass is the cheapest and most convenient way to get around Japan.
Learn more about it and how to get one from Amnet.
A JR Pass is a 7, 14, or 21-day special-rate ticket for use on trains run by JR (including bullet trains), that is only available to travelers visiting Japan from foreign countries for sightseeing.
Where do I buy a Japan Rail Pass?
You can get a Japan Rail Pass here.
Who is eligible for a JR Pass?
Note: Japanese citizens meeting conditions above are required to show proof of eligibility at the point of purchase. Photos or scans of required documents must be sent to the agent.
Note: If you have dual-citizenship, be sure to get your non-Japanese passport stamped when entering Japan. You must get this stamp in your non-Japanese passport to prove you are a "non-Japanese temporary visitor".
How do I get the actual JR Pass?
First, contact Amnet by sending in an order form. An Amnet agent will contact you to confirm your information and send you an e-invoice, which will give you access to a payment page.
Make your payment online using your credit card.
Amnet will prepare your voucher. The voucher is not the actual pass.
Either pick up your exchange order at a branch location or receive it to your preferred address via certified mail (shipping $10).
Once you arrive in Japan, turn in the voucher together with your passport at a designated Japan Rail Pass Office, and let them know when you want to start using the pass. They will hand you the stamped rail pass.
Please note that the actual pass can only be received in Japan and that Amnet only provides vouchers necessary to receive the pass.
you can trade in your exchange order for a pass at a midori no madoguchi office, pictured here.
Prices below are in Japanese Yen. The price in dollars are determined at the beginning of every month, and will depend on the currency exchange rate.
How do I use a JR Pass?
Check out more detailed Japan Rail Pass route information on the Japan Rail Pass website.
Can I reserve seats with the pass?
Once you have your pass, you can also reserve seats. Simply tell the Japan Railways officer at the Midori-no-madoguchi where you receive your pass what dates you will be traveling and where you would like to go. During busy times, reserved seats cannot always be guaranteed, so it is advised that you reserve your seats as soon as you get to Japan.
A non-reserved seat can be used simply by showing your JAPAN RAIL PASS.
Seat reservations can be made without additional payment. To make a reservation, apply at any Travel Service Center or a Reservation Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) at a JR staion, or at a sales office of a JR-associated travel agency. There, show your pass, and obtain your reserved-seat ticket before boarding.
12/29-1/5 The New Year holiday period is the most popular travel time for Japanese people, for vacations and returns to hometown areas.
4/28-5/5 Due to consecutive holidays in a comfortable travel season, there is large-scale travel throughout Japan for leisure and recreation.
8/10-15 Another time for traditional travel to home-town areas, called the Obon season.
What is the difference between an ordinary pass and a Green pass?
The Green Cars on Japan Railways bullet trains are the equivalent of First Class. There is more seat room, more space between seats, footrests, and more recline for each seat. Most importantly, during busy times (holidays, weekends, cherry blossom and fall foliage season), there are usually more seats available in the Green Cars.
Does Amnet offer any other types of Japan Rail Passes?
JR Hokkaido Rail Passes, JR West Rail Passes, JR Kyushu Rail Passes and others are also available HERE.
Temporary Visitor entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for "sight-seeing, etc."
If you apply for a "stay for sight-seeing" when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as "Temporary Visitor," as shown below. *In order to receive or use JAPAN RAIL PASS, your passport must bear this stamp or sticker.
Order a Japan Rail Pass here!
Don't see the answer to your question here? Contact us for more information about JR Passes.