Pass Information
Reservations & Tickets
Facilities & Assistance
How do I validate my Japan Rail Pass?
Your exchange order must be exchanged for an actual Japan Rail Pass in Japan at a JR Rail Office. Details of locations are included with your documentation. An Exchange Order must be exchanged for a rail pass within 3 months from date of issue. The Japan Rail Pass will start from the date of validation or later if you advise the office at the time of exchange.
Once you have performed the exchange and are ready to use the
pass, do not use the automatic ticket reading gate. All Japan Rail
Pass holders must show their pass at a manned ticket gate.
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What is the difference between Ordinary and Green?
The difference is in the comfort factor similar to airline seating (economy class as opposed to business class). Configuration is 2 seats on each side of the carriage with a middle aisle.
A trolley service is available in both classes offering a range
of snack food items and beverages, which must be purchased (not
included in the cost of the Japan Rail Pass).
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Who is eligible to purchase a Japan Rail Pass?
1. You are a foreign tourist visiting Japan for sightseeing, under the entry status of "temporary visitor". Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a Japan Rail Pass.
Can I purchase a JR Rail Pass in Japan?
No the JR Rail Pass is not for sale in Japan.
Japan Reservations & Train tickets can be purchased
locally.
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Can I use my Japan Pass on the Narita Express?
Yes you can as long as you get a seat reservation before you
board the train. Seat reservations are free of charge
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Can I use my Japan Rail Pass for overnight services?
Yes you can use your Japan rail pass for overnight services on
the Limited Express and Ordinary Express but sleeper supplements
apply. These must be purchased locally.
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Do I need to make reservations?
In Green class, reservations are compulsory on Shinkansen and most Limited Express and Ordinary Express trains. Ordinary class has both reserved and non-reserved seating.
There is no charge to reserve seats. Reservations must be made
in Japan and can be performed at any JR Rail office or at a sales
office of a JR associated travel agency. At the time of making a
reservation, you must present your pass to obtain your reservation
ticket.
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Please use this link to view timetables
When are the busy travel periods?
In most major cities, the peak morning and evening times are
0730hrs, 0930hrs and 1700hrs, 1900hrs. The traditional holiday
periods include: Dec 28 to Jan 06, Apr 27 to May 06 and Aug
11-20.
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How does the cost of a Japan Rail Pass compare to P2P tickets?
Purchasing individual rail tickets in Japan can become quite
expensive. For example, the average cost of a one way ticket from
Tokyo to Kyoto is: Ordinary class AUD220 / Green class
AUD300.
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What is the difference between a Super Express, Limited Express and Express train?
The difference is the number of stops the trains make.
The Super Express from Tokyo to Kyoto will make limited stops
however an ordinary Express train on the same route may stop 15-20
times.
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A Shinkansen is commonly known as a bullet train. The Nozomi
Shinkansen & the "MIZUHO" trains are the only bullet trains
which are not covered by the Japan Rail
Pass.
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What kind of dining facilities are available on the trains?
Shinkansen trains offer either a dining car or buffet car.
Western and Japanese food is available. Most long distance train
services also offer mobile trolley services offering box lunches of
local specialty Japanese food as well as snacks and drinks.
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Is English speaking assistance available?
Japan Rail provides a convenient telephone information service
for details on rail timetables, suggested routings etc.. This
service is not available for making reservations. The service
operates Mon-Fri from 10:00 and 18:00.
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How can I identify station names?
All stations have their name in both Japanese and English.
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