Please read their website for more information: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/index.html
Let me show you some light and some of the questions that you may ask.
What's JR railway pass?
JR pass covers you JR trains (slower, normal trains) and JR Shinkansen (except “NOZOMI” trains).
It allows you to take unlimited train/ferry/bus rides that are operated by JR Group railways.
Simpler terms:
Shinkansen = Bullet train = Covered by JR pass = No extra cost needed when you travel in Japan.
Do you need to buy a JR pass?
1. Do you land at the Narita Airport and will be travelling to Tokyo directly? (The airport is far from the Tokyo main station. You will need to take a ride to get into town.)
2. Does your itinerary includes Kyoto? (Its a 2 hours journey from Tokyo via the Shinkansen)
Supposed the answer to both questions is "YES", and you will be making a round trip,
YOU NEED TO BUY A JR PASS.
The reason is simple, you will save more money with the JR pass.
Side remark:
- Most tourists will buy the 1 week JR pass. If you are able to squeeze your itinerary to include Hiroshima as well, your JR pass is super worth it. The ferry ride to Miyajima from Hiroshima is also covered by the JR pass.
- Days trips to Nikko from Tokyo are covered under the JR pass as well.
How much is the JR pass?
There are two types of Japan Rail Pass:
Green – for superior class (first class train)
Ordinary – for coach class cars (This is very good alr!Very comfortable!)
Price as of 29 October 2014.
Remark:
- The above are yen (¥) prices for a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order, the actual cost in local currency are calculated at the time the Exchange Order is issued.
(eg. if you buy in Singapore, you pay in SGD. JTB will convert the price in yen to SGD)
- Child prices for children apply from age 6 to and including age 11.
Why should you buy a JR pass if you are gg Kyoto?
Let me calculate for you.
One way ticket JR N’EX (Narita Express from Narita International Airport into Tokyo) is ¥1500.(there is a promotion for tourist now)
JR N’EX (Narita Express from Tokyo to Narita International Airport) is ¥3020.
Normal Shinkansen (bullet train) ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto is ¥13,600
Round trip fare is Y27,200.
Total price: ¥31,720
An ordinary one-week pass is ¥29,110.
Tadah!
The calculation showed that you have make savings alr!
Note:
JR pass does not cover the NOZOMI trains (Fastest class of bullet train). However, you are able to take the Hikari shinkansen. There is minimal speed difference between these trains. Perhaps a few minutes difference for the trip between Tokyo and Kyoto.
Who can buy the JR pass?
- Foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing, under the entry status of “Temporary Visitor”.
- Japanese national living in a foreign country,
a. who is qualified to live permanently in that country, or
b. who is married to a non-Japanese residing in a country other than Japan.
Who cannot buy the JR pass?
- Japan residents
- People on longer-term visas (eg. work visas, student visas and permanent residence visas)
When to buy the JR pass?
Buy the JR pass maximum 3 months before the date you wish to start your pass. You choose a starting date for your Japan Rail Pass.
When start the JR pass?
If you are gg to Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, make sure you pass is able to cover you for your bullet trains. It can be a little rush to visit 3 districts within a week. I would suggest that you start/end your JR pass earlier and buy single trips ticket from Airport to Tokyo station (vice versa) instead.
Thats what i did. My JR pass did not cover for the JR ride back to the airport from Tokyo station.
Shinkansen bullets trains are expensive. Make sure you are able to make round trips back!!!
You touch down in Japan on Monday. You can choose to start your JR pass on Wednesday. Supposed you purchased a 7 days JR pass and have a 9 days itinerary, then you are not covered under the JR pass for 2 days.
Where to buy JR pass?
JR pass is not sold in Japan. Its meant for tourists (thats why!)
You must buy it before you come to Japan.
You can buy yours at any authorized Japan Rail Pass sales agents.
I bought mine at the Japan Tourist Board (JTB), located Ion Orchard #B4-29 , Singapore.
What happens after you buy the JR pass?
You will see this.
Don be shocked.
This is called a Exchange Order.
It will allow you to exchange for the Japan Railway Pass in Japan. Visit a Japan Rail Pass exchange office to turn in the Exchange Order together with your passport to receive your Japan Rail Pass.
Note: You will have to exchange for the JR pass in Japan in 3 months after your purchase.
Other things to note:
http://www.hyperdia.com/
If you take the JR railways, this website is important. It will show you all the timings that the trains will arrive at the station.
- How long the journey will take.
- What is the fastest route.
- Which lane/section the train will depart. This is especially important when you go to major stations like Tokyo station. It is very easy to get lost.
I will illustrate on this ltr.
I hope you see some light now.
