The Japan Rail Pass (JRP) is a popular option for tourists looking to explore Japan by train and bus. The pass offers unlimited rides on most JR trains, including bullet trains, and some local buses. However, it is important to note that the pass has limitations and is not valid on all forms of transportation within Japan. So, does the JRP work for all buses and trains? The answer is no. While the JRP covers a wide range of transportation options, there are certain trains and buses that are not included in the pass.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Who can use it? | Foreign tourists visiting Japan with the entry status of a Temporary Visitor |
Where is it valid? | Almost all trains operated on the nationwide network of JR (Japan Railways), including Shinkansen, limited express, rapid and local trains. |
What type of pass? | Ordinary and Green Car. |
How long is it valid for? | 7, 14 or 21 days. |
Is it valid on buses? | Yes, local buses operated by JR (but not on highway buses). |
Is it valid on ferries? | Yes, the JR WEST Miyajima Ferry between Miyajima and Miyajimaguchi. |
What You'll Learn
- The JR Pass is valid on almost all trains operated on the nationwide network of JR
- The pass can be used by foreign tourists and offers unlimited rides for one, two or three weeks
- The pass includes the services of local buses, spread throughout Japan
- The JR Pass is not valid for travel on express bus routes operated by JR Bus
- The pass is not valid on any highway buses
The JR Pass is valid on almost all trains operated on the nationwide network of JR
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a nationwide rail pass for long-distance train travel in Japan. It is valid on almost all trains operated on the nationwide network of JR (Japan Railways). This includes the following:
- Shinkansen bullet trains (except for "NOZOMI" and "MIZUHO" trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines)
- Limited express trains
- Express trains
- Rapid or local trains
- The BRT (with some exceptions)
In addition to the nationwide network of JR trains, the JR Pass is also valid on some non-JR trains that provide access to remote, isolated JR lines. These include:
- Aoimori Railway between Aomori, Noheji and Hachinohe (with travel restrictions)
- IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata (with travel restrictions)
- Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka (with travel restrictions)
- Hapi Line Fukui between Fukui and Echizen-Hanando (with travel restrictions)
It's important to note that the JR Pass is not valid on all seats of "NOZOMI" and "MIZUHO" trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. To access these train services, you need to purchase a separate special ticket.
The JR Pass also includes access to local JR bus lines, the Tokyo Monorail, and the JR-West Miyajima ferry service (excluding the JR Kyushu Jet Ferry between Hakata and Busan, Korea).
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The pass can be used by foreign tourists and offers unlimited rides for one, two or three weeks
The Japan Rail Pass (commonly called the JR Pass) is a nationwide rail pass for long-distance train travel in Japan. The pass is designed for use by foreign tourists and offers unlimited rides on JR trains for one, two, or three weeks. It is valid on almost all trains operated on the nationwide network of JR (Japan Railways), including the famous Shinkansen bullet trains.
There are two types of passes: the PASS for Green Cars and the PASS for Standard Cars. The former is valid on first-class cars, which offer more spacious and less crowded seats than ordinary cars. Both types of passes can be purchased for 7, 14, or 21 days. The JR Pass also offers a 50% discount for children aged 6-11.
In addition to trains, the JR Pass also covers some local JR bus lines, such as the ones connecting Kyoto Station to Takao and the JR tourist loop bus in Hiroshima. However, it is important to note that the pass is not valid on express bus routes or highway buses. For ferries, the pass includes the JR-West Miyajima ferry services but does not cover the JR Kyushu Jet Ferry between Hakata and Busan, South Korea.
The JR Pass provides excellent value for foreign tourists looking to explore Japan by rail, offering unlimited rides and access to various transportation options within the country.
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The pass includes the services of local buses, spread throughout Japan
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a convenient and economical way to travel throughout Japan by train and bus. The pass includes the services of local buses, spread throughout Japan, allowing access to JR local bus lines operated by various regional subsidiaries of the JR Group. These buses are easily identifiable by the JR logo on the front of the bus and at bus stops. It is important to note that the pass does not cover all bus routes, specifically excluding JR highway buses and some local bus routes.
The JR Pass provides access to a wide range of local bus services across Japan, including:
- JR Hokkaido area: Sapporo and its surrounding areas, Fukagawa, and Samani.
- JR Tohoku area: Aomori, Iwate, and Fukushima.
- JR East area: Fukushima, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Chiba, Nagano, and Gunma.
- JR West area: Kanazawa, Kyoto, Shiga, Fukui, and Fukuchiyama.
- JR Chugoku area: Hiroshima, Higashi Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, and Hikari.
- JR Shikoku area: Kochi and Ehime.
- JR Kyushu area: Fukuoka, Saga, and Kagoshima.
In addition to these local bus services, the JR Pass also covers the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system and specific bus routes such as:
- Kyoto Station - Ryoanji - Takao
- Kanazawa Station - Kenrokuen
- Tokyo Station - Tokyo Big Sight
- JR buses to Lake Towada
- JR tourist loop bus in Hiroshima
- JR city buses around Sapporo
- JR local bus to Kusatsu Onsen
The JR Pass offers a seamless way to explore both popular destinations and off-the-beaten-path locations across Japan by utilising the extensive network of local buses included in the pass.
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The JR Pass is not valid for travel on express bus routes operated by JR Bus
The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a joint offering of the six companies that comprise the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). It is an economical and convenient way to travel throughout Japan by rail. The JR Pass is valid for all JR Group Railways, including the Shinkansen "bullet trains" and other railway lines, buses and ferries. However, it is important to note that the JR Pass has some limitations and is not valid for all forms of transportation in Japan.
One of the limitations of the JR Pass is that it does not include travel on express bus routes operated by JR Bus. The JR Pass covers local JR bus lines, which are spread throughout Japan and easily recognisable by the JR logo on the front of the bus. These local buses offer comfortable features such as wide lazy-boy style seats, a 40-degree seat reclining angle, a multi-angle footrest and individual radios. Small towns and villages are often only accessible by these local buses, which are punctual and comfortable.
The JR Pass covers a wide range of train services, including limited express trains, express trains, rapid or local trains, and the BRT (with some exceptions). It is important to note that the JR Pass is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on "NOZOMI" and "MIZUHO" trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. However, with the purchase of a separate "NOZOMI MIZUHO" ticket, a "NOZOMI" or "MIZUHO" train can be used in conjunction with the JR Pass. Additionally, when using a Gran Class car on certain Shinkansen lines, an additional limited express fee and Gran Class fee must be paid.
The JR Pass also includes access to the Tokyo Monorail and specific ferry routes, such as the JR-WEST Miyajima ferry. However, it is important to note that the JR Kyushu Jet Ferry between Hakata and Busan (Korea) is not covered by the JR Pass. There may be additional charges for certain routes or services, and it is recommended to check the specific validity and limitations of the JR Pass before planning your travel itinerary in Japan.
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The pass is not valid on any highway buses
The Japan Rail Pass is a great way to travel throughout Japan by train, and it includes some bus services too. However, it's important to note that the pass has certain limitations and is not valid on all bus routes. Specifically, the pass is not valid for travel on any highway buses.
The Japan Rail Pass covers local buses that are part of the JR Bus Network. These local buses are spread throughout Japan and provide access to various cities and towns. They are easily identifiable by the JR logo displayed on the front of the bus and at the bus stops. However, it's important to distinguish these local buses from the highway buses, which are not included in the Japan Rail Pass.
The JR local buses offer a comfortable travelling experience with features such as wide, reclining seats, multi-angle footrests, individual radios, and even snacks on certain lines. They are a convenient way to explore smaller towns and villages that are usually accessible only by local buses. The payment process for these local buses differs from standard methods, with passengers entering through the back doors and exiting through the front. The fare depends on the final stop, and passengers pay when exiting the bus.
While the Japan Rail Pass offers extensive coverage for train travel in Japan, it is important to be aware of the exclusions. In addition to the exclusion of highway buses, the pass is also not valid on certain train routes, such as the "NOZOMI" and "MIZUHO" trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. These exclusions are important to keep in mind when planning your travels in Japan.
When using the Japan Rail Pass, it is essential to follow the conditions of use. The pass is non-transferable and can only be used by the person whose passport information is registered. Users must carry their passports at all times and be prepared to present them when requested by station attendants or conductors. Additionally, the pass must be presented at manned ticket gates for stamping and validation.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover all buses and trains. It covers all JR Group Railways, including Shinkansen "bullet trains" and local trains. However, it does not include the "NOZOMI" and "MIZUHO" trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. The pass also includes some local buses operated by JR, but not highway buses.
The Japan Rail Pass covers Shinkansen "bullet trains", limited express trains, express trains, and local trains.
Yes, the Japan Rail Pass does not cover the "NOZOMI" and "MIZUHO" trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
The Japan Rail Pass is only available to foreign tourists visiting Japan with a temporary visitor entry status. Passport information is registered to the pass, and it is non-transferable. The pass must be purchased and exchanged at a ticket office, and it is valid for one, two, or three weeks.
When travelling with the Japan Rail Pass, you can pass through automatic ticket gates or present it to an attendant at a manned ticket gate. You must always carry your passport and be prepared to present it upon request.