How To Activate a Japan Rail Pass
What is a Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass, also called the JR Pass, is a rail pass exclusively for overseas visitors sold by the Japan Railways Group. It is valid for travel on all major forms of transportation provided by the JR Group in Japan, with a few exceptions.
How To Activate a Japan Rail Pass
To activate your Japan Rail Pass, please go to any JR office. They are spread through most Japanese Airports, such as Narita and Haneda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to activate my JR Pass?
You can then choose the first day you wish to start using it by telling the member of staff. Note: The activation date can be up to 30 consecutive days after the exchange process. You are not required to activate your Japan Rail Pass on the date of making the exchange.
How do I use my JR rail pass in Japan?
You will be asked to show your Japan Rail Pass at the ticket gate and then you may proceed to go to your platform where there will be monitors that will guide you on where to go if you have a seat reservation (and which direction to go if you don’t.).
Can I pick up Japan Rail Pass before start date?
When picking up the PASS, your eligibility will be confirmed. Please present your passport and those of the persons traveling with you. The purchased JAPAN RAIL PASS must be picked up before the start date or during the valid period.
Can I pick up my JR Pass at the airport?
Using a Japan Rail Pass
These offices can be found at the airport or in the main train stations. At the office, fill out the form at your disposal there and show the entry stamp that is on your passport. When exchanging your voucher you will have to decide on the date you want to start using your pass.
Is it better to buy JR Pass online or in Japan?
Aside from being cheaper, buying your JR Pass online is much more convenient. You can have the JR Exchange Order delivered to your home address or at an address of your choosing in Japan.
Can someone else use my JR Pass?
It is impossible to activate the Japan Rail Pass on someone else’s behalf, as the travelers’ passport, as well as the identity of the pass holder, must be checked.
Can I buy JR Pass after entering Japan?
Present your Exchange Order and obtain your JAPAN RAIL PASS after you arrive in Japan. You have to turn in your Exchange Order (with your passport) to receive your JAPAN RAIL PASS at a JAPAN RAIL PASS exchange office in a major JR station.
Which train Cannot use JR Pass?
The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.)
How early should I buy JR Pass?
We recommend that you book your JR Pass from Klook at least 2 weeks before your trip to Japan. This allows enough wiggle room in the validity period of your Exchange Order. You can’t purchase your JR Pass more than 3 months before your trip, as it’s past the validity period of your Exchange Order.
Do JR passes expire?
The validity of a 7, 14 or 21 day JR Pass is based on calendar days (midnight to midnight), rather than 24 hour periods. For example, if you start using your pass at 2pm on day 1, it will expire at 11.59pm on day 7, rather than 2pm on day 8.