Important information
Everything you need to know before ordering your JR Pass
Good to know before you order
Children tickets
Children between 6-11 have a 50% discount on their Japan Rail Pass. Children under 6 travel for free on all JR trains and buses. Teenagers 12 years and older need an adult JR Pass.
Own responsibility
The buyer is responsible for checking that the visa is noted in the passport, and that entry into Japan is within the time frame for being able to exchange the JR Pass at the nearest JR office.
Wheelchair on trains
Wheelchair-accessible seats are available on most Shinkansen and express trains. Book a seat with help of the staff at your nearest JR office. Note that there are limited accessible seats on each train, so book well in advance.
Eligible buyers
JR passes can only be purchased by tourists before departure and require a 90-day tourist visa to be activated. Most European travelers get this automatically when landing in Japan.
Correct name
You must write your name exactly as it is written on your passport, without special characters. For example, Bjorn becomes Bjoern. If the name does not match, you will be denied exchange in Japan.
Delivery
Your JR pass is sent out no later than the next working day from our office. All passes are issued by Flygi AB, an official authorized reseller of JR Pass, and sent with UPS Express from Sweden.
Exchange pass
After your order, you will receive a voucher to exchange for a JR Pass at the nearest JR office. These are available at major airports, train stations, and stops in Japan.
Best time to order
We recommend buying the JR pass 4 weeks before departure. The JR Pass can only be exchanged in Japan within 90 days of being sent out.
Automatic gates
Many JR stations have automatic gates. Put your JR Pass in the machine and walk through. Don't forget to pick it up on the other side! The JR Pass doesn't work on gates marked 'IC Only' - use the manned gate instead.
English names
All signs at JR stations show names and information in English. On trains, upcoming station names are displayed in English. JR staff are ready to help at the nearest JR office if you need assistance.
Coin lockers
All major train stations have coin lockers where you can store your bags and valuables. Perfect when you've checked out of your hotel but still have time before heading to the airport. Cheap to rent and easy to use.
Avoid rush hour
Rush hour in larger cities is typically 07:30-09:30 and 17:00-20:00. This mainly affects lines heading to industrial areas and business complexes, not all lines.
JR Pass exceptions
The Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen are not covered by the JR Pass. However, Hikari and Sakura Shinkansen cover the same distances with just an extra stop or two, traveling at the same speed on the same rail.
7, 14 or 21 days
The number of days on the ordered JR Pass cannot be changed afterward. Plan your trip around the number of days on your JR Pass. Available as 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day passes.
More information
For more information and current departures during your stay, please visit the Japan Rail Pass official website for updated documentation, maps, and train line information.