Activation guide
When you order from GetJRPass we ship a physical exchange voucher to your home. Once you land in Japan you swap that voucher for the actual pass at an exchange office. Here is exactly how the activation works.
You can exchange at almost any major JR station, not only the one closest to your hotel. Pick whichever is most convenient for your first travel day.
You do not have to start the pass on the day of activation. At the counter you choose any start date within one month from the exchange date.
This is useful if you spend the first days in Tokyo on the metro and only need the JR Pass later when you head to Kyoto, Osaka or further.
Right after activation you can reserve seats for any shinkansen or limited express train, free of charge with the pass. Staff at the same counter handle reservations, or you can use a JR ticket machine.
Reserving early matters during cherry blossom season, Golden Week, summer holidays and New Year.
Quick answers to common questions.
Yes. Exchange offices at Narita, Haneda, Kansai and Chubu airports are open daily and you can exchange right after immigration. You can still pick a later start date if you prefer.
No. You exchange the voucher first, then choose any start date within one month from that exchange.
An unexchanged voucher cannot be activated after three months. If your plans change, contact us before the deadline and we will help with options.
No. The traveller named on the voucher must be present with their passport. The pass is non transferable.
No. Activation and seat reservations are included with your pass.
No. Once the pass is issued with a start date, the date is fixed. Choose carefully at the counter.
Keep exploring Japan Rail Pass topics relevant to your trip.