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Paper JR Pass
- Activated at any JR exchange office on arrival.
- Works at every staffed gate in the country.
- Easy to refund if your trip changes before activation.
Pass formats
Mobile JR Pass vs paper voucher: which one to choose
JR now offers a digital JR Pass alongside the classic paper version. Each has trade offs at the ticket gate, for seat reservations and for refunds.
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Mobile or digital JR Pass
- Booked online, no shipping wait.
- Seat reservations done in app, no machine queues.
- Currently limited to certain JR networks and gates.
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Which to choose
For most international visitors the paper pass is still the safest pick because it works at every JR gate nationwide and is easy to refund. The mobile pass shines if you stay on one JR region and want to reserve seats from your phone.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common questions.
Can I use a mobile JR Pass at every gate?
Not yet. Coverage is expanding, but the paper pass remains universal.
Is the price different?
Pricing is similar. Compare total cost including any shipping or fees at checkout.
Which is easier for first time visitors?
The paper voucher is the simpler choice for a first trip.
Related articles
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