Tips for Using the JR Pass
(Updated in Sep 2019) The JR nationwide pass is a very cost effective transport pass for foreigners to travel around Japan, especially for those making multiple/long trips on the Shinkansen (bullet train). Below are some tips for travelers who already plan to get JR pass for their Japan trip. 1. Where best to exchange for the JR pass The JR pass has to be purchased outside of Japan. However, what you are given is not the pass itself, but an exchange order for you to exchange for the pass upon reaching Japan. (From now until March 2020 (may be extended again), it is possible to buy the pass itself at designated stations in Japan at a higher price.) The major airports have ticket offices to do the exchange, however queues can be quite long and opening hours are limited. For those who do not need to use it on the first day, or arrive in Japan too early/late, the exchange can be done at other train stations which are also convenient. In fact, some of them have much lon...