Who can buy the Japan Rail Pass?- a guide to checking eligibility for the JR Pass!

Essentially, the Japan Rail Pass is able to be purchased by the following demographics:

• Foreign visitors to Japan on a tourist visa
• Japanese Nationals who have resided outside of Japan for at least 10 years

We'll go into more detail about the technicalities of these qualifications more in this article!

Eligibility for the Japan Rail National Pass 

The National Japan Rail Pass is the most popular and encompassing pass option, as it covers a vast majority of JR-operated public transportation throughout the Japanese archipelago. This pass in available in multiple iterations, being the Ordinary Pass and Green Pass (which grants access to the 1st-class Green Car), and each available for 7-days, 14-days, and 21-days.

• Eligibility for Japanese Nationals

This also applies to Japanese nationals who reside overseas. Essentially, anyone with a Japanese Passport, unfortunately, CANNOT purchase or use a Japan Rail Pass. However, this is one exception to this rule: Japanese Nationals who have been permanently living outside of Japan (永住権) and have done so for at least 10 years are eligible to purchase and use the Japan Rail Pass. 

But do note that those who fall under these conditions are required to display adequate documentation to prove such. Additionally, thoe who fall under these conditions cannot purchase the pass on our website, and will need to visit our boutique with the right documents to purchase. 

Per the Immigration Control Act, those with both a Japanese passport and a non-Japanese passport are required to enter Japan with the Japanese passport. Those with dual nationality must present proof of residency. 

National Japan Rail Children’s Pass

There exists a version of the National Japan Rail Pass that operates like the one mentioned above, but specifically for children and comes in at a more discounted price. This version of the pass is available for use by children between the ages of 6 years and 11 years old. 

For those 5 years old and under, access to public transportation in Japan is actually free of charge, however, if a child under 5 years of age is without a pass, they only have access to non-reserved seats. If travelers wish to be able to reserve seats for their children under 5, they will need to purchase a Children’s Japan Rail Pass for them. 

Japan Rail Regional Pass Eligibility

Alongside the National Japan Rail Pass, there are special travel passes that provide coverage of public transportation within a specific region of Japan. 

Many of these passes fall under the same eligibility criteria as the National Pass; non-resident, foreign visitors with tourist visas. 

However, as previously stated, there are a number of these regional passes that ARE available to a group that typically cannot purchase rail passes: foreign residents of Japan who are in the country with long-term visas. 

At the moment, this offer is available with two different regional passes: the Nagano & Niigata Area Pass that covers parts of central and northern Japan, and the East Tohoku Pass, which covers the entirety of the Tohoku Region that exists  in northern Honshu, between central Japan and Hokkaido. 

There have been times where other passes have been available to non-Japanese Passport holders of any visa type and such offers have since expired, but that means other pass types may become available sometime in the future. It will be good to keep track of news regarding such availability if you are a foreign resident of Japan who wishes to travel within the country. 

Knowing if you qualify for a Japan Rail Pass

While the Japan Rail Pass is undoubtedly a great thing to have for you next trip to Japan, knowing whether or not you are eligible to purchase one is the first step. Here is a general table to knowing if you are eligible for each type of rail pass:

Be sure to take advantage of the great benefits these passes offer if you qualify for their purchase, especially while they are still available at the current, more affordable pricing!