Where to buy your JR Pass? What is the official Japan Rail Pass website?

The Japan Rail Pass, as its name implies, is a national rail pass giving you unlimited access to Japan’s train network. More precisely, it allows you to ride on train lines operated by Japan Railway (JR), the country’s main rail company. 

The JR Pass comes in different durations: 7, 14 or 21 days. It also comes in different classes: Ordinary (2nd class) and Green (1st class). Often the best solution for travelers to get across Japan by train, it can also be a source of questions when preparing your trip to Japan. Most notably, one question arises: where to buy your JR Pass? Between JR’s website and the many online official sellers, it can be confusing.

How can you buy the JR Pass? 

Since late 2023, it is no longer possible to purchase a JR Pass onsite in Japan: the only way to do so is online. You can buy your JR Pass online on Japan Railway's website, or online through official third-party sellers. 

How to decide where to buy the JR Pass online? 

When deciding on what website to purchase your JR Pass on, here are some elements to consider: 

• Official JR Pass seller status
• Desired JR Pass usage dates
• Website local language
• Purchase currency
• Dedicated customer service & onsite assistance
• User-friendly purchase experience
• Shipping options

On a first look, Japan Railway’s website may seem like the obvious answer. However, official third-party JR Pass sellers will often offer better customer service and assistance options, as well as a more user-friendly experience, adding reassurance to your purchase. You also benefit from much more flexible dates to buy your JR Pass. You can check which sellers are approved by Japan Railway here - including Japan Experience. 

As an example, JR’s website only offers purchases in Yen, while most online sellers allow you to pick your local currency. Buying in Yen means having to add a conversion fee from your bank to the price of the JR Pass. 

Also, JR's website is in maintenance mode daily from 11:30pm to 4am (Japan time). Depending on your location in the world, it can be during a large chunk of the day that JR’s website is not accessible to buy a JR Pass and follow up on your order. 

Once you purchase your JR Pass online, you receive a voucher to exchange for the actual pass in Japan. When purchasing on Japan Railway's website, you only have 30 days to pick it up in Japan. With third-party sellers, such as Japan Experience, you benefit from up to 90 days to pick up your JR Pass in Japan. This offers you more flexibility to anticipate buying your JR Pass ahead of your travel dates.

Official online sellers also offer more diverse and practical shipping options. At Japan Experience, we give you the following choices to receive your JR Pass order:

• In Europe, you can pick it up directly at our physical stores in France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany and Italy.

• You can receive your JR Pass order at your address of choice. 

• You can pick up your JR Pass at the airport in Japan. 

• You can receive your JR Pass at your hotel of choice in Japan. 

Why should you buy your JR Pass with Japan Experience?

Here are a few reasons why you should book your JR Pass with Japan Experience: 

1. Japan Experience is an official seller approved by JR.
2. Japan Experience is a long-term official JR partner, and one of the 3 officially licensed worldwide sellers of all JR transportation products (JR Pass, regional rail passes, train tickets).
3. We also offer other transportation lines in Japan, meaning you can purchase your tickets for lines JR doesn’t cover with Japan Experience too (Odakyu’s Hakone Free Pass in Hakone, Kintetsu Rail Pass, Keihan lines in Kansai…)
4. We are dedicated to Japan travel and have been helping visitors to Japan for over 40 years.
5. We offer unique 7/7 assistance and customer service with your JR Pass order thanks to our onsite teams in Japan and across Europe, most notably our “Any Reason Cancellation Insurance”.
6. We offer secure and flexible online payment options, such as PayPal, with no hidden fees.
7. We offer free airport pick-up for your JR Pass order in Japan.
8. We also offer many other Japan travel products, such as accommodation rentals, excursions, activities, SIM cards and Pocket Wi-Fi… Meaning you can buy all your travel needs in one place!

While many online sellers exist, it’s always best to compare the pros and cons of each website. 

JR’s website may seem like the easy answer, however it comes with its own shortcomings, most importantly in terms of customer service and usage date flexibility.

Buying your JR Pass on a third-party website can be intimidating, but you can trust JR-approved sites such as Japan Experience. Make sure your website of choice appears on the list of trusted overseas dealers.