When can I buy a Japan Rail Pass?
Shinkansen docked at Shin-Osaka terminal
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The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is one of the most economical ways to travel by train throughout Japan. It gives access to Shinkansen high-speed trains, JR regional lines and some local transport.
But one question often comes up: when should you buy your JR Pass? Here's everything you need to know.
1. Should I buy my Japan Rail Pass before departure?
Since October 2023, the Japan Rail Pass is no longer available for purchase in Japan. So it's essential to purchase it before you depart for the country.
However, it is often cheaper to buy it outside the country, as its price can vary according to the yen exchange rate, which fluctuates daily.
Buying it in advance allows you to properly organize your itinerary, so preparing your trip well and buying at the right time is essential.
So buy your JR Pass in advance!
2. When should you buy your Japan Rail Pass?
Buy your Japan Rail Pass no more than 3 months before you leave for Japan, as you must exchange it in Japan within 3 months of purchase. Once exchanged, you have a maximum of 30 days to activate it.
The best time to buy your Japan Rail Pass is between 1 and 3 months before your trip, for several reasons:
Best price: Buying online is often cheaper than buying on the spot.
Receive your voucher on time: The pass is issued in the form of a voucher, to be presented in Japan to obtain the physical pass.
Flexibility: You can choose the activation date once you're in Japan, and you have up to 30 days to redeem it.
Avoid queues on arrival in Japan.
Shinkansen passing Mount Fuji
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When exactly?
- Ideally 3 weeks before the trip to anticipate delivery times. If you live in or near Paris, you can come to the Japan Experience boutique. Other locations, we will send you your voucher by mail.
Once purchased, the voucher must be exchanged within 3 months in Japan.
Don't buy it too early to avoid it expiring before your arrival!
Example:
If you buy your pass on April 1, you must exchange it before June 30.
JR ATM in Kagoshima
©Unsplash
3. Redeeming and activating your Japan Rail Pass
When you buy a Japan Rail Pass, you need to fill in certain information (name, nationality, date of arrival, duration and planned activation date).
When you order via Japan Experience, you will receive an exchange voucher, not the JR Pass itself. This voucher must be redeemed at a JR office in Japan (often called"midori no madoguchi") within 3 months.
The pass is available for 7, 14 or 21 days.Activation begins on the date chosen at the time of exchange, triggering the validity period.
Useful tips for the Japan Rail Pass
- Use Jorudan: one of the most reliable websites and applications for finding routes, fares and journey times.
- Opt for All Circumstances Cancellation Insurance: Benefit from a local helpline for any questions you may have about your pass, and enjoy a guaranteed refund in the event of cancellation.
- Travel eco-responsibly with Japan Experience Carbon-free Project: Contribute to ecological initiatives, such as reforestation in Nagano and coral preservation in Okinawa, by adding this option to your order.
Buy a JRP Wallet, so you can travel with your JR Pass safely in your pocket, in a pretty little protective wallet that will be a nice souvenir when you get home!
