Japan Rail Passes
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| Japan Rail Map Click to enlarge |
Probably the best way to get around Japan is by rail. The elaborate tapestry of tracks weave across the country making even the most remote towns accessible. Famous for its on-time precision, the bullet train, or as the Japanese call it the Shinkansen, offers travellers the most convenient and economical mode of traversing the land of the rising sun.
About Japan Rail pass
JAPAN RAIL PASS is a joint offering of the six companies comprising the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). While the network of routes is quite expansive and does include some ferry services as well, the notable exceptions are the NOZOMI and MIZUHO trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines.
Further, the pass can only be sold to international tourists prior to arrival in Japan and cannot be purchased once in Japan.
Types of Rail Pass
There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASSES:
GREEN PASS - allows you to travel in Green cars that are equivalent to first class on all Shinkansens. It gives access to a large seat that can recline 40°, a footrest, and more space between the seats (an enjoyable feature when you want to stretch out your legs after a long day of visiting), an integrated radio set and a travel magazine. There is also overhead space for a small piece of luggage.
ORDINARY PASS - This pass allows travel in economy class carriages of the train. It gives a great value for the money and works well for travel to remote areas where trains don’t have Green coaches.
Each of these are available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day duration. Japan Rail Pass holders can make seat reservations for JR trains free of cost.
Pricing
Pricing for a JAPAN RAIL PASS are fixed by Japan Rail; the actual cost in local currency is calculated based on the banker’s selling rate (BSR) on a weekly basis and will be fixed at the time the exchange order for the pass is issued. Exchange rates can fluctuate so note that the rate of exchange at the time of purchase may differ from that on the date of arrival in Japan.

Children, ages 6 to 11 as of the date on which the exchange order is issued, are eligible for a child rates.
Ask our Asia specialists about adding the Japan Rail pass to your customized Japanese experience.
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