Ruth Haines
The Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass, is a popular option for tourists in Japan, offering convenience and savings for train travel across the country. While you can't buy the pass at Narita or Haneda Airport, it can be activated at both airports for immediate use. From October 1, 2023, the JR Pass can only be purchased online, with the option to reserve seats and make cancellations as needed. After purchasing, travellers receive a reservation code or number via email, which can then be used to pick up the pass at a JR office or booth, commonly found at major stations in Japan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to buy the JR Pass | The JR Pass can be purchased online through the official JR Pass website. |
| How to buy the JR Pass | You can buy and reserve your seats online. You will receive an email with your reservation, which you can then use to collect your JR Pass from a JR Office at one of the stations. |
| Activating the JR Pass | The JR Pass can be activated at the JR East Travel Service Centre at Narita Airport or at the Tourist Information Centre at Haneda Airport Terminal 2. |
| Documents required for activation | You will need your passport and exchange voucher to activate the JR Pass. |
| Activation timings | The JR Pass can be exchanged at Narita Airport between 6:30 and 21:45. At Haneda Airport, the activation timings are between 6:00 and 23:00. |
| Using the JR Pass | Once activated, the JR Pass can be used right away. It can be used on the Narita Express train at Narita Airport or to travel to almost anywhere in Japan from Tokyo Station via the JR Network at Haneda Airport. |
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What You'll Learn
Buying the JR Pass online
As of 1 October 2023, the JR Pass can only be purchased online. You can order it online and then collect it from an Exchange Office when you arrive in Japan. The Exchange Office is located at any major JR station in the country.
When ordering the JR Pass, you can choose to have your exchange order delivered to the address of your choice. The exact delivery time will depend on your location. For instance, if you live in the US, UK, Canada, or Europe, you will likely receive your order within 48 hours. If you live in an isolated area of a large country, such as parts of Australia and Brazil, it may take up to 96 hours or 4 business days.
After receiving your exchange order, you can then swap it for your JR Pass at a JR Exchange Office. You will need your passport and exchange voucher to activate your pass. The JR Pass can be exchanged between 6:30 and 21:45.
It is worth noting that the JR Pass does not have to be activated right away at the airport. If you plan to use it at a later date, you can exchange it at any other exchange point.
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Activating the pass at Narita Airport
Activating the JR Pass at Narita Airport is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the activation process:
Clearing Immigration and Reaching the Station Floor
After disembarking from your flight, proceed to the immigration line and clear customs and immigration. Collect your luggage and make your way to the arrivals hall. From there, head towards the sign for "International Arrivals A". Keep in mind that you need to go downstairs before reaching it. To reach the station floor, look for the sign that says "Train" and take the escalator down to floor B1, which is the lower level of the airport.
Locating the JR East Travel Service Center
Once you arrive at the station floor, look for the JR East Travel Service Center, which is the point of exchange for the JR Pass. It is located near the train station, and you will see a green sign on the roof that says "JR" pointing towards the left—follow that sign to reach the travel service center.
Documents Required for Activation
To activate your JR Pass, you will need to present your passport along with your exchange voucher or order. Ensure that you have these documents readily available. You will also need to fill out a form with your name, passport number, and the desired activation date of your JR Pass.
Completing the Activation Process
When it is your turn, a JR representative will call you to the desk. They will exchange your JR Pass voucher for the official Japan Rail Pass. You can choose an activation date up to 30 days in advance if you do not plan to use the pass immediately. The activation process typically takes about ten minutes, and once activated, your JR Pass can be used right away.
Using the Narita Express
If you plan to use the Narita Express, remember that a seat reservation is required. Make your reservation at the JR East Travel Service Center after receiving your rail pass. The Narita Express to Tokyo is included in your Japan Rail Pass, and you can use it to travel with the fastest train alternative from the airport.
Please note that Narita Airport can be very busy, and you may find it more convenient to exchange your JR Pass at a later time or at another exchange point if you don't need to use it immediately. The JR Pass does not have to be activated right away, and you can always buy individual tickets until you need to use the pass.
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Activating the pass at Haneda Airport
As of 1 October 2023, the Japan Rail Pass can only be purchased online and is no longer available for purchase at train stations or airports in Japan. However, you can still activate your JR Pass at Haneda Airport.
To activate your JR Pass at Haneda Airport, you can go to the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) at Terminal 2 between 6:00 and 13:30 or 6:00 and 23:00, depending on the source. Alternatively, you can activate your pass at the JR East Travel Service Centre at Terminal 3 between 6:45 and 20:00. The JR East concierge office, where you can buy the pass, usually opens at 6:45 am but may open at 8 am during COVID restrictions.
To get to Terminal 2, you can take the Tokyo Monorail from Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho station, the last stop on the Monorail. Then, transfer to the JR Yamanote line to Tokyo station, just three stops or six minutes away. From Tokyo station, you can travel to almost anywhere in Japan using the JR Network.
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JR Pass exchange points
The JR Pass can be exchanged at designated major JR stations across Japan, including Narita Airport and Kansai Airport. Narita Airport is the international airport for Tokyo and the Kanto area. The JR Pass exchange point at Narita Airport is the JR East Travel Service Centre, located on the station floor (B1 floor) of the airport. The exchange hours at Narita Airport are between 6:30 and 21:45. To exchange your voucher for the JR Pass, you will need your passport and the exchange voucher.
It is important to note that the JR Pass does not have to be activated right away at Narita Airport. If you plan to use it at a later date, you can exchange it at any other JR exchange point. After exchanging the voucher for the JR Pass, you can make seat reservations for free at ticket machines or ticket offices across Japan. You can also make online seat reservations if you purchased your pass through the official website.
When exchanging your voucher for the JR Pass, you can select any date within a one-month period as your starting date. However, once the JR Pass is issued, the starting date cannot be changed.
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JR Pass prices
The JR Pass, also known as the Japan Rail Pass, can be purchased online and offers unlimited train travel in Japan for 7, 14, or 21 days in economy and first class. The JR Pass can be activated at Narita Airport, which is the international airport for Tokyo and the Kanto area. The pass can be exchanged at the JR East Travel Service centre on the station floor (B1) of the airport. The pass can be exchanged between 6:30 and 21:45, and it is valid for use on the Narita Express.
The JR Pass prices are subject to change. The child's pass is available for children aged 6 to 11 and costs half the price of an adult pass. Children under 5 can use the JR transport system without a pass, but they are not allowed to occupy a seat unless there are empty seats available.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can't buy the JR Pass at the airport. From October 1, 2023, you can only purchase the JR Pass online. However, you can activate your pass at the airport.
You can activate your JR Pass at the JR East Travel Service center on the station floor (B1) of Narita Airport.
The JR Pass can be exchanged at Narita Airport between 6:30 and 21:45.
No, if you plan to start using it later, you can exchange your JR Pass at any other exchange point.
Yes, the JR Pass can be activated at the Tourist Information Center at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 between 6:00 and 23:00.
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