JRPass

To get your hands on a Japan Rail Pass all you need is a valid ‘Temporary Visitor’ entry status stamped in your passport. If you are going to Japan for a holiday or for sight-seeing you will automatically receive this at airport Immigration.

Unluckily for foreigners entering Japan for work or study, you’re not eligible for the JRPass and will have to cough up the bucks (or should I say yen) for your journeys on JR routes.

Taking a chance

If you’re thinking about trying your luck I’m afraid you’re heading for disappointment! Japan plays by the rules and you need to show your ‘Temporary Visitor’ stamp to personnel when handing in your Exchange Order. Other statuses not allowed are: Trainee, Entertainer, or Re-entry Permit.

Japanese Nationals

The Japan Rail Pass is not available for residents inside Japan, however Japanese nationals living overseas are eligible if:

• you are qualified to permanently live in that country
• you are married to a non-Japanese residing permanently in that country

If you qualify for either points you must show the relating documents at the point of purchase of an Exchange Order.