activation
Kyoto station is the gateway to Kyoto and the rest of the Kansai area. Activating your JR Pass here can be confusing so here is a handy guide.
mobile, apps, ios, android
Whether you are a new or frequent traveller in Japan, here are some of the most essential apps to help you make the most of your Japan Rail Pass.
ski
Fancy some snow? Use the JR Pass to visit the ski resort of Gala Yuzawa. 1.5hrs by bullet from Tokyo, Gala Yuzawa also has full gear rental service!
lost property
Losing things on the train is never fun. Luckily Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, and JR has many lost and found offices to try.
sakura, kyushu
From 12th March 2011, the Japan Rail Pass is valid on the new Sakura Shinkansen, whisking you from Osaka-Kagoshima in just over 4 hours!
hayabusa, tohoku
From March 2011, the Japan Rail Pass can be used on the new JR East Hayabusa service which takes you from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori in just over 3 hours!
west coast
Venture off the beaten track to the west coast of Japan. Access the Japan Alps, Noto-hantō and Kanazawa with the JR Thunderbird.
mobile, internet
These days we've got to be connected at all times. From maps to translations services, having mobile internet in Japan is essential. We tell you how.
buying online
From passenger names to your d.o.b and intended date of use, we take you through a step by step guide to ordering online with us.
delivery
Some of you have enquired about having a Japan Rail Pass sent to you overseas and the estimated delivery time. We can do it! Here's the lowdown...
timing
Recently you've asked us about taking breaks between days once your JR Pass is activated, click here to see what the JR Pass rules are...
tickets, children
We've contacted Japan Rail and found out useful information that'll come in handy if you're planning on travelling around Japan with young children.
luxury
Find out what the difference is between Standard and Green Car travel, during peak season you may wish to invest to ensure travelling in comfort.
video, tickets
In addition to the JR network, Japan has lots of smaller privately owned lines where you will need to purchase tickets, find out how here.
sleeper train
Recently we received an email asking about Japan Rail Pass validity on Sleeper Trains, and the opportunities for pre-booking. We tell you more here...
Why do I purchase an Exchange Order and not a 'Japan Rail Pass', and how long do I have to validate it?
bags
Once you’ve activated your Japan Rail Pass and boarded your first Shinkansen Bullet Train, you’ll need somewhere to stow your luggage. More info...
bus
Your Japan Rail Pass not only covers travel on the Bullet Train, but on JR buses too. Find out how to use the bus system with our without a pass here.
reservations, boarding
Usually you'll find plenty of empty seats on the Bullet Train, but if you're looking into reserving seats here's what you need to know.
video, planning
Discover how to use the Hyperdia online timetable to calculate train timetables and understand if a Japan Rail Pass is the best choice for you.
tokyo, subway
Now that's a busy map! Actually, understanding the Tokyo Metro map is easier than you'd expect, we tell you how to decipher it here...
pasmo&suica, tokyo
Around the big cities a prepaid travelcard could help you save money on your travel (and make things a whole lot simpler!) Here are your choices...
stations, food
The amazing station bento, or 'ekiben', is the stuff of travellers dreams, don't you dare ride a train without buying one!
visa
Who is eligible for a Japan Rail Pass? Are you a tourist, entertainer, student or apprentice? We have all the info you need right here.
With an itinerary fit to burst, what should you do with your luggage if you’re hopping from place to place? Station lockers may be your answer...
facebook, twitter
OMG, we're on Facebook and Twitter, find us and we can be BFF's!
date system
Read this if you don't want to feel a wave of panic every time you read your Japan Rail Pass expiry date!
narita, nex
Landing at Narita you can activate your Japan Rail Pass and hop on the N'EX to Tokyo immediately and for free! Click here for more info.
language
Japan isn't as incomprehensible as some would let you believe, all the major cities have signs in English, with a bit of concentration travel is easy!
multi-ticket
You're not restricted to buying just 1 Japan Rail Pass per person, there's no limit and you can mix and match to suit your needs. Find out more here.
