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college student visa and japan rail pass

peter
peter
about 12 years ago
2 responses

I will be studying at a university in Machida for 4 months starting in April. I would like to purchase a JRpass but I am not sure when I would like to use it in that time period. I am not sure if Japan has a spring break like we do in the United States, or if I will have a long weekend. My question is do I have to pick up the JRpass as soon as I arrive in Japan or can I wait until I know when I will have an extended amount of time off of school?

avatar
mari
1950 posts
about 12 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

The Japan Rail Pass has a 3 month validity period from the date of issue. During that time you can activate it anytime, and use it for travel across Japan. This should give you the flexibility you need. In addition to this we can also dispatch to Japan, so if you think you'll be using the rail pass in your last 3 months, we can send your rail pass to your place of residence while you are out there.

One thing to check however is your visa status while in Japan. The Japan Rail Pass can only be used by visitors to Japan who arrive under a 'temporary visitor' visa. I notice you're going to be in Japan for 4 months. This is 1 month more than normally provided for the 'temporary visitor' duration of 90 days. Before you purchase a Japan Rail Pass please make sure that your visa status allows you to use one. You can find more information on the visa required here: http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en002.html

Hope this helps!

peter
peter
2 posts
about 12 years ago

thank you for the quick reply. My visa status will be "college student", not "temporary visitor". I am glad I asked before I purchased. Very helpful.


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