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e123
e123
over 8 years ago
2 responses

Hi!
I am planning a trip to Japan in end of the year. I arrive December 20th in Tokyo and will stay until January 6th. I will travel back and forth to Nagano (dec 21 and 29), one day around Tokyo (Dec 30) and back and forth to Shin Aomori (Jan 1 and 5). Since I have more than 14 days (and the most expensive trips are in the end of the holiday) I don't want to ge the JR rail pass when I arrive in Tokyo. Instead I like to buy the pass Dec 29th in Nagano but I am a little worried about the accessibility that day due to the ticket office might have holiday that day? Is it correct that I cannot buy the pass when I arrive in Tokyo but activate it the 29th? Is will be activated the same day I buy it? Do you have any suggestions about how to do this the most smooth way? :)

Thanks for helping clarify this to me!
/E

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

Ticket offices are open every day of the year, so no worries there.

Do keep in mind that you will have to purchase the JR Pass outside of Japan and you don't have to activate it right away once you arrive.

Hope this helps!
Daniel

e123
e123
2 posts
over 8 years ago

Thank you for your reply! I am a little confused about purchasing in Japan though.. According to http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass/index.html#category04 it seems to be ok to buy the pass in Japan? I quote:
How to purchase:

...Purchasing in Japan

Show your passport at a location where the JR EAST PASS is sold. You will receive a pass after confirmation of eligibility.
Note:
When purchasing, it is necessary to present your passport and return flight ticket etc. (including "e-ticket customer coupons").
While visiting in Japan, each visitor may have one JR EAST PASS at a time. (A new pass may not be purchased if another one is still in use.)..."

Do you know if this information is still accurate?

And! Is activation the same as exchanging the pass?
/E

avatar
Daniel-san
18835 posts
over 8 years ago
Expert

Hi E,

Yes, the JR East pass can be purchased in Japan. However the JR Pass that is valid nationwide can only be purchased outside of Japan.

You can select at first day of use when you purchase it.


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