Should I get JR pass (itinerary included)?

Hi Tim,

Your plan is a perfect example for using a 7 day JR Pass :) The cost of a return ticket Tokyo Kyoto is about the same as a normal return ticket using the Shinkansen. Now you get 7 days of unlimited travel for the same price. Be sure to use it from day 3-9.

You can activate the JR Pass at most major stations in Tokyo, a full list is here:
http://jrpass.com/blogs/where-to-exchange-the-japan-rail-pass

Kind regards,
Daniel

Thank you Daniel. I am still a little confused about the timing of the activation. Say if I ordered my JR pass now in the US, then receive an Exchange Order. Should I go to one of these stations you listed above on day 1 and exchange this EO for a real ticket or wait until the 3rd day (our first day to use the Shinkansen) to do it?

I guess my question is really at which event triggers/activates the JR pass.

Thank you,

Tim

Hi Tim,

Once you place an order, we will then send you an exchange order (XO) for the JR Pass.

Once you are in Japan, bring the exchange order and your passport to one of these stations and the staff will activate your JR Pass. At this point you can also select a first day of travel. This can be the same day or any later day within a 30 day period. Your pass is then valid starting from the date on selected.

You could for instance also activate the pass on your first day in Japan but start using it on the 3rd.

Kind regards,
Daniel