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Daughter living in Japan. What ticket do I buy for her?

tromney
tromney
about 8 years ago
3 responses

My husband and I will be traveling to Japan to pick up my daughter from her 18 month church mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She has lived in Japan this whole time and I don't know that she qualifies for the Japan Rail pass since technically she lives in Japan? I would like to purchase the green pass for my husband and I but can I buy her a green train pass when I get to Japan? My husband and I will fly into Tokyo and travel to Nagano before picking up our daughter in Nagoya. From Nagoya we will travel to Kyoto and then back to Tokyo.

If I purchase the green pass here can I purchase a green pass for my daughter in Japan?

Thanks!

avatar
Daniel-san
18830 posts
about 8 years ago
Expert

Hi there,

I am afraid that the JR Pass is only for visitors who enter Japan under a tourist visa. I assume your daughter would be in Japan on a different kind of Visa.

For her it would be best to simply buy normal train tickets. You can easily sit together is you reserve tickets together.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

tromney
tromney
3 posts
about 8 years ago

Daniel,

Thank you very much for your response! Can I ask a follow up a few questions for you.

  1. So if I purchase green tickets for my husband and I, will I be able to purchase a green ticket for her independently when we get to Japan.

  2. Are reservations hard to make and how far in advance would I need to make them.

  3. I saw that Japan Rail tickets work for busses too? Are those all local busses in Japan or just select ones and how would i know which is which?

  4. I didn't realize I needed a visa for Japan. (not Japan rail related sorry!). I googled it and was under the impression I didn't. I traveled to China last year and I had to have one so I am a little confused if I need one or not.

Thank You!!!

avatar
Daniel-san
18830 posts
about 8 years ago
Expert

Hello again,

1.) This is no problem, just reserve the tickets together and buy normal tickets for your daughter together. Its easy for the JR Staff to seat you together.

2.) Seat reservations are easy to make and can be done up to 5min before departure (though I would at least 20 min as sometimes there may be queues). I do recommend reserving seats 1-2 days in advance for holidays and weekends, as those days are generally more busy.

3.) There are not a lot of JR buses but local JR buses are covered. They have a huge JR sign on then, so you can't miss them.

4.) You will get a Visa stamped in your passport up on entering Japan, for most countries (including the USA) there is no need to apply for a visa beforehand.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

tromney
tromney
3 posts
about 8 years ago

Daniel,

Thank you for your prompt and wonderful information!!! I am so excited for my upcoming trip to Japan.

Thank you for answering all of my questions!! :)


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