There are two types of JAPAN RAIL PASS: Green (for superior-class Green cars), and Ordinary.  Each of these types is available as a 7-day, 14-day, or 21-day PASS.

The above are yen (or ) prices for a JAPAN RAIL PASS Exchange Order; the actual cost in local currency is calculated at the time the Exchange Order is issued. Note that the purchase exchange rate may differ from the exchange rate in effect when you actually visit Japan.

The local currency price, applicable exchange rate, and issue date for an Exchange Order are specified on the Exchange Order itself. PASS prices for children apply from age 6 to and including age 11. Prices are subject to change. 

JAPAN RAIL PASS validity

1.  Transportation services

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is valid for the railways, buses, and ferry boats shown below.

 

Railways:	All JR Group Railways--Shinkansen "bullet trains" (except any reserved or nonreserved seat on "NOZOMI" trains), limited express trains, express trains, and rapid or local trains. (With some exceptions)
Buses:	JR Bus Companies: Local lines of JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokai Bus, West Japan JR Bus , Chugoku JR Bus, and JR Kyushu Bus. JR Bus Divisions: Local bus lines of JR Shikoku. JR Highway Bus Lines: Sapporo-Otaru;  Morioka-Hirosaki/Aomori/Towadako; Tokyo-Shizuoka/Hamamatsu/Okazaki/ Toyota/Nagoya/Kyoto/Osaka/Tsukuba Center; Nagoya-Kyoto/Osaka; Osaka-Tsuyama/Kasai Flower Center (Not accepted on some lines)
Ferry:	JR Ferry (Miyajima - Miyajimaguchi), except "Beetle2" (Hakata - Pusan)
Important notes: The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or nonreserved, on "NOZOMI" trains on the Tokaido and San'yo Shinkansen lines. If you use a "NOZOMI," you must pay the basic fare and the limited express charge, and if in a Green Car, the Green Car charge. Passengers using train on non-JR lines* must pay respective fares and charges applicable to sections traveled on such lines.

2.  Train accommodations

	All JR trains have Ordinary Cars (coach class) while many long-distance trains also offer Green Cars (superior class). With a Green-type JAPAN RAIL PASS you can use either class, while with an Ordinary-type JAPAN RAIL PASS you can use only Ordinary Cars without paying an additional charge. Refer to the table below for details.
	The cars with can be used with JAPAN RAIL PASS.
	Use of the cars with requires paying additional charges.

 

Trains	Accomodations	Green	Ordinary
Shinkansen (except any reserved or nonreserved seat on "NOZOMI" trains.)	Green car
	Ordinary car
	Green private compartment
	Ordinary private compartment
Limited express and ordinary express	Green car
	Ordinary car
	Green private compartment
	Ordinary private compartment
	Sleeping car
Local and rapid trains	Green car
	Ordinary car
Remarks: Green private compartments are on certain limited express trains, such as "NARITA EXPRESS" and "Super-view Odoriko." Use of "Home Liner" and other "liner" trains requires an additional charge.

3.  Validity period

	The validity period of a JAPAN RAIL PASS is the consecutive 7, 14, or 21 days beginning on the date the PASS is first used.
	Within three months from the date the Exchange Order was issued, you must turn in your Exchange Order to obtain your JAPAN RAIL PASS. At that time, you have to specify the date that you want to start using the PASS. It can be any date within one month from the date the PASS is received.
	Once the PASS has a starting date written on it, the date cannot be changed.

How to turn in an exchange order to receive a JAPAN RAIL PASS

 

	You cannot use an Exchange Order when you travel on JR lines. Turn in your Exchange Order and obtain your JAPAN RAIL PASS at one of the JAPAN RAIL PASS exchange offices shown on the pages to the right. (Please note the office hours and closing days.)
	Your Exchange Order must be turned in for a JAPAN RAIL PASS within three months of the date the Order was issued.
	At the time of the exchange you will be asked to fill in a short application form and to show your passport with the Temporary Visitor stamp that you received on entry into Japan. You must show your passport and this visa stamp to process the Rail Pass Exchange Order.
	The type of PASS described on the Exchange Order cannot be changed.