Japan Rail Pass
Travelling by train is an excellent option for tourists making their way around Japan. Efficient, safe, clean and comfortable, trains in Japan run almost anywhere via the extensive rail network that spreads across the country. Whether visitors are being whisked through the countryside on sleek Shinkansen bullet trains or winding their way through mountain valleys aboard scenic railways, they can expect train service to be punctual, frequent, and dependable.
THE JAPAN RAIL PASS
The JAPAN RAIL PASS (JR Pass) offers overseas travellers excellent value and convenience, allowing the passholder unlimited travel on almost* all JR lines as well as many JR buses and ferries and is valid for all regions of Japan. The Japan Rail Pass is available for 7, 14, and 21-day periods.
The JR Pass can be purchased until December 31, 2025 from the select overseas sales offices, as well as online through their dedicated website.
*In order to use superexpress service bullet trains, called Nozomi and Mizuho, an additional ticket is required.
**JR Passes are only available to short-term tourists visiting Japan.
For more information about the JR Pass such as types and eligibility, please check out https://japanrailpass.net/en/.
Where to purchase a JR Pass Exchange Order in Canada
The Japan Rail Pass can be purchased outside of Japan in advance.
It is necessary to purchase an Exchange Order before your departure. After entering Japan, you will have to obtain your JR Pass by submiting your Exchange Order at a JR office or designated Rail Station. In Canada, you can purchase a JR Pass Exchange Order by contacting your travel agent, or one of the following travel agents or tour operators.
Click here for details, or refer to table below:
Authorized Sales Outlets for the JR Pass Exchange Order in Canada
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 listed here. (Please note the service hours and holidays.)
For more information on the JAPAN RAIL PASS, visit https://japanrailpass.net/en/.
Seat Reservations
If you have purchased a Japan Rail Pass directly from their official website (https://japanrailpass.net/en/), you can book a reserved seat in advance via their dedicated portal. Please click here for more information on how to reserve seats.
When booking via a third-party authhoprized sales outlet, reservations cannot be made until the Exchange Order has been traded in for the Japan Rail Pass-proper, at one of the eligible offices in Japan.
Transportation Search Websites
Resources such as Navitime and Hyper Dia are very useful transportation websites, which enable you to search transportation schedules, routes, and fares, and have features to refine routes according to rail pass eligibility.
