With a JAPAN RAIL PASS, you can go through the automatic ticket gates. Many JR stations have automatic ticket gates. When going through the gate, insert the JAPAN RAIL PASS into the slot. After passing through the gate, do not forget to pick up the PASS after it comes out on the other side.

As of 2026, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is a magnetic-strip ticket that is designed to be used directly in the automatic ticket gates. To enter the station, you simply insert your pass into the ticket slot at the gate; it will pop out on the other side, and the doors will open. It is critical to remember to retrieve your pass as you walk through. You follow the same process when exiting your destination station. If you have a separate reserved-seat ticket, you generally do not need to insert it into the gate; only the main JR Pass is required for entry and exit. If you encounter an older gate or a station that doesn't accept the magnetic pass, you can still present your pass to an attendant at the manned ticket window (the far-left or far-right lane). Always carry your passport with you while using the pass, as conductors or station staff may ask to verify your identity to ensure the pass is being used by the registered owner.