How far in advance should I book JR Rail Pass?


How far in advance should I book JR Rail Pass? We recommend that you book your JR Pass from Klook at least 2 weeks before your trip to Japan. This allows enough wiggle room in the validity period of your Exchange Order. You can't purchase your JR Pass more than 3 months before your trip, as it's past the validity period of your Exchange Order.


Can I buy JR Pass in Japan 2023?

The JR Pass will be available for purchase in Japan until October 1, 2023. The period will not be extended beyond this date.


Do JR passes run out?

The validity of a 7, 14 or 21 day JR Pass is based on calendar days (midnight to midnight), rather than 24 hour periods. For example, if you start using your pass at 2pm on day 1, it will expire at 11.59pm on day 7, rather than 2pm on day 8.


When can I activate my JR Pass?

After you receive the Exchange Order, you have 90 days to redeem your JR pass from the voucher confirmation date. After redeeming your actual JR pass, you can choose an activation date within 30 days from the redemption date. Please request staff assistance at JR Pass offices to set your pass activation date.


Is it advisable to buy JR Pass in Japan?

If you are traveling to multiple cities in Japan and plan on using the bullet train (Shinkansen) or other long-distance trains (local, express or limited-express trains), then the JR Pass can be a cost-effective option.


Should i get JR Pass 2023?

As of April 14th, JR has announced that the price of the Japan rail pass will increase by 70% in October 2023. . If you're planning to travel to Japan between October and December 2023, it's a good idea to purchase your JR Pass before the prices go up.


What trains can you not take with JR Pass?

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is not valid for any seats, reserved or non-reserved, on “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” trains on the Tokaido, Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines. (The pass holders must take “HIKARI,” “SAKURA,” “KODAMA,” or “TSUBAME” trains.)


Can you book in advance with JR Pass?

Yes, you can book a seat on a JR train up to a month in advance. This means that if you already have your itinerary mapped out, you can make seat reservations for your entire stay in Japan.


Which is better Suica or JR Pass?

The JR pass is only worth it if you travel through different cities, if you are just travelling to Tokyo to Kyoto for example, I would just pay on the Suica. You can do the online calculator or just use google to calculate which trip is easier - paying individually on Suica or getting a JR Pass.


Should I buy JR Pass before going to Japan?

If you calculate that your travel costs will be lower if you buy individual tickets for each journey, then it's not worth buying a JR Pass. However, if you take into account journeys on Shinkansen high-speed trains or other means of transport, the savings you make become substantial.


Is it cheaper to pre book train tickets or buy on the day?

Advance purchase tickets are cheaper rail fares which are sold prior to the day of travel, and, in some cases on the day of departure.