To purchase and use the JAPAN RAIL PASS as a foreign national, you must meet strict immigration criteria set by the Japanese government. Please ensure you satisfy the following conditions before your trip.
You must be a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sightseeing purposes under the entry status of "Temporary Visitor."
If you use an automated facial recognition gate at the airport, you will not receive a stamp automatically. You must approach an immigration officer immediately after passing the gate to request a manual "Temporary Visitor" stamp. JR staff cannot issue the pass without this physical proof in your passport.
You must present your original physical passport at the JR Exchange Office in Japan. Photocopies or digital images are not accepted for the exchange process.