Japan Rail Pass
Can Japanese citizens living abroad purchase and use the Japan Rail Pass?
Yes, Japanese nationals living outside of Japan are eligible, provided they can prove they have resided abroad for at least 10 consecutive years at the time of purchase. You must obtain official documentation BEFORE placing your order. 1. The 10-Year ...
What are the eligibility requirements for foreign passport holders to use the Japan Rail Pass?
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. 1. Entry Status: "Temporary Visitor" You ...
Can I upgrade my JR Pass (e.g., changing from Ordinary to Green Class or increasing the number of days)?
Yes, you can upgrade your Japan Rail Pass by paying the difference in price. This includes changing your seat class (e.g., from Ordinary to Green) or increasing the duration of your pass (e.g., from 7 days to 14 or 21 days). Please note that ...
What should I do if I made a spelling mistake in the name on my JR Pass order?
If you notice a spelling error in the name on your order, please contact JTB Canada immediately. The name on your Exchange Order must match your passport exactly (letter for letter) to be accepted for exchange in Japan. Required Action: Reply to Your ...
Can I use the automatic ticket gates with the Japan Rail Pass?
Yes, the modern Japan Rail Pass is compatible with automatic ticket gates. Since the system update in 2020, the pass is issued as a magnetic ticket (similar in size to a standard train ticket), allowing for much smoother entry and exit at stations. ...
Can I use the email confirmation on my smartphone to board trains in Japan?
No, the email confirmation or digital receipt cannot be used to board any trains or to exchange for a pass in Japan. Physical Voucher Required: You must present the original physical Exchange Order (green paper voucher) that JTB Canada sends to you ...
Can I use a Digital Certificate of Overseas Residence (e-Zairyu Shomei) to buy a JR Pass?
Yes, digital certificates (e-Zairyu Shomeisho) issued online by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs are fully accepted as valid proof of residency for purchasing the JAPAN RAIL PASS at JTB Canada. How the Verification Process Works: Since these ...
Must the 10-year residency be proven with a single document?
Yes, the Japan Railways (JR) Group requires that your 10-year consecutive residency be proven by a single official document (or one set issued as a single certificate). To avoid being denied your JR Pass, please understand the "Single Jurisdiction ...
Can my child under 12 use the JR Pass if they have lived abroad for less than 10 years?
Yes, Japanese children under the age of 12 may qualify for the JR Pass even if they have not lived abroad for a full 10 years, provided they meet specific "family living arrangement" criteria defined by the JR Group. The "Household Member" Exception: ...
I have dual citizenship (Japan and Canada). Which passport should I use for the JR Pass?
If you hold both Japanese and Canadian passports, you must be extremely careful. Please understand that Japanese law generally does not recognize dual citizenship for adults, and there are strict rules regarding entry into Japan. 1. Legal Obligation ...
My name on my PR Card is different from my Passport. How should I apply for the JR Pass?
You must always use the exact name as it appears on your valid Japanese Passport when applying for a JAPAN RAIL PASS. For Japanese nationals living abroad, your residency proof is verified against your passport. Please note the following regarding ...
What are the benefits of purchasing my JR Pass from JTB Canada instead of the official JR website?
While the base price in Japanese Yen is now standardized across all platforms, purchasing your Japan Rail Pass through JTB Canada offers several distinct advantages for travelers based in North America: Fixed Currency (CAD): When you buy from JTB ...
Do I need a specific stamp in my passport to exchange the JR Pass at the airport?
Yes, you MUST have a "Temporary Visitor" stamp or sticker in your passport to be eligible for the Japan Rail Pass. The Issue with Automated Gates: If you use an automated or facial recognition gate at airport immigration (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, ...
Can I use the JR Pass to ride the subway or private railway lines in Tokyo and Osaka?
The Japan Rail Pass is valid ONLY on trains operated by the Japan Railways (JR) Group. It does not cover subways or private (non-JR) railway lines. Not Covered: Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, Osaka Metro, and private lines such as Odakyu, Keio, Kintetsu, ...
What should I do if I lose my JR Pass or it gets stolen?
The Japan Rail Pass (both the Exchange Order and the actual pass) cannot be reissued under any circumstances. This is a strict policy maintained by the Japan Railways (JR) Group. No Exceptions: Whether the pass is lost, stolen, damaged, or left ...
Can I get a refund for my JR Pass after I have already exchanged the voucher in Japan?
No, once an Exchange Order (voucher) has been exchanged for the actual Japan Rail Pass in Japan, it is 100% non-refundable and cannot be changed or canceled. This is a strict policy set by the Japan Railways (JR) Group, and the following rules apply ...
Can JTB Canada process a refund for a JR Pass purchased from another travel agency or website?
No, JTB Canada can only process refunds for Japan Rail Passes that were originally purchased through our own website (www.jtb.ca) or directly from our JTB Canada offices. If you purchased your Japan Rail Pass through a different travel agency, a ...
How do I cancel my Japan Rail Pass and request a refund?
The refund process for your Japan Rail Pass depends on whether you were issued a physical Exchange Order (Voucher) or a digital E-voucher. Please follow the specific instructions for your ticket type below. 1. For Physical Exchange Orders (Paper ...
How can I find the tracking number for my JR Pass shipment?
Tracking numbers are automatically generated and sent by the shipping carrier (such as FedEx or Canada Post) once your Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order has been processed and picked up from our office. You will not receive the tracking number directly ...
Is there a limit to how many times I can reserve seats with the JR Pass?
There is no official limit to the number of seat reservations you can make with a JAPAN RAIL PASS. You are entitled to unlimited seat reservations on eligible JR trains for the entire duration of your pass validity. Fair Usage Guidelines: While there ...
How and where can I make seat reservations with my Japan Rail Pass?
Seat reservations are free of charge for JAPAN RAIL PASS holders. You can reserve seats for Shinkansen and most Limited Express trains after you have exchanged your voucher for the actual pass in Japan. Where to Make Reservations: Reserved Seat ...
Can Japanese passport holders use Regional JR Passes?
No, Regional JR Passes are strictly for foreign passport holders. Unlike the "Whole Japan" Rail Pass (which has specific eligibility rules for Japanese nationals with 10+ years residency proof), Regional JR Passes (e.g., JR West, JR East, JR Kyushu ...
Can I purchase and use two or more JR Passes for myself for a long trip?
Yes, you can purchase and use multiple Japan Rail Passes consecutively if you are planning a long-term stay in Japan (e.g., using two 7-day passes for a 14-day trip, or a combination of different regional passes). How to Purchase Multiple Passes ...
Can a friend or family member pick up my JR Pass order on my behalf?
Yes, a third party is permitted to collect your Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order at our Richmond office. To ensure a secure and smooth handover, please follow the procedure below during your online purchase. Procedure for Third-Party Pickup: During ...
When and where can I pick up my JR Pass from the Richmond office?
For customers who select the "Local Pickup" option during checkout, your Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order will be ready for collection at our Richmond office after 3:00 PM on the next business day following your order. Office Location & Map Address: ...
Can I buy a JR Pass if I haven't decided my exact travel start date yet?
Yes, you can. You do not need a finalized itinerary to purchase your Japan Rail Pass. During the online ordering process, you only need to provide an approximate start date. 90-Day Validity: The Exchange Order (voucher) is valid for 90 days (3 ...
What is the child age policy for the Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass offers discounted rates for children. Eligibility is determined based on the child's age on the date the Exchange Order (voucher) is issued by JTB Canada. Infants (Ages 0-5): Travel for FREE if they sit on an adult's lap and do ...
What are the differences between Green Class and Ordinary Class on the Shinkansen?
Geen Class is Japan's version of "First Class," offering a more premium and tranquil travel experience compared to the standard Ordinary Class. Here are the key differences to help you choose the right pass for your trip: Seating Layout: Green Cars ...
Can I get a refund if I cancel my Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order?
Yes, a refund is possible provided the Exchange Order (voucher) is unused and returned to us within one year from the date of issue. However, please be aware of the following conditions and fees associated with the cancellation process: Cancellation ...
Do I need to make a seat reservation if I'm traveling with oversized baggage on the Shinkansen?
Yes, reservations are mandatory if you plan to bring "Oversized Baggage" onto the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu, or Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen lines. This rule was implemented to enhance passenger safety and comfort by providing dedicated storage space for ...
Can I use the "Nozomi" or "Mizuho" Shinkansen with my JAPAN RAIL PASS?
Not with the standard JAPAN RAIL PASS alone. Traditionally, the JR Pass has excluded the two fastest Shinkansen services: the "Nozomi" (on the Tokaido/Sanyo lines) and the "Mizuho" (on the Sanyo/Kyushu lines). However, following the major price ...
I have lived in Canada for over 10 years, but my PR card was issued only 7 years ago. Am I still eligible for the JR Pass?
Yes, you are eligible to purchase and use the JAPAN RAIL PASS, provided you can officially prove that you have lived outside of Japan for at least 10 consecutive years. Since your current Permanent Resident (PR) card does not explicitly show a ...