Are you eligible for a Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass gives visitors unlimited travel on JR trains, including most Shinkansen, across the whole country. JR Group sets clear eligibility rules based on your entry status in Japan. Check them in a minute below and order with complete peace of mind.
- Temporary visitor status
- Valid foreign passport
- Japanese citizens abroad 10+ years
Who can use the Japan Rail Pass?
The Japan Rail Pass is made for foreign visitors coming to Japan for sightseeing. When you arrive, immigration gives you a Temporary Visitor entry status (stamp or sticker) in your passport, usually for up to 90 days. That status is what JR staff check when you exchange your voucher.
Eligible travelers
You can buy and use a Japan Rail Pass if you visit Japan as a tourist with Temporary Visitor status for sightseeing.
- Temporary Visitor entry status (90 days or less)
- Travel for sightseeing, holidays or visiting friends
- Valid foreign passport in your own name
- Japanese citizens who have lived abroad 10+ consecutive years, with an embassy certificate
Not eligible
The following entry statuses cannot be used with a Japan Rail Pass under any circumstances.
- Student visa
- Permanent resident or long-term resident status
- Work visa or stays longer than 90 days
- Working holiday visa
- Military, diplomatic or entertainer status
Visa versus entry status
Many travelers from visa-exempt countries never apply for a visa at all. That is perfectly fine. What matters is the Temporary Visitor status you receive on arrival. If you use automated immigration gates, ask an officer for the Temporary Visitor stamp or sticker so you can show it at the exchange office.
What happens if a traveler is not eligible?
JR Group applies these rules strictly and staff at every exchange office verify your passport and entry status before issuing the pass. A voucher held by a traveler without Temporary Visitor status cannot be exchanged, and refunds are not possible in that case. That is why we ask you to confirm eligibility for every passenger during checkout.
Entry status checked at exchange
No exceptions made by JR
Confirm for every passenger
Your quick eligibility check
Temporary visitor only
Entering Japan for 90 days or less for sightseeing.
Passport ready
Bring the same passport you entered Japan with to the exchange office.
Not sure?
Email us before ordering and we will help you right away.
Japanese citizens living abroad
Japanese nationals who have lived outside Japan for more than 10 consecutive years can also enjoy the Japan Rail Pass. You need an official document from your local Japanese embassy or consulate confirming your residence abroad.
Bring one of the documents below together with your Japan Rail Pass voucher and passport when you exchange your pass in Japan. The document must be issued before you order and be no more than 6 months old at the time of exchange.
- 10+ consecutive years abroad
- Embassy or consulate certificate
- Issued within the last 6 months
日本国籍のお客様は、海外に連続して10年以上お住まいであることを証明する、在外公館発行の書類が必要です。ご注文前にご用意ください。
Japanese children under 12
Special rules apply to Japanese children traveling with a Japan Rail Pass.
Registered in the family document
Children under 12 must be registered in the family Overseas Residential Registration if they have lived abroad their entire life or for at least 10 consecutive years.
Travels with an eligible adult
A child can only use the Japan Rail Pass in the company of an eligible adult. Children cannot travel alone on a Japan Rail Pass.
Child and adult pass ages
Travelers aged 12 and over need an adult pass. Children aged 6 to 11 travel on a child pass at 50% of the adult price. Children under 6 travel free when sharing a seat with an adult.
Eligibility questions
Do I need a visa to use the Japan Rail Pass?
You do not need to apply for a visa if your country is visa exempt. You need Temporary Visitor entry status in your passport, which immigration gives you on arrival for sightseeing.
Can I use the pass with a working holiday visa?
No. Working holiday, student, work and long-term visas are not eligible. The pass is reserved for Temporary Visitor status.
Can Japanese citizens use a Japan Rail Pass?
Yes, if they have lived abroad for more than 10 consecutive years and bring an embassy or consulate document issued within the last 6 months.
What if I used the automated immigration gates?
Ask an immigration officer for a Temporary Visitor stamp or sticker. JR staff need to see your entry status when exchanging the voucher.
Can someone else exchange my pass for me?
Each traveler should be present with their own passport, as staff verify the entry status of every pass holder.
Eligible? Your adventure across Japan starts here
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