Table of Contents
- Why Buy a Japan Rail Pass?
- Types of Japan Rail Passes
- Where to Buy a Japan Rail Pass at Narita Airport
- Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Japan Rail Pass
- Getting Your Japan Rail Pass Activated
- Using Your Japan Rail Pass
- Tips and Tricks for Buying and Using Your Japan Rail Pass
- Conclusion
Why Buy a Japan Rail Pass?
A Japan Rail Pass is an excellent investment for travelers planning on extensive train travel in Japan. It provides unlimited travel on most Japan Railways (JR) trains, including the high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train).
According to the Japan Tourism Agency, in 2019, over 4.8 million foreign visitors purchased a Japan Rail Pass. The pass offers significant savings for those planning to travel extensively by train.
Types of Japan Rail Passes
There are three types of Japan Rail Passes available:
| Pass Type | Validity Period | Price (Adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Pass | 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days | 29,650 yen (7 days), 47,250 yen (14 days), 62,730 yen (21 days) |
| Green Pass | 7, 14, or 21 consecutive days | 38,880 yen (7 days), 60,450 yen (14 days), 76,680 yen (21 days) |
| Seishun 18 Pass | 5 consecutive Friday – Monday weekends | 24,320 yen |
The Green Pass allows access to グリーン席 (Green Cars), which offer wider seats, more legroom, and fewer passengers than ordinary cars.
Where to Buy a Japan Rail Pass at Narita Airport
Japan Rail Passes can be purchased at the following locations at Narita Airport:
- JR Ticket Office (Terminal 1, 2nd Floor)
- JR Ticket Office (Terminal 2, 4th Floor)
- JR Ticket Office (Terminal 3, 2nd Floor)
Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Japan Rail Pass
To purchase a Japan Rail Pass at Narita Airport, follow these steps:
- Present your passport: You will need to present your passport at the JR Ticket Office to prove your eligibility for the pass.
- Select the pass type: Choose the pass type that best suits your travel plans.
- Pay for the pass: You can pay for the pass using cash, credit card, or JPY Traveller’s Cheques.
- Receive your voucher: You will receive a voucher that you must exchange for the actual pass upon arriving in Japan.
Getting Your Japan Rail Pass Activated
To activate your Japan Rail Pass, you must exchange the voucher for the actual pass at a JR Ticket Office in Japan. You can find JR Ticket Offices at most major train stations.
To activate your pass, you will need to:
- Present your voucher: Present the voucher you received at Narita Airport.
- Show your passport: The passport you used to purchase the voucher must match the passport you present to activate the pass.
- Specify the starting date: Specify the date you want your pass to start.
Using Your Japan Rail Pass
To use your Japan Rail Pass, simply show it to the station attendant when boarding a train. The attendant will validate your pass and allow you to board the train.
Note: Your Japan Rail Pass is not valid on the following trains:
- Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains
- Limited Express trains operated by private companies
- Local trains on some minor lines
Tips and Tricks for Buying and Using Your Japan Rail Pass
- Purchase your pass in advance: You can purchase your pass up to 90 days before your travel dates.
- Consider a 21-day pass: The 21-day pass offers the best value if you plan on traveling extensively by train.
- Plan your itinerary in advance: The Japan Rail Pass is valid for consecutive days, so it’s important to plan your itinerary in advance to make the most of your pass.
- Activate your pass on the day you start using it: Your pass will be valid for the number of consecutive days you purchased, so it’s best to activate it on the day you start using it.
- Don’t forget to show your pass: You must show your pass to the station attendant when boarding a train.
Conclusion
Buying a Japan Rail Pass at Narita Airport is a convenient way to save money on train travel in Japan. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily purchase and activate your pass and start your adventure on the iconic Japanese railway system.
Table 1: Japan Rail Pass Prices (Adult)
| Pass Type | Validity Period | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Pass | 7 days | 29,650 yen |
| Ordinary Pass | 14 days | 47,250 yen |
| Ordinary Pass | 21 days | 62,730 yen |
| Green Pass | 7 days | 38,880 yen |
| Green Pass | 14 days | 60,450 yen |
| Green Pass | 21 days | 76,680 yen |
| Seishun 18 Pass | 5 consecutive Friday – Monday weekends | 24,320 yen |
Table 2: JR Ticket Offices at Narita Airport
| Location | Terminal | Floor |
|---|---|---|
| JR Ticket Office | 1 | 2nd |
| JR Ticket Office | 2 | 4th |
| JR Ticket Office | 3 | 2nd |
Table 3: Steps to Buy a Japan Rail Pass at Narita Airport
- Present your passport.
- Select the pass type.
- Pay for the pass.
- Receive your voucher.
Table 4: How to Activate Your Japan Rail Pass
- Present your voucher.
- Show your passport.
- Specify the starting date.
