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- How do I validate my Japan Rail Pass?
- What is the difference between Ordinary and Green?
- What is the difference between a Super Express, Limited Express and Express train?
- What is a Shinkansen train?
- Do I need to make reservations?
- How does the cost of a Japan Rail Pass compare to P2P tickets?
- When are the busy travel periods?
- How do I identify a station name during travel?
- Is English speaking assistance available?
- What dining facilities are available on board the trains?
1. How do I validate my Japan Rail Pass?
When you have fully paid for your pass you will receive an Exchange Order. This must be exchanged for an actual Japan Rail Pass in Japan at a JR Rail Office. Details of locations are included with your documentation. An Exchange Order must be exchanged for a rail pass within 3 months from date of issue. The Japan Rail Pass will start from the date of validation or later if you advise the office at the time of exchange.
Once you have performed the exchange and ready to use the pass, do not use the automatic ticket reading gate. All Japan Rail Pass holders must show their pass at a manned ticket gate.
2. What is the difference between Ordinary and Green?
The difference is in the comfort factor similar to airline seating (economy class as opposed to business class). Configuration is 2 seats on each side of the carriage with a middle aisle.
A trolley service is available in both classes offering a range of snack food items and beverages, which must be purchased (not included in the cost of the Japan Rail Pass).
3. What is the difference between a Super Express, Limited Express and Express train?
The difference is the number of stops the trains makes.
E.g. the Super Express from Tokyo to Kyoto will make limited stops however an ordinary Express train on the same route may stop 15-20 times.
4. What is a Shinkansen train?
A Shinkansen is commonly known as a bullet train. The Nozomi Shinkansen is the only bullet train which is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The Nozomi runs between Tokyo and Osaka and from Tokyo all the way to Hakata (Fukuoka) stoping at major stops along the way. Japan Rail Pass holders should use Hikari trains on these services.
5. Do I need to make reservations?
In Green class, reservations are compulsory on Shinkansen and most Limited Express and Ordinary Express trains. Ordinary class has both reserved and non-reserved seating.
There is no charge to reserve seats. Reservations must be made in Japan and can be performed at any JR Rail office or at a sales office of a JR associated travel agency. At the time of making a reservation, you must present your pass to obtain your reservation ticket.
6. How does the cost of a Japan Rail Pass compare to P2P tickets?
Purchasing individual rail tickets in Japan can become quite expensive. For example, the average cost of a one way ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto is: Ordinary class AUD220 / Green class AUD300.
7. When are the busy travel periods?
In most major cities, the peak morning and evening times are 0730hrs - 0930hrs and 1700hrs - 1900hrs. The traditional holiday periods include: Dec 28 to Jan 06, Apr 27 to May 06 and Aug 11-20.
8. How do I identify a station name during travel?
All stations have their name in both Japanese and English.
9. Is English speaking assistance available?
Japan Rail provides a convenient telephone information service for details on rail timetables, suggested routings etc.. This service is not available for making reservations. The service operates Mon-Fri from 1000hrs - 1800hrs.
10. What dining facilities are available on board the trains?
Shinkansen trains offer either a dining car or buffet car. Both western and Japanese food is available. Most long distance train services also offer mobile trolley services offering box lunches of local specialty Japanese food as well as snacks and drinks.
