The Japan Rail Pass, or JR Pass for short, is a train ticket that grants passengers unlimited access to various types of transportation in Japan operated by the Japan Railways Group. There are different types of JR Passes for every itinerary.

The passes give you access to most of the major Japan Railways (JR) train lines, with the exception of some high-speed trains such as the Nozomi Shinkansen. 

Any non-Japanese national who visits Japan as a tourist or with a “Temporary Visitor” status is eligible.

Japanese citizens are NOT eligible for the pass unless they are Permanent Residents of another country or married to a non-Japanese residing in another country outside of Japan. Foreigners visiting for non-tourism purposes (E.g. Work, military, diplomatic, cultural, research etc.), or holding a long-term visa (E.g. Student, instructor or work) are similarly NOT eligible for the pass.

Yes. You must use non-Japanese passport with a “Temporary Visitor” visa to enter the country.

First class cars on the Japan Rail lines are called “green cars”. You can locate this carriage with its green clover icon on the side of the carriage. This pass lets you enjoy your journey in comfort with a large reclined seat, ample leg space, integrated radio and luggage space.

Green Pass is usually recommended for peak travel seasons (May, August and September) as they are generally less crowded than the normal carriages.

Since the trains in Japan have such high standards, the ordinary cars are usually sufficient for most travellers. However, if you are looking for more spacious leg room and some peace and quiet, the green cars are for you.

There are so many passes to choose from and the right JR Pass for you depends on your itinerary. 

For example, you may consider getting the Hokkaido JR Pass if your trip is entirely within Hokkaido. This grants you full access to Hokkaido for a selected number of days. Alternatively, if you intend to visit Osaka and are looking to explore Kyoto along the way, you may wish to get any one of the Central West Passes.

If you’re visiting many different parts of Japan during your trip, you should purchase the Nationwide JR Pass as it covers the whole of Japan.