1. Purchase your Japan Rail Pass before you arrive in Japan. You can buy it online or through a travel agent.
2. Once you have your pass, exchange it for a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Order at any major JR station in Japan. You will need to show your passport and a valid visa when you exchange your pass.
3. After you have exchanged your pass, you can use it to travel on JR trains, buses, and ferries throughout Japan. To use the pass, simply show it to the conductor when you board the train.
Whether the pass is worth it for you depends on how much you plan to travel by train. If you plan to travel extensively by train, the pass will save you a lot of money. However, if you only plan to travel a few times, you may be better off buying individual train tickets.
To help you decide if the pass is worth it, add up the cost of the individual train tickets you would need to buy for your trip. Then, compare the total cost of the tickets to the cost of the Japan Rail Pass.
* If you are traveling for a long period of time: The pass is valid for 7, 14, or 21 days. If you are traveling for a longer period of time, the pass will save you money on train travel.
* If you are traveling with a group: The pass can be shared between multiple people. If you are traveling with a group, you can save money by purchasing one pass for the group and then sharing it.
* If you are traveling to remote areas: The pass allows you to travel on trains to remote areas of Japan that are not accessible by other forms of transportation. If you want to explore some of the more off-the-beaten-path destinations in Japan, the pass is a great option.
* If you are only traveling for a few days: If you are only traveling for a few days, you may not save enough money by purchasing the pass to make it worthwhile.
* If you are staying in one area: If you are staying in one area and not doing a lot of traveling, you may not need the pass.
* If you are traveling with children: Children under 6 years old travel free on JR trains. If you are traveling with children, you may not need to purchase a pass for them.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to purchase a pass is a personal one. If you are not sure if the pass is right for you, talk to your travel agent or do some research online.
