The Japan Rail Pass

The Japan Rail Pass is an all-you-can-ride train pass good for use on most (but not all) Japan Railways operated trains. As you might imagine, trains operated by companies other than JR (including the Tokyo Metro Subway) are not covered.

The Japan Rail Pass covers all bullet trains except for the
Nozomi and the Mizuho super express.

The pass comes in increments of 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. The most basic 7 day pass currently (as of October 2014) goes for 29,110 yen or slightly less than $300 USD. This might seem steep, but consider that a single 1-way shinkansen (bullet train) fare can go for an upward of 20,000 yen, it's actually a killer deal. I've actually calculated that if you take a single round trip bullet train ride from Tokyo to Kyoto or beyond, you've already covered the cost of this pass! However, if you're primarily staying in the same area and only taking local trains, you might not get your money's worth. The last time I used the Japan Rail Pass, I was in Japan for 2 weeks. So for 1 week, I spent time in and around Tokyo, paying for the train with my Suica. Then for the 2nd week, I used the Japan Rail Pass to hit Osaka, Hakata, Hiroshima, Ito, and Yokohama. The time before that, we did the same thing where we condensed our trip to Kyoto, Nara, and Atami all into 1 week to cover it all with the rail pass.

Many Japanese long distance trains have regular cars and the first class cars, or the "Green Cars." Accordingly, for an extra 10,000 yen, you can upgrade your 1 week Japan Rail Pass to cover access to the Green Cars. Unlike airline first class or European train first class however, you don't get any special service, drinks, or food for being in the Green Car. The seats are just a little bit bigger. However, Japanese bullet trains are pretty spacious and comfortable as is, so I've personally never felt the need to splurge for the Green Car.

There's plenty of legroom for an average sized individual, even in standard seats.

The Japan Rail Pass is actually only available to people who live outside Japan. To pick one up, you have to show that you have a non-Japanese passport. Japanese citizens can only buy this pass if they have proof of permanent residency in a foreign country, such as a U.S. Green Card. (that's how I manage to purchase the Japan Rail Pass despite being a Japanese citizen)

While you would think that the Japan Rail Pass would be an awesome proxy chip enabled card like the Suica, it's actually just a fancy piece of folded paper. For local trains, instead of going through the regular turnstiles, you want to go to the special turnstile with a station staff. Just show them your pass and they'll wave you through.

For bullet trains and other express trains, you'll need to go to the ticket office (midori no madoguchi) to obtain your ticket and seat assignment using your Japan Rail Pass.

In addition to trains, the Japan Rail Pass is also valid on JR Buses (keep in mind though that most buses in Tokyo are NOT run by JR), and the JR Miyajima Ferry in Hiroshima.

A notable exception to the Japan Rail Pass is the Nozomi super express and the Mizuho super express bullet trains. Take a look at my shinkansen explanation page for further details.

Also, if you want to use the Japan Rail Pass to get to and from Narita Airport, you'll have to be sure to use the JR Narita Express train instead of the Keisei Skyliner/SkyAccess train.