The Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is by far the best and most popular train pass available. It covers the entire Japan Railways(JR) network including some buses and ferries. The Japan Rail Pass comes in 7, 14 and 21 consecutive days. Each of these Japan Rail Passes is available in Economy (Ordinary) and First (Green) Class as well as child and adult rates. Please note that Japan Rail Pass can be purchased outside of Japan.

The Japan Rail Pass ( JR Pass ) is a special pass valid for unlimited travel on Japan Railways(JR) transportation, including all JR trains (shinkansen “bullet trains” except “NOZOMI” and “MIZUHO” service. limited express trains, express trains and rapid or local trains)*, JR bus company local lines (JR Hokkaido Bus, JR Bus Tohoku, JR Bus Kanto, JR Tokal Bus , West Japan JR Bus, Chugoku JR Bus, JR Kyushu Bus) and the JR Miyajima ferry.
The JR Pass is available only to overseas visitors that enter Japan as a Temporary Visitor. This includes sightseeing, visiting relatives, inspection tours, conferences and meeting or other activities during a short stay in Japan
Note: Visitors who enter Japan under other statuses including: “Re-entry Permit”, “Entertainer” or “Traine” are not eligible
For complete information on entering Japan, please check with your nearest Japanese Consulate-General or Embassy.
Japanese national living overseas may also purchase the Japan Rail Pass if you meet eligibility requirements. Please check the below website for the details:
Eligibility requirements: English Japanese
Email: akl.nz@jtbap.com, Fax Number: Auckland Office 09-366-0772
These documents also need to be produced at the time of exchange in Japan. (if unsure, please contact us on 0800-525-725)
*The Copy of the Overseas Residential Registration and the Certificate of Overseas Residence are only valid for 6 months after the date of issue.
*You must bring the original of your written proof upon JR Pass exchange (Copy is not acceptable).
The Japan Rail Pass (also commonly called JR Pass) is a very cost effective rail pass for long distance train travel in Japan. It can be used by foreign tourists only, and offers unlimited use of JR trains for one, two or three weeks at a cost that residents of Japan can only dream of.
The Japan Rail Pass must be purchased before your arrival to Japan, because it is not available for sale inside Japan. The pass comes in two types: ordinary and green car. The latter is valid on green cars (first class cars) that offer more spacious seats than ordinary cars.
Travelling to Japan isn’t cheap as the transportation fee takes up a big parentage of the total expenses.
Because Japan’s land shape is long and thin, normal ticket costs JPY 28,900 (Approx NZ$386) even if you travel from Tokyo to Osaka. And the JR Pass Ordinary for 7days only cost JPY 29,110(Approx NZ$388).
So it is better to purchase a rail pass to travel around Japan.
Information source: japan-guide.com