Most websites say that you can only buy the JR Pass before going to Japan, but this is not entirely true. In this article, we will teach you how you can buy the JR Pass while already in Japan.
The JR Pass is a special train pass offered by the Japan Railways Group, allowing unlimited travel on many of its trains, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet train), for a fixed period.
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Is it possible to buy the JR Pass in Japan?
Buying the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) while already in Japan is an important question for many tourists and travelers.
Sometimes they did not intend to use the JR Pass due to its high cost, but decided to purchase it to make a longer trip because of a change in itinerary.
The JR Pass is a product mainly aimed at international tourists, offering a convenient and economical way to travel around Japan. Traditionally, it was necessary to purchase the pass outside Japan before arrival, but recently, the policy has changed, allowing purchase at selected locations within Japan.
Despite the change, this fact is little reported by websites and agencies, as they earn a commission from advance sales. Some sites like Klook can sell the JR Pass with Global delivery, but it is more complicated than going to an agency in Japan.
Buying the JR Pass in Japan
Purchase Locations: The JR Pass can be purchased at major train stations and some airports in Japan. This is a recent change, and not all sales locations may offer the pass. This pass is usually found at JTB stores.
Additional Cost: Buying the JR Pass in Japan may be slightly more expensive than purchasing it abroad. This is due to operational costs and pricing policies. Personally, I did not find this price difference and paid the amount I intended to pay for the regional pass.
Eligibility: To buy the JR Pass, you must be a foreign tourist on a short-term visit (less than 90 days) in Japan. You will need to show your passport with a “Temporary Visitor” stamp/sticker.
Types of Pass: There are different types of passes, including national and regional passes. Choose the one that best fits your itinerary. In addition to passes, you can also buy single Shinkansen routes with a tourism discount.
Where to find an Agency in Japan?
Recently I bought mine at the JTB agency in Namba Osaka station, I purchased the Sanyo-san and North Kyushu regional pass for 26,000 yen.
At the agency, I noticed Shinkansen passes from Osaka to Tokyo with up to 3,000 yen discount, in addition to a national JR Pass for 7 days for 26,000 yen.
Payment can be made by credit card or cash. I think one of the main reasons people buy in their own country is the option to pay in installments through some other agency.
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