JR Pass Review | Exploring Japan's Railways

In this review, I'll share my experience with the JR Pass, including the easy booking process, unexpected mishaps, and whether it proved to be cost-effective for my itinerary.

When it comes to exploring Japan, the country's efficient and extensive railway system is a popular choice among travelers. To make our journey seamless, I decided to purchase the JR Pass online before leaving Australia.

Straightforward Booking Process:

Booking the JR Pass through the official website for Australians (https://www.japanrailpass.com.au/) was a breeze. The website was user-friendly, offering clear instructions on how to select the JR Pass duration and class. I found the process to be straightforward, and after completing the purchase, I received a voucher (purchase order) via post within a week.

The Unexpected Voucher Mishap - JR Pass Refund:

Upon arriving in Tokyo, I realized to my dismay that I had left our JR Pass vouchers at home in Australia. Panicking slightly, I immediately reached out to Japan Rail Pass Australia seeking assistance. They promptly responded to my email, informing me that I could return the voucher upon coming back to Australia for a refund, minus a 15% fee.

Purchasing the JR Pass in Japan:

Fortunately, even without the voucher, I was still able to purchase the JR Pass at the JR office located at the airport. However, it's important to note that the price I paid at the JR office was 18% more than the online price. While this served as a backup plan, it was comforting to know that purchasing the pass upon arrival was an option as I had watched many YouTube videos advising you could only purchase the JR Pass in your home country or before arriving to Japan.

Is the JR Pass Worth It?

As our trip included 5 nights in Tokyo and 4 nights in Osaka, with only one-way travel between the two cities, I realized that the JR Pass might not have been the most cost-effective option for our itinerary. Throughout our stay, we also used non-JR trains, which required additional expenses. For travelers planning to visit just Tokyo and Osaka, it may be more advantageous to opt for a SUICA card and purchase bullet train tickets separately.

Are SUICA cards is still available?

Again, I watched many videos on YouTube advising that you could no longer purchase SUICA cards, which turned out to be only half the truth.

It is true that Japan no longer sells the physical SUICA cards but there are two ways for you to obtain them as a visitor.

1. Download SUICA app on your Apple wallet (it is only available for Apple Phones) . Once you arrive to Japan, the SUICA on your wallet will become available and you can use it straight away.

2. All visitors to Japan are entitled to obtain the Welcome SUICA cards which you can purchase at the SUICA machine at the airport. You will need your passport to obtain this and they are only available to be purchased at the airport.

For more information on SUICA cards, please see my blog post about SUICA cards (post coming soon).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the JR Pass proves to be an excellent choice for those planning to travel extensively across multiple cities in Japan. The convenience and comprehensive coverage of the pass can save both time and money. However, if your itinerary includes only Tokyo and Osaka, like mine did, it may be more practical to consider alternative options such as the SUICA card and purchasing separate bullet train tickets.

While the mishap with the misplaced voucher caused a momentary setback, I appreciated the prompt response and refund option provided by Japan Rail Pass Australia. Ultimately, it's vital to assess your travel plans and determine whether the JR Pass aligns with your intended destinations and budget.

Whether you choose the JR Pass or explore other ticketing options, Japan's rail network will undoubtedly enhance your travel experience, providing efficient and comfortable transportation throughout the country.