The Japan Rail Pass is a great way to explore Japan, but if you are staying and exploring a local area, then you probably won’t get the full value out of you the Japan Rail Pass.
Thankfully, this is where the Regional Rail Passes come in and save the day. The Regional Rail Passes work the same as the Japan Rail Pass, but are only for a certain train network, or region of Japan. Like the Japan Rail Pass, these passes will work on most JR Lines in the service area.
The passes don’t have the same 7,14, or 21 day option, and instead often start from 4 day options, and can sometimes be as long as 10 days.
Regional Rail Passes work great if you plan on only visiting certain areas of Japan -perhaps you don’t have time to see the full country on your trip, or perhaps you’ve already been and seen other areas.
While these Regional Rail Passes are a little more restrictive than the Japan Rail Pass, they are more than worthwhile – just make sure that you read up on what is, and what isn’t included in your Rail Pass. An example of this is the JR West Wide Pass, which provides free travel on any JR Line from Kyoto, across to Okayama Prefecture – except on the Bullet train from Osaka-Kyoto / Kyoto-Osaka. Other bullet train lines are included.
What kind of Regional Rail Passes are available?
There are numerous different regional rail passes available, covering just about every part of the country. Below are some of the more popular regional rail pass options available on Klook.
Eligibility for the Regional Rail Passes
Like the Japan Rail Pass, the Regional Rail Passes are only available to visitors to Japan. You must have a Temporary Visitor stamp on your passport, otherwise you will be unable to claim eligibility of your pass. Make sure that when you enter Japan, you have your passport stamped, and don’t go through the automated ticketed gates if they apply to you.
Claiming your Regional Rail Pass
To claim your Regional Rail Pass, Pre-purchase an ‘order’ from Klook, or other travel agencies. This order is proof of purchase, and you take the order to the designated collection area when you arrive in Japan. These will often be available at most major train stations, but be sure to check your Rail Pass order for details on where to collect. Make sure that you bring your passport with you to the collection point, as you will be asked to produce your passport to ensure that you are eligible for the pass.
How to use the pass
Using the Regional Rail Passes is simple. When you arrive at a train station, bus stop (where applicable), Ferry Terminal (where applicable), and head to the manned station gates. Have your pass with you, and show the station attendant your rail pass. As long as you are in the valid area, and your pass is active, then you will be waived through. When you reach your destination, repeat the process with the station attendant there.
It is important to note that the Regional Rail Passes are only valid on JR (Japan Rail) Lines in that particular pass area. Other lines may not be covered with your pass. Ensure that you check your pass details to make sure that your trip is covered – Otherwise, you will have to pay.
