The JR Pass, formally known as the Japan Rail Pass, is a special ticket available exclusively to foreign tourists visiting Japan. It provides unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) trains, including shinkansen (bullet trains), for a designated duration (7, 14, or 21 days).

To use the JR Pass, you must first purchase it before arriving in Japan. It cannot be obtained within the country. It is available for purchase through authorized travel agencies outside of Japan. It is essential to buy the pass before your trip to take advantage of its benefits and convenience. We purchased our 7 Day JR Pass via Klook and was delivered to our house one week prior to our flight.  The pass comes in the form of a voucher that you exchange for the actual pass upon arrival at a designated JR Pass exchange office, typically located at major airports, train stations, or tourist information centers.

Once you have the pass, it can be used for unlimited travel on applicable JR trains, including shinkansen, limited express, and local trains. Seat reservations for shinkansen journeys are recommended and can be made for free at JR ticket offices or reservation counters upon presenting your JR Pass.

Getting a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for a multi-city tour in Japan, especially with kids, offers several advantages that make it a worthwhile investment.

1. Cost-effectiveness: The JR Pass provides unlimited travel on Japan Railways (JR) trains, including shinkansen (bullet trains), for a fixed duration. Since intercity travel in Japan can be expensive, the pass helps you save money, especially when visiting multiple cities. It eliminates the need to purchase individual tickets for each journey.

When using the JR Pass for shinkansen travel, it’s important to make seat reservations in advance. Reserved seating ensures that you have a guaranteed seat on the train. It’s crucial to note the designated time and day of your reservation to avoid missing the train or boarding the wrong one.

2. Convenience: With a JR Pass, you have the flexibility to travel on any JR train without the hassle of buying tickets every time or worry if you still have load on your day pass. This is particularly beneficial when traveling with kids, as it reduces waiting times and allows for more efficient transportation planning. Also, with JR Pass, you don’t have to wait or pass through a turnstile instead the guard/ operator will open the gate for you.

3. Time-saving: Japan’s extensive rail network, including the high-speed shinkansen, is known for its punctuality and efficiency. The JR Pass enables you to travel swiftly between cities, maximizing your time for sightseeing and exploration.

4. Family-friendly amenities: JR trains offer family-friendly amenities such as spacious seating, storage areas for strollers, and kid-friendly facilities. Some shinkansen even have dedicated play areas and nursing rooms, ensuring a comfortable journey for families.

5. Coverage: The JR Pass covers most regions of Japan, including major cities and popular tourist destinations. This makes it ideal for multi-city tours, allowing you to easily access different regions without worrying about additional transportation costs.

6. Cultural immersion: Train travel in Japan provides a unique cultural experience. You can interact with locals, enjoy scenic views of the countryside, and observe daily life from the train window, which can be educational and enjoyable for children.

Overall, the JR Pass offers a cost-effective, convenient, and efficient way to explore Japan’s cities with kids. It simplifies transportation logistics, saves money, and enhances the overall travel experience, making it a highly recommended choice for multi-city tours.