A Handy Guide to Purchasing a Japan Rail Pass from Australia

Traveloka Team
30 Oct 2024 - 4 min read

Would you like to enjoy Japan but want to avoid dealing with buying tickets for public transport? Owning a JR Pass is the key to an enjoyable trip. The pass allows you to use various modes of transport easily. How do you obtain a Japan Rail Pass from Australia?

Scroll down this page for a brief guide to obtaining a Japan Rail Pass Australia. It includes the types, prices, eligibility, and practical travel tips.

What is JR Pass?

Travelling in Japan is more straightforward and more economical with public transportation. Luckily, all cities in this country are linked with great transportation networks.

Holding a JR Pass is mandatory if you want to minimise your expenses. This card gives you limitless access to several modes of transport, such as train, bus, and ferry.

JR Pass is specially designed for tourists. Therefore, possessing this pass is crucial for visiting multiple cities. Buying individual tickets is unnecessary.

Flight From Sydney to Japan

Sat, 24 May 2025

AirAsia X

Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (HND)

Start from AU$339.32

Wed, 28 May 2025

China Southern Airlines

Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (HND)

Start from AU$525.99

Thu, 29 May 2025

Air China

Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (HND)

Start from AU$558.59

Who Is Eligible for Japan Rail Pass?

Unfortunately, not everyone can obtain a JRPass. Only tourists holding visas with temporary visitor status can have it. Besides, it is for those who intend to stay in Japan for up to 3 months.

Also, this visa is given to travellers for specific purposes, such as vacations, visiting relatives, or attending contests. Therefore, if you are an Australian traveller going on a holiday, congratulations! You deserve to have it.

Simply order JRass from the official agent of Japan Rail Pass Australia before the departure date.

What Transportations are Included?

Fortunately, JRPass covers numerous modes of transport and routes. Here is the list of transport covered by JRpass.

Trains

All High-Speed Trains (Shinkansen). However, special tickets are needed to take Mizuho and Nozomi train services.
Express and Limited Express
Trains with local route
Tokyo Monorail (Hamamatsucho to Haneda Airport route)
Aomori Railway (only for routes to or from Aomori and Hachinohe stations. Also, from Aomori or Hachinohe to Noheji)

Buses

JR Bus Tohoku
JR Hokkaido Bus
JR Bus Kanto
West JR Bus
JR Tokai Bus
JR Shikoku Bus
Chugoku JR Bus
JR Kyushu Bus

Ferry

Miyajima to Miyajimaguchi route

Types of JRPass and Prices

JR Pass has two types: Green and Standard. Both types of passes provide unlimited trips, but they differ in terms of comfort and amenities.

Green Pass offers spacious and comfortable reclining seats, extra luggage space, and complimentary amenities such as drinks and wet towels, which is why it is pricier than the Standard Pass.

Check the following table to find out the Japan Rail Pass price.

Duration

Green Pass

Standard Pass

Adult

Child

Adult

Child

7 Days

AUD 742

AUD 371

AUD 530

AUD 265

14 Days

AUD 1.165

AUD 583

AUD 847

AUD 424

21 Days

AUD 1.483

AUD 742

AUD 1.059

AUD 530

Note: The child category is for kids between 6 and 11 years old. Kids under 6 years old are free to ride without reservation.

How to Purchase and Exchange JR Pass

Now, let’s walk through the process of purchasing and using JR Pass. Follow this procedure.

1. Order Online

Where to buy JR Pass Australia? Here is how to do it:

You can order it online through authorised Japan Rail Pass Australia sites like japanrailpass.com.au or Traveloka.
Choose the type of pass based on the duration of your stay. If you only stay for a week, select a 7-day JRPass.
Be sure to obtain this pass for several weeks before going to Japan. The agent will deliver the proof of purchase to your address. This shipping process takes several days.

This voucher is redeemable up to 3 months from the date of issue. However, when you have departed for Japan, buy it at the official Japan Rail Pass site.

2. Get the Exchange Order (EO)

After the online ordering process, EO is sent to your home. Remember that it is not the actual pass. You must exchange it with JRPass when you arrive

3. Exchange the Voucher

After landing, you will get a temporary visitor stamp visa. So, here is what you need to do:

Head to the JR Exchange Office located at the airport.
Show your passport and complete a short form to redeem your voucher.
Then, the officer will give you a JRPass, and you can choose the activation date.
The JRPass is now active, and you can utilise it whenever and wherever you want.

Why Should Buy JRPass with Traveloka

If you are wondering where the best place to buy a JR Pass is, Traveloka is a top choice. Here are some reasons why booking a JR Pass through Traveloka makes your experience smoother.

1. Simple Process

Traveloka simplifies the process of booking a JR Pass. Whether you need a 7-day or 21-day pass, you can pick one that fits your plan.

2. Various Delivery Methods Available

Traveloka offers multiple delivery options for your exchange order. For instance, you can have it delivered to your email, sent by courier, or picked up at the designated location.

3. Flexible Payment Options

Traveloka offers a range of payment methods, including bank transfer, credit card, and ATM. This flexibility allows you to select the payment method that suits your needs.

Travel Tips

Is it your first time exploring Japan using public transport? Don’t worry; your trip will be smoother when you have a JR Pass. Just pay attention to some handy tips below.

1. Purchase Ahead of Time

Buy a JR Pass before the departure date to save time. Remember that the shipment takes several days, so buying the pass earlier is a great decision.

2. Activate the Pass When You are Ready to Use It

When you exchange the voucher at the JR Exchange counter, it does not mean that you have to activate it immediately. So, activate this pass when you are ready to travel around. Once it is active, the starting date is unchangeable.

3. Secure Seats

You can reserve a train seat for free with the JRPass. You can book the seats online or by using the ticket machine. The booking process is simple.

1.
First, scan the QR Code printed on your JRPass.
2.
Then, input your passport number, the date and time, and the train.
3.
When you know all the details are correct, just issue the train ticket.

4. Avoid Peak Travel Time

If you want to enjoy your trip, avoid travelling by public transport during rush hour (7.30 AM—09.30 AM and 5.00 PM—8.00 PM).

Now you understand how to obtain a Japan Rail Pass from Australia. With some planning, you can get JR Pass quickly and enjoy the convenience of Japan’s top-notch transport system.

So, are you ready to start a new adventure in Japan? Plan your trip today with Traveloka. From booking Sydney to Tokyo flights and JR Pass to accommodations, Traveloka makes it easy to organise everything in one place. Secure your flights and get ready to experience the best of Japan!

In This Article

• What is JR Pass?
• Who Is Eligible for Japan Rail Pass?
• What Transportations are Included?
• Trains
• Buses
• Ferry
• Types of JRPass and Prices
• How to Purchase and Exchange JR Pass
• 1. Order Online
• 2. Get the Exchange Order (EO)
• 3. Exchange the Voucher
• Why Should Buy JRPass with Traveloka
• 1. Simple Process
• 2. Various Delivery Methods Available
• 3. Flexible Payment Options
• Travel Tips
• 1. Purchase Ahead of Time
• 2. Activate the Pass When You are Ready to Use It
• 3. Secure Seats
• 4. Avoid Peak Travel Time

Flights Featured in This Article

Sat, 24 May 2025
AirAsia X
Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from AU$339.32
Book Now
Wed, 28 May 2025
China Southern Airlines
Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from AU$525.99
Book Now
Thu, 29 May 2025
Air China
Sydney (SYD) to Tokyo (HND)
Start from AU$558.59
Book Now
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