Hi, I am looking to purchase a JR pass and I've noticed their are multiple websites to order it. How do I know which one is legitimate. The one I was looking to use is https://www.japan-rail-pass.com. until I noticed their are others as well.
This website is the official information website for the JAPAN RAIL PASS. https://japanrailpass.net
JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation, which is linked to on that information website, is the official website for purchasing the JAPAN RAIL PASS, in the sense that JRPR is operated directly by the Japan Railways Group.
The other websites that sell the JAPAN RAIL PASS, including companies that go by names such as JR Pass or J Rail Pass, are agents that are authorized by JR. For a list of the authorized agents, see here: https://japanrailpass.net/en/purchase.html#anchor02
Buying from JAPAN RAIL PASS Reservation is more expensive, but you can make reservations immediately after you purchase the pass online. That means you don't have to wait to come to Japan to start making reservations, which can be a big deal if you're travelling during a busy time.
Specifically regarding japan-rail-pass.com, I've used them before and have had a good experience with them, but keep in mind that they're located in France.
Thanks for the information. I will go ahead and use japan-rail-pass.com
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426 helpful votes >>. I will go ahead and use japan-rail-pass.com<<
No! You don't want to reserve seats online in advance? If you buy it from them, you have to wait until you get to Japan to book seats.
I have heard reserving seats isn't usually an issue for trains
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142 helpful votes During peak travel periods, reservations are essential.
I will not be activating my JR pass immediately. I will be activating it 5 days after arrival in early April on a Monday. Will that be a problem? Ive read multiple times on this forum and reddit that making reservations after arriving should not be an issue
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426 helpful votes Early April is the peak of cherry blossom season. A whole lot of tourists will be traveling with JR Passes, so that means trains such as Hikari between Tokyo and Kyoto will be super busy. You may not get the seats on the train you want to take.
I don't know what the price difference is but there is no reason to buy it from anywhere else but from the official site.
After ordering the pass, they'll email the confirmation and you can start booking seats online right away.
There's a price difference of 100 USD. That's the main reason for considering not using the official site
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76,891 posts
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142 helpful votes As somebody in this forum recently said = time is money.
Contributor
43,706 posts
313 reviews
426 helpful votes No, you're not comparing the same pass. The price difference between the official site and Japan rail pass. com is only around $26 USD for the 7-day ordinary pass. The official site gives the price in Yen so that is creating confusion.
