Job Discussion Forums

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

My wife will be coming with me to Japan. Now she has chronic wanderlust so I'm thinking about ways of letting her get about.

I know that the rail system is the best way of getting about but I get the impression that it's not always the cheapest. Is there such thing as a Rail Pass similar to the Euro Rail pass? Basically I'm looking for a way to keep her travel costs down, so if anyone has any suggestions...

Sherri · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 8:20 am Post subject:

Try:

http://www.japanrailpass.net/

bshabu · Joined: 03 Apr 2003 Posts: 200 Location: Kumagaya

Yes there is. It is quite cheap. They come in 1,2 weeks and one month. If you you buy the one week, one trip from Tokyo to Osaka will more then pay for it. She need to order it before coming to Japan. Just get one at a travel agent.

BenJ · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 209 Location: Nagoya

so there is nothing for the teacher living and working in Japan? We have to pay full price each time?? D:

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

There is the juhachi kippu pass. Anyone can buy it, but it is only during university holiday times. For example Dec. 20-Jan 20 (approx.) and then later in Feb. It costs 11,500 yen for 5 days of travel on the slow trains. And I mean slow. The pass can be shared by as many people as you want and is a great deal if you are patient and have more time than money.

I also want to add that the Japan Rail pass is only for people on tourist visas, in case someone doesn't know. The juhachi kippu is for anyone.

markle · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 1316 Location: Out of Japan

If you pre-purchase a Japan Rail Pass how do they know that you don't have a tourist visa? Does that mean you have to show your visa to get one?

Sherri · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2003 7:04 am Post subject:

Did you even look at the website? All the information is there. And yes, you do have to show your visa and passport.

Who is eligible for a JAPAN RAIL PASS?

The JAPAN RAIL PASS is a special ticket that is available only to travelers visiting Japan from foreign countries for sight-seeing. To be eligible to purchase a JAPAN RAIL PASS you must meet one of the following two conditions.
1. You are a foreign tourist visiting Japan from abroad for sight-seeing,under the entry status of "temporary visitor."

"Temporary visitor" entry status, according to Japanese Immigration Law, allows a stay in Japan of 15 days or 90 days for "sight-seeing, etc." If you apply for a "stay for sight-seeing" when you enter Japan, entry personnel will stamp your passport as "temporary visitor," as shown below. Only persons who have a passport bearing this stamp can use a JAPAN RAIL PASS.

Caution:
Even if you visit Japan with an Exchange Order, to be turned in for a JAPAN RAIL PASS, the exchange cannot be made unless you have "Temporary Visitor" status; if you enter Japan under any other official status, such as "Trainee," "Entertainer," or "Reentry Permit," you cannot change the Exchange Order for a JAPAN RAIL PASS. Please note that according to strict interpretation of the Japanese Immigration Law, "Temporary Visitor" status differs even from other types of stays that are also for only short time periods.