FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
United

Navigating Japan’s Railway System

by Eugenia Lazaris

Jan 13, 2019

© Kwanchaichaiudom | Dreamstime.com

Travel Tips

The island nation of Japan is rich in culture, history, beauty and fun. With fantastic cities to visit around the country, like the bustling capital of Tokyo with its high-rise buildings and fascinating neighborhoods to the historically significant town of Kyoto with traditional tea houses, shrines and torii gates, there are amazing sites all over the country.

 

The only problem is fitting all of these sites into one trip. Thankfully, Japan has a fantastically efficient railway system to help travelers move throughout the country with ease.

 

The Japan Rail Pass is the key to navigating the complex system and, with minimal effort to obtain the pass and understand how it works, the entire country can easily be unlocked for would-be travelers.

 

The JR pass is specifically for overseas visitors and should be purchased before you arrive, so a little pre-planning is necessary to make your trip as stress-free as possible. The pass, the most economical way for tourists to travel throughout the country, can easily be purchased through an approved sales agent outside of Japan. The JR website provides a helpful list of locations to obtain a pass prior to your trip.

 

Upon purchasing your JR Pass you will be given a voucher, or exchange order, which you must take to a JR office in any one of the rail stations once you arrive. From there you will be given your actual pass, good for travel on almost all of the JR lines that take travelers around the country. Passes are good for seven, 14 or 21 days from the first date of use, which must be specified when you turn in your voucher for your JR Pass.

 

Japan Railway © Prasit Rodphan | Dreamstime.com

 

Once you arrive in Japan and have exchanged your voucher for your actual pass, it will work on almost any train within the JR group of six railway companies that crisscross the entire country. The pass allows you to request a seat on any approved train for no additional cost. You can reserve seats for certain trips, also for no additional cost, but not all trains accept reserved seating and availability is first-come, first-serve. Seats can be reserved by visiting the JR travel office in any rail station but non-reserved seats are easy to access — just show up to your desired train and show your pass, then ride the rail until you reach your destination.

 

It is important to note, when entering the country, make sure you go through a manned immigration station instead of an automated booth. Only manned stations will stamp your passport as a temporary visitor, a requirement to use the JR pass.

 

With a little patience and effort, you will be able to see a great deal of Japan quickly and easily at an affordable cost. The ease of rail travel in Japan allows you to plan your trip as you go, making it ideal for travelers who like to make spontaneous travel decisions about where they want to visit next and when they want to do it.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Hotels
Jun 19, 2025

Italian Dolomites’ Resort Perfect for New Parents

You might not think of traveling in the first few months after your baby is born, but a luxury resort high in Italy’s Dolomite mountains has designed a family getaway just for new parents.

Europe
Jun 19, 2025

Le Torri di Bagnara Castles Bring Family Fairy Tales to Life

Family travelers looking for a fairy-tale escape will find just that at Le Torri di Bagnara Castles in Umbria, Italy. The meticulously restored, 1,500-acre estate offers a collection of historic castle villas perfect for travelers of every generation.

Slideshow
Jun 19, 2025

6 Baltimore, Maryland, Destinations for Family Travel

It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through Baltimore, Maryland, with us.

Destinations / Caribbean
Jun 18, 2025

Summer Festivals Make U.S. Virgin Islands Ideal for Families

As the United States gears up for its annual Independence Day celebrations, the U.S. Virgin Islands are in the midst of similar preparations, making the summer a fun time for family travelers exploring the islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island.

Hotels
Jun 18, 2025

Unleash Summer Fun at The Lake House on Canandaigua

Endless summer fun awaits family travelers at The Lake House on Canandaigua in the Finger Lakes. The Lake House on Canandaigua offers the perfect mix of lakeside adventure, relaxation and family-friendly entertainment. Here’s an inside look on what to expect this summer:

Destinations / North America
Jun 18, 2025

Find the Best Beach in the Fort Myers Area for Your Family

Family travelers must please multiple personalities within their group during a vacation, with each member of the family seeking something different. In Florida, the Fort Myers – Islands, Beaches and Neighborhoods area offers a variety of options for every type of traveler. Which beach is best for your group?