One Super-Affordable Way Of Traveling Throughout Japan Is Only Available To Foreign Tourists

If you're visiting Japan, it's likely that you plan on experiencing the bustling and culture-rich city of Tokyo, but the iconic country is very affordable if you avoid the capital city. Whether you're planning to see cherry blossoms blooming in the spring, gaze in awe at Mount Moiwa in Sapporo, or spend time at the beautiful temples in Fukuoka, a trip to Japan can cost a lot of money as you travel between destinations. If you want to see more of the country and really get a sense of its beauty, there is a super affordable way to travel that is only open to foreign tourists. The Japan Rail Pass allows you to pay a set fee for unlimited travel during seven, 14, or 21 days on most Japan Railways trains. If you're exploring several cities, this may be exactly what you're looking for. 

Each plan allows unlimited rides, with prices for ordinary or green seats (which is basically business class), and includes express airport transfers. You can even use it on some of the super fast Shinkansen bullet trains. When making your travel plans, use an online rail pass calculator to see if it is worth it. At the time of this writing, a seven-day pass is around $450 for adults and $225 for kids between the ages of 6 and 10 for a green seat. An ordinary seat is around $322 for adults and $161 for kids. Children 5 and under are free.

There are a few things to know about the Japan Rail Pass before you buy. First, this is only for foreign tourists with a non-Japanese passport and a temporary visitor stamp. You can't use the automatic gates at immigration or you won't get a stamp. There are a number of places to get a Japan Rail Pass, but it's best to use the official website or Klook. 

You should purchase your ticket online at least two weeks before your trip, as a certificate will be mailed to your home that you'll need to exchange for the actual pass in Japan. If you use the official site, you only need your confirmation number to pick up the pass in person at a Japan Railways office or an automated machine (though there may not be any at some of the smaller stations). Purchases from third-party websites require your physical exchange order. You can pick up your pass within 90 days of buying it and activate it within 30 days.

You can also make free reservations for seats 30 days before your train ride if you use the official site. If you use Klook, you can make reservations at one of the machines or ticket counters. One other thing to know is that there are luggage parameters. Standard luggage has a combined dimension (length, width, and height) of 160 centimeters, just under 63 inches. Oversized luggage is any size over this limit up to 250 centimeters, or about 98.5 inches. For stops on the Tokaido, Sanyo, Kyushu Shinkansen, and Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen lines, you need to make oversized seat reservations. With the unlimited pass, you can visit other gorgeous cities besides Tokyo and even take a few spontaneous trips when the mood strikes you.