Riding trains in Japan can be a bit tricky, and there is a need to learn the easiest route order to lessen the hassle of getting lost and of course to use Japan Rail Pass effectively. Japan Rail Pass is said to be your passport to sightseeing in Japan and because Japan is literally covered with trains. However take note that you can only use the JR Pass for most JR lines and not with subway and private railways.
Who should buy JR Pass?
- Tourists who will ride the bullet train at least twice.
- Those who wants to fully explore Japan on their own from east to north.
Who can buy JR Pass?
- 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." CreditsTo fully make use of your JR Pass and to properly plan your train itinerary you can use 2 Japanese Train Route Finder, below are the ones I recommend:
1) Jorudan
Straight forward good train route finder, no ads and clean website. It says which train to take, how much it will be? As well as the time schedule and various options.
2) Hyperdia
The Hyperdia is another website you can use to check train lines. They also have an android & iphone app for easy mobile access.
So that is how to check train lines when using JR PASS. Just check any of these two sites to check train lines and make sure to ask locals when unsure.
Goodluck! :)
