We plan to visit Japan next year to visit our son who is studying in Japan for the school year. During our stay we plan to travel the country via rail. From what I have read on-line it sounds like our son is not eligible to purchase a rail pass. Is that true?? Is there a way that we all could purchase rail passes? Thank you for your time.
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Travel to Japan to visit our son
aruddell
about 11 years ago
2 answers
Daniel-san
18919 posts
6952 likes
about 11 years ago
Hi there,
Unfortunately only people who enter Japan under a tourist visa are eligible for the JR Pass. This means that your son won't be able to use the JR Pass if he enters Japan under a scholar or student visa.
The only way for your son to make use of the JR Pass, would be to leave Japan and re-enter under a different visa.
Sorry for the bad news,
Daniel
aruddell
2 posts
0 likes
about 11 years ago
Daniel-
What form of travel can recommend that's fast and economical?
Thank you
Daniel-san
18919 posts
6952 likes
about 11 years ago
Hi again,
You may want to look into night buses if you really wish to travel on the budget. Night buses are generally cheaper than travel by rail and you can save costs related to accommodations as well. The downside is that you may lose the next day to tiredness, if you can't sleep on the bus.
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