The Japan Rail Pass can offer a very economical way to travel within Japan. The pass comes in two types: Green (first class) and Ordinary. These passes can be purchased as 7 day, 14 day and 21 day passes. They offer unlimited travel on Japan Rail train, bus and ferry networks for the duration of validity. There are some restrictions, however. Passes are not valid on Nozomi class shinkansen bullet trains on the Tokaido and Sanyo lines.
Before purchasing a Japan Rail pass, find out the approximate cost of your total rail travel in Japan to see if the Japan Rail Pass options offers you a real saving. You can do this by using a convenient journey planner website that also allows you to find out the cost of your journey. Go to http://www.hyperdia.com/ and type in the departure and arrival points (including dates and times). You can choose between reserved seating and unreserved (cheaper) seating ticket prices. Then compare the total cost of all the journeys you plan to make with the price of a corresponding Japan Rail Pass. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy rail tickets individually rather than a Japan Rail Pass. The Japan Rail pass is ideal for people who plan to use the JR train network extensively during their stay in the country.
Japan Rail Pass website: http://www.japanrailpass.net/eng/en003.html
