JRPass.com is a website that sells Japan Rail Passes to customers around the world. A Japan Rail Pass allows unlimited travel on Japan’s nationwide network of trains and buses operated by Japan Railways (JR). These passes can provide great value for tourists visiting Japan who plan to travel extensively by train.
However, as with purchasing anything online, you want to be sure you’re using a trustworthy service. In this blog post, we’ll provide an in-depth review of JRPass.com to help you determine if it’s a legit and reliable site to purchase a Japan Rail Pass from.
Overview of JRPass.com
JRPass.com is operated by Internet Development Japan K.K., a Japanese company based in Tokyo. They’ve been selling Japan Rail Passes online since 2003, making them one of the longer-running sites specializing in these passes. The website is cleanly designed, easy to navigate, and provides all the key information and options you need to purchase a pass.
The available passes you can buy on JRPass.com include:
- Japan Rail Pass – for tourists visiting from abroad
- JR East Pass – for travel in eastern Japan
- JR West Pass – for travel in western Japan
- JR Kyushu Pass – for travel in Kyushu
- JR Hokkaido Pass – for travel in Hokkaido
You can choose from multiple types of each pass, such as for different travel classes or durations. The site clearly shows the price and conditions for every type of pass.
JRPass.com also sells some other useful products for tourists in Japan, such as pocket WiFi devices, SIM cards, and airport transfers. However, Japan Rail Passes are clearly the main focus.
Payment and Delivery Options
JRPass.com offers a few different payment methods:
- Credit card – Visa, Mastercard, American Express
- PayPal
- Bank transfer – for select countries
These are all standard payment providers that offer buyer protection in case any issues come up.
For delivery, you can choose:
- Delivery in Japan – You can specify a hotel or address where you’ll be staying. The pass will be delivered there about 2 weeks before your activation date.
- Instant e-ticket – You’ll receive a PDF copy of the pass voucher via email that you can print out and take with you.
The delivery fee is reasonable at 1,100 JPY worldwide. E-tickets allow you to securely obtain your pass without needing to wait for shipping.
Pricing
How does JRPass.com’s pricing compare for the actual Japan Rail Passes?
In checking sample bookings, JRPass.com’s prices for the main national Japan Rail Pass match exactly with what’s listed on the official Japan Rail Pass site. There are no hidden fees or markups applied.
The site also guarantees their passes are valid and issued directly by Japan Railways Groups. So you can be assured you’re getting the real pass at the correct price.
For the additional rail passes beyond the national Japan Rail Pass, the prices are also in line with what you’d find directly from the respective rail companies. Again, no detectable markup.
Customer Service
JRPass.com provides customer service in English, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.
You can contact their support team via:
- Telephone
- Line message
Phone hours are 9am – 6pm Japan time, Monday to Friday. Emails are answered within 1 business day.
Searching online, there are very few negative reviews about JRPass.com’s customer service. They appear to have helpful, responsive staff ready to deal with any passport, booking, or delivery issues that may arise.
The site also has an FAQ section that covers many common questions about ordering and using rail passes in Japan.
JRPass.com Reviews
One way to gauge the reputation of an online business is to look at independent reviews on Trustpilot.com. At the time of writing, JRPass.com has a 4 out of 5 star rating based on almost 600 reviews.
The most recent 200 reviews give them a score of 4.5 stars. 87% of all their ratings are in the ‘Excellent’ or ‘Great’ categories.
Digging into the content of the reviews:
- Recent JRPass.com reviews are overwhelmingly positive, praising the convenience of online ordering, smooth delivery, and great service.
- There are few negative critiques about core aspects like pricing or pass quality.
- Where there are negative comments, they are often about external issues out of the company’s control. Such as delays by the courier service or rail staff not recognising the pass.
- JRPass.com staff actively respond to reviews (both good and bad) to clarify any confusion or problems that arise.
Overall, the spread of ratings and detailed reviews indicates JRPass.com is seen as a trustworthy business in the eyes of verified customers.
Security and Privacy
Whenever you make purchases online, security and privacy should also be considered.
JRPass.com has an SSL certificate installed, meaning all data transmission is encrypted. This protects your personal and payment information from interception or hacking.
They do not appear to sell or share customer details with external parties. The only emails you’ll receive are directly related to your order and delivery.
The website terms of use and privacy policy are clearly outlined, detailing how any personal information submitted is handled and processed.
Pros of Using JRPass.com
Based on this analysis, some pros of using JRPass.com include:
- Long history and reputation as a trusted seller of Japan Rail Passes
- Easy online ordering of passes for delivery worldwide
- Japan Rail Pass prices match the official prices, no markup
- Reasonable shipping fees
- Choice of delivery methods including e-ticket
- Professional and responsive customer service
- Positive reviews on Trustpilot and other third party sites
- SSL secured payments and co mpliant privacy policies
Cons of Using JRPass.com
Some potential downsides to consider:
- Limited to rail passes only, no other Japanese travel products
- English site only, so best suited for English speakers
- Can’t purchase passes after arriving in Japan
- No option to pick up pass in person in Japan
- Relies on local postal service so delivery delays can happen
However, none of these cons directly relate to issues with the credibility or services of JRPass.com itself.
- Verdict: Legit and Recommended Site
In summary, JRPass.com appears to be a fully legit and recommended site to purchase a Japan Rail Pass ahead of your trip to Japan. They are an authorized agent selling genuine rail passes at the standard retail prices set by JR Group railway operators.
The website is professional, secure, easy to order from, and has strong customer service backing. While no company is perfect, JRPass.com’s long history and reputation provide evidence you can trust them to deliver a real Japan Rail Pass hassle-free. For a convenient way to get these must-have passes for Japan travel, JRPass.com remains a smart choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of rail passes can I get on JRPass.com?
JRPass.com sells the main national Japan Rail Pass along with regional rail passes for JR East, JR West, JR Kyushu, and JR Hokkaido. You can choose from the various durations and travel classes available for each pass.
How far in advance should I purchase a Japan Rail Pass?
You should order your Japan Rail Pass at least 2-3 weeks before your arrival date in Japan. This ensures enough time for standard international delivery. If you need it faster, e-ticket delivery is instant.
Can I get a Japan Rail Pass after arriving in Japan?
No, rail passes can only be purchased outside of Japan and by those visiting the country on a temporary tourist visa. You cannot buy them once already in Japan.
Are there discount codes for JRPass.com?
JRPass.com does not currently offer any special discount codes or coupons. The prices shown are the full fixed retail prices for the rail passes set by JR Group companies. There are no ways to get them cheaper through this site.
JRPass.com Reviews: Is JRPass a Scam or Legit?
The regular national Japan Rail Pass does not include travel on Nozomi trains which require paying a surcharge fee. However, the Green class pass does allow you to take Nozomi trains without added fares.
What if I have an issue with my pass when in Japan?
Contact the JRPass.com customer service team immediately if you have any problem with your pass once in Japan. They will assist with clarifying conditions, arranging replacements if needed, or troubleshooting any other issues.
Conclusion
JRPass.com is a recommended website for anyone looking to conveniently purchase a Japan Rail Pass online ahead of their trip. Their many years in business, authorization as official agents, good reputation, and quality customer service give confidence they deliver as promised. If planning lots of train travel around Japan, a rail pass bought through JRPass.com is guaranteed to save you money and hassle.
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