One of the most practical ways to travel around Japan is the railway system. The Japanese railways are something to experience! Their しんかんせん Shinkansen, or Bullet Train system, is amazing and the system has been copied essentially by the Spanish, the French and the Chinese. It seems that it is going to be the standard for all future high speed train systems.
The passes are really easy to purchase and relatively cheap. But: they must be bought outside Japan, so they are only for tourists to enjoy the cheaper fares. Good to know. The link for buying is at the bottom of the page.
This is how the system works: you buy your ticket on-line. You receive a voucher. At any station you can exchange the voucher for the actual pass.
It is also important that you can still choose the day that your ticket starts! You may want it to start on the third actual day of your holiday for long distance travel, while spending three days with friends in Tokyo etc. This is just a scenario.
What is important that the system is so easy to use for travellers. Use it for long distance travel and you get the best value out of your pass.
Another great advantage of your pass is that you only need to wave it to the station official and you walk past any queues, or groups of people (there are plenty of those).
Your entry into the stations, as well as your on-the-train checking are so easy. Just wave and “cheese“!
You need to remember though that the Shin-station is quite separate from the ordinary station. Usually the Shin-station is on top of the ordinary station. Wave your pass and you’ll be fine. Keep your pass in a safe place though.
There are lots of English, Korean and Chinese signs to help you. The Japanese Railways staff is amazing too!
Lastly, if you’re on the wrong train, or you change your mind, your pass will allow you to do as you please!
Rail Pass Link: RAIL PASS
Lami Japan 
