Is there a children discount for the JR Pass?

Children younger than 6 years old can ride all JR trains and buses free of charge. However, they cannot reserve a seat. Should all seats be already booked, the child must be held by the parent. Children from 6 to 11 years of age, as of the date when the Exchange Order (JR voucher) was issued, can take advantage of a special 50% discount and also book their own seat. Those who are over 11 years old will be required to pay the full JR Pass price.

Important note: If your child is 11 years old on the day you buy the Exchange Order, he/she will be eligible to receive a discounted children’s pass even if he/she has turned 12 before you arrive in Japan.

EXAMPLE:

• Exchange order issue date: 1st of March (the child is 11 years old)
• Exchange for the Japan Rail Pass at a JR ticket office in Japan: 3rd of May (the child is 12 years old).

In this scenario, the child is still entitled to receive the discounted Japan Rail Pass.