JR Rail Pass

Received my JR Rail Pass today. This 21-day pass costs $496 (with shipping) and allows me to travel Japan's train system (as much as I want) for 21 consecutive days. One can purchase 7, 14, or 21-day passes at steep discounts but only online and only before entering Japan. The passes are intended to promote tourism and are not available in country or to Japanese Nationals; eligibility requirements are strict (e.g., you must receive a temporary visitor stamp upon entry to the country). Also, the number of days run consecutive so in my case, once I start using the pass (you declare your start day in country when you exchange for your JR Pass), the 21-day clock starts.

While I'll be in Japan for about 6 weeks, 10 days on the front will be spent at Kyoto's International Zendo and 10 days on the back end will be at a Vipassana meditation retreat; I won't be moving around during these times:). Hence, my intention is to use the pass during the middle of my visit; I wish they had a 30-day pass and its possible I could have purchased more than one pass but...

This is the exchange order you receive from purchasing online. Once you enter Japan, you exchange this for your JR Rail Pass.