JR Pass Exchange Haneda Airport Location

Introduction

When I was first traveling around Japan - my first stop was Tokyo at Haneda Airport.

Now on of the first things you might want to do (after you have collected your luggage and passed immigration) is to exchange your JR Pass so that you can travel on the JR services (train lines, bullet train, buses, etc).

Most international flights will land in Terminal 3 so getting to exchange your JR ticket will be a short walk. It is near Tokyo Monorail 2F Ticket Gate and the arrival lobby.

Just follow the signs with Railways / Monorail.

To exchange your Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, you can visit the JR East Travel Service Center.

This is located on the second floor (2F) of terminal 3

You are able to do the following:

• Pick-up tickets purchased online
• Exchanging your Exchange Order for a PASS

It’s worth noting that the JR East Travel Service Center at Haneda Airport operates from 6:45 AM to 08:00 PM, so make sure to plan your arrival accordingly to ensure you can exchange your pass within their working hours.

If you have arrived to Haneda airport outside of the JR East Travel Service Center office hours, another option you can do is to go to the Tourist Information Center at Haneda Airport Terminal 2 between 6:00AM to 11:00PM. You will need to travel to Terminal 2 first.

Services offered at JR East Travel Service Center

Ticket Exchange:

• JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area): Allows unlimited travel in the Tohoku region.
• JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area): Provides unlimited travel in the Nagano and Niigata regions.
• JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass: Enables unlimited travel between the East and South Hokkaido regions.
• JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass: Offers unlimited travel between the Tohoku and South Hokkaido regions.
• Hokuriku Arch Pass: Allows unlimited travel in the Hokuriku region.
• JAPAN RAIL PASS: Provides unlimited travel throughout Japan.

Sales:

• JR TOKYO Wide Pass: Offers unlimited travel within the Kanto region, including Tokyo.
• Hokkaido Rail Pass: Enables unlimited travel within Hokkaido.

The JR East Travel Service Center offers a lot more than just exchanging your JR Pass, so keep in mind that it could get very busy. I would suggest to have all your required details ready (eg passport, JR ticket receipt, etc).

The staff can speak English but at a basic level, so be prepared to have your phone out for translation.

What is the JR pass

When traveling around Japan as a tourist, getting a JR pass a great cost-effective way to travel.

This is a great option for travelers intending to explore extensively across the country.

It offers unlimited travel on JR trains (including Shinkansen bullet trains), JR ferries, and even some JR buses for 7, 14, or 21 days.

If you are traveling for a week or more, I found it more cheap with the JR pass than buying tickets individually.

On Shinkansens, this includes both reserved and non-reserved seats! The reserved seats you will have to book in advance.

Tip: Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains are not covered!

While the JR Pass covers most JR trains, there are a few exceptions, such as the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen trains, which are the fastest services on certain routes. The pass does not cover private railway lines or subway systems, so separate tickets may be needed for travel on those.

What will you need to exchange your JR Pass

To exchange your Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), you will need the following:

• JR Pass Voucher: You must have the original JR Pass voucher, which you would have obtained before arriving in Japan. The voucher is typically obtained through an authorized travel agency or online vendor.
• Valid Passport: You will need to present your valid passport when exchanging the JR Pass. The name on your passport should match the name on the JR Pass voucher.
• Entry Date: The JR Pass exchange can only be processed within three months from the date of issuance written on your voucher. Make sure to exchange your pass within this timeframe.
• Temporary Visitor Status: The JR Pass is available for tourists visiting Japan under the “Temporary Visitor” status. You must enter Japan with a “Temporary Visitor” stamp/sticker on your passport to be eligible for the JR Pass.
• Exchange Fee (if applicable): Some JR Pass vendors may charge a small exchange fee, usually around 500 yen. Be prepared to pay this fee when exchanging your voucher for the actual JR Pass.

Tip: Consider your JR pass start date

When you are exchanging for a JR pass, you do not have to use it straight away. You can nominate a date that it should be valid.

I would choose a date where you will start traveling by Shinkansen - I think this is the time that you will get the most value out of your pass.

Personally, I would activate my JR pass on the date that I have arrived in Haneda airport - since the JR pass does not cover our whole trip to downtown Tokyo anyway.

Getting around Haneda Airport

Haneda Airport, officially known as Tokyo Haneda Airport, is one of the major international airports serving the city of Tokyo, Japan.

• Terminal 1 is for mostly domestic flights.
• Terminal 2 also caters for domestic flights, but they do have a few international flights. As of 2023 - international flights will open on the 19 Jul 2023.
• Terminal 3 are for international flights and most likely the terminal where you will disembark on your trip. Its got a lot of amenities, shops and restaurant areas.

Traveling from Haneda to Tokyo CBD with JR Pass

So after you have exchanged your JR receipt for a JR Pass, then the next step to go out of the airport and to Tokyo downtown.

We can’t directly use the JR pass - so one option is to take the Tokyo Monorail and travel to Hamamatsucho Station:

• Near the JR East Travel Service Center, you can buy the Tokyo Monorail tickets and go through the Tokyo Monorail gates. Now if you are in Terminal 3 or Terminal 2, the cost is around 500 yen.

• Once you arrive at Hamamatsucho Station follow the signs to transfer to the Yamanote Line platform. Use your JR Pass to enter the station.

• The Yamanote Line will be covered by the JR pass. Take the Yamanote Line to your destination. The Yamanote Line is a loop line that circles central Tokyo, making it easy to reach many popular destinations.

Summary

Overall, when you arrive in Haneda airport in Tokyo, you can exchange for your JR Pass at the JR East Travel Service Center at terminal 3 on the second floor (2F).

If you are in terminal 2, you can exchange the pass at the Tourist Information Center.

Keep in mind that the offices, although open all days of the year, have specific operating hours. JR East Travel Service Center opens from 6:30 AM to 8:00PM while the Tourist Information Center opens from 6:00AM to 11:00PM.

You will most likely arrive in Terminal 3 if you are traveling from international airlines.

Keep in mind that you can just exchange for the JR pass, you do not have to use it straight away. You will need your passport, JR receipt, visa stamp of the temporary visa status in your passport and nominate a date for the JR pass to be valid.