Before you can activate the Japan Rail Pass, you need to go to the JR office and transform your exchange order in to your Japan Rail pass. You will find these offices at the main train stations and the airport.

Please check the list of offices here for their opening times as they may differ. Fill your form at the office and show your temporary visitor stamp in your passport to receive your Japan Rail Pass.

You will have the option of when to start using the pass while exchanging the voucher. This must be within 30 days of exchanging. After validation, the pass will be ready for use on the date you decided and for the length of time that it is valid for.