Japanese Rail Passes (from the NY Times, Sunday, march-21-99)

Foreign tourists visiting Japan may purchase special passes that can be used on most of Japan Rail trains (exceptions include the Nozomi Super Express), as well as on many buses and ferries. The pass must be purchased through travel agents before arriving in Japan. The Japan Rail West passes for travel in the Sanyo and Kansai areas are the only passes that can be purchased in Japan.

The standard, countrywide passes allow unlimited travel for 7, 14 and 21 days.

While the prices are set by Japan Rail, authorized travel companies that sell the passes in the United States (either directly to the traveler, or through your personal travel agent) may use different exchange rates. For example, earlier this month, Kinetsu International Express, (800) 422-3481, sold the passes at a rate of 118 yen to the dollar, resulting in these coach fares: $240 (28,300 yen) for 7 days, $382 (45,100) yen for 14 days and $489 (57,700 yen) for 21 days. First-class rates, student and children's fares are also available.

Among the regional passes are the JR East Pass (includes Tokyo and Nagano ski areas), the JR Kyushu Pass (in and around Kyushu Island) and the JR West passes mentioned above.

For a brochure contact the Japan National Tourist Board, 1 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 1250, New York, N.Y. 10020; (212) 757-5640, fax (212) 307-6754.