• Home
  • Travel
    • Shinkansen (Bullet Trains)
    • JR Pass
    • Local Train Passes
  • Categories
    • Hokkaido
    • Tohoku
    • Kansai
    • Tokyo
    • Kyushu
  • About
  • Contact
  • Translation Request

Jin Travels Japan

Instagram Bluesky
Types of Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass


"What's the difference between Kansai Area Pass and Kansai Thru Pass?"

This has been a question that I kept receiving from people who wanted to travel to the Kansai region. 

I even received questions asking how does Osaka Amazing Pass differ from Kansai Area Pass/ Kansai Thru Pass - which is a not-so-great comparison, because one works for Osaka and the other works for the Kansai Region, which comprises multiple areas (Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo (Kobe and Himeji are part of it), Wakayama, Nara, Shiga and sometimes Mie is included (but Mie is another story).

Based on my experience in answering so many questions from people, I figured that it's finally the time I should write something to help clearing up some cloudy thoughts. I'll write on:
  1. The passes itself
  2. How to use these passes
  3. How to decide on which between the two is suitable (or none)


1. Kansai Area Pass (JR West) 

☆ Kansai Area Pass is a pass that is commonly mistaken for Kansai Thru Pass. 
☆ You can only use them on JR (Japan Railway) lines
☆ You can't use them on any trains/ buses that are not under JR.
☆ Certain JR West Passes are eligible for shinkansen rides, but some are not eligible (check here). 
☆ For purchases of Kansai Area Pass, you either get an exchange order from your travel agency, or you get a physical ticket if your agency provides it (I don't think I've seen many agencies selling the physical ticket itself).

1A. IN A CASE IF YOU HAVE A PHYSICAL TICKET

☆ If you have a physical ticket like I do, you can just show this ticket to the staff at the manual ticketing gate. The staff will stamp the passes with the expiry date at the back of the pass.
☆ You have to use them on consecutive days. Example: If you activate a 4-day Kansai Area Pass on 1 July 2019, you can start using it from 1-4 July 2019. 
☆ This ticket runs by date, not by hour.

1B. IN A CASE IF YOU HAVE AN EXCHANGE ORDER


☆ For Kansai Area Pass, exchange orders are required to be exchanged in any JR West offices (not all JR Stations has an exchange office).
☆ During date of exchange, you can inform the officer on which day you wish to activate your Kansai Area Pass. This is helpful if you do not plan to use the pass as soon as you exchange it.


1C. TYPE OF KANSAI AREA PASS

☆ Kansai Area Pass has 5 types: 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day and Kansai WIDE Area Pass.
☆ The 1-4 day pass are covering the same regions, while Kansai WIDE Area Pass covers a couple more regions.


>> KANSAI AREA PASS (1-4 DAYS)

Kansai Area Pass Physical Tickets
☆ The above four types (1-day to 4-day) of Kansai Area Pass covers the same region.
☆ Some of the important tourist spots that you can use it for are:
  • Biwako Valley
  • Hakodateyama Ski Resort
  • Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
  • Nijo Castle
  • Yamashina Canal
  • Lake Biwa (Biwako)
  • Nara
  • Wakayama
  • Rinku Town
  • Namba
  • Osaka
  • Kobe
  • Himeji
  • Universal Studios Japan
  • Fushiji Imari Shrine
  • and more (check the usage area map here)
☆ You can use it on Limited Express Haruka to go to the airport from Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto.
☆ You can use this pass to board JR buses in Kyoto. Following is a list of places you can go in Kyoto by JR bus pass:
  • Kyoto Station
  • Kyoto Aquarium
  • Nijo Castle
  • Kyoto Railway Museum
  • Kinkakuji Temple
  • Kozanji Temple
  • Ryoanji Temple
  • Ninnaji Temple
  • Takaosan Temple
  • Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
☆ For other regions, buses are not covered in this pass.



>> KANSAI WIDE AREA PASS (5 DAYS)

☆ Kansai WIDE Area Pass offers a wider area of visiting for people who are interested to see areas that a little further. 


Kansai Wide Area Pass 

☆ Kansai WIDE Area covers the same regions for Kansai Area Pass, but has a lot more perks!
☆ This pass is a 5-day pass. You need to use it consecutively.
☆ Besides the areas listed for Kansai Area Pass, you can use it to go to:

  • Tottori Sand Dunes
  • Amanohashidate (one of the three great views of Japan!)
  • Shirahama (pretty beaches!)
  • Kishi Station (the station with Cat staff)
  • Asuka Shrine (Shingu)
  • Nachi Falls
  • Okayama and  Kurashiki Bikan Canal
  • Kinosaki Onsen
  • and more (refer usage area map here)
☆ You can freely board all kinds of Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka Station and Okayama Station! 
☆ Hello Kitty shinkansen is OK for this pass if you use the unreserved seats.
☆ Besides JR trains, you can use the Wakayama Railway to Kishi, Kyoto Tango (Tantetsu) to Amanohashidate, and Chizu Express between Kamigoori and Chizu




2. KANSAI THRU PASS (This is NOT JR)

☆ Kansai Thru Pass is the pass that always gets mistaken by people with Kansai Area Pass.
☆ This pass works by the date, but is not consecutive.
☆ There are two types of Kansai Thru Pass: 2 days and 3 days.
☆ By non consecutive, you can use it on any 2 or 3 days, as long as it is within the validity period.
☆ For example, if you have a pass that is valid from 1 May 2019 to 30 April 2020, you can use it for any 2/3 days within this time frame. 

Kansai Thru Pass (2 days and 3 days)
☆ The pass is a physical card that you don't have to use it through manual entry gates.
☆ Just use it like any metro card: slot it into the gate, pass through, and take your pass back.
☆ This pass can basically use almost any other railway besides JR (check usage map here). A good list of the passes are as follow:

Transportation eligible for Kansai Thru Pass

☆ This pass can be very helpful for long distance travels for regions like Himeji, Kobe, Osaka, Wakayama, Kobe, Mt. Koya, Nara, Kyoto (except northern Kyoto parts such as Amanohashidate), and to a part of Biwako.
☆ However, there are certain transportation modes that is not applicable for Kansai Thru Pass users, as shown below:

Transportation NOT eligible for Kansai Thru Pass

☆ This pass works for transportation only and does not cover entrance fees. However, discount coupons are available (refer list here).
☆ For local buses, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Wakayama local city buses, you can use it with Kansai Thru Pass (refer areas marked with yellow background here)
☆ Note that Kobe Loop Bus is not allowed with Kansai Thru Pass/ IC cards (ICOCA, SUICA, etc)/ Kansai One Pass etc. (refer here for fare and restrictions for Kobe Loop Bus).


3. Kansai Thru Pass vs Kansai Area Pass - Which to choose?

Generally, I choose the pass I need based on the following (cheapo) criteria:
  1. Where I am staying;
  2. My itinerary
    1. If I know that I'm going to Amanohashidate or Tottori, I'll be taking a JR West's Kansai WIDE Area Pass immediately;
    2. If I know that I'm going to Hiroshima, I'll be taking JR West's Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass;
  3. My transportation price
    1. If I'm going to use Kansai Thru Pass, I will make sure that my itinerary transportation cost (that is covered in this pass) will exceed 5,300 JPY in 3 days of pass usage, or 4,300 JPY in 2 days of pass usage, otherwise I'll find other alternatives.
    2. If I'm going to use Kansai Area Pass, I'll make sure that my itinerary transportation cost (covered in this pass) will exceed 2,200 JPY (in 1 day), 4,300 JPY (in 2 days), 5,300 JPY (in 3 days), 6,300 JPY (in 4 days) or 9,000 JPY (in 5 days).
    3. How to decide if a pass is worth it? Check here for a tutorial.

In a case where my itinerary requires a combination of both, adjustments will be made!

But, it's quite confusing for many first-timers because many don't know how to utilize the passes. Therefore, there are some scenarios that are super common among the questions I've received, that can help you to decide if you need a pass!
  • If you are going to Amanohashidate, Tottori, Shingu, Okayama - Consider Kansai WIDE Area Pass
  • If you want to try boarding the Hello Kitty Shinkansen/ Nozomi Shinkansen, consider Kansai WIDE Area Pass (or some other JR West Passes)
  • If you are going to Biwako Valley or Hakodateyama Ski Resort, consider Kansai Area Pass (this region is not covered in Kansai Thru Pass) or Kansai WIDE Area Pass if you are going to the Kansai WIDE Area regions
  • If you are staying near Namba/ Umeda and is not going anywhere listed above, either Kansai Area Pass or Kansai Thru Pass works for you just well. 
  • If you are just heading to USJ, you don't need a pass - buy a one-way ticket or use your IC (ICOCA/ SUICA/ Pasmo etc.) card.
  • If you are just staying in Osaka and doing only ONE day trip to Nara, Kobe, Kyoto, Himeji, then use your IC card. 
  • If you have a full day in Kyoto, you can consider 1-day Kyoto Bus Pass (you can purchase in Kyoto Station) or Keihan Pass if you are to going between Kyoto and Osaka.
  • If you need your Kansai Pass to be leaping days, consider Kansai Thru Pass. Otherwise, if you happen to need to do leap days for regions in Kansai Area Pass/ Kansai WIDE Area Pass, either rearrange your itinerary or buy separate passes.


Hope the above clears up your doubt!

You can drop me any questions in the comments or DM me on instagram! :)


Until next time!
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
Shinkansen Hayabusa (Tohoku Shinkansen) and Komachi (Akita Shinkansen) meets!

For many visitors to Japan, we would definitely love to try to board a Shinkansen, right? 

But how do we know if we should just buy a single shinkansen ticket, or should we purchase a JR Pass?

If you didn't know what a JR Pass is, it's basically the most economic and time-saving pass that you can use in long distance travel in Japan! You use the shinkansen (bullet train) under Japan Railway (JR) unlimitedly within the pass validity period.

But there are so many types! 

So, if we are getting a JR Pass, what kind of JR Pass should we choose? The standard Nationwide Japan Rail Pass, or should we get regional passes, such as JR East Tohoku Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Pass, or something else?

Previously I've written about the different types of JR Passes, and today, I'll write a tutorial to walk you through the decisions!


How do I know if I  should buy a JR Pass?

The decision can be a little overwhelming with a lot of information online, so I'm here to help!

First we need to know the prices of JR pass, and also our itinerary in Japan - where do we plan to go, how long do we want to spend in each region, etc. 


Prices of Japan Rail (JR) Passes - and what they are 

I've listed of the different types of JR Passes, making a brief explanation of what they are, and their prices (as of 9 June 2019) previously (click here if you needed the list) in case if you needed an idea on how much they would cost. 

Note that child price is valid for those who are age of 6-11. Anyone age of 12 and above will be requiring an adult fare. Your age is determined by date of birth. 

Example, if your 12th birthday is 20 September but you are traveling in 20 April, you can purchase a child JR Pass since you'll be considered as 11 years old.


Calculating the need of a JR Pass

Assuming you've known the prices of JR Pass, it's time to calculate whether a JR Pass would be worth it.

Generally, I recommend using Hyperdia for your route information. This website shows the route information of the trains in Japan and is pretty easy to read.

The answer of how to know if you need a JR Pass (or any other pass in general) is just a simple formula:

The cost of your journey within the pass' time limits > Cost of the pass itself

Yes, it's THIS simple! As long as the total amount of your journey exceeds the pass cost in JPY, it's a huge YES for getting a pass!


Getting to know how to use Hyperdia - Case Study 1

Hyperdia is a fairly easy, yet a little overwhelming to navigate for first-time users. 

"How do I know which station I would need to board from?" is a very common question and here is when Google helps!

Let's take an example of the following case:
  • Landing in Narita Airport (starting journey in Tokyo) on 1 August 2019
  • Returning from Narita Airport (journey ends in Tokyo) on 7 August 2019
  • All hotels booked in Tokyo are nearby Tokyo Station.
  • On 3rd of Aug, wants to visit Osaka for 2 days.
  • On 5th of Aug, will return to Tokyo, will spend most of the time in the city
  • On 7th of Aug, return to Narita Airport. 

1. From the above case we know that the furthest part of the journey is Tokyo-Osaka, so we can find the price for shinkansen (bullet train) on hyperdia.

2. If you don't know the station names, look for the Shinkansen station in Osaka on a search engine (Google/ Yahoo, etc.). You'll get 'Shin-Osaka' as an answer. 

3. Consider the type of pass you plan to use. For this case scenario, they can have two options: JR Pass Nationwide (29,110 JPY), or Hokuriku Arch Pass (24,000 JPY). 

4. Visit hyperdia.com to start searching for the route, you should see the following site on PC. If you're an iOS user, you can find their app in the AppStore.


website of hyperdia.com


For the mobile version, you can see the search bar. A little different from PC in terms of layout, but the usage is the same.

5. Enter 'TOKYO' at the 'From' part and 'SHIN-OSAKA' at the 'To' part. You can define the date and time if you want to check the timing of the traveling date itself.

Select 'TOKYO' from the drop down list.

Do remember to select from Hyperdia's list so you won't see error messages.

Search conditions entered in Hyperdia

6. Here's the tricky part: If you've decided that you don't mind a transit and will be using a Hokuriku Arch Pass, you will need to have a little step: Going via Kanazawa station. Here you will need to click on 'More options' to see the following additional search options:

Additional search options

The above screen is the expanded options by default. This part is also helpful for JR Nationwide users, as you cannot board on a Nozomi train too.

For Hokuriku Arch Pass users, enter 'KANAZAWA' in 'via 1'. For JR Nationwide users, you will not need to enter anything in the 'via' segments.

However, you will need to make sure to adjust the trains that you wish to ride as follows (for JR users):

Additional search options

Why the above options?
  1. We are trying our best not to use any railways besides JR. 
  2. We can't board Nozomi/ Mizuho on JR Nationwide. 
  3. We're trying to reduce the walking (if you're ok with it you can keep the check for walk)
  4. Sleeper Limited Express/ Express isn't something that we are quite looking at since we want to focus on Shinkansens this time.

When all is good, hit the Search button! You should get this result for going pass Kanazawa, and this result for a direct travel.

Tokyo to Shin-Osaka via Kanazawa (suitable for Hokuriku Arch Pass users)


Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, direct train via Nozomi Shinkansen (suitable for JR Pass Nationwide users) 
If you forgot the additional options, you can scroll to the bottom to search again when the results are out.


On the above screens you would have noticed that the details:
  1. Total fare for reserved seats (you can change the seat fee to unreserved/ green in under 'Seat Fee'). 
  2. Number of transfers required
  3. Departure (blue) and Arrival time (pink)
  4. Time required for travel
  5. Transfer spots (yellow Tra.)
  6. If transfers are required: Arrival and Departure tracks 

7. Knowing the price above, we shall start calculating. Following the case scenario, we are doing a round trip between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, we can multiply the fares (on reserved seats):

If going via Kanazawa using Hokuriku Arch Pass: 21,770 JPY x 2 = 43,540 JPY > Hokuriku Arch Pass' 24,000 JPY. Hence, worth buying. 

If going via JR Pass Nationwide of 29,110 JPY: 14,340 JPY x 2 = 28,680 JPY < JR Pass Nationwide. > Not entirely worth buying? Read more!

8. So with the calculation we can conclude that we know that Hokuriku Arch Pass is definitely worth it for a round trip (although more time-consuming). But for JR Pass Nationwide, we save time if it's a direct trip! 

9. Additionally, both of these passes can be used for 7 days, and this trip is only for 2 out of 7 days, so we can calculate other fares that can be covered in these two JR Passes, and the most important: Narita Express!

Knowing that we are staying nearby Tokyo Station and will be heading to and from Narita Airport, and JR Pass is valid for the transfer, we can use Narita Express! 


Sample search from Tokyo to Narita Airport T2 via Narita Express


A round trip to and from Narita Airport to Tokyo would be 3,220 JPY x 2 = 6,440 JPY.


Adding it onto the amount we will be using for HIKARI, it'll be a total of 35,120 JPY > more than JR Nationwide's pass value of 29,000 JPY! 

Hence, without calculating for the usage of JR trains on other days, both JR Pass Nationwide and Hokuriku Arch Pass is worth buying!

10. So now we know that both are worth buying, the decision-making to choose between two passes are just:
  1. Your traveling budget (let's be real: with about 5000 JPY extra we can eat a very much decent meal in a Japanese sushiya!);
  2. Your willingness to spend more time on the road (people say: time is gold and we have limited time in Japan!);
  3. If you are not going to visit other areas outside of the valid areas in Hokuriku Arch Pass (How sure are you that you will visit X area only? Will you go to Okayama? Hiroshima? Nagoya? etc.).
  4. Do you want to consider domestic flights in Japan too? (but hey, more time spent to go to airports and check-in luggages, and less on-the-road views)

How I decide for this case scenario: I'd personally choose JR Nationwide if I'm not heading to the Hokuriku areas, but if I am stopping by the Hokuriku areas (Kanazawa, Toyama, etc.) without straying out from the valid regions, I'll pick Hokuriku Arch Pass! 



Case Study 2: Open Jaw Flights


Let's take another example:
  • Landing in Narita Airport (starting journey in Tokyo) on 1 August 2019
  • Returning from Kansai International Airport (journey ends in Tokyo) on 8 August 2019
  • On 1 Aug, hotel is booked near Tokyo Station
  • On 2nd of Aug, will travel to Sendai
  • On 4th of Aug, travel from Sendai to Ichinoseki
  • On 6th of Aug, return to Tokyo
  • On 8th of Aug, depart to Narita Airport

For this case, we have known that this journey is a journey up to Tohoku region only, so there .

So, one-way journey (direct) via Hikari is about 14k JPY, less than half of a JR Pass. 

At this case, it's better to buy a one-way ticket rather than a JR Pass (overnight buses, if that also interests you, check willer out!), especially when you are not visiting anywhere other than Tokyo and Osaka. 


What if I have an open jaw flight like above, but will also visit other regions?

I definitely have heard from different people wanting to visit other regions of Japan.
Hiroshima is a good day trip from Osaka, and some people even do day trips to Sendai!

As usual, we can see where we want to do day trips/ overnight at. 

Case Study 2.1: Day trip from Osaka to Hiroshima


One way fare between Shin-Osaka & Hiroshima: 
  • 10,430 JPY via Sakura, Kodama; Round trip: 20,860 JPY. 
  • 10,640 JPY via Nozomi (Round trip: 21,280 JPY).

Adding this onto one way fare of Hikari, definitely you should consider JR Pass Nationwide (7 days)! Do remember that JR Nationwide doesn't allow travels on Nozomi! 

Another way that I might do if I am going to Hiroshima: Getting 1-way ticket from Tokyo-Osaka, then another Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass (5 days, 13,500 JPY). The price is actually slightly cheaper but I wouldn't be able to go other places outside the Kansai-Hiroshima regional pass. I can also board Nozomi between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima if I do this too!


Case Study 2.2: Day trip from Osaka to Okayama


One way fare between Shin-Osaka to Okayama: 
  • Via Nozomi: 6,430 JPY (Round trip: 12,860 JPY).
  • Via Kodama, Sakura: 6,220 JPY (Round trip: 12,440 JPY).

If you're heading to Okayama and even to Kurashiki, adding onto the one way fare from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, JR Pass Nationwide is not worth it.

At this case, I will recommend you to consider the JR Kansai WIDE Area Pass at only 9,000 JPY + Nozomi access between Shin-Osaka to Okayama!  


Case Study 2.3: Day trip from Tokyo to Karuizawa, Gala Yuzawa


One way from Tokyo to Karuizawa: 6,110 JPY (round trip: 12,220 JPY)

One way from Tokyo to Gala Yuzawa (Echigo-Yuzawa Station): 6,870 JPY (round trip: 13,740 JPY)


Decision maker: IF you are going to both places within 3 consecutive days, you can consider getting one-way ticket from Tokyo - Shin-Osaka and another Tokyo Wide Pass (10,000 JPY) as it the total of both would still be lower than a JR Pass Nationwide (7 days).

Otherwise, you can consider the JR Nationwide Pass, because Tokyo Wide Pass works for 3 consecutive days only!


Case study 3: Regional Travel

Let's take another example:
  • Landing in Narita Airport (starting journey in Tokyo) on 1 August 2019
  • Returning from Narita/Haneda Airport (journey ends in Tokyo) on 8 August 2019
  • On 2 Aug, visit Sendai from Tokyo, staying 1 night.
  • On 3 Aug, visit Ichinoseki (Iwate) from Sendai, staying 3 nights.
  • On 7 Aug, return to Tokyo from Ichinoseki.
  • Hotels in Tokyo are booked near Shinjuku Station.
  • Hotels in Tohoku are booked near JR Stations.

Since we know that this will be a journey up to the Tohoku region, it is not necessary to use a JR Nationwide pass.


Why? Because there's a JR East Tohoku Regional pass. (Read here if you want). Plus, with the itinerary as above case scenario, we can utilize the flexible days offered by the pass!

In my previous post I've mentioned about JR East Pass offering 5 days among 14 days of travel. So what we can do is:

1 Aug: Exchange JR East Pass, book Narita Express to Shinjuku Station
2 Aug: Use JR Line to Ueno/ Tokyo Station, board the Tohoku Shinkansen to Sendai
3 Aug: Use Tohoku Shinkansen to Ichinoseki Station 
4 Aug-6 Aug: Not using the JR East Pass (consider a SUICA/ PASMO card, or regional bus passes.
7 Aug: Using JR East Pass to return to Tokyo via Tohoku Shinkansen
8 Aug: Using JR East Pass to return to Narita Airport via Narita Express


Why did I not suggest using the Tohoku Area Pass in Iwate?
  1. There are many local bus passes available: Hiraizumi 1 day bus pass, Morioka 1 day bus pass... etc.
  2. One way fare via train from Ichinoseki-Hiraizumi is only 200 JPY (round trip 400 JPY).
  3. One way fare via local line from Ichinoseki-Morioka is 1,660 JPY, 3,820 JPY via shinkansen Yamabiko's reserved seat, 3,920 JPY via Komachi (reserved seat) - JR East Pass is 19,000 JPY so it's still cheaper to buy tickets separately than using a JR Pass Nationwide 

Even if a little twist that we might be spending more time in Tokyo itself, there's also Tokyo Subway Ticket that is quite economic and not too pricey! Sometimes I didn't even feel bothered to use Tokyo Subway Ticket and go around with my own PASMO, especially when I am on a shopping spree in Shibuya and Akihabara. I could shop all day that even using Tokyo Subway Ticket is a little wasteful! 


Conclusions

After multiple case scenarios listed above, I think it is pretty obvious that we would definitely need to do quite some homework to cut down on our traveling budget (lol). Here are the few things that should be taken note of:
  1. Know where you'll be flying in and out from
  2. Know which cities you'll be visiting, and staying duration
  3. Check the fares of long distance travels
  4. Consider regional passes and see if which is more suitable
  5. Check the usage terms of the pass - are the passes continuous? 
  6. Or if you're actually lazy to do all the homework, ask your nearest Japan specialist travel agent (lool).

Hope this would help you in figuring how you can save some money for your next trip! 

If you need me to write about any post about traveling in Japan, drop me a comment/ DM me on Instagram at @yamashinajin! :)


Until next time!
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
No photo description available.
JR Nozomi Shiknansen @ Hiroshima Station

Travelers to Japan might have heard of Japan Rail Pass, or in short - JR Pass.
It's basically the most useful pass if you're traveling long distances in Japan via Japan Railway.

"But, there are so many JR Passes, which should I choose?"

This has been a question among many first-time travelers to Japan.

Today I'm writing so you will know a bit more about the various types of JR Pass, and hope it'll be helpful for you to choose the right pass!

It's cheaper to buy them before going to Japan, so I'm listing prices that are purchased in your home country. The exchange rate varies on the agencies you buy them from.

I'm putting these up to different categories so hopefully, it will be easier to read.

Long list ahead!

*UPDATE: Price has changed since Oct 1 due to new taxes.

1. JR Pass - Nationwide


☆ This pass is basically a pass that can be used throughout the entire Japan.
☆ There are some restrictions: You can't board a NOZOMI or MIZUHO train models.
☆ Other than NOZOMI and MIZUHO, you can board any other JR trains and Shinkansen.
☆ This pass must be used continuously.
☆ If you are going to only Tokyo/ Osaka/ Kansai region/ Fukuoka and not going to other cities, high chances you wouldn't be needing this pass (I'll explain in later of the post).
☆ Each day of the pass ends when the date changes.
☆ Unlike the Tokyo Subway Ticket, this pass doesn't run on hourly basis.
☆ This pass has to be purchased before travel in any authorized travel agencies in your home country. (e.g.: H.I.S. Travel, JTB...).
☆ There are two types of Nationwide JR Pass: Ordinary and Green (more comfortable and spacious).
  1. Price for Ordinary Pass 
    • 7 days: 29,650 JPY per adult, 14,820 JPY per child
    • 14 days: 47,250 JPY per adult, 23,620 JPY per child
    • 21 days: 60,450 JPY per adult, 30,220 JPY per child
  2. Price for Green Pass
    • 7 days: 39,600 JPY per adult, 19,800 JPY per child
    • 14 days: 64,120 JPY per adult, 21,060 JPY per child
    • 21 days: 83,390 JPY per adult, 41,690 JPY per child


1A: Hokuriku Arch Pass (Official site here)

☆ A cheaper alternative of JR Nationwide if you are only traveling between Tokyo-Osaka (not via direct train to Odawara/ Shin-Fuji/ Nagoya.
☆ Although cheaper, it takes longer to travel from Tokyo to Osaka as you'll need to do a transfer in Kanazawa.
☆ However, this pass can be pretty helpful if you wish to visit Kanazawa, and could just purchase a bus ticket to Shirakawa-go (from Toyama/ Kanazawa/ Takaoka) too.
☆ Karuizawa is also a good spot for shopping, nature, and architecture.
☆ Price is: 24,440 JPY per adult, 12,220 JPY per child.

2. JR Hokkaido Rail Pass (Official site here)


☆ This pass would be helpful if you are traveling in Hokkaido only.
☆ It'd generally be helpful if you are traveling long distances within Hokkaido, such as traveling from Sapporo to Asahikawa/ Furano/ Hakodate/ Noboribestu/ Tomamu/ Shiretoko, etc.
☆ If you are only going to Sapporo, this pass is not necessary (will explain why in later of the post)
☆ There are 4 types of JR Hokkaido Pass: 3 days, 4 days (flexible), 5 days, and 7 days).
☆ For 3, 5 and 7 days Hokkaido Rail pass, they must be used on continuous days. You can choose the starting date of your pass upon exchange.
☆ However, for 4 days flexible pass, you can choose any 4 days within the activation period of 10 days, and you cannot choose starting date of the pass. The first day of your 4 days flexible pass is the day you exchange the pass.
☆ Prices of JR Hokkaido Rail Pass:
  • 3 days: 17,400 JPY per adult; 8,700 JPY per child
  • 4 days flexible: 23,480 JPY per adult, 11,740 JPY per child
  • 5 days: 23,480 JPY per adult, 11,740 JPY per child
  • 7 days: 25,710 JPY per adult, 12,850 JPY per child

3. JR East-Hokkaido Pass (Official site here)


☆ There are two passes that JR East and JR Hokkaido have created:
  • JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass (visit here); and
  • JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass (visit here).
☆ The difference between East-South Hokkaido and Tohoku-South Hokkaido is that, the former allows visits to Tokyo for a 6 days out of 14 days, and the latter doesn't, and only for 5 days out of 14 days.
☆ This pass can only used for southern parts of Hokkaido - until Shin-Chitose Airport and Sapporo.
☆ For regions outside of South Hokkaido and Tohoku, additional fare applies.
☆ You can select any 5 or 6 days in the 14-day period. The 14 day starts from the day of exchange.
☆ Example: If you exchange on 1 Jan 2020, you can use the pass for any 5 days from 1 Jan until 14 Jan 2020.
☆ If you didn't want to visit Hokkaido but only the Tohoku + Tokyo region, check here.
☆ The prices of JR East-Hokkaido Rail Pass:
  • JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass - 26,900 JPY per adult, 13,450 JPY per child
  • JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass - 19,750 JPY per adult, 9,870 JPY per child

4. JR East Pass (Official site here)

☆ I've written a post on JR East Tohoku Area Pass before, but the Tohoku Area Pass isn't the only pass available for JR East.
☆ There are three popular types of JR East Pass:

  • JR East Tohoku Area Pass (visit here)

    • This pass is greatly helpful for travels up to the Tohoku region in Japan by Shinkansen (refer my post here)
    • It's a 5-day pass but like the JR East Hokkaido passes, you can use it for any 5 days in the 14 day period for the valid regions.
    • Otherwise if you visiting small places without using shinkansen, you can consider this pass.

  • JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass (visit here)

    • This pass is greatly helpful for travels up to the Nagano and Niigata region in Japan by Shinkansen (refer my post here).
    • Besides, Nagano and Niigata itself has quite some local buses so you don't really need to use the pass every day. It's a good pass for long period travels too.
    • It's a 5-day pass but like the JR East Hokkaido passes, you can use it for any 5 days in the 14 day period for the valid regions.

  • JR East Tokyo Wide Pass (visit here) 

    • This pass is great if you're visiting Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, Karuizawa, Nikko or Ibaraki.
    • However, if you're visiting Tokyo only, this pass is not recommended.
    • It's a pass that you can use for 3 consecutive days in Japan for 10,000 JPY.
    • This is the only pass that is required to be purchase in Japan only (as per my knowledge).
☆ Important Notes

  • One thing about JR East Pass is that, you cannot purchase two JR East Pass of the same type.
  • You cannot buy two JR East Tohoku Area Pass or JR East Nagano Niigata Pass and activate them within the same 14-day period. 
    • Example: If you purchase 2 Tohoku Area Pass and exchange one of the passes on 1 April 2020, you cannot exchange another Tohoku Area Pass between 1-14 April 2020. You can exchange another Tohoku Area Pass from 15 April 2020 onward. 
  • However, if you buy 1 JR East Tohoku Area Pass + 1 JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, you can activate them within the same 14-day period. 
  • Prices
    • JR East Tohoku Area Pass: 19,350 JPY per adult, 9,670 JPY per child
    • JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass: 17,310 JPY per adult, 8,650 JPY per child
    • Tokyo Wide Pass: 10,180 JPY per adult, 5,090 JPY per child

5. JR Central Pass (Official site here)

☆ JR Central is the region for prefectures such as: Aichi, Gifu, Fukui, Ishikawa, Nagano, Shizuoka, Toyama and Yamanashi.
☆ Though the regions for Nagano and Niigata has a pass under JR East, the other regions has a regional JR Pass under JR Central. The passes are:

  • Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (visit here)

    • This pass is perfect if you are entering Japan via Osaka, and would love to visit Shirakawa-go, one of the UNESCO heritage sites in Japan. 5 days is definitely enough to visit the essentials!

  • Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass (visit here)

    • This pass would be perfect if you are going to Nagoya and would like to go to Toyama, Takayama, Gero, and the Alpine route (opens in mid-April). With 1 day used in the alpine route, you have 4 more days to explore around and this 5-day pass a money-saver for sure!
    • Sales are of limited timing for this particular pass as the Alpine Route is not open for the whole year.

  • Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Pass (visit here)

    • This 5-day pass is great if you land in Nagoya or Osaka, especially when you can go to Ise, Toba, Shingu, Wakayama and Shingu - all of them offers beautiful landscapes!
    • You can even use Mie Kotsu bus to go around the eligible areas, which is definitely convenient if you're in Ise and Toba.

  • Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini (visit here)

    • You can take a Ferry from Toi Port (Toi Onsen) to Shimizu Port while also using the pass to go around Mt Fuji, Kawaguchiko, Atami and even Hamamatsu, for 3 consecutive days!
    • A good pass to use if you are staying overnight in this region - shoppers can even enjoy shopping using this pass to Gotemba!
☆ Prices are as follow:
  • Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass: 14,000 JPY per adult, 7,000 JPY per child
  • Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass: 17,500 JPY per adult, 8,750 JPY per child
  • Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Pass: 11,000 JPY per adult, 5,500 JPY per child
  • Mt. Fuji-Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini: 4,500 JPY per adult, 2,250 JPY per child

6. JR West Pass (Official site here)

☆ JR West Pass is probably one of the more famous JR Regional Passes in Japan, as it covers major sightseeing areas such as Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, etc.
☆ With JR West, you can actually use some of their passes to go to Chugoku and even to Hakata of Kyushu!
☆ Types of passes are as below:

  • Kansai Area Pass (1/2/3/4 days) - visit here

    • This pass covers the regions of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Wakayama and Kobe. Detailed route map here.
    • They have different passes, of either 1 day to 4 days.
    • It's a great pass if you are going to Kyoto from KIX because there's a Haruka train that departs between Kyoto-Osaka-KIX without transfers (timetable here).
    • The cons of this pass? No bullet train rides.

  • Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5 days) - visit here

    • Basically covers the region of Kansai Area Pass (see above), plus Okayama. Detail route map here.
    • Kurashiki + Okayama is a good day trip from Osaka. Besides, you get to ride Nozomi (between Shin-Osaka and Okayama only) compared (plus point compared to Nationwide that wouldn't allow you to board Nozomi).
    • You can also board Hello Kitty Shinkansen with this pass within the valid regions, until September 2019! (Unreserved seats only, timetable here).
    • You can use this pass to see Lake Biwa - the largest lake in Japan.
    • If you are a fan of Detective Conan, you can use this pass to go to Tottori.
    • If you wanted to see one of the three best views in Japan, you can use this pass to go to Amanohashidate.
    • If you love onsen (hot spring) villages, Kinosakionsen is a place to go!
    • If you wanted to see the beach side in Japan, go for Shirahama with this pass.

  • Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass (5 days) - visit here

    • This pass covers the regions of Kansai WIDE Area Pass (see above), plus Hiroshima and Iwakuni of Yamaguchi Prefecture. Detailed route map here.
    • Same as above, you can board the Nozomi shinkansen (unreserved seat only) between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. 
    • You can also board Hello Kitty Shinkansen with this pass within the valid regions, until September 2019! (Unreserved seats only, timetable here).
    • Same as above, you can visit Tottori, Shirahama, and Amanohashidate with this pass. 
    • You can go to Miyajima using the JR ferry for free by showing this pass.
    • You can use this pass to board JR West buses in Hiroshima and Kure.

  • Sanyo-San'in Area Pass (7 days) - visit here

    • Different from the above JR West passes, Sanyo-San'in does not cover areas of Amanohashidate, Miyazu, Ayabe, Nishi-maizuru, Obama, Fukuchiyama. Detail route map here, recommended to use PC to read the map.
    • However, you can use the Nozomi from Shin-Osaka to Shin-Yamaguchi station.
    • You can reserve seats on Hello Kitty Shinkansen with this pass in Midori no Madoguchi counters, within the valid regions. (Check timetable here).
    • You can use this pass on certain Chugoku JR buses in Yamaguchi, Hagi, Hiroshima and Kure.

  • Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass (7 days) - visit here

    • Like Kansai WIDE Area Pass, you can use it to cover the regions included in Kansai WIDE Area Pass, plus the Hokuriku areas: e.g.: Toyama, Itoigawa, Kanazawa, Warukaonsen, Nanao, Takaoka Joetsumyoko, Fukui, Kuzuryuko and Johana. Detailed route map here.
    • If you purchase an additional bus ticket, you can go to Shirakawa-go from Johana, Kanazawa, Takaoka/ Shin-Takaoka or Toyama. 
    • You can also board Hello Kitty Shinkansen with this pass, within the valid regions until September 2019! (Unreserved seats only, timetable here).

  • Hokuriku Area Pass (4 days) - visit here

    • Like Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass, except that this pass doesn't cover the Kansai region: Only from Obama until Kurobe Unazuki Onsen station.
    • Could be a great pass to use if you're flying domestically to Toyama airport or Komatsu airport - Ishikawa is a good place to spend for a week for their beef, onsen, and rice.
    • You can't board Hello Kitty Shinkansen with this pass.

  • San'in Okayama Area Pass (4-days) - visit here

    • Like the Sanyo-San'in Pass, except that you visit regions between Kamigori and Kurashiki (including Okayama), going up from Kurashiki to Hoki-Daisen, and between Hamasaka - Hagi (including Tottori, Matsue, Izumo), and smaller areas such as Miyoshi, Sayo, Tsuyama and Chizu). Check detailed route map here.  
    • I'd say that this pass could be helpful if you're visiting Matsue or Tottori since it also covers the local loop buses, so it's a good place to do day trips too, besides, Izumo Taisha is beautiful - definitely not to skip if you have the extra time near the San'in region!
    • You can't board Hello Kitty Shinkansen with this pass.

  • Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass (5 days) - visit here

    • The perfect pass if you are landing in Fukuoka and wants to visit Hiroshima!
    • This pass allows you to transfer between Hakata and Mihara of Hiroshima, while you can also visit Yamaguchi's Hagi, Masuda, Shimonoseki and Iwakuni. Detail route map here.
    • p/s: Onomichi Ramen is my personal favorite - worth a day trip if you love ramen, cats and temples! If you fancy cycling to Shikoku definitely stop by Onomichi and look at JR Shikoku Pass (will write them in the next subsection).
    • You can board the same buses allowed in Sanyo-San'in Pass.
    • You can also board Hello Kitty Shinkansen with this pass, within the valid regions until September 2019! (Unreserved seats only, timetable here).

  • Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass (5-days) - visit here

    • Similar to Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Pass, but has Okayama, and even Takamatsu of Shikoku included! A good way to use this pass if you're starting/ ending your trip in Shikoku or Hakata for sure! Detail route map here. 
    • You can also board Hello Kitty Shinkansen with this pass,  within the valid regions until September 2019! (Unreserved seats only, timetable here).
    • You can also show your pass to board JR Ferry to Miyajima. For the floating Torii gate, it is under renovation since June 2019 until further notice.
☆ Prices are as below: 

  • Kansai Area Pass 
    • 1-day: 2,300 JPY per adult, 1,150 JPY per child
    • 2-day: 4,600 JPY per adult, 2,300 JPY per child
    • 3-day: 5,600 JPY per adult, 2,800 JPY per child
    • 4-day: 6,600 JPY per adult, 3,300 JPY per child
  • Kansai WIDE Area Pass (5 days): 9,200 JPY per adult, 4,600 JPY per child
  • Sanyo-San'in Area Pass (7 days): 19,400 JPY per adult, 9,700 JPY per child
  • Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass (7 days): 15,270 JPY per adult, 7,630 JPY per child
  • Hokuriku Area Pass (4 days): 5,090 JPY per adult, 2,540 JPY per child
  • San'in Okayama Area Pass (4-days): 4,580 JPY per adult, 2,290 JPY per child
  • Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass (5 days): 11,200 JPY per adult, 5,600 JPY per child
  • Okayama-Hiroshima-Yamaguchi Area Pass (5-days): 13,700 JPY per adult, 6,850 JPY per child

7. JR Shikoku Pass (Official site here)


☆ Shikoku is a region that not many tourists are going, but it offers a lot of undiscovered gems, landscapes, and views. It's made of 4 prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Tokushima and Kochi.
☆ With JR Shikoku pass, you are allowed to board the JR Shikoku Line, Iyotetsu Line, Tosaden Kotsu-Line, Tosa-Kuroshio Tetsudo Line, Asa Kaigan Tetsudo Line, Kotoden-Line, Shodoshima Ferry and Shodoshima Olive Bus with this pass (map here).
☆ There are 4 types of JR Shikoku Pass: 3 day, 4 day, 5 days and 7 days.
☆ You can exchange it for a Pass at Takamatsu*, Matsuyama, Tokushima, or Kōchi Station, or at one of those stations' Warp branches, Sakaide Station Warp Plaza, the Warp Umeda branch, or the Kotohira Station Information Counter.
☆ Prices of the passes are as below:
  • 3-day Shikoku Rail Pass: 9,000 JPY per adult, 4500 JPY per child
  • 4-day Shikoku Rail Pass: 10,000 JPY per adult, 5,000 JPY per child
  • 5-day Shikoku Rail Pass: 11,000 JPY per adult, 5,500 JPY per child
  • 7-day Shikoku Rail Pass: 13,000 JPY per adult, 6,500 JPY per child
  • Kagawa Mini Rail & Ferry Pass: 4,000 JPY per adult, 2,000 JPY per child

8. JR Kyushu Rail Pass (Official site here)

☆ JR Kyushu is pretty simple. There are two parts: Northern and Southern Kyushu.
☆ Kyushu would be a great place to go if you are landing in Fukuoka Airport, or if you are interested for more nature, I'd recommend going to Kagoshima, Ibusuki (still Kagoshima lol), Tanegashima and Yakushima!
☆ Onsen lovers can definitely check out Yufuin, Beppu and Oita.
☆ Train lovers could rejoice with this pass because there are a lot of beautiful trains offered by JR Kyushu! (Check here!)
☆ There are mainly three types of JR Kyushu Rail Pass:
  • Northern Kyushu Rail Pass (3/5 days)
    • Perfect to visit to famous places such as Hakata, Nagasaki, Beppu, Yufuin (Try the Yufuin no Mori train!), Huis Ten Bosch, Amakusa and Kumamoto.
    • You can board the Mickey Mouse Shinkansen between Hakata-Kumamoto  until early November 2019, and within validity period of your pass (JR official site here)!
  • Southern Kyushu Rail Pass (3 days)
    • Starting from Kumamoto, it's a good pass to explore the southern parts of Kyushu: Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Ibusuki, Hitoyoshi, etc. 
    • You can board the Mickey Mouse Shinkansen between Kagoshima-Chuo and Kumamoto until early November 2019, and within validity period of your pass (JR official site here)!
  • All Kyushu Rail Pass (3/5 days)
    • This pass includes areas that are covered by both the Northern and Southern Kyushu Rail Pass
    • You can board the Mickey Mouse Shinkansen between Hakata and Kagoshima-Chuo  until early November 2019, and within validity period of your pass (JR official site here)!
☆ Prices are as below:
  • Northern Kyushu Rail Pass
    • 3 days: 8,660 JPY per adult, 4,330 JPY per child
    • 5 days: 10,190 JPY per adult, 5,090 JPY per child
  • Southern Kyushu Rail Pass
    • 3 days: 7,500 JPY per adult, 3,750 JPY per child
  • All Kyushu Rail Pass
    • 3 days: 15,280 JPY per adult, 7,640 JPY per child
    • 5 days: 18,330 JPY per adult, 9,160 JPY per child

8A. Sanyo-San'in Northern Kyushu Pass (Official site here)

☆ This pass is a combination of the Sanyo-San'in Area Pass AND the Northern Kyushu Area Pass.
☆ You get access to the valid areas from Osaka to Kumamoto and Oita of Kyushu. 
☆ You can board the Nozomi and Mizuho Shinkansen in the valid areas!
☆ You can board the pretty train (A-train) between Amakusa and Misumi! Good alternative since 7-star train is costing my lifetime savings (lol).
☆ Price: 22,400 JPY per adult, 11,200 JPY per child

9. Seishun 18 Kippu (Official site here)

☆ Seishun Kippu is a unique pass and it's seasonal-only.
☆ You can use it for 5 days as a single person, or split it among 2-5 person (all travelers must travel together)!
☆ You can use it on unlimited rides on local and rapid JR trains/ Zairaisen (excluding reserved seats)  throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Kyushu, and also JR Ferry to Miyajima - imagine JR Nationwide, but without all the fast trains.
☆ It's a great pass if you are traveling leisurely and not rushing for time, because you cannot board any shinkansen, limited express, express train or sleeper cars.
☆ You can also use it on BRTs in Japan.
☆ Like many other JR Passes, you need to go through the manual gate for this pass.
☆ This pass isn't valid for autumn season, and only valid for Spring, Summer and Winter. Please check this site for the selling period.
☆ Price: 12,050 JPY per person. (Adult and child same price)




* To purchase, go to your nearest authorized travel agency and provide a passport copy. Your name is very important for the issuance of exchange order as it must be the same as your passport!
* Child fare are 6-11 years old, your age depends on the date of birth.
* Information are updated as of 10 June 2019.


In my next post,Update: I'll write about how you can check timetables online and also to determine if you should get a JR Pass. Read it here!

If you think I've missed out a piece of information, feel free to let me know!

Hope the above information helps!

Until next time!
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
Image may contain: outdoor
JR East Joyful Train - Pokemon With YOU



It has been some time since I last wrote, but I thought it was finally the time I should write about my bullet train (shinkansen) rides.

For those that may have wondered, I've boarded quite a number of shinkansen rides during April! I was able to do that with a pass called JR East Tohoku Area Pass.

So today, I'm writing about JR East Pass before writing more on joyful trains on my recent trip, so here are my 5Ws on JR East Tohoku Area Passm while answering some frequently asked questions that I received.


What is JR East Tohoku Area Pass?

Maybe many of you have heard about JR Pass and only know that there's the super pricey one that runs along the whole of Japan. Actually, if you are traveling only the northern side of Japan, the Nationwide JR Pass is not necessary.

JR East Tohoku Area Pass is a pass where you can travel from Tokyo, and all the way up to Aomori, while being allowed to use it in Tochigi, Chiba, Ibaraki, Fukushima, Miyagi, Yamagata, Iwate, Akita, and of course - Aomori. 

No photo description available.
My JR East Pass

Do take note that this pass doesn't allow you to go to Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Takayama, Toyama, etc. without additional charges.

If you want to go oto Mt. Fuji, you can still use this pass to go to Otsuki Station, then change to Fujikyu Railways to Kawaguchiko Station, or take a normal JR Train to Odawara station (for Hakone).


What are the types of transportation I can take with JR East Pass?

There are plenty of trains that you can take! I'm categorizing them as below:
  1. Shinkansen (Bullet Trains)
    • Hokuriku Shinkansen up to Sakudaira
    • Joetsu Shinkansen up to GALA Yuzawa
    • Akita Shinkansen up to Akita
    • Tohoku Shinkansen up to Shin-Aomori
    • Yamagata Shinkansen up to Shinjo (Yamagata prefecture)
  2. Limited Express Trains/ Airport Trains
    • Narita Express (to and from Narita)
    • Tokyo Monorail (to and from Haneda)
    • Sendai Airport Transit 
    • Ltd. Express Tsugaru (between Akita and Aomori)
    • Ltd. Express Hitachi (between Ueno and Iwaki)
    • and many more other Ltd. Express Trains
  3. Joyful Trains
    • Pokemon with YOU train
    • SL Ginga
    • High Rail 1375
    • Resort Shirakami
    • Toreiyu Tsubasa
    • Genbi Shinkansen
    • Kirakira Uetsu
    • Oykot
    • SL Gunma
    • and more! (check it here)
  4. Local Trains
    • Any JR Trains that are in the coverage region, eg: Ichinoseki Station to Hiraizumi Station
    • You can even use it within Tokyo city itself for lines like the Yamanote Line, Chuo Line... etc. But I don't recommend this pass if you are only visiting Tokyo.
  5. JR buses
    • Any valid bus routes (not highway bus) eg: Bus from Aomori Station to Lake Towada.
    • You can find the list of available buses in Tohoku that is eligible for the bus here.

For detailed information, visit here.


Where should I use my JR Pass? 

Usually, we use JR Pass on Shinkansen rides. However, if you find this a little pricey and would like to travel on a slower pace, maybe you can refer to this pass instead. 

You can exchange your JR Pass at JR East Exchange Offices - Available in Narita, Haneda, Major stations in Tokyo (Tokyo, Ueno, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya...), Sendai, etc, and get reserved tickets in any stations with Midori no Madoguchi.

No photo description available.
Some of my reserved tickets

Why is JR East Tohoku Area Pass better?

It's generally better than JR Nationwide if you're traveling in the Tohoku region, and far cheaper!
Nationwide for 7 days is 29,110 JPY, and JR East Tohoku Area Pass is only 19,000 JPY!
I'd be glad to save about 100USD for food! 

Besides, Tohoku is a region that you generally would love to spend a couple of days in each area. This pass gives you a 14-day period and you can select any 5 days to use it. So you don't have to feel like you've been wasting money for not utilizing the pass.

JR Pass is why we learn maths, yo. 


How do I use this pass? 

Upon purchase of this pass, you can bring your exchange order to Japan and exchange them at JR East Exchange offices.


Can I reserve train tickets prior arriving Japan?

Yes. You can make reservation up to 1 month before your usage date. You can reserve your ticket in eki net (English site here).

For example, if your desired travel date is 24 April, the earliest day you can reserve your shinkansen is 23 March.


How should I reserve train tickets online?

You can reserve via ekinet (refer above).

However, you are required to have a credit card with your name for the reservation. JR East staff will check your card for bookings in Ekinet.

Additionally, you cannot reserve a ticket that is departing on the same day of date of collection. For example, you are arriving Narita Airport and on 10 April, and want to book for Narita Express that departs on 10 April - you will not be allowed to do so in Ekinet. You can make a reservation in JR East counter in Narita Airport. 

You can also reserve joyful trains on ekinet. I will write a tutorial about this next time.


Where do I purchase a JR East Tohoku Area Pass?

As long as you are entering Japan with a short-term visitor visa, you can purchase your JR East Pass in your country. You can look for travel agencies such as H.I.S. Travel, JTB, etc. Your travel agent should be able to give you an exchange order on the spot. 

p/s: You will need to provide a passport copy, or your passport details (birthday, name, passport number, full name) to your agent, as it's required for JR East.



Can I purchase JR East Tohoku Area Pass when I arrive in Japan?

Yes, it's certainly possible! However, you will be paying another 1000 yen. Which means, instead of 19,000 JPY, you will be paying 20,000 JPY for your purchase in JR East Exchange Offices. Passport with a temporary visitor visa is still required.


When should I purchase a JR East Tohoku Area Pass?

You can purchase JR East Tohoku Area Pass as long as it is within 90 days prior exchanging in Japan. I exchanged mine on 11 April, but purchased my pass during March. The earliest time I can purchase this pass is in January.


What do I need to know about my 14-day validity period?

So, JR East works in a way where it is different from JR Nationwide pass. JR Nationwide allows you to choose the starting day of your pass, but JR East fixes the starting date of your 14-day validity period.

For example I've exchanged mine on the 11th. Although I can use it for any 5 days from the 11th, but my ending date is on the 24th.  I can't be exchanging on the 11th and asking to have the pass 14-day period be extended for a few days later. (I'm using my pass on first day anyway lol)


How do I know if my JR East Pass is worth it?

Use a fare calculator. Hyperdia is your best friend. You can enter the starting and ending points of your train journey to have the fare calculated. I'll write a tutorial about this and update later!

One way from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori is 17,350 on reserved seats via Hayabusa, and the pass itself is already 19,000 JPY. If you're doing a round trip between these two places you're saving a lot!


Are there any freebies that we can get by using JR East Tohoku Area Pass?

Definitely! From time to time there are different campaigns from JR East. I got a Hayabusa Shinkansen badge from them in Nikko station! For other campaigns, check them out here!

A Shinkansen Hayabusa badge I received from JR Nikko Station

Any other questions? Ask me in the comments or DM me at yamashinajin in Instagram! :)

See ya next time!
Share
Tweet
Pin
Share
No comments
Newer Posts
Older Posts

About Me

Image may contain: 1 person, standing, ocean and outdoor
Jin, Type A ENFP, Virgo-Libra Cusp
Slytherin
Multilingual and travels to Japan for various purposes.
Avid mobile game player.

Feel free to follow, like and subscribe my channels and pages!


ジン・A型・ENFP・乙女と天秤座のハーフ
スリザリン・レイブンクロー
4つ言語話せます。様々な原因で日本に行く。
モバゲーもよくしています。

チャネル・ページ登録よろしくお願いします!


対応可能言語/ Languages:
・英語 (English)
・中国語(Mandarin)
・マレー語(Malay)
・日本語(Japanese)

Follow Us

recent posts

Blog Archive

  • ►  2025 (23)
    • ►  June (5)
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (6)
    • ►  February (4)
  • ►  2020 (18)
    • ►  November (1)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  June (2)
    • ►  May (3)
    • ►  April (3)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (3)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ▼  2019 (24)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (1)
    • ►  August (1)
    • ►  July (5)
    • ▼  June (4)
      • Kansai Thru Pass vs Kansai Area Pass: What are tho...
      • How do I decide if my JR Pass is worth it? - A Det...
      • What is a JR Pass? What are the types of JR Pass? ...
      • JR East Tohoku Area Pass - What, Where, Why, When,...
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  March (3)
    • ►  January (1)
  • ►  2018 (1)
    • ►  February (1)
FOLLOW ME @INSTAGRAM

Created with by BeautyTemplates | Distributed by Gooyaabi Templates