Explore More for Less with the JR EAST Pass
The JR EAST Pass lets you travel across Eastern Japan easily. The JR EAST Tohoku Area Pass covers northern cities, while the JR EAST Nagano Niigata Area Pass provides access to alpine resorts and coastal towns.
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This pass is perfect for international travellers planning to explore Tokyo and the broader Eastern Japan region—including Tohoku, Nagano, and Niigata—over a few days. If your itinerary includes multiple long-distance train journeys, the JR EAST Pass offers major savings and convenience.
| If you plan to visit… | Recommended Pass | Duration | Why This Pass? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo + multiple cities in Tohoku (Sendai, Aomori, Morioka) | JR EAST Tohoku Area Pass (5 Days) *Map | 5 consecutive days | Great for short trips covering several Tohoku cities via Shinkansen. Ideal for cultural sites, onsen, and scenic day trips from Tokyo. |
| Full Tohoku region with festivals, hidden gems & rural towns | JR EAST Tohoku Area Pass (10 Days) *Map | 10 consecutive days | Best for slow travel across all six Tohoku prefectures. Perfect for nature lovers, off-the-beaten-path routes, and seasonal experiences. |
| Tokyo + Nagano + Niigata alpine towns and ski resorts | JR EAST Nagano Niigata Area Pass *Map | 5 consecutive days | Ideal for visiting mountain towns, snow monkeys, ski areas, hot springs, and traditional villages. Great for winter and countryside escapes. |
Unlike regular train tickets, the JR EAST Pass offers several additional benefits at no extra cost:
Summary Table
| Type | Pass Duration | Itinerary Example | Total Value Without Pass | Pass Price | Estimated Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JR EAST Tohoku Area Pass *Physical only | 5 Days | Tokyo → Sendai → Naruko Onsen → Morioka → Aomori → Tokyo | Over 50,000 Yen | 30,000 Yen | Approx. 20,000 Yen |
| JR EAST Tohoku Area Pass *Physical only | 10 Days | Tokyo → Fukushima → Aizu-Wakamatsu → Yamagata → Sendai → Naruko → Morioka → Akita → Hirosaki → Aomori → Tokyo | 75,000–80,000 Yen | 48,000 Yen | 25,000–30,000 Yen |
| JR EAST Nagano Niigata Area Pass *Physical only | 5 days | Tokyo → Nagano → Jigokudani → Niigata → Gala Yuzawa → Tokyo | 36,000–38,000 Yen | 27,000 Yen | 9,000–11,000 Yen |
Depending on the pass type, you can explore stunning regions in Eastern Japan, including:
Each Pass unlocks a different collection of must-see spots across Eastern Japan. Perfect for seasonal festivals, ski adventures, or cultural exploration.
Step 1: Purchase Your JR EAST Pass
Step 2: Exchange or Activate Your JR EAST Pass in Japan
Step 3: Use Your JR EAST Pass with Ease
Important Notes
⭐5/5
From Tokyo to Gala Yuzawa in under 90 minutes. The pass made everything easy and made our ski trip super smooth.
⭐5/5
Great value, the pass made traveling from Tokyo to Gala Yuzawa and Niigata so easy. Reserved seats at no cost, and never had to worry about train fares.
⭐5/5
Great choice for winter. We skied at Gala Yuzawa and visited Zenkoji Temple. The pass made everything simple, even with snow everywhere. No need to buy tickets each time.
⭐5/5
This pass made my entire Tohoku trip easy and affordable. I visited Sendai, Aomori, Akita, and smaller towns like Naruko Onsen, all with unlimited rides. Just one round trip from Tokyo to Aomori nearly covered the pass cost. Perfect for exploring Japan’s peaceful, scenic side.
⭐5/5
We visited five cities in five days to Tokyo, Sendai, Morioka, Akita, and Aomori. It was seamless, affordable, and unforgettable.
⭐5/5
It was our first time in Japan. Perfect for exploring at a slower pace. We travelled through small towns and onsen villages without worrying about tickets. Loved the flexibility and how much ground we could cover.
⭐5/5
We used this pass for a winter getaway, skiing in Gala Yuzawa, visiting snow monkeys in Nagano, and exploring Niigata. Seat reservations were free, trains were fast and warm. Totally worth it for a smooth and flexible trip.
⭐5/5
This pass took us to places most tourists miss. We enjoyed quiet temples, beautiful lakes, and no crowded stations. The trains are comfortable and always on time.
⭐5/5
Amazing for autumn leaves viewing. We did Yamadera, Hachimantai, and Towada Lake all covered. Smooth travel every day.
⭐5/5
I used the pass to hop between Tokyo, Sendai, and Morioka. Everything was super smooth and fast. Saved a lot on Shinkansen fares.
The JR EAST Pass is a regional train pass for foreign tourists that offers unlimited travel on JR EAST-operated trains, including select Shinkansen, Limited Express, local trains, and some buses within designated areas of Eastern Japan.
Only foreign nationals visiting Japan under a Temporary Visitor visa status are eligible to use the JR EAST Pass.
No. The JR EAST Pass is exclusively for non-resident foreign travellers visiting Japan as tourists.
Passes are valid for consecutive days from the first day of use. Available durations include:
Pass prices vary by region and duration.
Yes, it covers most JR EAST Shinkansen, including the Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku lines—reserved seats included.
However, it does not cover Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo–Nagoya–Osaka), which is operated by JR Central.
Yes! The pass covers JR EAST lines in major cities such as Tokyo, Ueno, Shinjuku, Sendai, Morioka, Nagano, and Niigata.
No. The pass only works on JR EAST-operated trains. It does not cover private railways like Tokyo Metro, Toei Subway, or Nagano Dentetsu.
Yes. The JR EAST Pass includes access to:
Yes, some JR Bus Tohoku and JR Bus Kanto routes are covered. However, long-distance highway buses are not included.
No. The JR EAST Pass is valid only within Eastern Japan. Travel beyond Shin-Aomori (e.g., to Hokkaido or Osaka) requires separate tickets.
Yes! The Nagano Niigata Area Pass covers both:
You can purchase the JR EAST Pass from authorized agents, such as H.I.S. Travel Malaysia.
Yes. JR EAST Pass holders can reserve seats for free on eligible trains, including Shinkansen, Limited Express, and local JR EAST-operated services.
Seat reservations are free of charge and highly recommended, especially for Shinkansen and Limited Express services during peak travel seasons.
No. Seat reservations are included in the price of the JR EAST Pass. There is no additional cost for making a reservation.
You can reserve a seat in the following ways:
Yes. You can reserve seats online through the JR EAST Train Reservation website up to one month in advance. You will need your pass number or ticket information after purchase.
Seat reservations are subject to availability. During peak seasons (e.g., Golden Week, New Year, cherry blossom season), it is recommended to book as early as possible.
Yes. You can ride in non-reserved cars on eligible trains. However, for comfort and guaranteed seating, reserving is recommended.
There is no limit to the number of seat reservations you can make, as long as they fall within your pass's validity period and route coverage.
Yes. You can change or cancel a seat reservation before departure at a ticket counter or machine. Refunds may not apply after the departure time.
Exchange your Exchange Order (voucher) at any JR EAST Travel Service Center (e.g., Narita Airport, Tokyo Station, Ueno, Shinjuku, Sendai, Niigata). You must present your passport and choose an activation date.
Yes, but only if the pass has not yet been activated. Once in use, the activation date and duration cannot be changed.
Yes. Some Passes can be purchased at major JR EAST stations, but price is usually higher if purchased in Japan compared to buying online in advance. You can purchase the Pass from authorized agents, such as H.I.S. Travel Malaysia.
Yes, especially if you are traveling to 2 or more cities in the region or making long-distance day trips (e.g., Tokyo ↔ Sendai ↔ Aomori). You can easily save money even in 3–5 days.
Use apps like NAVITIME Japan or Google Maps, filtering for JR trains. JR EAST’s official site also offers an English train planner.
Yes! During the pass validity period, you can ride as many covered JR trains as you like on each day.
Unfortunately, lost, or stolen passes cannot be reissued. Treat your pass like cash. Always keep it safe.
Most night trains and sleeper cars are not included. You can ride JR trains up until midnight, but sleeper compartments require separate bookings and fees.
Yes. You can bring standard luggage, but large suitcases over 160 cm in total dimensions may require advance seat reservations with baggage space on Shinkansen.
Yes. Children aged 6–11 pay half the adult price. Children under 6 ride free if they do not occupy a seat.
Yes. You can cancel your Pass if it has not yet been exchanged in Japan. Refunds are available within 11 months of purchase, minus a 15% cancellation fee. The original Exchange Order must be returned to the issuing travel agency.
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