Explore Japan with the JR East Pass
Japan is a land of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and a fascinating blend of modernity and tradition.
Exploring this beautiful country can be an exhilarating experience, but navigating its extensive transportation network can be daunting.
Fortunately, the JR East Rail Pass offers an excellent solution for travellers eager to explore the eastern region of Japan, like the Tohoku, Nagano and Niigata areas, with ease and convenience.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about the JR East Pass and provide tips to make the most of it, ensuring a smooth and unforgettable trip.
The JR East Pass is a special discounted ticket for foreign tourists visiting Japan.
It allows five days of unlimited travel on designated JR East trains, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express, express, and local trains, within a specified validity period. The pass covers Japan’s eastern region, encompassing major cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, Nikko, Hakone, and more.
There are two types of JR East Pass that you can select from:
- JR East Pass (Tohoku Area)
- JR East Pass ( Nagano, Niigata Area)
For a seamless travel experience in Japan, booking your JR Pass at least two weeks before your scheduled arrival in the country is recommended.
This allows ample time for processing and ensures you have your physical Exchange Order ready when needed.
Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei customers can expect to receive their physical Exchange orders within 3-5 working days.
For global deliveries to other destinations, the process takes approximately 7-10 working days, still ensuring the timely delivery of your pass.
While planning and booking in advance is essential, be mindful not to purchase your JR Pass too early before your Japan trip.
The validity of the Exchange Order is limited to 3 months from the date of issuance.
Therefore, ensure your booking falls within this timeframe to avoid inconvenience.
To activate your JR East Rail Pass, follow this simple process.
Just head to any JR office, conveniently located at major Japanese airports like Narita and Haneda and at main train stations across the country.
For a comprehensive list of JR East Travel Service Centers locations and their opening hours, click here.
The pass activation procedure is as follows:
Verify Your Temporary Visitor Stamp/Sticker: If you have a Temporary Visitor stamp or sticker on your passport, show it to the JR staff for verification.
Show Your Passport: Upon reaching the JR East Travel Service Center, present the original copy of your passport to the staff. This is an essential step for identification purposes during the activation process. Remember that if you cannot show the original copy of your passport, the redemption of your JR East Tickets might be declined.
Present Your Japan Rail Voucher: Bring out your Japan Rail voucher, also known as the exchange order. This voucher is crucial for the activation of your Japan Rail Pass.
Verification of Personal Data: The JR staff will carefully verify your data to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.
Choose Your Activation Date: Select the activation date for your pass. You can choose any date within 30 days from your selected exchange date. This allows you to plan your travel schedule according to your convenience. Also, the pass can be used for five consecutive days from the date of first use.
Your JR East Rail Pass is valid on the following railway lines:
- JR East Lines, Tokyo Monorail, Izu Kyuko Line, Hokuetsu Express, Echigo TOKImeki Railway (between Naoetsu and Arai)
- Limited Express Trains that directly run between the JR East Lines and the Tobu Railway Lines: Nikko, SPACIA Nikko, Kinugawa, and SPACIA Kinugawa.
- Local and Rapid Trains between Shimo-imaichi and Tobu-nikko/Kinugawa-onsen on the Tobu Railway Lines.
- Limited Express Trains between the Kurihashi and Shimo-imaichi stations that only connect directly with Tobu Railway Lines.
- JR Buses within the area (excluding highway and some route buses.
Remember that JR East Pass is not valid on the Tokaido Shinkansen Bullet Train.
The JR East Pass offers extensive coverage, allowing you to explore a wide range of destinations in eastern Japan.
With this JR East Pass, you can get on the JR East Train Lines and explore either the Tohoku Area or Nagano-Niigato Area.
The regions included in the pass along with the prices are as follows:
*Prices may vary, for updated prices click here.
Unique Attractions to Cover with JR East Pass
JR East Pass (Tohoku Area)
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The Hirosaki Park, with a five-storey castle, is lined with pink-flowered trees and is known for having some of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in Japan.
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You can take a half-day trip from Yamagata or Sendai and visit this historic temple tucked on the mountaintop.
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Zao Onsen is a hot spring town and a perfect place to experience the mineral-rich thermal waters of Japan. The magical Zao is where you can witness the snow monsters, Five Colour Lake and Okama crater.
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The city of Nikko is at the entrance of the Nikko National Park where you can visit the most famous and elaborately decorated shrine of Toshogu.
JR East Pass (Nagano and Niigata Area)
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Karuizawa is a perfect getaway from Tokyo to experience the sights of churches, art museums and the curtain-like Shiraito Waterfall.
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Snow Monkey Park is one of the most unique attractions in Japan. You can spot groups of adorable Japanese macaque monkeys in their natural habitat as they relax in the hot springs.
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It is the historic 7th-century temple confining the oldest statue of Buddha in Japan. Its intricate woodwork and the picturesque ground surrounding the temple are a must-see in the Nagano area.
Tips to Make the Most of Your JR East Pass
Plan Your Itinerary: Research the places you want to visit in the eastern region of Japan and plan your routes accordingly.
Check the Timetable: Be familiar with the train schedules, especially for Shinkansen and limited express trains. This will help you plan your day better and avoid waiting for extended periods at train stations.
Reserve Seats in Advance: While the JR East Pass grants you access to trains, reserving seats for Shinkansen and limited express trains is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Seat reservations can be made for free at JR ticket counters.
Utilise Local Transportation: The JR East Pass also covers local trains, making it easy to explore cities and towns in the region. Don’t hesitate to hop on local trains to discover hidden gems and immerse yourself in local culture.
Maximize Your Days: For the Flexible 5-Day Pass, plan to use it on consecutive days to make the most of your unlimited travel. Optimise your itinerary to cover longer distances on these days to maximize the value of the pass.
Use the Pass for Day Trips: The JR East Pass is excellent for day trips from Tokyo. Consider visiting nearby destinations like Nikko, Kamakura, or Yokohama without purchasing additional tickets.
Take Advantage of the “Hayabusa”: To experience Japan’s famous Shinkansen, take the Hayabusa from Tokyo to Sendai. It is one of the fastest trains in Japan, reaching speeds of up to 320 km/h (200 mph).
Experience the Best of JR East Pass with Pelago
Apart from the JR East Pass, you can also get the JR Whole Japan Pass to explore the beauty of the country and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. You can opt for a 7, 14 or 21 days pass depending on your trip. This pass can save you a lot of money and is the most economical way to cover the whole of Japan and journey around at your own pace.
While touring around Japan, you will need an exclusive eSim with high-speed data that lets you stay connected with your friends and family all the time. Capture that memorable moment and post it on your social media, get on a video call with your friends and keep your family updated with your whereabouts.
Are You Ready to Explore Japan With Your JR East Pass?
Optimising your JR East Pass for a smooth trip involves careful planning and leveraging the right resources.
Make the most of your JR East Pass experience, discovering Japan’s eastern region’s hidden gems and cultural wonders.
From Tokyo’s vibrant streets to Kyoto’s historic temples and the tranquil onsen in Hakone, each destination offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
If your trip is shorter and you have less than five days to explore the eastern region, you can opt for the JR Tokyo Wide Pass to cover the East area in three consecutive days.
So, pack your bags, activate your JR East Pass, and embark on an incredible adventure through Japan’s enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the JR East Pass, and who can use it?
The JR East Pass is a discounted ticket available exclusively to foreign tourists who want to explore the eastern areas of Japan. Only non-Japanese passport holders with a ‘Temporary Visitor’ visa stamp are eligible to use the JR East Pass.
How can I purchase the JR East Pass, and when should I buy it?
To obtain the JR East Pass, purchase an Exchange Order outside Japan through authorised travel agencies or online platforms. Once you have the Exchange Order, you can exchange it for the actual JR East Pass at the JR East Travel Service Centers.
What does the JR East Pass cover, and which regions can I explore?
The JR East Pass provides unlimited travel on designated JR East trains within the eastern region of Japan, including the Tohoku, Nagano, and Niigata areas.
Can I use the JR East Pass for consecutive days?
Yes, you can use JR East Pass for five consecutive days from the date of first use.
Do I need to make seat reservations for Shinkansen and limited express trains?
Although the JR East Pass grants you access to these trains, it is highly recommended to make seat reservations, especially during peak travel seasons. Seat reservations can be done for free at JR ticket counters.
