Explore Tohoku: 5-Day JR EAST Travel Pass

Details

Validity Period:  90 days from the date of booking

Adult (Age 12 & up):      JPY  20,000

Child (Age 6-11):           JPY   10,000

Cancellation Policy:     Not refundable

Embark on a breathtaking journey across Japan's scenic landscapes with the exclusively curated JR EAST Pass, specifically designed for non-Japanese passport holders. This isn't just a ticket; it's an invitation to immerse yourself in the cultural wonders and mesmerizing beauty of the Tohoku region and its surroundings. Whether you're captivated by the thrill of a ride on the iconic Shinkansen or prefer the charm of local trains on JR EAST lines and Tokyo Monorail, this pass has got you covered. Dive into the rich tapestry of destinations that include enchanting experiences like "Nikko," "Kinugawa," and the luxurious "SPACIA Kinugawa" rides on the Tobu Railway lines.

But the journey doesn't stop at trains. The pass extends its warm embrace to travelers wanting to experience the regions through the JR Bus Tohoku and JR Bus Kanto lines. With the freedom to choose between reserved and non-reserved seats, you can either meticulously plan out your itinerary or let spontaneity take the wheel. So, are you ready to uncover the hidden gems and iconic landmarks of Japan? With the JR EAST Pass, you're not just traveling; you're creating memories. Don't let this unique opportunity slip away. Embrace the adventure, book your JR EAST Pass today, and let the wonders of Tohoku leave an indelible mark on your travel stories.

Eligibility Criteria

• The pass is exclusively for those with a valid passport from a country outside of Japan. This must be maintained during purchase and exchange and throughout its usage period.

• Age categorization (adult or child) is decided based on the age at the time the pass is bought. Verification can be done using a passport or another official document.

• For kids under 5 years: If a reserved seat is desired, a child pass must be obtained.

Pass and E-Ticket Details

• E-Ticket Duration: Your E-Ticket remains valid for three months from its issuance date.

• JR EAST PASS Validity Post-Exchange: The pass is active for 5 consecutive days starting from your chosen date.

• Note: You must pick a starting date within one month during the exchange at the specified location.

• Name Accuracy: Ensure the name provided during booking matches the name on your passport. Any discrepancies will lead to the inability to exchange the JR EAST PASS in Japan. Double-check your name and its spelling.

Exchange & Collection

• Collection: Display your E-Ticket and original passport when collecting the 'JR EAST PASS' in Japan. Passport copies won't suffice.

• Specifying the Start Date: On exchanging at the dedicated location, select a start date. This date should be within a month of the exchange. Post-exchange, this date is immutable.

• Pass Overlaps: Issuance of identical pass types with overlapping validity isn't possible. Ensure your selected date doesn't overlap with another pass. However, different pass types (e.g., Tohoku area / Nagano, Niigata area) can overlap.

• Qualification & Refunds: If you don't meet the required criteria, the pass exchange won't be permitted even with an E-Ticket. In such cases, contact the agency you bought the ticket from for a refund.

Usage Guidelines

• Lost Pass: A lost JR EAST PASS cannot be replaced, even if you have a copy or record of the E-Ticket.

• Out-of-Bounds Fees: Straying outside the designated pass areas or using some non-covered services? There might be a little extra charge for that.

• Pass Ownership: The pass is non-transferable. Keep your passport handy when using the pass, as staff may request to see it.

• Refunds & Delays: Life happens, and sometimes plans change. But once you start using the pass, there aren’t any extensions or refunds, even if there are any hiccups with the trains or services. And if your journey takes a different turn, extra costs like detours or stays aren’t on JR EAST.

Always have your Passport and E-Ticket with you. Safe travels!

Your JR EAST Pass Accessible Routes

• Within JR EAST's Territory:

• Shinkansen Choices:

• The Tohoku Line (Stretching from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori)

• The Akita Line (Connecting Tokyo and Akita)

• Yamagata Connector (Linking Tokyo with Shinjo)

• Joetsu Trail (Extending from Tokyo through Echigo-Yuzawa to GALA Yuzawa)

• Hokuriku Pathway (Tokyo to Sakudaira)

• Highlighted Limited Express Routes:

• Azusa and the segment-specific FUJI EXCURSION

• Kaiji routes, alongside Hachioji and Ome

• Coastal Shonan・Odoriko

• The direct Narita Path

• Paths of HITACHI/TOKIWA

• Routes of Wakashio, complemented by Sazanami and Shiosai

• Networks of Swallow Akagi, Akagi, and Kusatsu

• The Tsugaru connection

• Inaho links (with specific segment limits)

• Regular Trains/BRT Network: Features like the Yamanote Line and several others.

• Additional Rail Networks:

• Full network of Izu Kyuko

• Every trace of Tokyo Monorail

• The expansive Aoimori Railway

• Complete network of Iwate Galaxy Railway

• Comprehensive Sendai Airport Transit

• Tobu Railway Insights:

• Prime Limited Express Routes:

• The iconic Nikko, followed by Kinugawa and its SPACIA variant

• Important: Your travel must either initiate or culminate at a JR station. Please remember that Asakusa station departures/arrivals are not included.

• Swift and Local Connectors: Routes connecting Imaichi Station, moving through Tobu Nikko Station, and continuing till Kinugawa·Onsen Station.

Usage Restrictions:

• The pass is strictly restricted to the routes mentioned under the "Available Lines" and "Partially Available Lines".

• For a luxurious travel experience in Gran Class, Green Cars, or sleeper trains, ensure you purchase the Super (Limited) Express Reserved Seat Tickets. The JR EAST PASS covers only the base fare.

• The Joetsu Shinkansen's GALA Yuzawa Station is accessible only during the operation season of the GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort.

Seat Reservations:

• When opting for reserved seats on Shinkansen and specific express trains, it's mandatory to have reserved seat tickets. However, for general lines, Shinkansen, and many express trains, there's no need for these tickets if you’re in the "Non-reserved seats" section.

• Some trains have only reserved seating. Ensure you've reserved and collected your ticket at designated outlets before boarding.

• During the five-day validity of the pass, there's no cap on the number of times you can use reserved seats on Shinkansen and express trains.

Related Read: Japan Rail Pass Essentials: What Every Traveler Should Know