Tokyo Wide Pass user guide. Perfect choice for trip to Nikko, Fuji, Gala Yuzawa and Odaiba

Tokyo springRail pass for visitors
The view of Rainbow Bridge from Odaiba (C) Mike Luk / JNTO
The view of Rainbow Bridge from Odaiba (C) Mike Luk / JNTO

Tokyo Wide Pass is currently sold as Kanto Area Pass. This pass will be remodeled and will be sold as Tokyo Wide Pass on December 1, 2015. It covers Tokyo and surrounding area, such as Mt. Fuji, Izu peninsula, or Nikko. Echigo-Yuzawa will be covered by Tokyo Wide Pass but it is not by Kanto Area Pass.

Tokyo Wide Pass will be sold at the higher price on December 1st, 2015 but the coverage ares will be bigger. I would like to show you about this pass and also I talk about the difference between Tokyo Wide Pass and Kanto Area Pass.

Prices and valid period

Validity periodAdult
12 years and older
Child
6 to 11 years old
3 consecutive
days
10,180 yen5,090 yen

*Child who is 5 years old and younger is free but you have to share the seat with child. If you want to have a seat for child too, you have to purchase child pass for even younger than 5 years old.
*This pass will be available from December 1st, 2015. But you can order this pass online in advance at JR East official site.

Tokyo Wide Pass is sold at 10,000 yen. Previous version of this pass, Kanto Area Pass is sold at 8,300 yen. The validity period is 3 consecutive days that is same as Kanto Area Pass. So the price higher than Kanto Area Pass but the coverage area is a bit bigger and more trains are covered by Tokyo Wide Pass.

Coverage Area

Toshogu is the highlight in Nikko. (C) Yasufumi Nishi /  JNTO
Toshogu is the highlight in Nikko. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO

This pass covers all JR lines in Kanto area, such as Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Yamanashi, Gumma, Ibaragi and Tochigi. And the pass also cover some places in Shizuoka and Nagano prefectures, such as Izu peninsula and Karuizawa. Please check this map to see the details.

Mostly the coverage area is not much different from Kanto Area Pass coverage area. This pass covers the following major spots in the area.

  • Nikko
  • Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi), Fuji-Q Land
  • Odawara (Gate station to Hakone)
  • Izu peninsula (Atami, Ito, Shimoda)
  • Katsuta (Gate station to Hitachi Seaside Park)
  • Karuizawa
  • Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi (Gate station to Kusatsu)
  • Kamakura
  • Kawagoe
  • Yokohama

And also two more great addition in the coverage of Tokyo Wide Pass.

  • Echigo-Yuzawa, Gala Yuzawa
  • Odaiba, Tokyo Waterfront Area

JR East official site – Tokyo Wide Pass

I will tell you the coverage railways at next chapter.

Valid trains and lines

JR deals covers basically JR trains only. Non JR railway’s train and subway are not covered. But Tokyo Wide Pass covers many “NON JR” railway trains. The following railways are NON JR companies but those are covered by Tokyo Wide Pass.

  • Tokyo Monorail (Haneda-Airport – Hamamatsucho)
  • Izu Kyuko Line (Ito – Izukyu-Shimoda)
  • Fuji Kyuko Railway (Otsuki – Kawaguchiko)
  • Joshin Dentetsu Line (Takasaki – Shimonita)
  • Saitama New Urban Transit Line (Omiya – the Railway Museum)
  • Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line (Osaki – Shin-Kiba)
  • Limited Express Nikko, Spacia Nikko, Kinugawa, and Spacia Kinugawa (Shinjuku – Tobu-Nikko / Kinugawa-Onsen)
  • Tobu Railway local trains and rapid trains (Shimo-imaichi – Tobu-Nikko/Kinugawa-Onsen)

Those covered trains are huge benefit of this deal. Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass) covers only Tokyo Monorail. JR East Pass covers many railways on this list but JR East Pass does not cover Fujikyu Railway, Joshin Dentetsu Line and Saitama New Urban Transite Line. Especially Fujikyu Railway is a big benefit. You can get Lake Kawaguchi without any extra by this pass.

Fuji Kyuko Railway

Joshin Dentesu is not very well known. But it gives you access to one of World Heritaga Site, Tomioka Silk Mill from Takasaki.
How to access to the newest World Heritage Tomioka Silk Mill

When you go to Nikko, Tokyo Wide Pass covers limited express train to Nikko from Shinjuku directly. JR East Pass covers this train trip but Japan Rail Pass does not. This is one of the benefits of this rail pass too.
How to access to Nikko from Tokyo. There are three ways from Tokyo, Shinjuku and Asakusa.

Most of trains on this list has been covered by Kanto Area Pass. But at this time, Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line is added on Tokyo Wide Pass. This line is not JR company but trains run through JR Saikyo line. It connects Kawagoe, Omiya, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo-Teleport (Odaiba) and Shin-Kiba. You can access to Odaiba from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya directly. Shin-Kiba is only two stations away from Maihama that is the gateway station of Tokyo Disney Resort. Please find more information about Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line at the official site.

Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line

Both Tokyo Wide Pass does not cover Tokaido Shinkansen. Even if you want to use this Shinkansen in JR East area, like Tokyo to Atami or Odawara, this pass does not cover at all because Tokaido Shinkansen is not operated by JR East but JR Central. When you want to get Odawara (Hakone) or Atami, your choice is rapid train or Limited Express Odoriko. These trains are covered by Tokyo Wide Pass.
No express surcharge! Fast, economical and convenient! Rapid service network in Greater Tokyo
Access to Izu and Atami from Tokyo/Yokohama. Limited Express Odoriko / Super View Odoriko

Compare single fare and Tokyo Wide Pass

When you think about purchasing this deal, you need to know this is paid off in your trip or not. I show you some sample.
*All rates are based on base fare and reserved seat limited express supplement in regular season.

Trip to Nikko or Kinugawa-Onsen from Shinjuku or Ikebukuro by direct limited express train, Nikko or Kinugawa

Total fare is 4,000 yen for one way to either Nikko or Kinugawa-Onsen. You have to use the pass more to get the worth of this deal.

Trip to Nikko from Tokyo by Shinkansen and local train

If you stay at east side of Tokyo, like Shinagawa, Tokyo, Ueno, this route may be faster than direct express from Shinjuku.
Total fare is 5,580 yen for one way. Tokyo Wide Pass is cheaper than only this round trip cost.

Trip to Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo or Shinjuku by Limited Epxress to Otsuki and Fuji Kyuko railway

Total fares are 4,080 yen from Tokyo and 3,910 yen from Shinjuku for one way. It is not enough to get the worth by only this round trip.

Trip to Gala Yuzawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen

Total fare is 6,870 yen for one way. You can get the worth of this deal easily by only this trip.

Trip to Odawara, Atami or Izukyu-Shimoda from Tokyo by limited express train, Odoriko or Super View Odoriko

Total fare is 2,940 yen to Odawara for one way by Odoriko and 3,190 yen for one way by Super View Odoriko.
Total fare is 3,800 yen to Atami for one way by Odoriko and 4,180 yen for one way by Super View Odoriko.
Total fare is 6,260 yen to Izukyu-Shimoda for one way by Odoriko and 6,640 yen for one way by Super View Odoriko.
If you visit Shimoda, this pass is cheaper.

Trip to Karuizawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen

Total fare is 5,910 yen for one way. You can get the worth of this deal easily by only this trip.

Trip between Narita Airport and Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku or Yokohama

Total fares are 3,020 yen for Tokyo, 3,190 yen for Shinagawa or Shinjuku, and 4,290 yen for Yokohama.

Trip between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho by Tokyo Monorail

Single fare is 490 yen for one way.

Trip to Tokyo-Teleport (Odaiba) from Shinjuku

Single fare is 500 yen for one way.

Fares in downtown Tokyo

You can take any local trains, like Yamanote line, Chuo line, Keiyo line by this pass. But the fares in downtown Tokyo is quite reasonable. If you take a local train from Tokyo to Shinjuku, the fare is 200 yen. When you calculate the fares and compare this pass and single fare, you can ignore the fares in downtown Tokyo. It does not help to get worth very much.

Assessment

This deal will be sold at 10,000 yen that is 1,700 yen higher than previous version, Kanto Area Pass. But it can take you Gala Yuzawa and Odaiba. In my opinion, it is a great addition. It gives you a great deal. I still recommend you this deal. You can use this pass for access to/from airport and visit two places, you can get more than 10,000 yen value easily.

Comments

  1. Cynthia says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    My husband and I will be going to Japan in May for 21 days( 1st time).
    We will arrive at Haneda Airport in Tokyo
    our route- 6 nights in Japan ( day trip to Nikko),
    1 night in Hakone,
    2 nights in Nagoya,
    2 nights in Takayama, 1 night in Kanazawa,
    4 nights in Kyoto ( day trip to Nara) ,
    1 night in Hiroshima, 1 night in Miyajima,
    3 night in Osaka ( day trip to Kobe).
    Leaving Japan from Osaka
    Please advise the cheapest and best way of transportation .
    ( 3 days pass of Tokyo Wide pass, 2 weeks JR Pass?)
    Will Tokyo wide pass cover Hakone like Hakone 2 days pass cover all the transport within Hakone ?
    Thanks!

  2. kei says:

    hi takeshi,
    is Nex, covered under the tokyo wide pass ?

    regards
    kei

  3. Tira says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’ve got a few questions regarding Tokyo wide pass.

    1. So this Tokyo wide pass is an upgraded Kanto pass. I’ll be going to Gala Yuzawa next month and what I found are mostly about Kanto pass + Gala option (quite old info). I couldn’t find much about Tokyo wide pass. I’m not sure if I have to purchase the Gala option in addition to Tokyo wide pass (like when it was Kanto pass) or not? Will the special offers (snow, ski, spa) be automatically apply when I show the Tokyo wide pass or do I need to show the Gala option as well?

    2. About seat reservation, do I need to reserve seat in advance or can I just pop up at the station, reserve seats there, and get in a train? for both JR Pass and Tokyo wide pass?

    3. I’ll be in Japan for 10 days. I’ve purchased the 7-day JR pass (for day 4 to day 10). The first 3 days, I’ll use Tokyo wide pass. What I found out about Tokyo wide pass is that it has to be purchased in Japan only? Unlike JR pass (through agents in other countries) and JR East pass (online purchase available)? I’ll arrive at Narita Aiport at 7pm and JR EAST Travel Service Center closes at 7pm(Terminal1) and 8pm(Terminal2-3). It says on JR East website that tickets can be purchased after working hours at JR ticket office but I’m afraid there’ll be loads of tourists there. Is there any other ways to purchase Tokyo wide pass or it has to be like this?

    This is going to be my first time to Japan so I’m really nervous and worried about everything. I couldn’t really find updated/latest infomation on Tokyo wide pass on other websites. Having found this article of yours really helps me a lot! Thanks for providing such useful tips!

    • Hi Tira,

      1. Tokyo Wide Pass covers Gala Yuzawa. If you just want to get Gala Yuzawa, you don’t need to add any other deals. You can get Gala by this pass only.

      2. Yes, you can. But reserved seat may not be available. Especially if you travel with someone, advanced reservation is available. Otherwise you cannot get seats side by side.

      3. Unfortunately there is no choice other than purchasing after arrival.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. puti says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’m planning to go to Matsumoto, stay the night at Nagano and going to Gala Yuzawa the next morning using the Shinkansen Asama. Then go to Shinjuku using Shinkansen Max Tanigawa. Does the route from Nagano to Gala Yuzawa covered on the Tokyo Wide Pass?
    If not, can i activate the pass when i travel from Gala Yuzawa to Shinjuku? Can i reserved my seat days before my traveling time or it could only be done a day prior to departure?

    Thanks in advance,
    Puti

  5. Nan. says:

    Takeshiさん do know why no schedule via HyperDia, when I search Tokyo – Gala Yuzawa on, March 30th?
    time 8.00 am

    On last Dec when I searched via HyperDia from Asakusa – Gala Yuzawa is available but when I searching now… is kinda error.
    Can you tell me what happen :3

    Thank you before.
    Regards,
    Nan.

  6. Nina says:

    Hello Takeshi,
    We are arriving to the Kansai airport and travelling to Kyoto. In total we shall stay 7 days in Kansai district including Hiroshima. Then, 7 days, the rest of our holiday is in Tokyo. We are intending to see as much as we can all cross those districts but are unsure wheater we should take 14 days (or 7 days) JR pass, 7 days Kansai Thrue I Pass, IC or something else for travels around big towns and exploring smaller towns?
    We appreciate your advise and looking forward for your reply.
    Thank you in advance.
    Nina

    • Hi Nina,

      As long as you include trip to Hiroshima and Kyoto-Tokyo in 7 days, you can use JR Pass 7 days. JR Pass 7 days price is almost equal to Kyoto-Hiroshima round trip and Kyoto-Tokyo one way trip.

      Kansai thru pass is most recommended for travel in Kansai area. But you have to fix your itinerary first before choosing right deals. Otherwise you cannot compare many deals and single fares.

      If you intend to visit outside Tokyo, like Fuji, Nikko, Hakone, when you are in Tokyo, you have to fix these trips too. 14 days pass may work.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  7. Tommy says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    First of all , this is a great website. There is so much information here about JR pass and more. As a matter of fact, I just pinned jprail.com for my trip to Japan in April. This trip will be my 4th trip to Japan, but my first trip with my family to Tochigi area.

    On this trip, our family wants to spend time in Tochigi area — Nikko, and Nasu, which is the topic of our first question. We are considering other cities in Tochigi as well, but I’ll need your advise on that in my second question.

    My first question to you is on Tokyo Wide pass (Kanto pass) and its usage on traveling to Nikko and then Nasu area. We are thinking of spending our first night in Tokyo, but activating the Tokyo Wide pass the next day as we journey to Nikko. Next is to spend some time in Nikko and onward to Nasu then back to Tokyo. Will Tokyo Wide pass cover the transportation fees on my itinerary?

    Now if we want to spend more time in Tochigi where by visiting other cities. What other JR passes should I plan to purchase? I think JR Rail pass would be too expensive as my family and I will not be in Japan more than 7 days. I am opened to suggestions that you may have on this. Thank you in advance for the information.

    Regards,

    Tommy

    • Hi Tommy,

      Tokyo Wide Pass covers Nikko and Nasu-Shiobara. If you go back to Tokyo after Nasu-Shiobara, this pass will be cheaper than single fare. But if you stay in Nasu more than valid period of this pass, single fare is cheaper.

      Unfortunately there is no deals available other than Tokyo Wide Pass. If you stay in Nikko and Nasu areas for more than 3 days, single fare ticket is the best choice.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  8. Don says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I am travelling from Tokyo (JR Chuo line) to Otsuki and transfer at Mitaka station (Ltd Kaiji 107). The transfer is only 1 minute, is there time for this? Also, is it on the same platform?
    Or would it be better to take JR from Tokyo to Shinjuku then take Kaiji 107 direct to Otsuki.

    Note: I am arriving Tokyo at 1140am from Kyoto and planning to travel to Otsuki towards Kawaguchiko.

    Thanks for your advice.

    • Hi Don,

      I recommend you the following route:

      Kyoto (Hikari 400) 11:33 Shinagawa 11:42 (Yamanote line) 12:01 Shinjuku 12:30 (Kaiji 107)

      Yamanote line runs every 3-5 minutes. So it doesn’t matter if you miss 11:42. When you check the timetable at hyperdia, it shows you need to change the train at Osaki but not. Usually train go through Shinjuku.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Don says:

        Hi Takeshi,

        Thanks for the suggestion, this will be much better for me to find my way to the platform of the line.. Also, my JR pass will end on the same day I take the train to Otsuki. From there,. I will have to buy a ticket to Kawagichiko, is it better to buy a 2 day free pass for the Fujikyo line if I want to go to the pagoda and the ropeway to Mt Tenso?

        Also,. Can I validate my Tokyo Wide Pass at Otsuki or Kawaguchiko station?

        Thank you for your help

        • Hi Don,

          2 days pass is recommended. It’s better value than regular ticket.
          Tokyo Wide Pass cannot be activated at Otsuki or Kawaguchiko. But when you purchase it, you can decide which date you will start to use the pass. Once the date is stamped on the pass, you don’t need to do anything. You can start using the pass on that date.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Don says:

            Hi Takeshi,

            Thanks for the recommendation,. Can I buy the 2 days pass when I get to Otsuki station? Also, can I buy the wide pass when I arrive in Tokyo or should I buy it before arrival?

            Thanks again for your valuable help.

          • Don says:

            Hi Takeshi,

            I am looking to use the Tokyo Wide Pass to do a day trip to Kamakura and Yohohama. Do you think its possible? Would you recommend it or just to only visit either Kamakura or Yokohama?

            Thanks again

            • Hi Don,

              It’s hard to say because how much you want to see Yokohama and Kamakura. I will see both but it depends on your plan.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JPRail.com

              • Don says:

                Hi Takeshi,

                Thanks again for everything, I will plan to spend half day at Kamakura (Hachimangu and Kamakura Daibutsu) and half day at Yokohama (Chinatown and surrounding). I just want to have an overview and maybe visit again the next round. Hope this is possible.

                Thank you.

                • No problem, Don.

                  Cheers,

                  Takeshi / JPRail.com

                  • Don says:

                    HI Takeshi,

                    Would like to know if the JR Ltd Kaiji to Otsuki will allow me to reserve seats? Also, any idea if the Tokyo Wide Pass can be used to ride on all trains on the Fujikyu railway to Kawaguchiko or only on the normal train?

                    Thanks again.

                    • Hi Don,

                      You can book for Kaiji.
                      Tokyo Wide Pass covers base fare on Fuji Kyuko railway. So if you take limited express train or Fuji Tozan Densha, you need pay surcharge on top of pass.

                      Cheers,

                      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  9. Alvin says:

    Hi there, I will be purchasing a 14 day JR pass plus a Tokyo Wide pass for my last 3 days in the Tokyo area.

    I will be leaving Shima Onsen for Tokyo on 26th April and my JR Pass will end on 25th Apr. As I will be away from the Tokyo area from 13-25 Apr, can I purchase a Tokyo wide pass at Haneda Airport on 12th April for it to start on 26th April?

    Thanks,
    Alvin

    • Hi Alvin,

      I’m not sure 100%, but in my understanding, you can purchase it in advance. I could not find any restriction to purchase this pass in advance. We can exchange JR pass one month prior to starting date. So I think we have same condition to use Tokyo Wide Pass.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  10. Eve says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    I would like to find out more about the Tokyo Wide Pass.
    Can i buy 2 Tokyo Wide Pass and the start dates to be different. Lets say i’m travelling 23th Feb – 28th Feb. The first pass to start on the 23rd and the 2nd pass to start on the 26th?

    If I’m Planning to travel to shizuoka, am i able to use the tokyo wide pass as well?

    Thanks in Advance
    Eve

    • Hi Eve,

      You can purchase Tokyo Wide Pass as many as you want. However Shizuoka is not in coverage area. If you think about using this pass to get Shizuoka, this is not a good idea. It does not cover Shizuoka and also Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shizuoka is not covered at all either.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

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