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
- Coverage Area
- Valid trains and lines
- Compare single fare and Tokyo Wide Pass
- Trip to Nikko or Kinugawa-Onsen from Shinjuku or Ikebukuro by direct limited express train, Nikko or Kinugawa
- Trip to Nikko from Tokyo by Shinkansen and local train
- Trip to Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo or Shinjuku by Limited Epxress to Otsuki and Fuji Kyuko railway
- Trip to Gala Yuzawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen
- Trip to Odawara, Atami or Izukyu-Shimoda from Tokyo by limited express train, Odoriko or Super View Odoriko
- Trip to Karuizawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen
- Trip between Narita Airport and Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku or Yokohama
- Trip between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho by Tokyo Monorail
- Trip to Tokyo-Teleport (Odaiba) from Shinjuku
- Fares in downtown Tokyo
- Assessment
Prices and valid period
| Validity period | Adult 12 years and older | Child 6 to 11 years old |
|---|---|---|
| 3 consecutive days | 10,180 yen | 5,090 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
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.
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
Hi Takeshi san
I have just finalised my itinerary and would like to seek for your advise.
Day 1- Reach Narita 0715hr, buy Tokyo Wide pass and proceed to Nikko.
Day 2- Leave Nikko and proceed to Kusatsu.
Day 3- Leave Kusatsu and proceed to Tokyo for lunch. Then took Odoriko train to Odawara. When reached, buy Fuji Hakone Pass and proceed to stay in Hakone.
Day 4- Explore Hakone and leave to Kawaguchiko and stay one night.
Day 5- Explore Five Fuji Lakes and return to Tokyo in the evening.
Day 6 to Day 9- Tokyo
Day 10- Leave to Narita Airport from Asakusa
(Is there any pass should I buy for Airport or just take usual train using Suica?)
Million thanks!
Hi Jas,
You may use Tokyo Wide Pass as you think. It’s the right choice.
You can book Odoriko and other JR trains but you have to pick up it one day before travel date. So you can book for Odoriko but you cannot book the train for arrival day online and you need to book when you purchase Tokyo Wide Pass. Please see the link below:
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.53521384.1325107855.1421419524
For the trip to Narita from Asakusa, there is no deals. So use Suica or purchase single ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I see there is limited Odoriko on weekdays, only before 12pm.
Odoriko 117, Super view Odoriko 9/11 only operates on specified days n peak travel. What I know which day will that be? I will be travelling in Nov….
Can I book Odoriko 30mins in advance a the counter?
I may not be able to catch up on the timing, does Tokyo wide pass cover other train to Odawara from Tokyo (except Shinkansen)?
Thanks!
Hi Jas,
Have you seen this link?
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_lex_tokaido_d/index.html
There are lots of train, Odoriko and Super View Odoriko.
You can book a seat even 30 minutes before departure time. But why don’t you book when you purchase Tokyo Wide Pass? If train is late, you have to take Odoriko without booking. You can book it at any other JR stations in advance.
And also JR will revise timetable sometimes in October. I think it will not be a big change but it will be different. Just keep it in your mind.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
The latest timing is till 12pm for Odoriko if I have not read wrongly.
1300hrs onwards only for peak travel seasons and specified days. Some did not stop at Odawara.
Is other limited express train covered by Tokyo Wide pass?
Thanks
Hi Jas,
If you cannot take Odoriko, there is no limited express trains available. Only rapid train is your choice.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/rapid-service/rapid-train-on-tokaido-line.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello,
I planned to go to Tokyo and consider to purchase the Tokyo Wide Pass. Can you please check on the plan and advise if it’s good enough to use the pass?
Day 1 Shinjuku – Gala yuzawa – Shinjuku
Day 2 Shinjuku – Tokyo Disneyland
Day 3 Shinjuku – Narita airport (leaving for Osaka)
Also, can you advise for the best way to go to Gotemba Premium Outlet?
Thank you so much in advance!
Hi Elvya,
Yes, you can use it. You can find the fare chart at the chapter, “Compare single fare and Tokyo Wide Pass” in the post above.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
If I travel from narita to Matoba on the first day, second day from Matoba to Kawaguchiko, third day from Kawaguchiko back to Matoba. Is it worth it to get the Tokyo wide pass?
Many thanks!
Hi Haze,
Yes. It works.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Arigatou gozaimasu.
Can I check with you on the stations which are available on this pass? I’m still a bit confused. So tobu tojo line won’t be covered?
Hi Haze,
Some part of non JR lines are covered by this pass, like to Nikko, to Kawaguchiko. But Tobu Tojo line is not covered. Please refer the coverage area map at the link below:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tokyowidepass/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
I’m not sure if you will be able to advise on this, I’m pretty sure the route will fully utilize the pass with the exceptions of paying for the private lines.
I plan to use the Tokyo wide pass this way after much considerations. I think taking a bus might be convenient from Narita to Matoba instead of the N’EX.
What do you think? Thanks in advance 🙂
Day 1:
Matoba to Kawaguchiko
Day 2:
Kawaguchiko to Yokohama
(With the main purpose of visiting the cup noodle museum at Minatomirai)
Yokohama to Matoba
Day 3: Matoba to Nagano
(With the purpose of visiting the snow monkeys at Jigokudani)
Nagano to Matoba
Hi Haze san,
You need to add Shinkansen fare for return trip to Nagano from Saku-Daira. This segment is outside coverage area, so you need to add about 6600 yen for return. Even though you need to add some fare, Tokyo wide pass is still the best choice. There is no other better deal.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
May I know how to check timing for Super View Odoriko or Odoriko train from tokyo to Odawara? Is it very limited train for certain days only?
I checked few timing mainly is Odakyu Ltd Express Hakone 29 or JR Tokaido Line to Odawara…
Does shinkansen cover from Tokyo to Odawara?
Thank you!
Hi Jas san,
You may find the timetable for Odoriko at the link below:
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_lex_tokaido_d/index.html
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/e_lex_tokaido_u/index.html
If you mean the coverage of Tokyo Wide Pass, Shinkansen between Tokyo and Odawara is not covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you!
By the way, do I need to book the Odoriko train in advance?
Or just go to the station on the same day to reserve?
It seems like their schedule does not appear in jorudan and hyperdia…
Is the reservation as per normal in the station or can I do it online if I am using Tokyo wide pass?
Is this train fully covered by Tokyo Wide pass?
Thanks!
Hi,
My planned itinerary:
Day 1 – Tokyo Haneda airport to Karuizawa
Day 2 – Stay at Karuizawa
Day 3 – Karuizawa to Hakone/Kamakura
Day 4 – Hakone/Kamakura to Central Tokyo
We have 4 adults and 2 children (12 and 10 yrs old) travelling together. Initial plan is to hire a car for 3 to 4 days. I just knew that there is a Tokyo Wide Pass. Kindly advise if we should buy the pass or hire a car. Which is worthwhile ?
thanks
Hi Sandra,
Tokyo Wide Pass is valid for 3 days. If you use this pass, you can get Kamakura and then to get Odawara by this pass on day 3. After arrival Odawara, you need to add Hakone Free Pass because Tokyo Wide Pass does not cover any transportation in Hakone. You also need to add single fare to go back to Tokyo from Hakone.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
You need to add some more passes on top of Tokyo Wide pass. It may be cheaper than hire car. But I’m not 100% sure. I have no idea how much hire car is.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
One of my plan outside tokyo is Ashikaga Flower Park. Is Tokyo Wide Pass available for this route?
Many thanks,
May
Hi May,
Yes. It’s covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi. I will be arriving in Narita Terminal 3 April 21 at around 6:30AM. I just want to ask if the process of buying a Tokyo Wide Pass is fast enough for us to catch the first N’Ex train scheduled at 7:47AM in Terminal 2. Also can we use the pass immediately after buying it? I think I read somewhere that you have to pick up the card by 9PM of the previous day before you can use it the day after. We plan to go to Gala by taking the 7:47 N’ex. However, it seems that there is no direct train to Gala for that day so we will just go to Echigo and then take the shuttle from the station to Gala. Thanks.
Hi Fred,
You can purchase Tokyo Wide Pass at JR ticket office. It’s open at 6:30. Please see the link below.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tokyowidepass/index.html
You can start using the pass right after you purchase. Of course you can take Narita Express. The restriction of picking up on previous day is for booking ticket online. It doesn’t mean Tokyo Wide Pass.
You may get Echigo Yuzawa with no problem by Tokyo Wide Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I wanted your opinion on whether to buy the Tokyo Wide Pass based on the itinerary below:
Day 1 haneda airport to Tokyo station
Day 2 tokyo tower,asakusa,odaiba
Day 3 Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko
Day 4 to travel around tokyo city
thank you
Hi Liza,
If you make a trip to outside Tokyo, like Nikko, it will be paid off. But if you stick around downtown Tokyo on day 4, it’s not a right choice. You may use subway pass in Tokyo and take express bus to Lake Kawaguchi.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I wanted your opinion on whether to buy the Tokyo Wide Pass based on the itinerary below:
Day 1 Narita airport to Tokyo station after 9.30pm (then use Suica card to Akasaka-Mitsuke)
Day 2 (morning) Shinjuku to Kamakura and then evening in Akihabara
Day 3 Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko
Day 4 use Suica card to travel around tokyo city
Is it better and more cost effective to use the 3 day TWP or pay single fare tickets such as Suica / Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass to visit the locations?
Would really appreciate your advice.
Many thanks
Ella
Hi Ella,
You can use Tokyo Wide Pass but it does not give you a big saving. Tokyo Wide Pass will be slightly cheaper than single fare.
And the last Narita Express departs at 21:44. You may not be able to take it. You need to take ordinary train if you miss it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Many thanks for the great website.
I plan to go visit Tokyo this month, we’ll be arriving at Haneda on Sunday night around 10pm.
We plan to stay at Mystays Hotel around Gotanda (Higashigotanda, Shinagawa-ku), but it doesnt show in this map: http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/tokyowidepass/img/img_area.gif
is Gotanda covered by Tokyo Wide Pass?
secondly, if yes will there be enough time for us to clear immigration, take luggage, buy Tokyo Wide Pass in Haneda then catch the train to Gotanda?
I checked Hyperdia, mentioned I need to take airport keikyu line first then change in shinagawa to yamanote line.
Is it correct?
(noticed sometimes you mentioned in prev comments that hyperdia might not give a correct info all the time.)
Secondly, we plan to go to Tokyo Disney the next day — Google recommend us to use Osaki station to Shinkiba alight at Maihama/Disney.
On the return trip, we plan to go back to Gotanda from Aqua City/Odaiba, again Google suggested to alight at Osaki stn instead of Gotanda.
Is it Rinkai Line doesnt call Gotanda hence Google always recommend Osaki?
Can I use I use Tokyo Wide Pass on this trip?
Lastly, in your opinion for ease of travel by train/Tokyo Wide Pass, which hotel is more convenient — mystays gotanda or mystays hamamatsucho?
Thanks beforehands
Hi Beq,
First of all, you cannot purchase Tokyo Wide Pass on arrival day. Because JR ticket window is open for 7:45 – 18:30.
Gotanda is covered by Tokyo Wide Pass, In the map, it shows only major stations. There are many many numbers of stations in the coverage area. But Hamamatsucho may be better because you can get there from Haneda by Monorail directly.
You seem to think about using Tokyo Wide Pass for Haneda-Gotanda and access to Disneyland. Even if you purchase it at Haneda, you cannot take Keikyu line by this pass. Only Yamanote line is covered. These trips are too small to use this pass. If you use this pass for another big trip on 3rd day, it will work. But at this point, I have no idea this pass is a good choice or not.
Rinkai line train goes through JR Saikyo line. Saikyo line runs along Yamanote line. But Saikyo line/Rinkai line train does not stop at Gotanda. Only Yamanote line train stops at Gotanda. That’s why Hyperdia shows you change the train at Osaki. You need to change the trains at Osaki from Yamanote line to Rinkai line.
Google and Hyperida are right. Gotanda-Osaki-Shinkiba-Maihama is the best route.
If you stay in Hamamatsucho, you need to go to Tokyo station and change the train to Maihama. On the way back, you need to take Maihama-Shinkiba-Tokyo Teleport (Odaiba). And then take Yurikamome to Shinbashi, transfer to Yamanote line to Hamamatsucho. Please see the link below to find the route map:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com