Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) can be accessed bvy this pass ©Akira Okada/©JNTO
Are you going to stay in Tokyo for several days? Do you have any plans to go outside of Tokyo, like Mt. Fuji, Izu peninsula, or Nikko when you stay in Tokyo? If so, this newest rail pass, Kanto Area Pass should be suitable for you!
This brand new pass has been started to sell from JR East in December, 2011. The price is only 8,000 yen for unlimited train trip in 3 consecutive days. I will show where you can go by this pass and compare this Kanto Area Pass, JR Pass and JR East Pass.
*As of December 1, 2015, Kanto Area Pass will be sold as Tokyo Wide Pass. Price, coverage and valid trains will be changed. Please find the detailed information of newer version, Tokyo Wide Pass at the post, Tokyo Wide Pass is newer version of Kanto Area Pass. Nikko, Fuji, Gala Yuzawa and Odaiba are covered by this pass.
Area
This pass cover 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.
I compare Kanto Area Pass, JR East Pass, and Japan Rail Pass. Please see the table below.
| Area | Kanto Area Pass | JR East Pass | Japan Rail Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Y | Y | Y |
| Yokohama | Y | Y | Y |
| Nikko | Y | Y | Y |
| Kamakura | Y | Y | Y |
| Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji) | Y | N | N |
| Atami (Izu peninsula) | Y | Y | Y |
| Shimoda (Izu peninsula) | Y | Y | N |
| Sendai | N | Y | Y |
| Niigata | N | Y | Y |
| Nagano | N | Y | Y |
| Hokkaido | N | N | Y |
| Kyoto | N | N | Y |
| Osaka | N | N | Y |
| Hiroshima | N | N | Y |
| Kyushu | N | N | Y |
The Kanto Are Pass is only pass that cover Kawaguchiko in Mt. Fuji. This is the biggest advantage of this pass.
Prices and valid period
Kanto Area Pass is sold at 8,300 yen for adult and 4,200 yen for child (6-12yrs). The pass is valid for 3 consecutive days. So this pass is obviously for the tourist who stay for the short time or using this pass with other long term passes, such as Japan Rail Pass.
Spend first (or last) 3 days in Tokyo. Use 7 days Japan Rail Pass for travelling in all Japan, such as Hokkaido, Kyoto, Kyushu. Use this pass to travel to Mt. Fuji, Nikko or Izu when you stay in Tokyo.
Please refer JR East Kanto Area Pass page. It says the round trip to Kawaguchiko in Mt. Fuji from Narita Airport is 14,240 yen. The round trip to Nikko from Haneda airport is 11,800 yen. So if you have multiple travel, like Nikko and Mt. Fuji from Tokyo, this pass gives you a great deal. And this page show you where you can purchase this pass.
Validity
I think this chapter is very important too. You need to know which train you can take by pass before you purchase. I compare Kanto Area Pass, Japan Rail Pass and JR East Pass again.
| Trains | Kanto Area Pass | JR East Pass | Japan Rail Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local trains | Y | Y | Y |
| Green class | N | Y (Green pass) | Y (Green pass) |
| Limited express | Y | Y | Y |
| Tohoku Shinkansen | Tokyo-Kuroiso | Y | Y |
| Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa | Add fare | Add fare | Y |
| Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa Gran class | Add fare | Add fare | Add fare |
| Joetsu Shinkansen | Tokyo-Jomo Kogen | Y | Y |
| Nagano Shinkansen | Tokyo-Sakudaira | Y | Y |
| Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo-Kyoto/Osaka) | N | N | Y |
| Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin Osaka-Hakata) | N | N | Y |
| Kyushu Shinkansen (Shin Osaka-Hakata) | N | N | Y |
| Tokyo Monorail (Haneda-Hamamatsucho) | Y | Y | Y |
| Izu Kyuko line (Ito-Shimoda) | Y | Y | N |
| Tobu line (to Nikko) | N | Y | N |
| Fuji Kyuko line (to Kawaguchiko) | Y | N | N |
| Hokuetsu Kyuko line (Echigo Yuzawa-Naoetsu) | N | Y | N |
Both Kanto Area Pass and JR East Pass do not cover Tokaido Shinkansen. Even if you want to use this Shinkansen in JR East area, like to Atami, you still need to pay full fare because Tokaido Shinkansen is not operated by JR East but JR Central.
When you go to Nikko, JR East Pass cover limited express train Nikko that is operated between Shinjuku and Nikko directly. But both Japan Rail Pass and Kanto Area Pass do not cover this train. You need to take Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya and take local train to Nikko.
Refer this post: How to access to Nikko. Learn about how to get Nikko by Japan Rail Pass with no extra charge.
When you go to Kawaguchiko, Kanto Area Pass cover local train only on Fuji Kyuko line. Fuji Kyuko operate some express trains. But you need to pay additional charge to take these trains.
Refer this post: Japan Railways is the best way to access Mt. Fuji? How much can we use Japan Rail Pass to go to Mt. Fuji?
Conclusion
In my opinion, JR East pass is not useful so much. But Kanto Area Pass is very convenient because of great addition, such as Fuji Kyuko and Izu Kyuko.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
I am trying to squeeze as much travelling as I can with the Kanto Pass. Would you recommend visiting Kamakura and Kawagoe on the same day,staying 4 hrs in each place? I am not sure how long is enough.
Shinjuku-Kamakura, 8:27am-9:26 am
Kamakura-Kawagoe (via Shinjuku and Ikebukuro), 1:08pm-2:55pm
Kawagoe-Ikebukuro, 7:12 pm-7:44 pm
Thanks,
Angel
Hi Angel,
In my opinion, 4 hours in Kawagoe is okay. But 4 hours in Kamakura is doubtful. If you visit a few places, it will be okay. But there are lots of places to see. I usually go to both Kamakura and Enoshima by small train (Enoshima railway, Non JR). But if you go both, 4 hours is not enough.
Try to find where you want to go in Kamakura.
http://en.kamakura-info.jp/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hey Takeshi,
I agree, I will do a full day of Kamakura.
AIso I was thinking if I should go to Hakone from Kamakura for Mt Fuji views instead of going back to Tokyo and doing a day trip to Kawaguchiko, since there seems to be lots to see in Hakone area.
I am having second thoughts about Nikko, given that I would spend so much time seeing temples in Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Kamakura, etc.
Thank you,
Angel
Hi Angel,
Hakone is a nice place. But I you go there, I recommend you to stay one night. As you thought, there are lots of attractions and transportation. I think one full day is minimum. And also Kanto Area Pass covers to Odawara only. After that, you have to pay extra. Usually Hakone Free Pass is the best chocie.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Lake Kawaguchi can be accessed by Kanto Area Pass fully.
The choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
This is my second trip to Japan, the first time I visited only Tokyo for 4 days but this time I plan to stay around 2 weeks. My passion for Japan started through movies. I’ve seen every movie by Kurosawa and many classics by Kobayashi; more modern films by Yamada, Kitano, Koreeda and many others. My main aim this time is to visit that traditional japan presented in those films that I wasnt able to feel in Tokyo.
I plan to use the JR Kanto pass. Instead of activating the pass in Narita, I plan to take the NEX to Kamakura and stay overnight. Then go to Tokyo for 2 nights. I would then activate the pass, 1 day in Nikko and 1 day in Mt Fuji. Should I stay longer in those places or where should I go since I would have one day left on the pass? I’m looking for a traditional old Japan feel.
I also plan to go to Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka using the Kintetsu Rail Pass. How many days are enough for each place? do I need to buy a pass for local transport in Kyoto or Osaka or just regular tickets would be cheaper?
I would have to reach Nagoya from Tokyo first. What city served by the JR Kanto pass would be the cheapest to get from to Kyoto? Or should I just take a train or bus from Tokyo? What would you recommend?
I look foward to your comments, thanks a lot
Angel
Hi Angel,
1. One day for Kanto Area Pass
I recommend you to visit Kawagoe or Komoro. Both place can be accessed by Kanto Area Pass.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6500.html
http://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g1021313-Komoro_Nagano_Prefecture_Chubu-Vacations.html
2. Nagoya, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
One day or even half day is enough for Nara and Nagoya in my opinion. It’s hard to say for Kyoto and Osaka. Especially about Kyoto, it’s very very hard to tell. Some spend one day and other spend 4 days. There are so many places to visit there. It depends on where you want to see. In my opinion, 2 days are minimum for Kyoto. Osaka has lots too. But one day can be accepted.
So at this point, I can’t say about pass or single ticket in Kyoto and Osaka. You have to fix your itinerary first.
3. Kanto Area Pass for transfer to Kyoto.
I don’t recommend to use this pass to Nagoya. Shinkansen is the fastest and most convenient. But Kanto Area Pass does not cover Shinkansen to Kyoto even in the coverage area. Because Tokaido Shinkansen belongs to JR Central. It’s different JR company from JR East that issue Kanto Area Pass. So if you want to take Shinkansen, you should purchase single ticket from Tokyo to Nagoya. Technically you ca take other trains to get Atami by Kanto Area Pass. And then take Shinkansen from Atami to Nagoya by single ticket. But it’s just wasting time.
If you want cheaper trip, you should use bus, like the link below:
http://willerexpress.com/en/
But I have never taken these bus services. So please don’t ask me about bus service.
Cheers.
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hey Takeshi,
Thanks a lot. Nothing like a local’s insight. I decided to leave out Nagoya, spend less time in Tokyo/ Kanto area and more in Kansai.
day 1:Arrival in Narita, activate the JR Kanto and travel to Nikko. 3 hrs.
day 2: Day in Nikko and travel to Tokyo.
4-6:01pm.
day 3:Tokyo-Kawaguchiko
8:30-11:05 am
9:30-11:55 am
Kawaguchiko-Kamakura
4:09-7:27pm
6:05-9:33 pm
day 4: Kamakura-Tokyo(by a single ticket 920 yen, 1 hr trip to Ikebukuro, Shinjuku or Shibuya). Day in Tokyo. Tsukiji Market, open from 5am-2pm and other places. Night bus to Kyoto.
day 5: Kyoto
day 6: Kyoto
day 7: Kyoto
day 8: Nara
day 9: Osaka
day 10: Departure from KIX
I’ve never been to an onsen and sound quite an experience. What do you think about the Kusatsu Onsen for a day trip? The pass doesnt cover all the way, I would need to take a bus from Naganohara for 1340 round trip. Where in the Kansai area could I get a similar experience?
My previous trip I stayed in Ikebukuro and visited the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, Ginza, Shibuya. Given that I wont have much time in Tokyo, only parts of day 2 and day 4, what would you recommend?
Since I will be in Kyoto for 3 days, it looks like I wont be needing a pass, since I just need to buy separate ticket to get to Osaka and Nara. What do you think?
Thanks a lot,
Angel
Hi Angel,
Kusatsu is a nice place. But as you think, you have to pay for the bus. If you want to have same experience in Kansai area, you have to go outside of Kansai. Kinosaki is most recommended. But you have to purchase Kansai Wide Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3525.html
If you start to use this pass on day 7, it will cover for the rest of your trip. (You have to add the fare to take subway and non JR trains)
In Tokyo, Asakusa, Skytree, Odaiba are the big names.
And you can purchase Kyoto sightseeing pass or all day bus pass.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I am going to Narita airport on 27th Apr 2014
Here is my plan
27 apr Stay at Asakusa
28 apr leave for Nikko
29 apr travel in nikko and kinugawa onsen
30 apr leave nikko to sendai
1 may visit Yamadera temple
2 may sendai to Hiraizumi ( golden buddha)
3 may sendai to Tokyo
4 may visit Great buddha (Kamakura)
5-7 may in tokyo
Is JR east cover me from tokyo to sendai and Yamadeta and Hiraizumi and back to tokyo?
What pass that would you suggest me to buy?
Thank you
Eak
Hi Eak,
JR East Pass is the best choice. You can use it for Apr 28, 30, May 1-3. These five days are fully covered by JR East Pass as long as you take JR trains. JR East Pass covers Shinjuku-Tobu Nikko train. But you can’t take Tobu railway from Asakusa. It’s out of the coverage.
You also can use Skyliner when you get Asakusa from Narita. Metro combination is available.
http://www.keisei.co.jp/keisei/tetudou/skyliner/us/value_ticket/pass.html
And one more pass is recommended.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/kamakura_enoshima.html
I can’t find any deals for Nikko and Kinugawa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Mr.Takeshi,
How are you? sorry to trouble you again!
We left with a day running out of idea where to go, Thinking of KAWAGOE and wondering is 3 days Kanto Area Pass cover Takasaki to Kawagoe station?
As Kawagoe will only take up half a day, wondering if you could suggest any other places that can traveling by Kanto Area Pass?
Thank you very much!
Belinda
Hi Belinda,
It’s covered. You can find that your trip can be done by JR trains or not at Hyperdia. I wrote how to use it at the following post:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
I’m not very familiar with Kawagoe. But I don’t think other tourist spots around there. You can go Karuizawa or Kusatsu from Takasaki. But if you take Koumi line, Karuizawa on the way to Sakudaira. And you will stay in Kusatsu. It’s very hard to find other spot in half day with Kawagoe.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thank you very much Mr.Takeshi, glad to know it cover by 3 days pass.
Belinda
Hi Sir Takeshi,
My husband and I, and our 4 year old son will be visiting Tokyo and Ota-Shi, Gunma on June 13 to 17.
We’ll be arriving at Narita airport on June 13 noon time. We plan to proceed directly to Ota-shi, Gunma where my friend lives. But she is not very familiar with travels, buses and trains, so I cannot ask her advice about JR Passes that we can use.
June 13 – arrival at noon time Narita
June 13 – proceed to Ota, Gunma (how? Bus? Train?)
June 14 – go around Ota/Gunma or whatever interesting sights around
June 15 – go to Tokyo for a daytrip with hubby, while my friend babysits our son at Ota
June 16 – go back to Tokyo for Disneyland with hubby and son (overnight in hotel)
June 17 – sightseeing in Tokyo before departure in the evening
If this is our itinerary, would you suggest that we still get a JR Kanto Pass? Thank you so much!
Hi Honey,
First of all, you should ask your friend the nearest station to her place. Because there are many stations in Ota city. If Ota station is the nearest, it’s not JR train’s station and you have to pay extra on top of Kanto Area Pass.
Look at the map in the link below:
https://goo.gl/maps/AmAon
In the map, JR lines that is covered by Kanto Area Pass is shown by grey and white striped pattern. Other solid lines are trains, but it’s not JR. For example, Ota station is Tobu line’s station.
Regarding access to Ota station from Narita is a bit technical. Look at the map below:
https://goo.gl/maps/HnKUT
It shows Keisei – JR Joban line – Tobu is the best and the fastest option. Most of trains in this transfers are not covered by Kanto Area Pass. Only JR Joban lines (Nippori-Kitasenju) is covered by Kanto Area Pass. If you use Kanto Area Pass, you have to take these following trains:
Narita Express / Narita – Tokyo
Joetsu Shinkansen / Tokyo – Takasaki
Ryomo line local train / Takasaki – Isesaki
Tobu Isesaki line / Isesaki – Ota (Not covered by Kanto Area Pass)
So as you see, JR trains is not a good option to get Ota. However, you will travel around Gumma on June 14. Kanto Area Pass may be best option for this day. Because you can go to Nikko, Kusatsu, Karuizawa or many other spots by JR Kanto Area Pass. Any other deals are not available to get these tourist destinations.
And also, when you go to Tokyo on June 15, if you have Kanto Area Pass, you can get unlimited travel in Tokyo by JR trains.
At last, I recommend you to find these following things:
1. Find the exact station name to your friends place. Her place may be accessed from JR stations. In this case, Kanto Area Pass is obviously the best option.
2. Where you want to go on June 14. If you stay around your friends place, you may not need Kanto Area Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello Mr.Takeshi,
Having read through the questions and answers between you and Miki in this forum, it really got my attention and very excited about KOUMI LINE scenic route. Will be stay put at Takasaki for 6 days to visit the flower parks in kanto area and a night stay at kusatsu onsen from may 1.
We are planning a day trip on this Koumi line starting from Takasaki and end at Komoro back to Takasaki.
Could you give us a suggestion where is a nice area to stop and walk about?
Any traveling suggestion are most welcome and appreciated.
Thank you!
Belinda
Hi Belinda,
Koumi line is one of my favorites. Especially the scenery between Koumi and Kobuchizawa is very nice.
The most popular spot is Kiyosato. But if you don’t like tourist spot, I don’t recommend it.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5f/In_front_of_Kiyosato_Station05n4592.jpg (in front of station)
Nobeyama is the station that is located at the highest point in all JR stations. It’s nice area to walk around. But nothing special is around station.
At last, onsen bath is just 3 minutes away from Kai-Oizumi station. It has only Japanese website. But I put it just in case.
http://panoramanoyu.sakura.ne.jp/panorama.htm
You may be able to see Mt. Fuji and Yatsugatake mountain in the bath.
Enjoy your trip!
P.S. It will be in Golden week. May 1 is not the busiest day, but it may be busier than usual.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your suggestion and I looking forward it!
Regard
Belinda
Enjoy your trip, Belinda.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Good day!
My family is planning to visit Japan in April and I’m looking into the JR Kanto Area Pass with Gala option. Aside from the snow resort, I’m also considering a visit to Kawaguchiko (view of Mt. Fuji).
Our hotel is in Sakuragicho area.
Using a train route finder I was given the following:
Sakuragicho -> Higashi kanagawa -> Hachiyoji -> Otsuki -> Kawaguchiko
Between Hachiyoji and Otsuki is Ltd Express Azusa? Is this covered by the JR Kanto Area Pass?
Also, can we get off Fujikyuu Highland Stn (to spend some time in Thomas Land) and from there use the JR Kanto Area Pass when returning to Sakuragicho?
Thank you in advance.
meann
Hi meann,
All part of your trip to Fuji will be covered by Kanto Area Pass. Only thing you have to care is limited express train on Fuji Kyuko between Otuski and Kawaguchiko/Fujikyu highland. There are Fujisan Tokkyu train and Fuji Tozan Densha. Kanto Area Pass covers all trains of JR. But on Fuji Kyuko line, only base fare is covered. Surcharge is 300 yen for Fujisan Tokkyu and 200 yen for Fuji Tozan Densha.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/how-to-use-japan-rail-pass-to-go-to-mt-fuji.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I am seeking your advice. We have 5 days in Tokyo Friday 18th – Tuesday 22nd April (2 days include travel to and from the airports). We will spend most of our time around Tokyo but I do want to go to the Fuji Shibazakura Festival as well.
This is what I am thinking:
Arrive 18th at Haneda aiport – use either the suica + monorail or Keikyu and suica to get to Shinjuku
19th use suica for local travel around Tokyo (we will use this again in Osaka)
20th buy the Kanto Area Pass and validate that day
21st Travel to Fuji Shibazakura Festival
22nd Travel to Narita airport (fly to Osaka)
What I am wondering is if it is better off to get the Kanto pass for travel to Fuji and Narita airport or just individual tickets?
Thanks
Hi Robyn Meyer,
Your planning is perfect. Both Suica & Monorail and Kanto Area Pass gives you great deals. It’s a good to go! 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
May I use the Kanto Area Pass to go to Ashikaga station in the Tochigi area?
Thanks
Regards
Hi txh,
Yes you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I plan to go to Japan this april. I would like to see Sakura(Tokyo area/Kansai area?) and visit friend at Tottori.
5 april – arrive time Narita-Airport at 17.30 (one night at Ueno)
6 april – visit Tokyo (one night at Asakusa)
7 april – visit Tokyo
8-9 april – Nikko / Kawaguchigo
10 april or 11 april flexible
11 april – go to Tottori at night
12-13 april – Tottori
14 april – Depart Kansai Airport at 23.00
I should stay more night at Tokyo? or better Nara or Osaka area? since I plan to go to Osaka by plane(Kansai Airport) to take train to Tottori.
PS. I have been to Osaka and Kyoto last year.
1.Do I need to buy JR Kanto Area Pass and Kansai Wide Area Pass?
2. maybe I buy JR Pass 7days and cancel the plane to Osaka (the plane cost only4000yen)?
3.Do I need to buy WORLD HERITAGE PASS for Nikko?
Thank you very much for your help.
Hi Anna,
The best and cheapest option is JR Pass 7 days for Apr 8 to 14. Actually total single fares for Tokyo-Tottori and Tottori-Kansai airport is just slightly cheaper than 7 days pass price. But if you use the pass for getting Lake Kawaguchi and Nikko, 7 days pass is obviously cheaper. You don’t need to cancel the flight from KIX.
If you did not visit Kyoto in the spring, it may be a good chance to see cherry blossom. And even though Yoshino is not covered by JR Pass, it has a spectacular view when it’s in full bloom.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4150.html
Takayama, Kanazawa and Kurashiki are nice places to visit other than Kyoto and Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail