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
My son is a foreigner student in Kyoto,he holds student visa,This september we will have vacation in Tokyo together . if it possible ,I buy JR rail pass for him in my country and sent it to him.
if he can not use it, has he could buy JR kanto rail pass in Tokyo?
Best regards
Joy
Hi Joy,
First of all, he cannot use JR pass. Even if you purchase it in your country, that is an exchange order. He has to prove that he is a tourist when he exchange it in Japan. It’s impossible and don’t try it.
He can use Kanto area pass because this pass is available for anybody who has non Japanese passport. The status is not an issue. But this pass is not used for Tokyo-Kyoto and does not cover Shinkansen from Tokyo to west. If you travel to outside Tokyo lots, like trip to Lake Kawaguchi, Karuizawa, Izu, this pass will be very useful. But it is not a right choice for Kyoto-Tokyo trip.
If you intend to make a trip within Tokyo only, single fare (Tokyo-Kyoto) and subway pass are the best choice for hime.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi San,
We are a group of 7 adults from Singapore arriving in Tokyo on 11 Dec. We plan to travel to Matsumoto, Takayama, Shirakawa, and Kanazawa (9 days) before going back to Tokyo ( 5 days) from which we’ll visit Kamakura, Nissin Museum, Ghibli Museum.
We are thinking of renting a car at Matsumoto for the Chubu region. Could you please advise me on which JR pass to buy or not buy one at all? I understand the JR East Pass can take me to Nagano and from there to Matsumoto which seems convenient but will it serve our needs? And if possible could you advise on whether driving in the Chubu area in December is dangerous? Thank you so much.
Karen
Hi Karen san,
It’s very hard to choose the deal for you actually. JR East pass covers the trip to Matsumto but it does not cover Kanazawa. If you use JR East Pass, you have to pay additional for Kanazawa to Joetsu-Myoko, about 6000 yen for base fare and express supplement. This total cost, JR East Pass + Additional is not much different from JR Pass 7 days.
However both JR Pass 7 days and East pass+add’l are not cheaper than single fare. Even if you use the pass for Kanmakura and some more places, it’s not enough.
At this point, single fare is cheaper than any deals. But if you intend to have some more trips, JR Pass 7 days may be the best option.
If you don’t have any experience to drive in snowy condition, don’t think about driving. Especially there are huge amount of snow between Matsumoto and Takayama. It’s very dangerous for non expert drivers.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hay Takeshi!
I have plan to go to Japan for 5days on September 2015. And i would like to stay in Tokyo, go around Tokyo area (such shinjuku, harajuku, tokyo tree (if i am not mistaken the name)) and i want to go to disney sea, and the next day i love to visit Mt. Fuji too. And i want use the JR kanto Pass to go to Shinjuku from Narita airport, and go back from shinjuku to Narita airport. Can i? Is it good choice if i buy JR Kanto Pass or you have another advice?
I really apreciate it if you reply this, because i am confused right now, i already bought ticket to Japan and back, but i just realised that the transportation is so expensive. 🙁
Thank you.
Hi Stella,
Kanto Area Pass may be a good choice. But the problem is that this pass is valid for 3 days only.
You may use Nex Round Trip Ticket.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
You can use single fare or subway pass or Tokunai pass when you are in Tokyo if you don’t use Kanto Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
You can use highway bus to visit Mt. Fuji. It gives you direct access to Lake Kawaguchi from Shinjuku.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am currently travelling in Japan. I’m thinking of planning my last few days of my trip considering Mt. Fuji (possibly Kawaguchiko and Hakone), Nikko, and to include my train trip to Narita airport where I will fly out from. I am planning these areas from 16 May and will fly off on 19 May. Can the JR East pass or Kanto area pass help me?
Hear from you soon.
Thank you.
Joachim
HI Joachim,
JR East Pass is too expensive. Kanto Area Pass is better choice but it’s valid for 3 days only. If you make all trips as day trip, you may get Kawaguchiko, NIkko and trip to Narita by Kanto Area Pass. Hakone Free Pass can be covered by Hakone Free Pass.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Now Owakudani in Hakone is closed due to volcano activity. Most part of Hakone is okay to visit.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
I would like to buy JR Kanto Pass area and I have a question if I could use Shinkansen to go somwhere? I would like to visit Nikko, Kamakura and Five Lakes. This is my plan but maybe you would recommend me some better plan 🙂
Hi Magdalena,
Nikko can be accessed by Shinkansen.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/how-to-access-to-nikko-from-tokyo-there-are-three-ways-from-tokyo-shinjuku-and-asakusa.html
Fuji and Kamakura are good place. If you take more Shinkansen, Karuizaawa can be accessed by Shinkansen too.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6030.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Is a Japan Kanto Area Pass worth it for me and my companions (2 adults, 1 senior, 1 toddler aged 4)? We are staying in Tokyo for 3 days (arriving 4 pm on the 1st day) and just planning to be in Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku) for the most part. We are planning to do a day trip to see Mt Fuji from the Arakura Sengen shrine by taking JR train and transferring in Otsuki on the Fujikyuko line to Shimoyoshida station. Can we use the JR Kanto Pass on subways and buses? Is it advisable to get one? If not, what would be the most economical option for us?
Thank you very much!
Ellie
Hi Ellie,
It may not work. Shinjuku-Shimoyoshida round trip fare with limited express supplement is around 7000 yen. You cannot use this pass to take subway and bus in Tokyo. So you may not use the worth of this pass (8300 yen).
In Tokyo, you can use subway pass or maybe single fare is fine.
For the trip to Fuji, you can take highway bus to get Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi) and take Fuji Kyuko from Kawaguchiko to Shimoyoshida.
http://transportation.fujikyu.co.jp/english/gettinghere/01.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hello! I’m trying to figure out if the Kanto Area pass can be used for going to Kamakura. I know you already wrote that Kamakura is included but I cannot find the route and I see a separate pass for Kamakura (Kamakura-Enoshima Pass) so I’m extremely confused. If you can provide some light into the matter that would be great. We’re staying in Tokyo for 3.5 days and would like to make day trips to Nikko and Kamakura. Thanks!
Hi Aka,
Please see the map in the following link:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/kantoareapass/index.html
Kamakura is not shown in this map. Actually all stations are not shown in this map because it’s too many. Kamakura is located between Ofuna and Kurihama. You will find Ofuna and Kurihama on the left side at the bottom of the map.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi,
Can i use JR KANTO pass to go to Hitachi Seaside Park?
Hi shuhaida,
You can use this pass to get Katsuta. After getting off at Katsuta, you will take Hitachinaka Kaihin Railway and bus to get there. But these transportation are not covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
hi takeshi-san,
my plan is, i will using jr kanto area pass at late november to go to echigo-yuzawa station (1 station from jomo-kogen) as we know that the kanto area pass is just covering the train until jomo-kogen,
my question is when i purchase the ticket, i must buy tokyo-jomokogen(covered by kantoarea pass) then jomo-kogen-echigoyuzawa ticket separately(do i need disembark at jomo-kogen first then buy the ticket to echigo-yuzawa?) or i can buy tokyo-echigoyuzawa then just pay the extra fare?
1 more question, if using kanto area pass, can i just show the pass to the gate officer and hop on to the train, or i must go to ticket office first to book the ticket?
thanks for the information.
lucky
Hi Takeshi,
My family will be travelling to Japan for the first time in January. Our plan:
day 1 & 2 : Tokyo
day 3: activate Kanto area pass & travel from Shinjuku to Echigo Yuzawa
day 4: travel from Echigo Yuzawa to Kawaguchiko using Kanto area pass
day 5: travel from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo using Kanto area pass
My questions:
1) The trips from Shinjuku until Kawaguchiko will be fully covered by the Kanto pass, right?
2) Will we need to reserve/buy seats for each trip? And what other surcharges do we have to watch out for besides the limited express train on Fuji Kyuko between Otuski and Kawaguchiko/Fujikyu highland?
Thanks so much for your help. I am confused with the many different types of trains and passes.
Stuart
Hi Stuart,
My answers are the following:
1) Yes. But as you understand, if you take Fujisan Tokkyu (Fujisan limited express) or Fuji Tozan Densha between Otsuki and Kawaguchi, you have to pay surcharge.
2) All fares and surcharges will be covered by Kanto Area Pass and Echigo Yuzawa add on plan if it is available. You can book all trains at once. I usually complete all bookings right after arrival at Narita when I exchange JR Pass. You will use Kanto Area Pass. So when you purchase it, you can make all bookings. I make a list and show the staff. It’s much easier and faster.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail