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 would like to ask about the Tokyo Wide Pass.
If im travelling from Nerima ku to Tokyo Disneyland, is the tickets are covered by the Tokyo Wide Pass? Because I didn’t saw the Maihama station in the Tokyo Wide Pass map. Thank you.
Hi Aini,
As long as you take JR trains, it will cover. But I don’t think there is JR stations in Nerimaku. I’m not very familiar with Nerimaku but I think only Seibu railway and Tobu railway run in Nerimaku. These trains are not JR and not covered by this pass. I think you have to pay for these trains to get Shinjuku or Ikebukuro.
The map shows you only major stations. Maihama is in coverage area and it’s covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takesih,
I’ll be arriving haneda thn straight to shinjuku where i stay
1st day -tour around tokyo
2nd day- going to yokohama thn back to shinjuku
3rd day – mount fuji
4th day – going to osaka where i will stay
5th day – usj
6th day – kyoto
7th day – nara
last day -kix depart home.
Do you think JR Kanto Area Pass recommend for a family(4 included my 2 children 18 & 11) of us. Thank in advance.
Hi Amyyen,
Kanto Area Pass is now sold as Tokyo Wide Pass. The price is a bit higher.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-wide-pass-is-newer-version-of-kanto-area-pass-nikko-fuji-gala-yuzawa-and-odaiba-are-covered-by-this-pass.html
You may use it for the first 3 days of your trip anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! We are planning to go to Japan on Feb with the following itinerary in mind, is this plan doable and practical/cost effective?
Day 1: ARRIVAL JR Tokyo Wide Pass Day 1
Narita to Tokyo to Jomo-Kogen
Day 2: JR Tokyo Wide Pass Day 2
Jomo Kogen to Tokyo, city tour in Tokyo
Day 3: JR Tokyo Wide Pass Day 3
City tour in Tokyo
Day 4: DEPARTURE Buy individual/per trip tickets
Tokyo to Narita
Can the Tokyo Wide Pass be used for Narita airport transfer to Tokyo? Can it be used for going around Tokyo (Akihabara, Tsukiji, Shibuya) Thank you!
Hi Celine,
Tokyo Wide Pass is a right choice for your trip.
It covers many part to Tokyo, but Tsukiji is not covered because only subway can take you there. Subway is not covered by this pass. Please see the link below. It explains Tokyo Tokunai Pass but almost same.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/tokyo-metropolitan-district-pass-tokyo-tokunai-pass-good-choice-for-sightseeing-in-tokyo.html
Tokyo Wide Pass covers all part of Tokyo and Osaki – Tokyo Teleport (Odaiba) – Shinkiba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you, Takeshi, that information is most helpful! Can I use it for airport transfer on Day 1 too?
Hi Celine,
Of course you can. You can take Narita Express to Tokyo and transfer to Joetsu Shinkasnen to Jomo Kogen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My family (2 adults and 2 boys aged 6&7) will be heading staying 3 nights in tokyo before heading to Myoko. If i purchase the JR Kanto pass, which obviosly will not bring me all the way to Nagano, how much do i need to top up for the additional route?
Or do you think I will be better off getting the train tickets piece meal?
cheers
Hi CT,
Not a good idea. It will be more expensive than even single ticket. Because you have to pay full fare for outside coverage area.
If you take Narita Express to get Tokyo or to Narita, JR East pass is better choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-flex-5-days-unlimited-travel-within-14-days-in-eastern-japan.html
Round trip fare between Joetsu Myoko and Tokyo is slightly cheaper than JR East pass. But if you take more trains, like Narita Express (not local train in Tokyo. Not enough), it will be paid off.
Otherwise single ticket is the best choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I intend to travel straight to Karuizawa once I arrive in Narita airport on 23 Nov and plan to stay in Karuizawa for 3 nights. So I will be leaving Karuizawa for Tokyo on 26 Nov. Can I still buy the Kanto pass?
Hi Yap,
You can buy Kanto Area Pass. But it’s valid for 3 days. If you stay in Karuizawa for 3 night, it’s 4 days trip. You need to use a single ticket.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi. May I ask if its cheaper to get any JR Kanto or JR East pass if my itinerary is as follows:
23 Nov – Arr Narita Airport and straight to Karuizawa
26 Nov – Depart Karuizawa to Tokyo
27 Nov – Tokyo to Gotemba
28 Nov – Tokyo
29 Nov – 2 Dec – Tokyo to Disneyland
3 Dec – Tokyo to Narita Airport
or should I just purchase single ticket?
Hi Yap,
Both pass do not work. As I mentioned, Kanto area pass is valid for only 3 days. JR East pass is too expensive.
You may use NEX Tokyo Round Trip Ticket for arrival day and departure day.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/nex_round.html
But single ticket is the best way to get Karuizawa and Disney. The bus is the best way to get Gotemba.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html#Access_to_Gotemba
Subway pass may be added for your stay in Tokyo as you need.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi. Can I find out if this is doable?
23 Nov – Narita airport to Tokyo (NEX round)
Tokyo to Karuizawa (single ticket)
26 Nov – Karuizawa to Kawaguchiko (Kanto pass)
27 Nov – Kawaguchiko to Tokyo (Kanto pass)
Is it cheaper to get Kanto pass? How long is the travelling time from Karuizawa to Kawaguchiko?
Is it possible to go from Karuizawa-Saku-Daira-Koumi-Otsuki-Kawaguchiko? instead of coming back to Tokyo to Kawaguchiko. Appreciate your help.
Hi Yap,
You can use Kanto area pass. Mostly Kazuizawa-Tokyo-Otsuki route is faster than Koumi route. The average trip time is round 2.5 hour. But it depends on the connection. You can check it at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
If you have an extra time and want to have an experience on Japanese local line, Koumi route is highly recommended. But you might spend extra 1.5 hours at least more than Tokyo route.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, great website you have here! I have some questions:
1. Can I use Kanto Area Pass to go to Hitachi Seaside Park from Ueno?
2. I arrive at Narita Nov 10, then I want to go to Ueno. Nov 11, I will go to DisneySea. Nov 12, I will go to Hitachi Seaside Park and return to Ueno. By my calculation, using Kanto Area Pass will save me money, is it true?
Thank You for your help!
Hi Takeshi,
I was browsing in hyperdia, looking for train timetables for kawaguchiko-otsuki. And i only got kaiji/azusa on my preferred timetables. I’m wondering if those trains are covered by Kanto Pass?
I’ve been looking for information but haven’t found one yet (or maybe it’s just me being too lazy to read everything hehehe)
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Naomi,
Yes. Those trains are covered by Kanto Area Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
HI there,
i have some questions about Kanto pass
1. Kanto pass is valid for 3 days, it mean If i start to use it 1st Oct, it will valid on 3rd mid night? OR start from the time I stamp, and valid in next 72 Hours(3 days)?
2. Can I use Kanto pass to take NEX from Narita to Tokyo station?
3. I plan travel to Kawakuchiko and kamakura, I do have to reserve the seat OR i can take any train without reserve the seat?
Thank you
Jakapong
Hi Jakapong,
1. It’s expired on 3rd Oct. It’s valid for midnight to midnight, not 72 hours.
2. Yes
3. You don’t need to book for both. But when you go to Kawaguchiko, you will take Limited Express train from Shinjuku to Otsuki. Reservation is not required but recommended. Kanto Area Pass includes reserved seat fee. Just book and secure your seat.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m planning to use Kanto pass for day trip from Tokyo to Kawaguchiko on the 1st day, Karuizawa Ski Resort on the 2nd day and to explore Tokyo on the last day of the pass. I wish to visit Showa Kinen Park from Shinjuku station using Kanto pass. Is it fully cover?
Hi Nora,
Yes. It’s covered fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My family will be travelling to Tokyo in mid Jul for 6 days. Our plan:
day 1 & 2 : Kawaguchiko
day 3 to 6 : Tokyo / Asakusa
My questions:
1) Narita airport to Shinjuku: buy N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Tickett (4000 yen)
2) Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko: buy Fujigoko Enjoy Ticket (4350 yen)
Is above ticket is the best choice during our stay?
Please advise.
Thank you.
Hi HO LF,
You picked very nice deals. If you visit the places around Lake Kawaguchi, Fujigoko Enjoy is okay. But if you intend to go up Fuji 5th station, the following deal is better.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/mt-fuji-round-trip-ticket-is-back-in-2014-perfect-choice-for-just-trip-to-fuji-san.html
And this pass can be purchased at same time as you purchase NEX round trip ticket at Narita. If you go to Lake Kawaguchi directly, it’s much more convenient.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail