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,
First time visit to Tokyo.
My plan itinerary for 19 days in May 2016.
May 09 – Arrive Narita– Stay Sasazuka station area
May 10 – Tokyo Tourism
May 11 – Tokyo Tourism
May 12 – Tokyo Tourism
May 13 – Tokyo Tourism
May 14 – Kamakura
May 15 – Tokyo Tourism
May 16- Kanazawa
May 17 – Kanazawa
May 18— Takayama
May 19– Takayama
May 20— Kyoto
May 21 — Kyoto
May 22— Kyoto
May 23— Kyoto
May 24– Hiroshima
May 25—Miyajima
May 26— Tokyo
May 27— Return to Canada
I decided to buy Jr pass 14 days and activate the 14th of may.
My question is about the five first days in Tokyo, I’m confused which pass should I take in tokyo. I will stay near to Sasazuka Station and I’m searching a pass that cover my first day of the Narita Airport to Sasazuka Station and also the tourist spots in Tokyo.
Can you please recommend what type of passes should we buy?
Thanks
Hi Adam,
I recommend you to use Limousine and Metro combo.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Sasazuka station is on Keio railway. It’s a bit complicated but Keio railway has two lines between Sasazuka and Keio. One of these two lines is called “Keio New Line”. This line is connected with Tokyo Toei subway Shinjuku line. You don’t need to change the trains at Shinjuku. The following link shows you train route map in Tokyo. I don’t show Keio line but it’s connected with Green line in the map in the link below. When you go to Akihabara, you can get there directly by Keio-Shinjuku line train.
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
Subway pass covers all subway trains. But Keio line is not subway. Even though those trains are connected each other, you need to pay for Sasazuka-Shinjuku.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
First time visit to Tokyo. Accomodation in Shinjuku.
My plan itinerary for 2weeks in April 2016.
Apr 22 – Arrive Haneda – Stay Shinjuku station area
Apr 23 – Tokyo Sightseeing (places to go like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shirine, Shinjuku, Ginza, Akibahara, etc)
Apr 24 – Hitachi Seapark & Ashikaga Flower Park
Apr 25 – Tokyo Sightseeing (places to go like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shirine, Shinjuku, Ginza, Akibahara, etc)
Apr 26 – Disneyland
Apr 27 – Mt Fuji + Lake Kawaguchi
Apr 28 – Hakone – Takayama
Apr 29 – Takayama – Shirokawago – Takayama
Apr 30 – Takayama – Kyoto
May 1-2 – Kyoto Sightseeing
May 3 – Kyoto – Osaka
May 4-7 – Osaka Sightseeing (to Nara & Kobe)
May 8 – Back directly to Kansai Airport.
I’m a bit confuse as to which pass should I take ta tokyo. For Kansai area, I had plan to take the Kansai Thru Pass.
Can you please recommend on what type of passes should we buy?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Hi Hemit,
You may use JR pass 7 days from Apr 24. There are lots of deal for Tokyo.
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#Airport_access_ticket_and_subway_pass_combination_deal
If you visit Kobe and Nara one day each, Kansai thru pass is your choice. Otherwise single fare is better. In cities, you may use subway/bus deal.
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/Card.html
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your reply.
There is a changes on out planned itinerary:-
Apr 22 – Arrive Haneda – Stay Shinjuku station area
Apr 23 – Tokyo Sightseeing (places to go like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shirine, Shinjuku, Ginza, Akibahara, etc)
Apr 24 – Hitachi Seapark
Apr 25 – Ashikaga Flower Park
Apr 26 – Disneyland
Apr 27 – Tokyo Sightseeing (places to go like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shirine, Shinjuku, Ginza, Akibahara, etc)
Apr 28 – Mt Fuji + Lake Kawaguchi
Apr 29 – Hakone – Takayama
Apr 30 – Takayama – Shirokawago – Takayama
1 May – Takayama – Kyoto
May 1-3 – Kyoto Sightseeing
May 4 – Kyoto – Osaka
May 5-7 – Osaka Sightseeing (to Nara & Kobe)
May 8 – Back directly to Kansai Airport.
Should I still remain use 7days jr pass from 24 Apr?
Is 7Days JR Pass able to use visiting the places mention?
Hope to hear from you soon
Hi Hemit,
Can you switch Hitachi Seaside Park and Disneyland?
JR Pass must cover until you get Kyoto. If you start to use it on 24th, it’s expired when you are in Takayama. And also Disneyland is very closed to downtown Tokyo and not good idea to use JR pass to access there. So if you can switch it, JR Pass cover Hitachi, Ashkagawa and until you get Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Yes, I can switch it. Do you mean like this?
Apr 22 – Arrive Haneda – Stay Shinjuku station area
Apr 23 – Tokyo Sightseeing (places to go like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shirine, Shinjuku, Ginza, Akibahara, etc)
Apr 24 – Disneyland
Apr 25 – Ashikaga Flower Park
Apr 26 – Hitachi Seapark
Apr 27 – Tokyo Sightseeing (places to go like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shirine, Shinjuku, Ginza, Akibahara, etc)
Apr 28 – Mt Fuji + Lake Kawaguchi
Apr 29 – Hakone – Takayama
Apr 30 – Takayama – Shirokawago – Takayama
1 May – Takayama – Kyoto
May 1-3 – Kyoto Sightseeing
May 4 – Kyoto – Osaka
May 5-7 – Osaka Sightseeing (to Nara & Kobe)
May 8 – Back directly to Kansai Airport.
I be staying at Sunroute Higashi Shinjuku, which subway pass is more convenient?
Does the subway pass include the route to Disneyland & to Hakone?
JR Pass will cover all rail to Hitachi, Ashikagawa and until Kyoto?
Can I purchase Kansai Thru Pass in my country or have to purchase upon arrive at Kyoto?
Thanks!!
Hi Hermit,
That’s right. It’s good to go.
Both Disneyland and Hakone are not covered by subway pass. Please see the following link about subway pass in Tokyo.
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
Hakone and Fuji are not in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
You can purchase Kansai thru pass at Kyoto.
http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for your information!!
Can Disneyland be access by using 7D JR Pass?
I be staying at Sunroute Higashi Hotel Shinjuku, should I taking the odayku train to hakone yumoto or JR Pass to reach Odawara then use Hakone Free Pass to reach Hakone yumoto & Mt Fuji?
Please advice.
Thanks!!
Hi Hermit,
You can access to Disneyland by JR pass.
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
If you want to save your cost, take Shinkansen to get Odawara by JR pass and purchase Hakone Free Pass there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi :
First time visit to Tokyo. Accomodation in Shinjuku.
My itinerary in March 2016.
Day 1 Arrival Narita 7am, Tokyo Sightseeing
Day 2 Tokyo Sightseeing
Day 3 Kawaguchiko
Day 4 Yokohama (overnight)
Day 5 Yokohama – Tokyo
Day 6 Galayuzawa
Day 7 Tokyo Sightseeing
Day 8 Tokyo Sightseeing, Departure Narita 10pm
I am thinking to take :
1. Return limo bus for Narita-Shinjuku (Day 1,8) because we have luggages
2. Return express bus to Kawaguchiko (Day 3)
3. Tokyo Wide Pass for Yokohama and Galayuzawa (Day 4-6) – is it worth it, or cheaper to just take normal train to Yokohama
4. Suica Card for all Tokyo sightseeing
Or would you suggest switching days on the itinerary ?
Thank You in advance. I would really appreciate your advise.
Hi Helly,
Overall your itinerary is good. I don’t have many thing to mention.
Tokyo Wide Pass works and cheaper than single fares. However subway pass may be better than Suica. Tokyo Subway Ticket is really good deal.
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#Tokyo_Subway_Ticket
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi, that’s really great. The link you gave on the metro pass is great. The 3 day pass seems cheap. I’ll go with that. I have 2 more questions though :
1. Does the metro pass qualify us to take the yurikamome line to odaiba ?
2. I was thinking, to save further, maybe I start using my tokyo wide pass to go to kawaguchi , then the next day go to galayuzawa, then the next day Yokohama. Then on the return day from Yokohama I can just take normal train. This saves me on the bus ticket to kawaguchi ko. However, the train ride to kawaguchi seem complicated with train transfers and I think I still need to pay extra for the fujikyu line right ?
Thanks.
Hi Helly,
1. No. It’s not subway.
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#Odaiba
2. Not much complicated.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/otsuki-station-guide-how-to-transfer-from-jr-train-to-fuji-kyuko-train.html
If you take normal train on Fuji Kyuko, it’s covered fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
In relation to my above post,
FYI : I shall be buying 7D JRpass ( trip is for 11 days ).
after 4th Apr, will be moving forward to Kyoto , Nara
Thanks,
Sindhu Ravindraprasad
Hi Sindhu,
I would like to know the whole part of your itinerary. After 4th, visit Kyoto and Nara but where you will stay? Which airport are you going to arrive and depart? Do you visit any other places other than Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone/Fuji, Kyoto and Nara?
Please let me know your itinerary day by day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi ,
We shall we reaching Tokyo on 31st March 9:30am, planning to book a hotel near to Toyocho station.
Plan is to
31st March – go around Tokyo
1st Apr – Kamakura
2nd Apr – Nikko
3-4th Apr – Hakone and Mt.Fuji
Will Tokyo wide pass be helpful to us ? does it cover the local transport within Nikko, Kamakura and Hakone ?
Thanks,
Sindhu
Hello Takeshi,
Knowing that the Tokyo Wide Pass will only be valid for 3 days, would that be enough to see the best of Kanto? Or would I need to spend more days to see them all? I am planning to make an itinerary out of this pass but I just want to make sure that it’s going to be worth it.
Hi Bujang,
It’s hard to say. If you want to see popular spot in coverage area, like Lake Kawaguchi, Izu peninsula, Gala Yuzawa, Karuizawa, Nikko, 3 days is not enough. So make sure where you want to go and see. If you want to see more than 3 places, 3 days is not enough.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
Appreciated the really fast reply! Anyway, I am planning to go on a day trip to Nikko, Kusatsu Onsen, and Kamakura. By the end of each day I’d return to my place at Tokyo. Is this doable? Because I know the pass lets me use shinkansen indefinitely and that would save a lot of time I think.
Hi Bujang,
Yes, you can. Many travellers do it as day trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Just recently changed our itinerary on our Japan Trip. This will be our new plan:
Dec 29 – Arrive Narita – Stay nearby Shibuya station
Dec 30 – Disney Sea Resort
Dec 31 – Jan 3 – Tokyo Sightseeing (places to go like Tokyo Tower, Meiji Shirine, Shinjuku, Ginza, Akibahara, etc)
Jan 4 – Mt fuji Trip – Stay nearby Kawaguchiko Train Station
Jan 5 – Back directly to Narita Airport.
Can you please recommend on what type of passes should we buy? Thanks in advance for your help.
Regards,
Herry.
Hi Herry,
You may use Tokyo Wide Pass (newer ver. Kanto Area Pass as I mentioned in the post above) for the last 3 days.
If you want to have direct access to Shibuya, single ticket for Narita Express or limousine bus is your choice.
Single ticket is also fine for Disney. Subway deal is okay for Tokyo.
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
Hi Takeshi
This entry of yours is awesome. So if i am spending 9 days in tokyo and my itinery is as follow :
19 dec – tokyo
20 dec – disney
21- disney
22 – 23 dec – mt fuji
24 – 26 – tokyo
Should i only get the tokyo wide pass (JR Kanto A Pass) and the SUICA card? Will that cover all the areas I am going?
Thank you
Hi Shahida,
Yes. You can use Tokyo Wide pass and Suica. You may use subway pass if you make subway trips more than 4 times a day.
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
Hi Takeshi,
My itinerary for 4days in tokyo:
1. Narita-shinjuku, arrived @noon
2. Hakone trip
3. Tokyo city tour
4. Shinjuku-narita
-Can i use narita express using kanto area pass for free (no extra charge)?
-What pass you would recommended me if i go to hakone (cheaper / efficient) buy jr kanto pass or hakone pass?
-from my itinerary, do you think it worth to buy jr kanto pass?
Thank you for your time 🙂
Hi Diana,
I recommend you to use 3 deals:
Nex Round trip ticket
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/nex_round.html
Hakone Free pass
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
And subway pass 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
Tokyo Wide Pass (not Kanto Area Pass any more) does not cover the heart of Hakone. And it’s valid for 3 days only. I think these deals are more suitable for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for your advice
God bless 🙂
No problem, Diana.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takesih, thx for your reply .can i use tokyo wide pass from tokyo to osaka train ride?
Hi Amyyen,
No, you can’t. Osaka is way far from the coverage area. And it does not cover Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com