There are two kinds of JR East Pass, Nagano Niigata and Tohoku. In this post, I would like to explain about JR East Pass Nagano Niigata in this post.
- Prices and valid period
- How to buy JR East Pass Nagano Niigata
- Coverage Area
- Valid trains and lines
- Compare single fare and JR East Pass Nagano Niigata
- 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 Otsuki from Shinjuku by Limited Epxress Azusa or Kaiji
- Trip to Matsumoto from Shinjuku by Limited Epxress Azusa or Kaiji
- 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 to Nagano from Tokyo by Shinkansen
- Trip to Niigata from Tokyo by Shinkansen
- Trip between Narita Airport and Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku or Yokohama
- Trip between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho by Tokyo Monorail
- Fares in downtown Tokyo
- Compare JR East Pass Nagano Niigata and Tokyo Wide Pass
- Assessment
Prices and valid period
| Validity period | Purchase outside Japan or online | Purchase inside Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Adult 12 years and older | 18,000 yen | 18,000 yen |
| Child 6 to 11 years old | 9,000 yen | 9,000 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 is valid for a consecutive 5 days only.
One day means midnight to midnight, technically 0:00 to 23:59. Even if you start using the pass at 23:00. you will spend one full day for just one hour. So try to start in the morning. It does not make sense to start to use in the evening.
How to buy JR East Pass Nagano Niigata
You may buy it online at ACP Rail. ACP Rail is the official retailer of JR East:
JR East Pass online purchasing at ACP RailCoverage Area
This pass covers all JR trains in Kanto area, such as Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Yamanashi, Gumma, Ibaragi and Tochigi, and Niigata and Nagano area. And the pass also cover some places in Shizuoka, such as Izu peninsula.
This pass covers the following major spots in the area.
- Nikko
- Odawara (Gate station to Hakone)
- Izu peninsula (Atami, Ito, Shimoda)
- Katsuta (Gate station to Hitachi Seaside Park)
- Karuizawa
- Kusatsu
- Kamakura
- Kawagoe
- Echigo-Yuzawa, Gala Yuzawa
- Niigata
- Nagano
- Hakuba
- Shinano-Omachi
- Matsumoto
- Niigata
This deal does not cover any places in Tohoku region, such as Sendai, Akita, Aomori. Those places are covered by another new JR East Pass “Tohoku”.
Nikko to Echigo-Yuzawa/Gala-Yuzawa on the list above are covered by Tokyo Wide Pass as well. You may compare this pass and Tokyo Wide Pass if you visit these places only.
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 JR East Pass Nagano Niigata covers many “NON JR” railway trains. The following railways are NON JR companies but these are covered by JR East Pass Nagano Niigata.
- Tokyo Monorail (Haneda-Airport – Hamamatsucho)
- Izu Kyuko Line (Ito – Izukyu-Shimoda)
- Hokuetsu Express Line (Muikamachi – Saigata)
- Echigo Tokimeki Railway (Arai – Naoetsu)
- 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 the benefit of this deal. Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass) covers only Tokyo Monorail. However other JR deal, Tokyo Wide Pass covers more.
When you go to Nikko, JR East Pass Nagano Niigata covers the direct limited express train from Shinjuku to Nikko or Kinugawa-Onsen but Japan Rail Pass does not. This is one of the benefits of this rail pass. Please see the post below to learn about this train:
However this deal does not cover Fujikyu Railway to get Kawaguchiko from Otsuki. Tokyo Wide Pass covers this railway. It gives you the access to get Lake Kawaguchi without any extra charge. If you want to get Lake Kawaguchi by this deal, you need to pay extra for Otsuki to Kawaguchiko on Fuji Kyuko line.
JR East Pass Nagano Niigata does not cover Tokaido Shinkansen. Even if you want to use this Shinkansen in JR East area, like Tokyo to Atami or Tokyo to 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 a rapid train or the Limited Express Odoriko. These trains are covered by JR East Pass Nagano Niigata.
Compare single fare and JR East Pass Nagano Niigata
When you think about purchasing this deal, you have to make sure that you can get the worth of this pass or not. I show you some sample fares.
*All rates are based on the base fare andthe reserved seat limited express supplement in the 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.
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.
Trip to Otsuki from Shinjuku by Limited Epxress Azusa or Kaiji
Total fares are 2,770 yen from Shinjuku for one way.
Trip to Matsumoto from Shinjuku by Limited Epxress Azusa or Kaiji
Total fares are 6,900 yen from Shinjuku for one way.
Trip to Gala Yuzawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen
Total fare is 6,870 yen for one way.
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.
Trip to Karuizawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen
Total fare is 5,910 yen for one way.
Trip to Nagano from Tokyo by Shinkansen
Total fare is 8,200 yen for one way.
Trip to Niigata from Tokyo by Shinkansen
Total fare is 10,570 yen for one way.
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.
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.
Compare JR East Pass Nagano Niigata and Tokyo Wide Pass
I have compared these two deals in this post above. Because Tokyo Wide Pass is cheaper but shorter valid period and a bit smaller coverage area. Now I would like to compare these two passes by the trains and the areas.
| Destination | JR East Pass Niigata and Nagano | Tokyo Wide Pass |
|---|---|---|
| JR trains in downtown Tokyo | Yes | Yes |
| Narita airport | Yes | Yes |
| Nikko | Yes | Yes |
| Karuizawa | Yes | Yes |
| Gala Yuzawa | Yes | Yes |
| Kusatsu | Yes | Yes |
| Kamakura | Yes | Yes |
| Yokohama | Yes | Yes |
| Niigata | Yes | No |
| Nagano | Yes | No |
| Matsumoto | Yes | No |
| Hakuba | Yes | No |
| Shinano-Omachi | Yes | No |
| Nozawa-Onsen | Yes | No |
| Joetsu-Myoko | Yes | No |
| Katsuta nearest station to Hitachi Seaside Park | Yes | Yes |
| Tobu railway of Shinjuku to Nikko or Kinugawa-Onsen | Yes | Yes |
| Fuji Kyuko railway to Lake Kawaguchi | No | Yes |
| Izu Kyuko railway to Ito, Shimoda | Yes | Yes |
| Tokyo Monorail to/from Haneda airport | Yes | Yes |
| Tokyo Rinkai line to Odaiba | No | Yes |
| Hokuetsu Express line | Yes | No |
| Echigo Tokimeki Railway
| Yes | No |
Both passes do not cover the subway, non JR trains other than the companies on the list above. And both pass do not cover outside Kanto and JR East area, such as Hokkaido, Tohoku region, Toyama, Kanazawa, Takayama, Shirakawago, Nagano, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Hiroshima, Shikoku and Kyushu. But you can access to Takayama, Shin-Hotaka, Kamikochi from Matsumoto by bus. And also you can access to Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route from either Shinano-Omachi or Nagano. But the pass does not cover any transportation on Alpine Route and any bus services to Takayama, Kamikochi and Shin-Hotaka.
Assessment
Tokyo Wide pass is sold at 10,000 yen for 3 days. JR East Pass Nagano Niigata is sold at 17,000 yen for any 5 days in 14 days period. JR East Pass Nagano Niigata gives you 2 more days and a bit wider coverage area than Tokyo Wide Pass. If you visit Niigata or/and Nagano area, this pass will be recommended. Otherwise Tokyo Wide Pass is enough for you. If you want to have bigger coverage area, consider to use JR pass or Hokuriku Arch Pass.
I hope you have found that this deal suits your trip plan or not. Enjoy your trip.
Comments
Hi Takeshi-San,
I heard about genbi shinkansen between echigo-yuzaw and niigata, but I am not sure if it is covered by jr pass and where I could find the time table. Can you help?
Cheese
It’s covered, Joe san.
Cheers,
TAkeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Another question regarding Niigata route, can we use Joyful train, Koshino Shu Kuro on the 7 days rail pass?
Thanks again for your help.
Lana
Hi Lana,
If you use JR East pass, it’s covered fully. But if you use 7 days JR pass, you have to pay extra for Joetsu-Myoko to/from Naoetsu.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
If I’m travelling from Kanazawa to Tokyo on the Hokuriku Shinkansen and I have the JR East Pass, I understand that it is covered as far as Joetsu Myoko Station. Can I just add single fare (including seat fee) for outside coverage area that is Kanazawa to Joetsu Myoko Station and use the JR East Pass for the rest of the journey? If this is possible, can I travel without getting off the train at Joetsu Myoko Station?
Hi Gwen,
Yes, you can. But please prepare everything before you go to Kanazawa. Because you cannot book your seat for Joetsu Myoko to Tokyo at Kanazawa. You have to book it when you are in the coverage area of JR East Pass. When you book a seat for Joetsu Myoko to Tokyo, you can purchase single fare ticket too. Please tell this situation to reservation staff. They will give you same seat for all the way to Tokyo from Kanazawa. And you don’t need to get off at Joetsu Myoko.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your detailed explanation. I’m glad I checked with you beforehand!
No worries, Gwen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’ll be visiting Tokyo, Yamanashi, Nagano and Niigata. Does the JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata) covers all these cities?
Thank you for your help.
Lana
Hi Lana,
All cities are covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeski
Good day to you. I am planning a trip in April and would wish to visit these places, which JR pass which I get? Can I use this JR East Pass + Tokyo JR wide pass pass together during my 9 days trip? I will flying in/out from Haneda.
My itinerary is a below:
Day 1-2: Haneda > Tokyo – activate JR East Pass (Niigata) (heading to Kamakura for half-day trip)
Day 3: Niigata
Day 4-5-6-7-: Isle of Sado
Use the remaining days Tokyo wide pass anywhere by the pass / back to Tokyo
Day 8-9: Tokyo (heading to Nikko for half-day trip) & fly back from Haneda
Thank you for help.
Franco
Hi Franco,
JR East Pass Niigata is a good choice. But I don’t think you need Tokyo Wide Pass. Because you can use JR East Pass for day 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. When you are in Sado island, you have no chance to use this pass. There is no railways.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takashi
Thank you for your feedback
No worries, Franco.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
May I ask if JR NN Pass covers
1. Ueda Railway to Bessho onsen
2. Local trains / bus in Nikko
(http://www.tobu.co.jp/foreign/en/pass/all.html)
Does it just brings you to JR Nikko stations and ends there.
Melanie
Hi Melanie,
Unfortunately both are not covered by the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takashi sama. Im planning to stay near niigata station. As u mentioned above jr wide tokyo does not cover until niigata station. What are other choice available for me / or where should i take other train to niigata station.? If i still want to use jr tokyo wide pass.
Thank you so much
Hi Anisa san,
If you use Tokyo Wide Pass, you have to add single fare for outside coverage area that is Echigo-Yuzawa to Niigata. If you pay single fare + Shinkansen seat fee, it costs more than 5,000 yen for one way. So one way + Tokyo Wide Pass is cheaper than JR East Pass but if you have round trip, JR East pass is cheaper.
There is local train running between Echigo-Yuzawa and Niigata. But it does not run very frequently and need to change the trains a few times. This is not a realistic choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-sama,
Can I use this JR East Pass + JR kansai Hokuriku Area Pass together during my 14 Days trip? I will be flying in/out from Narita. It gives me more coverage, and total of 7days +5 days extra within then 14 days validity.
It is also cheaper than 14 days JR pass.
Example:
Day 1-2: activate JR east pass from tokyo to nagano& joetsu myoko
Day 3-9: activate JR kansai hokuriku to kanazawa-kansai & hokuriku area.by end of 7th day, go back to joetsu myoko
Day 10-12: use the remaining three days of JR east pass anywhere covered by the pass & back to tokyo
Day 13-14: tokyo & fly back
Is it possible? Thank you in advance
Hi Juni sama,
That is a great idea. But there is one issue.
When you start using Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, do you know where can you buy/activate the pass? You cannot do it at Joetsu-Myoko. The nearest station is Toyama. That means you have to purchase single ticket for Joetsu-Myoko to Toyama. Shinkansen seat fee and base fare are around 5,000 yen. The total amount is still cheaper than 14 days JR pass but the difference is smaller. And as you know, JR pass gives you direct transfer to Tokyo from Kyoto/Osaka by Shinkansen. You can save at least two hours. JR East Pass covers reserved seat but Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass does not cover reserved seat fee. JR pass covers all.
I’m impressed by this brilliant idea. I have never though this way. If you use these two passes and single fare ticket, you can purchase single fare ticket when you get JR East pass. You will get same seat and you don’t need to get off Joetsu Myoko.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takashi-sama,
Thank you for your feedback & encouragement, I am honoured. 🙂
Yes, aside of my uncertainty on combining two passes (which is now cleared), the issue is to buy/exchange the JR kansai hokuriku. Definately had to go to toyama station since its the nearest. Based on HyperDia, I could either go via:
– Shinkansen (40 min ¥5050), or
– Transfer two times via Myoko Haneuma line-nihonkai hisui line-ainokaze toyama lime (143 min ¥2250)
I am glad combining different passes is allowed, thank you for your confirmation! Now I can proceed to detail the trip & look into the cost & timing in order to see which option suits me more.
Also, thank you for the heads up on the single fare & that I am not required to change seat after Joetsu Myoko.
No worries, Juni sama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’m considering to get JR East Pass as well as Fuji Shizuoka Mini Pass for my 14D trip. Would it be better for me to buy single-journey tickets since I’m only visiting Izu, Shizuoka and Tokyo?
My itinerary is as below:
Day 1: Haneda > Atami + Ito (half-day trip on Day 1 since I’ll reach Atami around 12pm)
Day 3: Atami > Mishima (would be visiting Mishima/ Numazu/ Izu-Nagaoka/ Shuzenji/ Fujinomiya/ Fujiyoshida with Shizuoka Mini Pass)
Day 7: Mishima > Shimoda
Day 9: Shimoda > Kawazu (either taking Izu Kyuko Railway or Tokai bus from Shuzenji)
Day 11: Kawazu (heading to Izu-Kogen for half-day trip) > Tokyo
Day 14: Tokyo > Haneda
The furthest I’ll be going would probably be Sagamiko station. Unless I make a day trip to Karuizawa or Nikko. What are your thoughts?
Thanks for reading!
Hi Wai,
I agree with you to use Fuji Shizuoka Pass. But I don’t think that it’s a good idea to use JR East Pass. It’s way too much for using a train between Tokyo and Izu. Single ticket is okay for Tokyo-Izu. You may use other deals, such as subway when you are 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
very informative, great post!