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
Hello, Takeshi-san. It seems I need another help with my trip. So, in my earlier post, you suggest me to buy a 3 days Kansai Thru Pass for sightseeing in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Kobe area. Turns out I can’t buy them because the redemption point is at Osaka, while my Kansai journey starts from Kyoto.
Below, I’ll tell you the details of my Kansai trip:
Day 9: Arashiyama – Kinkakuji – Gion – Kiyomizudera – go to Osaka start from Kawaramachi station – arrived at Namba area
Day 10: Nara (Nara Deer Park, Todaiji Temple) – Osaka Castle – Tenjinbashisuji – Sakai – Shinsaibashi
Day 11: USJ – Shinsekai
Day 12: Kobe (Nankinmachi, Nunobiki Herb Garden, Kitano) – back to Namba to go to Kansai Airport
Currently, I think of buying 1 day Kyoto subway pass and 2 days Kansai Thru Pass (so I can redeem them at Osaka and use it for day 10 and 12). My concerns are:
1. Is my choice of pass already correct? Is it worth it to buy both of them to explore the above areas?
2. Can the Kyoto Subway Pass cover my trip to Osaka? If not, can I use Suica to pay for the trip or do I need to buy single trip ticket?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Christy san,
You can purchase Kansai thru pass 3-day in Kyoto too. The location is near Kyoto station. Please see the link below:
http://www.surutto.com/tickets/kansai_thru_english02.html
Kyoto subway pass does not cover trip to Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am going to Japan during the Golden Week (poor planning), my main idea was to see the flowers in Hitachi Seaside Park, the wisteria in Ashikaga, the zhibasakura in Mt Fuji.
My itinerary as follows:-
April 26- 28 in Tokyo
April 29 Day Trip to Nagano and Karuizawa
April 30 Day Trip to Hitachi Seaside Park
May 1 Day Trip to Ashikaga
May 2 Overnight Trip to Matsumoto
May 3 From Matsumoto to Mt Fuji.
May 4 Back to Tokyo
May 5 Holiday End
Based on my itinerary, I intend to get the JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata) taking shinkansen and trains from Ueno JR station. Are all the train ride for this sector covered by the Pass? I know I have to pay extra for Otsuki to Kawagaguchiko and the return express bus to Shinjuku.
Looking forward to hear from U. Thank You
Hi Alice,
All trains are covered by JR East Pass except for a bus or a train between Katsuta and Hitachi Seaside Park.
You will have 5 days coverage. You can use 4 days for April 29th to May 2nd. You still have one more day. If you depart from Narita on May 5th, you can use it for taking Narita Express. Even if you arrive in Narita on 26th, it’s better to use it for departure day than arrival day. Because there are lots of deals available for Airport to downtown Tokyo plus subway pass combo deal.
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/airport_bus/index.html
One way deal is available for arrival passenger only. You cannot use for departure day.
If you use JR East Pass, you can book all trains online. As you know, you will travel in busy period. But if you complete all bookings before you go, you will travel with no stress. Please see the link below. You can start booking one month prior to travel day.
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi、I would like to know what is the route from tokyo to snow monkey、snow monkey to hakuba、hakuba to niigata、niigata to tokyo. Please advise on change of route if the above takes too many transfers as I have 2 kids.
I would like to take the special art train or a wide view train if possible.
Thank you.
Hi Nic,
You have to get Nagano first. You can take Hokuriku Shinkansen to get Nagano.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html
For snow monkey park, you have to take a bus from Nagano. This bus is not covered by JR East pass. Please see the link below to find my trip report to Snow Monkey Park.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2016-winter-tohoku-chubu-chugoku/trip-to-tohoku-chubu-and-chugoku-in-2016-winter-part-9-visit-snow-monkey-park-in-nagano.html
For trip to Hakuba, I recommend you to take a bus from Nagano because it’s direct from Nagano. If you take a train, you have to change trains at Matsumoto and in most cases, you have to take a local train from Matsumoto to Hakuba. You may need to change trains one more time on the way to Hakuba from Matsumoto. Please see the link below to find the bus timetable and the fare. This bus is not covered by JR East pass.
http://www.alpico.co.jp/access/express/nagano_hakuba/
For Hakuba to Niigata, the bus to Nagano is recommended again. And then take Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano to Takasaki, and then take Joetsu Shinkansen from Takasaki to Niigata. You can take Joetsu Shinkansen from Niigata to Tokyo. Genbi Shinkansen (art train) runs on Joetsu Shinkansen.
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/index.html
You have to add the fare to take several bus trips but JR East Pass is still recommended and cheaper than a regular fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
How do I use the JR east Nagano Niigita If I plan to go to:
Gotemba Premium Outlet
Hakone
Madarao
Thank you,
Ram
Hi Ramon san,
Please see the link below to find the info about Hakone and Gotemba:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
You can take Hokuriku Shinkansen to get Iiyama by this pass. After arriving in Iiyama, you have to take a bus and pay for it. The pass does not cover a bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,Takeshi
I’m planning to visit odaiba, In hyperdia shows there are direct train from shinjuku to tokyo teleport using jr saikyo line. Can i use my jr east pass for the entire trip from shinjuku to tokyo teleport or i can only use the pass until osaki?
Thank u in advance.
Hi Yuvi,
It covers the trip until you get Osaki. You have to pay for Osaki to Tokyo teleport when you exit there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to ask you
this is my itinerary (my planning is around mid april)
Day 1-4: osaka-kyoto
Day 5:tokyo – gala yuzawa
Day 6: tokyo – nikko
Day 7: tokyo- tateyama alpine
Day 8: kawaguchi, festival shibazakura
day 9: tokyo – haneda
which one is better for me to use for tokyo trip? JR east pass nagano nigata or tokyo wide pass regarding single ticket outside JR pass?
thanks alot
Hi Johannes,
JR East Pass is the best choice. But even if you use this pass and if you want to go through Alpine route, you have to add a fare for Toyama-Joetsumyoko. A base fare and a Shinkansen ticket are around 5,000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Would like to seek your advice. We will be buying the Takayama Hokuriku pass. On Day 5, we will travel from Kanazawa to Nagano. The Takayama Hokuriku pass will only cover from Kanazawa to Toyama. I’m looking at getting the JR East Pass Niigata and Nagano for the rest of our trip in Nagano. Would like to find out if
1) I could combine both passes (Takayama Hkuriku pass and JR East Niigata Nagano) for journey from Kanazawa to Nagano and pay for the segment from Toyama to Joetsu Myoko which is not covered?
2) Do I have to break the journey up or can it be a seamless trip from Kanazawa to Nagano?
Many thanks for your advice!
Hi Evon,
1. That’s right.
2. If you get all passes and tickets for Toyama to Joetsu-Myoko, you can get Nagano from Kanazawa directly. However you can exchange or purchase a pass in JR East area only. I don’t think you will be JR East area before you reach Nagano. That means you cannot get JR East Pass before you get Nagano, and you have to pay for Toyama to Nagano.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass_n/index.html
So you will purchase Toyama to Nagano ticket at Kanazawa station or you can get it earlier before you reach Kanazawa at other major JR stations. And you will purchase or exchange JR East Pass at Nagano and start using it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I’m so glad I sought your advice! I overlooked the part about exchanging the order for the JR East Pass at Nagano, so I can’t use it for that part of the trip.
Now I need to relook to see what other passes I can use. My itinerary to be covered under the Takayama Hokuriku pass over 5 days is as follows :
Day 1 Nagoya to Takayama
Day 2 Takayama to Kanazawa
Day 3 Kanazawa to Shirakawago (return trip)
Day 4 Kanazawa sightseeing (so pass not used)
Day 5 Kanazawa to Nagano (only Kanazawa to Toyama is covered)
Looking for a pass to cover the rest of the trip
Day 6 Nagano / Snow Monkey
Day 7 Nagano to Karuizawa
Day 8 Karuizawa
Day 9 Karuizawa
Day 10 Karuizawa to Tokyo
I’ve considered a 7-day JR pass to cover for Days 1-7 but the trips do not cover the cost of the pass. I thought the JR East Pass could be useful but I guess not 🙁
So would appreciate your advice.
ありがとうございます !
Hi Evon san,
Unfortunately there is no deals available for day 6 to 10. You cannot get the worth of JR East Pass by Nagano to Karuizawa and Karuizawa to Tokyo. You have to make more trips to get the worth of it. But you can use Snow Monkey Pass for the trip on day 6.
http://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/access/snow-monkey-1-day-pass/
I have used this before. Please see the link below to find my trip experience.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2016-winter-tohoku-chubu-chugoku/trip-to-tohoku-chubu-and-chugoku-in-2016-winter-part-9-visit-snow-monkey-park-in-nagano.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san,
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to find a pass that can cover the cost of getting from Kanazawa to Nagano as the ticket price for that trip is more expensive than the rest, thanks for confirming that there isn’t a pass that i could use to get the most of it. You have been most helpful and also thank you for sharing your trip to see the snow monkeys!
Cheers!
Evon
No worries, Evon san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san.
I need your help on guiding which rail passes should I buy for my next trip to Japan in February. Also there are other questions which might not related to passes. I apologized for long post ahead since I piled up some questions before decided to post.
So far, this is my current itinerary:
Day 1: Arrived in Sapporo
Day 2: Sapporo – Asahikawa – Sapporo
Day 3: Sapporo – Otaru – Sapporo – Tokyo(by plane)
Day 4: Inner Tokyo (for example: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ginza, etc)
Day 5: Some Inner Tokyo area and outer Tokyo (Yokohama in morning, Odaiba at night)
Day 6: Leaving Tokyo – Matsumoto – Yudanaka Onsen – Takayama
Day 7: Takayama – Shirakawago – Hirayu Onsen – Takayama
Day 8: Leaving Takayama – Kyoto – Uji – Kyoto (planning to visit Kiyomizudera)
Day 9: Kyoto (Arashiyama, Kinkakuji temple, Fushimi Inari) – Osaka(by train)
Day 10: Half Day trip to Nara (Deer Park, Todaiji temple) – Osaka (planning to visit Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, Sakai, Tenjinbashisuji)
Day 11: Universal Studio – Shinsaibashi/Kuromon Ichiba
Day 12: Half Day trip to Kobe (Meriken Park, Nankinmachi, Kitano, Nunobiki Herb garden, and if possible Nada Sake Breweries & Mount Rokko) – Osaka – departure to Kansai Airport
As for accomodation location (I’ll just mention the nearest station):
1. Sapporo (Hosui Susukino)
2. Tokyo (Hikawadai)
3. Takayama (Takayama)
4. Kyoto (Kawaramachi)
5. Osaka (Namba)
My questions:
1. I already plan to buy 7-days JR Pass for day 2 until day 8. Which pass should I buy for the rest of my trip? or do you have better suggestion?
2. I have a friend who will join me from day 5 to day 10. I initially thought to buy her 7-days JR Pass also, but lately I’ve been thinking is there any pass that would be suitable for her with cheaper price than JR Pass? But the consequence is if that pass is not JR type, then we might not be able to take same trains or she might end up paying more than me. Can you give me solution to my problem? Should I just stick to buy her 7-days JR Pass?
3. Regarding IC cards. I plan to buy Suica initially. But I got confused when I read the IC card article here which stated “If you use IC card, you must complete your trip in same coverage area from departure to arrival”. If you look at my current itinerary, can you point if there’s problem related to the quoted line? Cause I can’t imagine if I need to buy different IC cards for each area
4. If I use any of the passes, is the fare already include reserve seat fee? How many days in advance can I book for the seat? And also, is bus ride included?
5. Which type of train that allow passenger to eat food inside?
6. If I check the train schedule for certain route, but it is still for, let’s say 6 months in advance, will it stay the same til my departure date?
7. Do you have any suggestion on where to temporarily store my large luggage in Sapporo area beside the coin lockers in station?
8. I arrived at Tokyo Haneda airport from Chitose airport. Is 30 minutes gap enough to get into train station to city? With the fact that I need to wait for my luggage coming out from the plane
9. On the first day, I land at Haneda then I need to transfer plane to go to Sapporo. Do I need to transfer from international terminal to domestic? If yes, will 1.5 hours gap be enough?
10. Just want to confirm if the above route is already okay. Though I can’t really change much since hotels already booked
Currently this is all I want to ask. Looking forward to your reply. Cheers!
Hello Takeshi-san.
Sorry to bother you, but do you mind replying to my questions in this post?
Cheers.
Hi Christy san,
Sorry for making you wait. I remembered this inquiry and I wrote a reply but it’s not shown. I probably forgot to submit it. Please find the answers as follows:
My questions:
1. I already plan to buy 7-days JR Pass for day 2 until day 8. Which pass should I buy for the rest of my trip? or do you have better suggestion?
A) Use a regular fare ticket on day 1 and 11. Kansai thru pass 3 days is recommended for day 9, 10 and 12.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
2. I have a friend who will join me from day 5 to day 10. I initially thought to buy her 7-days JR Pass also, but lately I’ve been thinking is there any pass that would be suitable for her with cheaper price than JR Pass? But the consequence is if that pass is not JR type, then we might not be able to take same trains or she might end up paying more than me. Can you give me solution to my problem? Should I just stick to buy her 7-days JR Pass?
A) Unfortunately your friend cannot get the worth of JR pass. And also you will use Kansai thru pass for day 9, 10 and 12. Kansai thru pass covers other than JR and JR pass covers only JR. If your friend use JR Pass, you and your friend cannot travel together. Regular fare ticket is better choice for her.
3. Regarding IC cards. I plan to buy Suica initially. But I got confused when I read the IC card article here which stated “If you use IC card, you must complete your trip in same coverage area from departure to arrival”. If you look at my current itinerary, can you point if there’s problem related to the quoted line? Cause I can’t imagine if I need to buy different IC cards for each area
A) You can use any cards in any areas. It means you cannot travel one area to other area, such as Tokyo to Osaka. As long as you use a card in the cities, it’s no problem. But you may not have many chances to use IC card. I think you don’t really required.
4. If I use any of the passes, is the fare already include reserve seat fee? How many days in advance can I book for the seat? And also, is bus ride included?
A) Yes. You can book anytime after you exchange the pass. Bus is not covered.
5. Which type of train that allow passenger to eat food inside?
A) Technically you can bring food in any trains. But usually only long distance train, such as Shinkansen, Limited Express train accept it. If you bring some food in a short distance train, such as Namba to Nara, a train is a commute train. You may need to stand up. There is no tables. So when you take train with a reserved seat, you can bring it.
6. If I check the train schedule for certain route, but it is still for, let’s say 6 months in advance, will it stay the same til my departure date?
A) It may be different slightly. But it’s not a big change. You can use a current timetable to make your plan.
7. Do you have any suggestion on where to temporarily store my large luggage in Sapporo area beside the coin lockers in station?
A) Only coin lockers are available. In some peak seasons, temporally luggage storage may be opened, such as snow festival period. But I cannot confirm it.
8. I arrived at Tokyo Haneda airport from Chitose airport. Is 30 minutes gap enough to get into train station to city? With the fact that I need to wait for my luggage coming out from the plane
A) Maybe. It depends on the arrival gate. If your flight arrives at the end of terminal, you have to walk more. And if the ticket counter or vending machine is crowded, you have to spend 5 to 10 minutes. So it’s hard to say but 30 minutes is not a plenty of the time.
9. On the first day, I land at Haneda then I need to transfer plane to go to Sapporo. Do I need to transfer from international terminal to domestic? If yes, will 1.5 hours gap be enough?
A) Yes. You have to go through immigration, custom, baggage pick up and then you have to check in your luggage again. As long as your flight will arrive on time, it will be fine. But if it’s delayed, it may be challenging.
10. Just want to confirm if the above route is already okay. Though I can’t really change much since hotels already booked
A) I recommend you to switch Kiyomizudera and Fushimi. Fushimi is located on the way to Uji.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san.
Sorry it took me long time to say thank you for your answers earlier as I only have time now to look at my itinerary again. Currently, I have some new questions. Would be glad if u can also help me with it.
1. Can you check for me if it is true or not that the earliest train from Takayama station to Kyoto station on Feb 17th is at 4.44 am? Cause I have a slight argument with my friend. She claimed that the earliest train is around 6.30 am, since she asked from JR station staff when she went there 2 weeks earlier. On the other hand, I’ve checked Google map, Hyperdia, Japan Official Travel App which stated there are train to Kyoto at 4.44 am. I need to know which one is true since 2 hour difference will end up affecting my whole itinerary for that day
2. If I check on a train timetable, and it says it is a JR train with no Reserve/ Unreserve seat option, will I still eligible to use JR pass on it? And do I just show my pass to the gate staff?
3. If a certain route is a combination of JR and non JR train, and I happen to have a certain pass, maybe like a Kansai thru pass or Kyoto subway pass (which is not eligible for JR trains), do I need to tap on again when I change train?
Looking forward to your reply. Thanks!
Hi Christy san,
1. You win. 4:44 departure is the earliest one. I have checked the timetable at JR Central official website. You can get Gifu by this train at 7:34 am. Hyperdia shows train from Takayama to Minoota and Minoota to Gifu separately. But this train goes to Gifu directly.
2. You can take this train by JR pass. But this train is a local commuter’s train. The seat cannot be reserved. You may have to stand up if it’s full. But I don’t think it happens because it’s very early morning train.
3. It depends on the situation. In some cases, you have to exit and reenter.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you!
No worries, Christy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi
I plan to visit Shizuoka. Can I use the pass to take
Shinjuku – Odawara by ODAKYU LTD. EXP. HAKONE 53 reserved
and buy single ticket unreserved from Odawara – Shizuoka ?
Is this the cheapest way to do this ? I need to reach Shizuoka by 12 noon.
Many thanks
Grace
Hi Grace,
This pass does not cover Odakyu railway. If you want to use this pass, you have to take limited express Odoriko or rapid train.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/odoriko-super-view-odoriko.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/rapid-service-network-in-greater-tokyo.html
If you intend to use this pass, this pass covers Tokyo to Atami. And you have to pay for Atami to Shizuoka. But if you use this pass for Tokyo to Atami only, you cannot get the worth. You should use a regular fare ticket for Tokyo to Shizuoka. I recommend you to take Shinkansen to get Shizuoka. You can find the fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to hear your advice on whether should we buy JR pass Nagano – Niigata or JR pass for our 11 day in Japan.
Our itinerary as follows :
8 Nov : Arrive in Tokyo (from Narita airport)
9 Nov : Odaiba & Tokyo tower
10 Nov : Disneyland
11 Nov : Akihabara
12 Nov : Travel to Tateyama
13 Nov : Kamikochi
14 Nov : Shirakawago
15 Nov : Snow Monkey
16 Nov : Travel back to Tokyo
17 Nov : Nikko
18 Nov : Ginza
19 Nov : Travel to Narita Airport
Thank you ! 🙂
Hi Michael,
You may use JR East Pass Nagano Niigata. But you have to pay extra because some part of your trip are outside coverage area.
When you go to Tateyama and if you start (or finish) at Toyama, you have to pay extra for Joetsu-Myoko to (from) Toyama. Joetsu-Myoko is the border station of the coverage area.
When you go to Shirakawago to Snow Monkey Park, you have to pay extra for Toyama to Joetsu-Myoko too. One way fare + Shinkansen seat fee is around 5000 yen for Joetsu-Myoko to Toyama.
And all bus services to Shirakawago, Kamikochi, Tateyama, Snow Monkey Park will be extra too. These are not covered by other pass, such as JR pass either.
You can use five days coverage for 12th, 14th, 16th, 17th and 19th. You can use other deals or regular fare ticket for the rest of trips.
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
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you so much for your reply which is very helpful. Now I don’t feel too confused anymore and know what to plan for this trip.
Best regards,
Michael
No worries, Michael.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com