Tokyo Wide Pass user guide. Perfect choice for trip to Nikko, Fuji, Gala Yuzawa and Odaiba

Tokyo springRail pass for visitors
The view of Rainbow Bridge from Odaiba (C) Mike Luk / JNTO
The view of Rainbow Bridge from Odaiba (C) Mike Luk / JNTO

Tokyo Wide Pass is currently sold as Kanto Area Pass. This pass will be remodeled and will be sold as Tokyo Wide Pass on December 1, 2015. It covers Tokyo and surrounding area, such as Mt. Fuji, Izu peninsula, or Nikko. Echigo-Yuzawa will be covered by Tokyo Wide Pass but it is not by Kanto Area Pass.

Tokyo Wide Pass will be sold at the higher price on December 1st, 2015 but the coverage ares will be bigger. I would like to show you about this pass and also I talk about the difference between Tokyo Wide Pass and Kanto Area Pass.

Prices and valid period

Validity periodAdult
12 years and older
Child
6 to 11 years old
3 consecutive
days
10,180 yen5,090 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 will be available from December 1st, 2015. But you can order this pass online in advance at JR East official site.

Tokyo Wide Pass is sold at 10,000 yen. Previous version of this pass, Kanto Area Pass is sold at 8,300 yen. The validity period is 3 consecutive days that is same as Kanto Area Pass. So the price higher than Kanto Area Pass but the coverage area is a bit bigger and more trains are covered by Tokyo Wide Pass.

Coverage Area

Toshogu is the highlight in Nikko. (C) Yasufumi Nishi /  JNTO
Toshogu is the highlight in Nikko. (C) Yasufumi Nishi / JNTO

This pass covers 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.

Mostly the coverage area is not much different from Kanto Area Pass coverage area. This pass covers the following major spots in the area.

  • Nikko
  • Kawaguchiko (Lake Kawaguchi), Fuji-Q Land
  • Odawara (Gate station to Hakone)
  • Izu peninsula (Atami, Ito, Shimoda)
  • Katsuta (Gate station to Hitachi Seaside Park)
  • Karuizawa
  • Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi (Gate station to Kusatsu)
  • Kamakura
  • Kawagoe
  • Yokohama

And also two more great addition in the coverage of Tokyo Wide Pass.

  • Echigo-Yuzawa, Gala Yuzawa
  • Odaiba, Tokyo Waterfront Area

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 Tokyo Wide Pass covers many “NON JR” railway trains. The following railways are NON JR companies but those are covered by Tokyo Wide Pass.

  • Tokyo Monorail (Haneda-Airport – Hamamatsucho)
  • Izu Kyuko Line (Ito – Izukyu-Shimoda)
  • Fuji Kyuko Railway (Otsuki – Kawaguchiko)
  • Joshin Dentetsu Line (Takasaki – Shimonita)
  • Saitama New Urban Transit Line (Omiya – the Railway Museum)
  • Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line (Osaki – Shin-Kiba)
  • 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 huge benefit of this deal. Japan Rail Pass (a.k.a. JR Pass) covers only Tokyo Monorail. JR East Pass covers many railways on this list but JR East Pass does not cover Fujikyu Railway, Joshin Dentetsu Line and Saitama New Urban Transite Line. Especially Fujikyu Railway is a big benefit. You can get Lake Kawaguchi without any extra by this pass.

Fuji Kyuko Railway

Joshin Dentesu is not very well known. But it gives you access to one of World Heritaga Site, Tomioka Silk Mill from Takasaki.
How to access to the newest World Heritage Tomioka Silk Mill

When you go to Nikko, Tokyo Wide Pass covers limited express train to Nikko from Shinjuku directly. JR East Pass covers this train trip but Japan Rail Pass does not. This is one of the benefits of this rail pass too.
How to access to Nikko from Tokyo. There are three ways from Tokyo, Shinjuku and Asakusa.

Most of trains on this list has been covered by Kanto Area Pass. But at this time, Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line is added on Tokyo Wide Pass. This line is not JR company but trains run through JR Saikyo line. It connects Kawagoe, Omiya, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo-Teleport (Odaiba) and Shin-Kiba. You can access to Odaiba from Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Shibuya directly. Shin-Kiba is only two stations away from Maihama that is the gateway station of Tokyo Disney Resort. Please find more information about Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line at the official site.

Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit Rinkai Line

Both Tokyo Wide Pass does not cover Tokaido Shinkansen. Even if you want to use this Shinkansen in JR East area, like Tokyo to Atami or 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 rapid train or Limited Express Odoriko. These trains are covered by Tokyo Wide Pass.
No express surcharge! Fast, economical and convenient! Rapid service network in Greater Tokyo
Access to Izu and Atami from Tokyo/Yokohama. Limited Express Odoriko / Super View Odoriko

Compare single fare and Tokyo Wide Pass

When you think about purchasing this deal, you need to know this is paid off in your trip or not. I show you some sample.
*All rates are based on base fare and reserved seat limited express supplement in 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. You have to use the pass more to get the worth of this deal.

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. Tokyo Wide Pass is cheaper than only this round trip cost.

Trip to Lake Kawaguchi from Tokyo or Shinjuku by Limited Epxress to Otsuki and Fuji Kyuko railway

Total fares are 4,080 yen from Tokyo and 3,910 yen from Shinjuku for one way. It is not enough to get the worth by only this round trip.

Trip to Gala Yuzawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen

Total fare is 6,870 yen for one way. You can get the worth of this deal easily by only this trip.

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.
If you visit Shimoda, this pass is cheaper.

Trip to Karuizawa from Tokyo by Shinkansen

Total fare is 5,910 yen for one way. You can get the worth of this deal easily by only this trip.

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.

Trip to Tokyo-Teleport (Odaiba) from Shinjuku

Single fare is 500 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.

Assessment

This deal will be sold at 10,000 yen that is 1,700 yen higher than previous version, Kanto Area Pass. But it can take you Gala Yuzawa and Odaiba. In my opinion, it is a great addition. It gives you a great deal. I still recommend you this deal. You can use this pass for access to/from airport and visit two places, you can get more than 10,000 yen value easily.

Comments

  1. Jen Aspiras says:

    Do we need to return the card after use?

  2. Lily Ng says:

    Hi,
    I plan to go to Shin-Fuji (Shizuoka) from Tokyo.
    Will Tokyo Wide Pass covers my traject?
    Thank you in advance for your reply.
    Rgds,
    Lily

  3. June Wong says:

    Hi Takeshi
    I am encouraged to write to you because of your helpful replies to so many people’s queries. Here’s mine:
    1. My 3 friends and I will be flying in to Narita on Nov 16. We plan to go straight to Yokohama from Narita where we will spend three nights visiting local attractions.
    2. We leave for Shinjuku, Tokyo on Nov 20. We assume we can take the train from Yokohama Station and stop by Kamakura for a a couple of hours and continue on to Shinjuku Station.
    3. We are planning a day visit to Kawagoe via Tobu Rail on Nov 21
    4. If the weather is good, do a day trip to Nikko the following day. If not, stay and shop in Tokyo.
    5. We depart on Nov 23 and will take the airport limousine bus that picks up from our hotel.
    What is my best option in terms of cost and time? Do I buy JR rail passes or Tokyo Wide Pass or is there any other option.
    Thanks very much
    June

  4. Ann Santiago says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Hope you can help me as I’m quite confused on where to get this info.
    Me and my husband with our 2 children are visiting Tokyo next month and we’re planning to purchase Tokyo Wide Pass at Narita Airport. I was wondering if our itinerary covers the pass.

    Day 1: Narita Airport to Tokyo Station
    Tokyo Stn. to Showa Kinen Park
    Tokyo Stn to Kawasaki Stn (getting to our accommodation)

    Day 2: Nikko, Ashikaga (coming from Kawasaki Stn)
    Day 3: Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki (coming from Kawasaki Stn)

    Appreciate your help.

    Thanks!

  5. rommel says:

    hello takeshi.

    i would like to do Hakone sightseeing in the morning and Fuji Q Highland in the afternoon. how do i get from Hakone area to Fuji Q ? by bus?

    thanks

  6. rommel says:

    hi Takeshi-san,

    Is JR Kannai station included in the JR Tokyo Wide Pass.

    thank you.

    • Hi Rommel san,

      Yes, it is.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • rommel says:

        thank you Takeshi.

        also, i plan to go to Nikko Edo Wonderland using Tokyo Wide Pass. train going to Kinugawa-onsen station is covered by Tokyo Wide Pass?

        which is better
        1. Tokyo to Kinugawa-Onsen station then take bus to Nikko Edo Wonderland

        or

        2. Tokyo to JR Nikko Station, walk to Tobu-Nikko and ride bus to Edo Wonderland

        • Hi Rommel,

          If you take a limited express train from Shinjuku or Omiya to Kinugawa Onsen, it’s covered fully. If you cannot a direct limited express train from Shinjuku to Kinugawa onsen, you can take a limited express train to Tobu-Nikko. You also can take Shinkansen to Utsunomiya from Tokyo and take a local train to Nikko from Utsunomiya. All these routes are covered.

          As you mentioned, you have two choices. It depends on which train route you take. If you can take a direct train to Kinugawa onsen, route 1 is better. if you take a train to Nikko, route 2 is easier choice.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

  7. djaffar says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    i am confused between narita international airport terminal 2 and narita airport terminal 2.3 ? which station to board N’EX? is it narita airport terminal 2?
    is narita international terminal 2 and terminal 2.3 located at different location?

    • Hi djaffar,

      Those are same. The station is located underground Terminal 2. There is no train stations at Terminal 3. Passengers have to walk to get Terminal 3 from Terminal 2 station. That is why Terminal 2 station is sometimes called Terminal 2,3 station.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  8. djaffar says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    i will go to Japan next July and prepared to go to ooedo onsen monogatari (odaiba) right after touchdown from Narita Airport. i’ve search in Hyperdia about the route via website because the apps did not support in my country (Indonesia). However, i found other apps provide by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and Japan Travel by Navitime. However, are they provide the same quality like Hyperdia? And how about to drop my luggage at the coin locker? should i drop it in larger station such as Tokyo Station or the smaller one? Is it really hard to find a big coin locker?
    another question is, i find a coupon deal from website in these pages:
    http://www.nta.co.jp/aso/detail/575
    is it the real one or is it a scam? also i find
    ooedo onsen has event program such as silver day, ladies day, and men’s day. ( http://daiba.ooedoonsen.jp/news/1706 )
    do you ever know about that?

  9. Khiêm says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I have just heard that now there is a kind of ticket namely Greater Tokyo Pass which is similar to Tokyo Wide Pass. So here is my schedule of stay in Tokyo:

    – Day 1: From Narita to Kodaira-shi Area (arrived at Narita airport at 20:10)
    – Day 2: From Kodaira-shi to Tokyo downtown (Shinjuku Garden, Imperial Palace, Metropolitan Building, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Market, Shinbuya area …) and back
    – Day 3: From Kodaira-shi to Disneysea and back
    – Day 4: From Kodaira-shi to Fuji Mt. and surroundings

    So which one is the best choice for me to go as my schedule? Tokyo Wide Pass or Greater Tokyo Pass? If I buy one of them late in the evening in the first Day, so could I use it until late in fourth Day?

  10. Siti says:

    Hi, Takeshi

    May I know if the following route cover by Tokyo Wide Pass?

    1. Tobu-nikko to Tochigi using Tobu Nikko line express, since there is a statement
    “When using the JR TOKYO Wide Pass for express train service on a Tobu line, either the departure or arrival station must be on a JR line”

    Or

    2.Tobu Nikko to Shimo-imaichi (using Toni Nikko line local) and shimo-imaichi to Tochigi (using ltd experience spacial kinugawa) ?

    Thank you.

    SITI

    • Hi Siti,

      You cannot drop by Tochigi station by this pass. If you go to Tochigi station from Tobu-Nikko, you have to pay extra fare for Shimo-Imaichi to Tochigi.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

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