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. Sol Bravman says:

    Dear Help Desk:
    My wife and I (both seniors-70+) will arrive at Narita May 1, 2020 and stay at a hotel next to TOKYO STATION until May 6, 2020 when we will travel to Yokohama to board our ship. Can we buy a pass that includes the one-way trip from Narita to Tokyo Station, use of the subways in Tokyo for six days and then the one-way trip to Yokohama (which station for the cruise port- CUNARD?). We also want to visit Mt. Fuji and this also available with the appropriate 6 day pass as well.
    I thank you for your help with this question. This is my first trip to Japan.

  2. Ina says:

    Hello Takeshi,

    I reviewed the map coverage of Tokyo Wide Pass and I cannot see Shin-Yokohama station in it. Does it mean the pass will not let us into Shin-Yokohama station from Yokohama Station? Thank you!

    Ina

  3. Sha says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    My friends and I are planning to go to Gala Yuzawa and we will use TWP to get there. My question is, should we purchase it in advance (Overseas) or can we just go directly to JR East Services and purchase the pass once we get to Tokyo? Another thing is, we will be reaching Tokyo in 2 batches, 1st batch is 3days before the planned to Gala. Seconde batch is just a day before the trip to Gala. What do you advise? Would appreciate your immediate reply. Thank you! 🙂

  4. Adrian says:

    Dear Takeshi san

    Could you advise me on the validity of the TWP:

    If I use it on day 1 at 11am, does it expire on day 3 before midnight or day 4 before 11am?

  5. Connie says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,
    I had booked my hotels but is now stucked with the transport planning especially with Hakone & Yuzawa. Would be great if you could enlighten me.

    Day 1: Private van transfer from Narita airport to Hakone Yumoto.

    Day 2: Hakone Free pass (Visit Owakudani Valley + Hakone cruise + Hakone Ropeway + shrine >
    Can I activate the Hakone Freepass at Hakone Yumoto Station instead at Shinjuku/Tokyo station?

    Day 3:
    1way ticket from Hakone Yumoto to Odawara
    Use Tokyo Wide Pass from Odawara to Echigo-Yuzawa?

    Day 4:Yuzawa

    Day 5: Tokyo wide pass from echigo yuzawa to Shinjuku? Do I need to pay any other trains else?

  6. Keith Tan says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    i’ve read the post and replies, but i am still unclear of 1 thing.

    Can i use the Tokyo Wide Pass for Limited Express Fuji Excursion (reserved seat only) from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko?

    Thanks.

  7. Jaslyn says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,
    I am in the midst of preparing my itinerary and would like your precious advice. I would definitely purchase the TWP but I need help in maximizing the TWP. I will be staying at Shinjuku near Tochomae Station though.

    1) Gala Yuzawa
    2) Mother Farm – Chiba
    3) 1 night at Gotemba Premium Outlet (Not sure if this is covered by TWP)
    4) Disneyland

  8. CAROL LOH says:

    Hi
    Some queries which I will appreciate your advice:
    1. This is my plan :
    a. Day 1: Arrive Tokyo 8.30am at Narita Airport. Plan to go straight to Kawaguchiko Station, visit Ropeway + boat cruise and stay one night.
    b. Day 2: Visit Mt Fuji 5th Station, Music Forest. Leave around noon to go back to Tokyo : find my way to Intercontinental ANA hotel to check-in for 2 nights. will visit key Tokyo sites / shopping around Shinjuku / Shibuya etc. (will not travel out of Tokyo)
    c. Day 3 : site visits and shopping
    d. Day 4: check-out, some more shopping, leave for Haneda airport at 6pm.

    2. Can I use Tokyo wide pass on Metro ? My hotel is near to Tameike-Sanno Station (Namboku Line or Ginza Line), does Tokyo wide pass cover these lines?

    3. I know the pass does not cover Sky-LIner, but cover Narita Express. If I buy Tokyo Wide Pass at JR East Office (Narita Airport), I can reserve seat on Narita Express ? No additional reservation charges ? Can I board Narita Express without reservation ?

    4. When I reach Otsuki to change to Fujikyu Railway, I need to buy additional tickets ? The website said that there are Fujisan View Express. If I take the normal non-reserved seats car, can I just use the Tokyo Wide Pass will cover ? What if I want to buy reserved seats ? need to buy additional reserved seat tickets at Otsuki ?

    5. When I return from Kawaguchiko to my Tokyo hotel. And if the pass does not cover metro, how / where to buy additional ticket for the section that the Tokyo Wide Pass does not cover. If I have a IC card, do I need to buy ticket ? how do the system know how to calculate the part that the Tokyo Wide Pass do not cover ?

    6. To make full use of the Tokyo wide Pass up to Day 3, I should try to stick to JR train lines ?

    7. I am assuming it is still worth it to buy Tokyo wide Pass for my itinerary. Please advise your views. Thank you.

    Sorry for the long list of questions. I was doing research but just don’t seem to get answers to these areas. Thanks in advance again.

  9. Aulia Rais says:

    As I plan to visit Japan in the mid of January 2020, can you guide me to Nikko from Shinagawa using Tokyo wide pass?

  10. Mai says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Can I use the JR Tokyo wide pass from Shinjuku to Narita airport by Narita Express?

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