Regional JR Rail Passes

Many travelers choose the nationwide Japan Rail Pass, but this may not be the most economical choice for all travelers. If you're planning on exploring one particular area, consider JR's regional passes to get the most bang for your buck.

The Japan Rail Pass , jointly offered by six JR Group companies, is a convenient and reasonably priced ticket suitable for train travel throughout Japan. For more information, please visit the official website or the JNTO Japan Rail Pass page . Although this all-encompassing pass is the right choice for many, consider some of the regional alternatives below for more of a bargain.

Hokkaido Rail Pass holders can ride all JR Hokkaido trains (excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen and SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train) within a set time period. If you are planning to head up to Japan's great north, see the following link for JR Hokkaido Railway Company Hokkaido Rail Pass details .

Valid for unlimited rides on trains in the East Japan and southern Hokkaido area during the designated period. Take a look at the official JR East : JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass page for more details .

If you are traveling up to the wonderland of the northern Tohoku region, make use of the JR East Pass covering the vast Tohoku area. To find out more, see the JR East: JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) page for details .

Similarly, if you are planning on exploring the Nagano and Niigata area, get hold of a JR East Pass for this region to travel farther at less expense. See the following link for JR East: JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) details .

If you plan to stay in Tokyo but want to explore the greater area during your trip, the TOKYO Wide Pass is the one for you. The pass offers access to Lake Kawaguchiko (Mt. Fuji), Nikko and the Izu Peninsula, popular destinations among travelers, making it easy to enjoy a trip unique to the greater Tokyo area. Check the JR East: JR TOKYO Wide Pass website for details .

Travel between Tokyo and Osaka via Nagano, Toyama , Ishikawa and Fukui prefectures on the Hokuriku Arch Pass. To make the most of your travel on this new Golden Route see the JR East: Hokuriku Arch Pass page for details

JR Central offers several tourist passes for visiting famous spots in the Chubu and Hokuriku areas. With four types of passes, you can enjoy popular areas like Shirakawa-go, Takayama and Kanazawa, Kumano Kodo and Ise, Mt. Fuji, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and more. See the official JR Central: Tourist Pass page for details .

JR West offers a number of passes too, so if you are traveling to Kyoto and Osaka , further west to Toyama and Kanazawa , or down to Okayama and Hiroshima , there will be a pass to match your travel destinations. For information on routes and fares, see the JR West: JR-West Rail Pass (Intercity / Regional, Western Japan) page for details .

The ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass offers you unlimited rides on all six railways on the island of Shikoku. For information on prices, routes and how to purchase, see the Shikoku Railway Company: ALL SHIKOKU Rail Pass page for details .

If you are going to be Kyushu-based during your stay, it is worth looking at the travel pass options for Japan's southern island. Please see the Kyushu Railway Company : JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS (Intercity / Regional, Kyushu area) page for details .