JR News: Price revision of JR East rail passes for foreign visitors to Japan

TOKYO—East Japan Railway Company (JR East) announced on 26 July that it will revise the prices of various rail passes for foreign visitors to Japan in accordance with the increasing inbound travel needs. Taking effect on 1 October 2023, this is in tandem with the announcement of the price revision of the nationwide Japan Rail Pass announced earlier this year.

JR East offers a variety of rail passes and discounted tickets for foreign visitors to Japan in designated areas of East Japan. Apart from unlimited rides on JR lines and a handful of non-JR lines within the specified area, these regional rail passes are well-known for being wallet-friendly and its accessibility to all foreign passport holders—including long-term foreign residents of Japan (non-Japanese).

The price of these rail passes will be revised to reflect service enhancements such as the expansion of designated areas where these passes can be used, the introduction of sales and seat reservations on a dedicated website, and the enhanced use of automatic ticket gates. 

Summary of Price Revision

The following table shows the price revisions for JR East-related rail passes and discounted tickets:

*The above prices are for adults. The price for children is half the adult price. (Children must be at least 6 years old and under 12 years old on the date of purchase of the rail pass.)

*JR Hokkaido will sell the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass and JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass at the same revised prices.

*The price of the Hokuriku Arch Pass remains unchanged for now, but will be revised in conjunction with the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga Station in the spring of 2024. Details will be announced later.

Date of Price Revision

The price of each pass will be revised from the release date of 1 October 2023 (Sunday). The current prices will remain the same until 30 September 2023 (Saturday), regardless of the start date of use. 

Re-introducing JR East’s regional rail passes

Introducing the updated logos of JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area), and JR TOKYO Wide Pass. (Image credit: JR East)

The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area), and JR TOKYO Wide Pass will be brandishing new logos as seen above. 

&EKINAKA by JR-EAST. (Image credit: JR East)

Part of the revamping of rail passes offered by JR East is “&EKINAKA”. Exclusively for JR EAST PASS and JR TOKYO Wide Pass holders, &EKINAKA is a series of discounts and free gifts available at various participating JR East Group stores, hotels, and facilities all across East Japan. Experience ekinaka (エキナカ in-station) culture and take advantage of these special offers when travelling around East Japan! 

Find out more about the various rail passes’ coverage, validity, and eligibility here:

• JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)
• JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
• JR TOKYO Wide Pass
• N’EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket 
• JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass 
• JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass

Header image credit: JR East