From April 1, 2016, to commemorate the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen, JR Hokkaido and JR East are launching the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, a discount pass for travel across the areas of both companies, allowing foreign visitors to Japan to have fun traveling in a wider area. The pass can be used on trains including the Shinkansen and Limited Express trains in the East Japan area, including Tokyo, the Tohoku region, and South Hokkaido area, which includes Sapporo, Hakodate, and the New Chitose Airport.
Prices
Purchased outside of Japan:
| Adults (aged 12 and over) | Children |
|---|---|
| 26,000 yen | 13,000 yen |
Purchased in Japan:
| Adults (aged 12 and over) | Children |
|---|---|
| 27,000 yen | 13,500 yen |
Availability
From 1 April 2016, on sale and can be used throughout the year.
Validity Period
Any six days of your choice during the 14-day period from the day the pass is issued (Flexible 6-day).
* The day the pass is issued is the day it is exchanged (when purchased outside of Japan); or the day it is sold (when purchased in Japan)
Designated Zones and Usable Area
Unlimited use of the ordinary car reserved seating on limited express trains (Shinkansen included), express trains, and local trains on JR Hokkaido lines, JR East lines (BRT included), all Izu Kyuko lines, all Tokyo Monorail lines, all Aomori Railway lines, all Iwate Galaxy Railway lines, and all Sendai Airport Transit lines, within the free usage area.
In addition, there is also unlimited use of the ordinary car reserved seating on limited express trains such as the Tobu Direct Limited Express “Nikko,” “SPACIA Nikko,” “Kinugawa,” and “SPACIA Kinugawa” trains.
* This pass is unable to be used between Goryokaku Station and Kikonai Station on the “South Hokkaido Railway” line.
Where to Buy
Outside of Japan: Purchase an exchange ticket at a tour company or travel agency outside of Japan, and then exchange it at an exchange location in Japan.
In Japan, JR East area sales and exchange locations:
- JR East Travel Service Center (Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2 or 3 Station, Tokyo Monorail Haneda Airport International Terminal Station, Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station)
- JR Ticket Office (Narita Airport Terminal 1 Station, Narita Airport Terminal 2 or 3 Station)
- Travel Service Center (View Plaza) (Yokohama Station, Mito Station, Fukushima Station, Sendai Station, Yamagata Station, Morioka Station, Hachinohe Station, Shin-Aomori Station, Akita Station)
- Sales only: Travel Service Center (View Plaza) (Shinagawa Station, Shibuya Station, Ikebukuro Station [West Exit], Ueno Station)
- Exchange only: Information Centers, etc (Shinagawa Station information center, Shibuya Station information center, Shinjuku Station [East Exit] information center, Ikebukuro Station information center, Ueno Station [Central Exit] information center, Sendai Airport Line Sendai Airport Station “JR East Pass exchange counter”)
JR Hokkaido Area sales and exchange locations:
- JR Information Desk (Sapporo Station, New Chitose Airport Station)
- JR Ticket Counter (Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station, Noboribetsu Station)
- JR Travel Service Center (Twinkle Plaza) (Sapporo Station / Hakodate Station)
Only short stay visitors to Japan with a “Temporary Visitor” visa can purchase this pass and a passport must be shown.
Further information
JR East Pass – http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass/