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JR Kanto Area Pass

How many tourist attractions can you cram into 3 days?

Update: This pass has been replaced by JR Tokyo Wide Pass.

From 1st of April 2014 JR East introduced the new Kanto Area Pass. Many Japan Rail passes are only available to temporary visitors, however the Kanto Area Pass is also available to people living in Japan as long as they hold a foreign passport. In my opinion this pass is a fantastic deal at ¥8,300. It allows you unlimited travel for 3 consecutive days on JR trains, from local to limited express trains including the Shinkansen (there are a few exceptions.) It even includes travel on some non-JR lines, like the Fuji Kyuko private railway to Kawaguchi-ko and Mount Fuji.

You can only buy the Kanto Area Pass in Tokyo, from JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station, Ueno Station, Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Station, Ikebukuro Station or Yokohama Station. You will need to show your passport and tell the staff which 3 days you plan to use it. You will receive a ticket attached to a folder. However you don't need to start your trip from one of these stations - any JR station is OK. When you use the pass, don't try to go through the ticket gate. Present the folder to the staff at the ticket gate office. The fist time you use it, they will stamp the pass. You should carry your passport with you and present it if asked. That's all there is to it!

I used the pass on a three day trip to Yamanashi recently. I usually travel the cheapest way possible, so it was wonderful to ride in luxurious comfort on Kaiji Limited Express, Super Azusa 31, and Fujikyuko Express, and still not break the budget. Although I didn't really cover a great distance, considering how many times I got on and off the train to take photos, I definitely saved money. I'll certainly be using this pass again in the future.

The pass is perfect for getting out of Tokyo on long weekends. Here are some of the places I am planning to go on my three day jaunts around Kanto area...

Izu Peninsula with its beautiful beaches, the Five Lakes Area with views of Mount Fuji, the stunning scenery and World Heritage temples at Nikko, famous Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma, Fukuroda Falls, Yokohama Chinatown, and Kamakura with its historic temples.

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Anonymous
Anonymous 6 years ago
Yuna Gena 7 years ago
Ah, I think I better try to buy this instead of JR East. :) for the deal.
Thank you for sharing.
Yuna Gena 7 years ago
Oh, okay, I'll check the link above. Thank you.
Victoria Vlisides 8 years ago
Great, informative article. I've referenced it several times. Thanks!
Cathy Cawood Author 8 years ago
You're welcome Victoria!
Mandy Bartok 9 years ago
Cathy, does it matter what kind of visa we have in our passport (tourist, student, work, SOFA)? Or does it just matter that we are foreign passport holders to get this deal?
Mandy Bartok 9 years ago
Well, finally! A decent deal for us residents. :) Thanks again for sharing.
Last month i went to JTB Malaysia asking about any JR or kanto area pass. They still have no idea about it. 3 days,... I'm tempted to travel the places covered by the pass! Time to get fit and buy better shoes!
Cathy Cawood Author 9 years ago
Maybe they don't know about the pass because you can only buy it in Tokyo. It's a great deal. Walking around is easier in cool weather, so try not to come at the height of summer.

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