For travelers planning to explore the Tohoku region of Japan, the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is an excellent option to consider. This pass offers five consecutive days of unlimited travel on trains and Shinkansen within the covered area.
Foreigners living in Japan can also purchase this pass, making it a convenient option for both tourists and residents alike. With the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), travelers can easily explore the beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and cultural attractions of the Tohoku region.
Whether you’re interested in visiting the famous hot springs of Aomori, the scenic coastal town of Matsushima, or the historic city of Sendai, the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) gives you a cost-effective and convenient way to travel.
In this in-depth guide, we will provide all the information you need to know about the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) and how to make the most of your five consecutive days of unlimited travel.
What is a JR East Pass?
The JR East Pass (Tohoku area) is a special pass that allows travelers to explore the Tohoku region of Japan by train. The pass is valid for five consecutive days and offers unlimited travel on JR East trains, including the Shinkansen bullet train, within the designated area.
The Tohoku area covers six prefectures in northern Japan: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi, and Fukushima. The pass is designed for tourists who want to explore the region’s natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural attractions without the hassle and expense of buying individual train tickets.
According to JR East, the pass is available to foreign tourists and residents of Japan who hold a non-Japanese passport and a “temporary visitor” visa. The pass can be purchased online, at JR East Travel Service Centers, or at designated travel agencies in Japan.
Coverage Area
The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is a popular travel pass that offers unlimited rides on JR EAST lines, including BRT, Izu Kyuko Lines, and a few other lines in the Tohoku region of Japan. This pass is valid for five consecutive calendar days from midnight to midnight, making it an excellent option for travelers who want to explore the region at their own pace.
The coverage area of the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) includes the following prefectures:
- Akita
- Aomori
- Fukushima
- Iwate
- Miyagi
- Niigata
- Yamagata
Within these prefectures, the pass allows unlimited rides on local, rapid, and express trains, as well as some limited express trains, such as the Hayabusa (E5), Komachi (E6), and Tsubasa (E3). The pass also covers the Narita Express between Narita Airport and Tokyo Station, making it a convenient option for travelers arriving at Narita Airport.
Overall, the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is an excellent option for travelers who want to explore the beautiful Tohoku region of Japan.
With unlimited rides on JR EAST lines and other select lines, travelers can easily and affordably visit popular destinations like Aomori, Sendai, and Niigata.
Validity Period
The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is valid for 5 consecutive days. This means that the pass is valid for unlimited travel on trains and Shinkansen in the area covered for 5 consecutive calendar days from midnight to midnight.
the validity period starts on the first day of use. For example, if the pass is first used on March 20th at 10:00 am, the validity period will end on March 24th at midnight.
The pass must be used within 90 days from the booking date and can only be used once. Once the pass is activated, it cannot be suspended or refunded.
It is also important to note that the pass can only be purchased and used by holders of non-Japanese passports who are visiting Japan for sightseeing purposes. Japanese nationals and foreign residents in Japan are not eligible to purchase or use the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area).
For more information on the validity period and other terms and conditions of the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), please refer to JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) | Fares & Passes – JR東日本.
How to Purchase JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) / 5 consecutive days
Purchasing a JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) / 5 consecutive days is a straightforward process. Here are the steps:
- Decide on the start date of your pass. The pass is valid for five consecutive calendar days (midnight to midnight).
- Check the price of the pass. According to JR East, the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) / 5 consecutive days is priced the same when purchased overseas and in Japan.
- Purchase the pass online or at a JR East Travel Service Center in Japan. The pass can only be purchased and used by holders of non-Japanese passports who have entered Japan with a temporary visitor visa. Foreigners living in Japan can also purchase a JR EAST PASS.
- When purchasing the pass, you will need to show your passport, and the pass will be issued to you on the spot. The pass can be used immediately or on the start date you have chosen.
Note that pass holders using Gran Class, Green cars, and sleeper trains are requested to purchase Super (Limited) Express Reserved Seat Tickets in advance for each ride.
How to Use JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) / 5 consecutive days
Using JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is simple and straightforward. Below are the steps to follow:
- First, purchase the pass from an authorized vendor, such as a JR ticket office or travel agency. Foreigners living in Japan can use this pass.
- Activate the pass by presenting it at a JR ticket office or a designated machine. The pass is valid for five consecutive days.
- When using the pass, simply present it to the JR staff at the gate or on the train. The pass allows for unlimited rides on JR East trains, including Shinkansen bullet trains, within the designated area.
- For reserved seats on Shinkansen and other limited express trains, holders of the pass need to purchase a separate reserved seat ticket. Pass holders using Gran Class, Green cars, and sleeper trains are requested to purchase Super (Limited) Express Reserved Seat Tickets in advance for each ride.
- When exiting the station, present the pass again to the JR staff to exit the gate.
- Keep the pass in a safe place, as it cannot be reissued if lost or stolen.
the pass is only valid for JR East trains within the Tohoku area. For travel outside of this area, a different pass or ticket will need to be purchased. Also, the pass cannot be used on non-JR trains or buses.
For more information on how to use the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) / 5 consecutive days, visit the official JR East website here.
Recommended Itinerary
If you’re planning to explore Tohoku area with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) for 5 consecutive days, here’s a recommended itinerary to help you make the most out of your pass.
Day 1: Tokyo – Sendai
- Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Sendai Station (approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes).
- Visit the Sendai Castle Site, the former castle of the Date clan, and explore the surrounding park.
- Walk around the lively shopping district of Ichibancho and try some local specialties such as beef tongue or zunda mochi.
Day 2: Matsushima – Hiraizumi
- Take the Senseki Line from Sendai Station to Matsushima-Kaigan Station (approx. 25 minutes).
- Explore Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s three most scenic spots, and take a scenic cruise around the bay.
- Take the Tohoku Main Line from Matsushima-Kaigan Station to Hiraizumi Station (approx. 45 minutes).
- Visit the Chuson-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire its gold-covered Konjiki-do Hall.
Day 3: Kakunodate – Akita
- Take the Akita Shinkansen from Sendai Station to Kakunodate Station (approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes).
- Stroll around the well-preserved samurai district of Kakunodate and visit some of its historic houses and museums.
- Take the Akita Shinkansen from Kakunodate Station to Akita Station (approx. 1 hour and 10 minutes).
- Try some local dishes such as kiritanpo (grilled rice cake) and sake at the Akita Omachi Market.
Day 4: Aomori – Hirosaki
- Take the Ou Main Line from Akita Station to Aomori Station (approx. 2 hours).
- Visit the Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse and learn about the famous Aomori Nebuta Festival.
- Take the Konan Railway from Aomori Station to Hirosaki Station (approx. 45 minutes).
- Explore the Hirosaki Castle Park and its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring or colorful leaves in autumn.
Day 5: Morioka – Tokyo
- Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Hirosaki Station to Morioka Station (approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes).
- Visit the Morioka Castle Site and its reconstructed castle tower.
- Try some local dishes such as wanko soba (bite-sized buckwheat noodles) at one of the many restaurants in Morioka.
- Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Morioka Station back to Tokyo Station (approx. 2 hours).
These are just some of the many places you can visit with the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) for 5 consecutive days. Customize your itinerary based on your interests and travel style, and enjoy the convenience and savings of unlimited train and Shinkansen travel in the Tohoku area.
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The Sum Up
The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is an excellent choice for travelers who want to explore the Tohoku region of Japan. With unlimited rides on JR EAST lines, Izu Kyuko Lines, and Tokyo Monorail, this pass is perfect for those who want to travel without worrying about the cost of transportation.
Travelers can choose from passes, including the 5 consecutive days pass, which is perfect for those who want to explore the region at their own pace. With this pass, travelers can visit popular destinations like Sendai, Aomori, and Akita, as well as lesser-known gems like Yamagata and Fukushima.
Overall, the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is an affordable and convenient way to explore the Tohoku region of Japan. With its extensive coverage, travelers can easily get around and discover everything this beautiful region has to offer.
For more information on the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), please visit https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass_t/index.html.
