Most have heard of the wonderful japan rail pass which is great value but if you are visiting a specific area of Japan or are a resident some of the regional JR passes make great sense.
If you’re planning to travel in the Nagano and Niigata areas of Japan, the JR EAST PASS for the Nagano and Niigata areas could be a great option for you. This pass allows unlimited travel on trains and Shinkansen within the covered region for five consecutive days.
Foreigners living in Japan can also purchase this pass, which makes it a popular choice for tourists and locals alike. With the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area), you can explore the Kanto region, Nagano, and Niigata at your own pace without worrying about buying individual tickets.
This in-depth guide gives you all the information you need to know about the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) and its coverage area, validity period, and usage rules.
Overview of JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area)
The JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area) is a travel pass that allows unlimited travel on JR East trains, including the shinkansen bullet trains, in the Nagano and Niigata regions of Japan. This pass is only available to non-Japanese passport holders and is valid for five consecutive calendar days from midnight to midnight.
The pass is an excellent value for those who plan to travel extensively in the Nagano and Niigata areas, as it allows unlimited travel on JR East lines, including the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen, and Nagano Shinkansen. It also covers local lines, such as the Shinano Railway and Echigo Tokimeki Railway, as well as the Izu Kyuko Line between Mishima and Shuzenji.
The JR East Pass is a great way to explore the beautiful natural scenery and cultural attractions of the Nagano and Niigata regions. Nagano is known for its stunning mountain landscapes, hot springs, and historic temples and shrines, while Niigata is famous for its delicious rice and sake, scenic coastline, and traditional festivals.
With the Pass, travelers can easily visit popular destinations such as Nagano City, Matsumoto Castle, Snow Monkey Park, Kusatsu Onsen, Yuzawa ski resorts, and Sado Island.
It also gives you access to lesser-known but equally fascinating places, such as the historic port town of Murakami, the scenic Oze National Park, and the charming hot spring town of Togura Kamiyamada.
Overall, the JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata area) is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel in the Nagano and Niigata regions of Japan and is highly recommended for those who want to explore these beautiful areas in depth.
Coverage Area
This pass covers all JR trains in the Kanto area, such as Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Yamanashi, Gumma, Ibaragi, and Tochigi, as well as Niigata and Nagano area. You can use te pass to explore the beautiful countryside, historical sites, and ski resorts in the Nagano and Niigata areas.
It is valid for five consecutive days, starting from the date of validity.
You can visit popular tourist destinations such as Yuzawa, Myoko Kogen, and Hakuba, which are famous for their ski resorts. You can also visit the Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest and most important Buddhist temples in Japan, and the Matsumoto Castle, a historic castle located in Matsumoto City.
You can also experience the beauty of Japan’s Alpine countryside by taking the scenic Hokuriku Shinkansen route, which runs through the heart of the Japanese Alps. Visit the hot springs in the area, such as the Kusatsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most famous hot springs.
As you can see it is an excellent choice for travelers who want to explore the beautiful countryside, historical sites, and ski resorts in the Nagano and Niigata areas. With its coverage area, travelers can visit popular tourist destinations, experience the beauty of Japan’s countryside, and relax in hot springs.
How to Purchase and Use the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) / 5 consecutive days
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) / 5 consecutive days can be purchased online or at a JR East Travel Service Center or an authorized travel agent.
When purchasing online, travelers will receive an exchange order that they can exchange for the actual pass at a JR East Travel Service Center or an authorized travel agent in Japan. The exchange order is valid for three months from the date of purchase.
Travelers will need to present their passport when purchasing the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) / 5 consecutive days. The pass can only be used by holders of non-Japanese passports who have entered Japan on a temporary visitor visa.
Once the pass has been exchanged, travelers can use it to ride any JR East train, including the Shinkansen, within the designated area for five consecutive days. The pass is valid for unlimited rides during this time period.
When using the pass, travelers will need to present it to the train attendant when boarding and exiting the train. The pass is not transferable and cannot be used by anyone other than the person whose name is on the pass.
Travelers should also note that the pass does not cover reserved seats on the Shinkansen or other trains. To reserve a seat, travelers will need to pay an additional fee.
For more information on the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) / 5 consecutive days, visit the JR East website.
Sample Itineraries
Here are some sample itineraries to help travelers maximize their JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) / 5 consecutive days:
Itinerary 1: Snow Monkey Park and Zenko-ji Temple
- Day 1: Travel from Tokyo to Nagano using the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area). Visit the Snow Monkey Park in the afternoon and stay overnight in Nagano.
- Day 2: Visit Zenko-ji Temple in the morning and take an afternoon train to Niigata. Stay overnight in Niigata.
- Day 3: Explore Niigata city in the morning and take a train to Sado Island in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Sado Island.
- Day 4: Enjoy a day trip around Sado Island and return to Niigata in the evening. Stay overnight in Niigata.
- Day 5: Take a morning train back to Tokyo using the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area).
Itinerary 2: Skiing and Hot Springs
- Day 1: Travel from Tokyo to Yuzawa using the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area). Enjoy a day of skiing in Yuzawa and stay overnight in Yuzawa.
- Day 2: Take a morning train to Myoko Kogen and enjoy another day of skiing. Stay overnight in Myoko Kogen.
- Day 3: Visit the hot springs in Myoko Kogen in the morning and take an afternoon train to Nagano. Stay overnight in Nagano.
- Day 4: Visit the hot springs in Nagano in the morning and take an afternoon train to Niigata. Stay overnight in Niigata.
- Day 5: Explore Niigata city in the morning and take a train back to Tokyo using the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area).
These are just a couple of examples of how travelers can use the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) / 5 consecutive days to explore the region. With unlimited rides on JR trains, the possibilities are endless.
