JR West to Launch New Pass: Explore San'yo and San'in with One Ticket!

▲JR West's new rail pass: "San'yo & San'in Area Rail Pass." (Image / Screenshot from JR West official website)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Travel enthusiasts who enjoy exploring Japan independently have likely used a "rail pass" before — when used wisely, it can save you a lot on transportation costs. To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the full operation of the San'yo Shinkansen, JR West has introduced three new rail pass products: the "San'yo & San'in," "Kansai & Hiroshima," and "Hiroshima & Yamaguchi," all set to go on sale on March 1, 2015.

Currently, San'yo and San'in rail passes must be purchased separately. Starting in March 2015, backpackers can simply buy the "San'yo & San'in Area Rail Pass" to ride the Shinkansen, limited express trains (reserved seats), rapid and local trains (non-reserved seats), as well as the JR West Miyajima Ferry an unlimited number of times within seven days across the Kansai, San'yo, San'in, and Takamatsu regions. The San'yo & San'in Pass is priced at 19,000 yen for purchase overseas and 20,000 yen for purchase within Japan.

The "Kansai & Hiroshima Area Rail Pass" is valid for five days and allows unlimited rides on the San'yo Shinkansen (including NOZOMI and MIZUHO services between Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima), limited express trains (reserved seats), rapid and local trains (non-reserved seats), and the JR West Miyajima Ferry within the Kansai region, Okayama, and Takamatsu areas. It costs 13,000 yen for purchase overseas and 14,000 yen within Japan.

The "Hiroshima & Yamaguchi Area Rail Pass" also has a five-day validity period and offers unlimited rides on the San'yo Shinkansen (including NOZOMI and MIZUHO services between Hakata and Mihara), limited express trains (reserved seats), rapid and local trains (non-reserved seats), and the JR West Miyajima Ferry in the Yamaguchi and Hiroshima regions. It is available for 11,000 yen overseas and 12,000 yen within Japan.

In conjunction with the launch of the new passes, the old "San'yo Area Rail Pass" will only be sold until February 28, 2015, while the "JR San'yo + Shikoku + Kyushu Rail Pass" will be available until March 31, 2015.