50th Anniversary of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen: Traveling the Sanyō Shinkansen Makes Japan More Accessible
Last updated 2026-09-25 — To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen and to help international visitors better understand the convenience of the Tōkaidō and Sanyō Shinkansen as well as the charm of the sightseeing spots along the routes, a special pass for foreign tourists has been launched...
By / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team, Compiled and Reported
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen and to help international visitors better understand the convenience of the Tōkaidō and Sanyō Shinkansen as well as the charm of the sightseeing spots along the routes, a special pass for foreign tourists has been launched. The “Tourist Pass” combines transportation and sightseeing spots into a 5-day pass, making travel across Japan more convenient and allowing you to include more exciting destinations in your itinerary. It’s a great reference and option for travelers planning to visit Japan.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen and to help international visitors better understand the convenience of the Tōkaidō and Sanyō Shinkansen as well as the charm of the sightseeing spots along the routes, a special pass for foreign tourists has been launched. The “Tourist Pass” combines transportation and sightseeing spots into a 5-day pass, making travel across Japan more convenient and allowing you to include more exciting destinations in your itinerary. It’s a great reference and option for travelers planning to visit Japan.
Two types of tourist passes launched for the 50th anniversary of the Tōkaidō Shinkansen offer great convenience for those who want to explore Japan extensively. (Image source / JR Japan)
Currently, the “Tourist Pass” is being well received and is on sale from October 1, 2014, to June 26, 2015. The two Tourist Passes are introduced as follows:
● Tōkaidō & Sanyō Shinkansen Tourist Pass
Allows unlimited rides on the entire Tōkaidō and Sanyō Shinkansen lines (Tokyo ~ Hakata), as well as ordinary cars (free seating) on rapid and local JR conventional lines within Osaka City, and includes 4 uses of ordinary car reserved seats.
Can be used for sightseeing spots and transportation facilities along the route
Valid for 5 consecutive days
Price: 35,000 yen for adults, 17,500 yen for children (ages 6–11)
Osaka Station is a busy hub connecting to many popular tourist destinations in Japan. With the Tourist Pass, it’s easy to travel from Osaka to numerous attractions. (Photography / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Zhang Yingying)
● Takayama & Hokuriku Tourist Pass
Allows unlimited rides on JR limited express, rapid, and local trains (excluding Shinkansen and sleeper trains) between Nagoya ~ Takayama (via the Tōkaidō & Takayama Line) and Osaka ~ Kanazawa (via the Hokuriku, Kosei, and Tōkaidō Lines), in ordinary cars (free seating), and includes 4 uses of ordinary car reserved seats.
Allows unlimited rides on buses within Takayama City and between Takayama ~ Shirakawa-go ~ Kanazawa
Valid for 5 consecutive days
Price: 10,500 yen for adults, 5,250 yen for children (ages 6–11)
Kanazawa’s Tea House District is a must-visit spot for travelers exploring Kanazawa, offering a taste of traditional Japanese streetscapes. (Image provided / Mook Editorial Department)
Gassho Village is a popular Japanese tourist destination, and its winter scenery is considered a lifetime must-see by many visitors. (Image provided / Mook Editorial Department)
Recently, many sightseeing spots in Japan have gained immense popularity among international tourists, such as Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, and Kaga Onsen. Many scenic highland areas are also key destinations for overseas visitors. Whether traveling from Osaka or Nagoya to these attractions, the two passes introduced in this article can help you connect the dots and create a rich, fulfilling itinerary. Foreign tourists visiting the Tōkaidō and Sanyō Shinkansen areas are recommended to take advantage of these discount tickets to enjoy the swift service and convenience of the [br />
Rediscovering the Beauty of Japan: Must-See Gassho Village Scenery
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