To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Tokaido Shinkansen and help foreign visitors better understand the convenience of the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen as well as the appeal of the tourist attractions along the line, a special pass for international visitors has been launched. The "Tourist Pass" combines transportation and sightseeing spots into a 5-day package, making travel across Japan more convenient and allowing you to include more exciting destinations in your itinerary. It's definitely worth considering for travelers visiting Japan!
Two types of Tourist PASSes have been launched for the 50th anniversary of the Tokaido Shinkansen, offering great convenience for travelers who want to explore Japan extensively. (Image source / JR Japan)
Currently, the "Tourist Pass" is available with positive reviews, usable from October 1, 2014 to June 26, 2015. The two Tourist Pass options are introduced below:
● Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen Tourist Pass
Allows unlimited rides on the entire Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen line (Tokyo ~ Hakata), as well as local JR rapid and local trains within Osaka City (standard class, unreserved seats), and also includes 4 rides in standard class reserved seats.
Osaka Station is a busy transport hub connecting many popular sightseeing spots in Japan. Using the Tourist Pass makes it easy to travel from Osaka to various attractions. (Photo / MOOK Scenic Spots Home 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 Tokaido & Takayama Line), and between Osaka ~ Kanazawa (via the Hokuriku, Kosei, and Tokaido Lines), in standard class unreserved seats, plus 4 rides in standard class reserved seats.
Kanazawa’s Chaya District is a must-visit spot for travelers to Kanazawa, offering a taste of traditional Japanese townscape. (Image provided / Mook Editorial Department)
Gassho Village is a popular Japanese tourist attraction, with its winter scenery being a lifetime must-see for many visitors. (Image provided / Mook Editorial Department)
Recently, many Japanese tourist spots have gained immense popularity among overseas visitors, such as Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa, and Kaga Onsen. Many scenic spots in the Takayama area are also key destinations for foreign tourists. Whether traveling via Osaka or Nagoya to these sites, the two Passes introduced in this article can effectively connect the attractions, creating a rich and exciting itinerary. Foreign visitors traveling to spots along the Tokaido & Sanyo Shinkansen lines are recommended to take advantage of these discounted tickets, enjoying both the speed and convenience of the shinkansen.