Travel from Tokyo all the way to Hokkaido — ride the shinkansen unlimited for 6 days with “this pass”

▲ The Hokkaido Shinkansen will officially open on March 26. (Photo / from Wikipedia)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

In conjunction with the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen on March 26, JR East has launched a new transportation ticket“JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass”(JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass), with which travelers can, within 14 days of the issue date, select any 6 days to enjoy unlimited rides on JR trains, traveling from Tokyo through the Tohoku region and all the way to Hokkaido!

The “JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass” is a 6-day flexible pass, allowing free unlimited rides on all JR train services within the specified area for any 6 days within 14 days from the issue date, giving travelers more flexibility in trip planning and transportation use. Each pass costs 27,000 yen (approximately NT$7,830); purchasing through an overseas travel agency offers a discounted price of 26,000 yen, but you’ll need to exchange it for the official ticket upon arrival in Japan.

▲ Three key highlights of the “JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass.” (Photo / from the JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass official website)

The newly released rail pass covers the following routes:

1. JR Hokkaido Line
2. All JR East Lines (including BRT)
3. All Izu Kyuko Line routes
4. All Tokyo Monorail Line routes
5. All Aoimori Railway Line routes
6. All IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line routes
7. All Sendai Airport Transit Line routes
8. On Tobu Railway lines, regular trains (including rapid trains) between Shimotsuke-Imaichi and Tobu Nikko, as well as between Shimotsuke-Imaichi and Kinugawa Onsen, are also covered. Between “Kurihashi and Shimotsuke-Imaichi,” only limited express trains that directly connect with Tobu Railway are allowed.

The following types of trains are included for unlimited free rides on the above routes: shinkansen, limited express, express, and local trains (including rapid trains), but only reserved seats in ordinary cars are allowed, and JR buses are not included.

▲ Validity period of the JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass. (Photo / from the JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass official website)

JR East also sells the pass at many stations and passenger service centers across Japan, and it is available at the international terminals of both Narita and Haneda airports. A passport is required for purchase, and only short-term stay visitors are eligible. Only one pass can be purchased per trip. For detailed purchase locations, please check the JR East–South Hokkaido Rail Pass Chinese official website (http://www.jreasthokkaido.com/tc/index.html).