With covid cases on the decline since the implementation of the second state of emergency on January 7th, Japan Railways Group has just announced that they will be allowing foreign residents to use two of their JR East passes, which were previously only available to tourist visa holders.
Beginning on April 1, 2021, Japan Rail will allow foreign residents in Japan to take advantage of the 5-day JR East passes in the Tohoku area and Nagano, Niigata area.
Anyone with a foreign passport may purchase and use these passes for five consecutive days of unlimited travel on Shinkansen, express trains, and local JR East trains.
The JR East passes may be purchased online or at major stations and airports within the areas covered by the passes.
Looking for things to do in Tohoku? Browse food experiences in Akita, Miyagi, and Yamagata.