3 Days of Unlimited Shinkansen Travel for Just 12,000 JPY

Last July, JR East announced half-off shinkansen tickets along these routes until March 2021 and they're back again this month with a new travel deal for foreign residents in Japan: the JR East Welcome Rail Pass 2020.

From October 16, 2020 to February 26, 2021, foreign passport holders in Japan can purchase the new pass which may be used for unlimited travel along applicable lines for 3 consecutive days (e.g. October 16-18). 

Here's everything you need to know about the JR East Welcome Rail Pass 2020.

Sold From: October 16, 2020 - February 26, 2021

Period of Use: 3 consecutive days within the period of October 16, 2020 - February 28, 2021 

Prices:

• Adults (12 years and older): 12,000 JPY
• Children (6-11 years old): 6,000 JPY

Note that student discounts are not applicable when purchasing the pass.

Eligibility:

The JR East Welcome Rail Pass 2020 is only available to non-Japanese passport holders. Japanese nationals are not permitted to purchase a pass.

• JR East (including Bus Rapid Transit)
• Aoimori Railway
• Iwate Galaxy Railway
• Sanriku Railway
• Echigo Tokimeki Railway (from Myoko Kogen to Naoetsu)
• Shinano Railway

Cannot be used on Tokyo Monorail or Tokaido Shinkansen.

1. Bring your passport to the booth. (Find the closest location here).
2. After your eligibility has been confirmed, you may purchase the pass.
3. Indicate the start date for pass usage (must be within one month of purchase).

Here are a few recommended prefectures to visit using the JR East Welcome Rail Pass, along with a few unique experiences and local tourist attractions to inspire your travels.

• Mushroom Hunting in Matsunoyama Onsen Village
• Sado Gold Mine

• Jigokudani Monkey Park

• “Rare” Raw Japan Food Tour in Sendai 
• Matsushima Bay Fishing Adventure & BBQ on Deserted Island
• Farm to Table Sendai Vegetable Harvest

• Hike Sacred Mountain with Yamabushi (Includes Shojin Ryori)
• Zao Onsen and Resort

• Farm Stay in Odate with Kiritampo and Hinai Jidori Hot Pot

• Ouchijuku
• Aizu Wakamatsu

Keep up with the latest Japanese food news and trends! Subscribe to our YouTube channel and join the Discover Japan by Food Facebook group.