Regional Japan Rail Passes

Discover different regions of Japan, your way

While the Japan Rail Pass is the most popular pass among travellers in Japan, there are other passes which are sometimes more appropriate, especially if you'll only be visiting certain regions of the country.

Discover the different passes available below.


 

Kyoto and the Kansai region

The Kansai Pass (1, 2, 3 or 4 days) is useful to explore Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara and even Himeji and its famous castle!

The Kansai Wide Area Pass (5 days) allows you to push the boundaries of the Kansai region! Explore the beaches of Wakayama, the great shrine of Ise, the famous garden in Okayama, not to mention the hot springs of Kinosaki Onsen by the Sea of ​​Japan.

Pass Kansai map

Pass Kansai map

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Mount Fuji and North Tokyo 

Eastern Japan's extensive rail network, with many Shinkansen, makes this region an easy place to explore. The various JR East Passes allow you to explore this region from Tokyo:

The regions of Mount Fuji, Tohoku or the Japanese Alps, a stone's throw from Tokyo with the East Pass

The regions of Mount Fuji, Tohoku or the Japanese Alps, a stone's throw from Tokyo with the East Pass

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Hokkaido: The wild island of the north

From Sapporo Snow Festival in winter, to spectacular lavender fields that bloom in spring, use your Hokkaido Pass (5 or 7 days) to explore Japan's most northern island and its unique surroundings.

JR Hokkaido trains cover the entire region: ideal for enjoying the merchant city of Hakodate, the volcanoes of Lake Akan or Wakkanai, the northernmost point of Japan.

Hokkaido Passes will allow you unlimited travel in the wild North Island

Hokkaido Passes will allow you unlimited travel in the wild North Island

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Kyushu: The volcanic south

Thanks to the all-new Kyushu Shinkansen and the scenic Hisatsu JR train line, Kyushu Regional Passes provide full access to Japan's southernmost island. You have the choice between:

Most of Kyushu Island's sights are accessible with Kyushu Passes

Most of Kyushu Island's sights are accessible with Kyushu Passes

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The Hiroshima region, east of Kyoto

Immerse yourself in Japanese history by taking the train with a JR West Pass. It allows you to go from Kyoto to Fukuoka, passing through Hiroshima, the Tottori sand dunes, the historic Matsue region or even Takamatsu, the gateway to Shikoku island.

Reach the Chugoku region, from Kyoto and Hiroshima, with West Passes

Reach the Chugoku region, from Kyoto and Hiroshima, with West Passes

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Shikoku: the fourth main island of Japan

Use the JR All Shikoku Pass to explore in depth the many facets of this incredible island: Takamatsu and its fabulous garden, the hot spring town of Matsuyama: Dogo Onsen, or even Kinashi, the village of bonsai.

With this pass, you can also approach the scenic Iya Valley by train or experience some of the famous 88 Temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage.

Shikoku: an unknown island to discover by train

Shikoku: an unknown island to discover by train

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Central Japan: Northern Kyoto and the Japanese Alps

From Kyoto to Tokyo, discover central Japan with one of the JR Central Passes: Kanazawa, the Sea of ​​Japan, and the Japanese Alps.

Two passes are available for a trip to the Japanese Alps:

  • On the north side, the JR Osaka-Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass will allow you to cover a good part of the Japanese Alps region, from Tokyo to Osaka via Kyoto and Kanazawa.
  • On the south side, the JR Takayama Hokuriku Arch Pass covers the Nagoya-Kanazawa tourist route via Takayama and the picturesque village of Shirakawago, accessible by bus. The line from Kanazawa to Osaka via Kyoto is also included.

Two more "local" passes can be used to explore exceptional places in central Japan:

Head north from Kyoto, towards the Sea of ​​Japan and the Japanese Alps

Head north from Kyoto, towards the Sea of ​​Japan and the Japanese Alps

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