JR Tokyo Wide Pass

The JR Tokyo Wide Pass is the answer to a question a lot of visitors ask badly. A national Japan Rail Pass makes no sense for a Tokyo-based trip, but day trips out of the city still add up. This covers three consecutive days across the whole Kanto region, including Shinkansen services within the zone.

What it covers

Unlimited travel on JR East lines across the Kanto region for three consecutive days, plus several private lines that matter for day trips.

• Tohoku, Joetsu and Hokuriku Shinkansen within the zone, reaching Nasushiobara, GALA Yuzawa and Karuizawa
• Narita Express and all JR East lines in greater Tokyo
• Tobu lines to Nikko and Kinugawa, on selected services
• Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko for Mount Fuji
• Izu Kyuko line down the Izu Peninsula

Is it worth it?

It pays off fast if you take even one Shinkansen day trip. A return to Karuizawa or GALA Yuzawa, or a run up to Nikko, gets you most of the way there, and the Narita Express on top usually settles it.

For a trip that stays inside central Tokyo, it is unnecessary. An IC card or the ¥760 Tokyo Metropolitan Area Pass will serve you better. The Tokyo Wide Pass is specifically for people leaving the city and coming back.

Where it takes you

Nikko is the classic use, with the Toshogu shrines and Kegon Falls. Kawaguchiko puts you at the foot of Mount Fuji with the lake views most people are after.

Karuizawa is a highland resort town twenty minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen. GALA Yuzawa is a ski resort with a Shinkansen station built into the base lodge, which makes a winter day trip genuinely practical. The Izu Peninsula offers coastline and onsen to the south.

How to buy

Sold at JR East ticket offices and reserved seat machines at major Tokyo stations, including Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, Haneda and both Narita terminals. Also available online in advance.

Pricing is revised periodically, so check the current rate. Seat reservations are free and can be made at machines or online.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cover the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto?

No. The Tokaido Shinkansen is JR Central and is not included. Coverage runs on JR East lines within Kanto only.

Does it include the Narita Express?

Yes, which is a large part of its value if you are arriving or departing from Narita during the three days.

Can I reach Mount Fuji with it?

Yes, via the Fujikyu Railway to Kawaguchiko, which is included.

Is it better than a national Japan Rail Pass?

For a Tokyo-based trip, almost always yes. The national pass only makes sense once you are travelling long distances between regions.

Check Tokyo Wide Pass prices