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- JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
Important Information
Current Rail Status
Service is currently suspended in the Tohoku and Shinetsu areas for the following lines and station intervals:
･Ofunato Line: Kesennuma – Sakari Stations, Yamada Line: Kamaishi – Miyako Stations, Kesennuma Line: Yanaizu – Kesennuma Stations, Joban Line: Tatsuta – Haranomachi Stations and Soma – Watari Stations
･Tadami Line: Aizu-Kawaguchi – Tadami Stations
For information about the operating schedules on each line, please check the “Current Rail Status” section on the JR East web site or turn to the JR East Infoline.
Special Promotion
Japan Travel Guide Free Gift Campaign
Show us your “My Travel Photo” Happy snaps to collect Shinkansen badges!
[New] Use a Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (one-way) and take a trip to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!
![[New] Use a Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (one-way) and take a trip to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!](../img/renew/common/img_tateyama_kurobe.jpg)
A great limited time offer!Take a trip to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route on the Hokuriku Shinkansen!
Hiking Event Information
In the city of Niigata, explore the Nuttari district, which has prospered as a rice shipping port since premodern times. Choose your own day during the Friday, April 1 to Wednesday, November 30, 2016 period.
Take a trip from Matsumoto to Hida Takayama!
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) holders can purchase a round-trip ticket between Matsumoto and Takayama for 4,500 yen. That's less than half the normal price!
[Notice]
The GALA Yuzawa Snow Resort for the 2015-2016 season has been closed from Sunday, April 24, 2016 due to light snow accumulation.
What is it?
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is a special discounted pass available only to customers visiting Japan (with a short-term visa no longer than 90 days) and holding a non-Japanese passport.
It allows unlimited rides on all JR East train lines in the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) designated area.
Start with a trip from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport to Tokyo, for example, then ride around, and maybe hop aboard the Shinkansen or a limited express to Nagano or Niigata. In addition to JR East lines, the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) allows rides on some non-JR trains in the Izu and Nikko areas. While in Japan, take advantage of this great offer to see a lot more for a lot less.
Prices
| JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) |
Pass Type | Domestic Sales | International Sales | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flexible five-day pass (any five days within 14 days of issuance, including the day of issuance) | Adults (12 and older) |
Children (6 to 11) |
Adults (12 and older) |
Children (6 to 11) |
|
| 18,000 yen | 9,000 yen | 17,000 yen | 8,500 yen | ||
Notes:
- The age limitations for Children is determined by the day of purchase. We may ask for the child's passport or other proof of age. Children under age 6 do not require a rail pass unless you wish to make seat reservation for them.
- No youth rate (over age 11) or Green Car options are available with this offer.
- While traveling in Japan, each visitor may have one JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) at a time. (A new pass may not be purchased if another one is still in use.)
Validity Period
Flexible five-day pass: you can use the pass on any five days within a 14-day period starting with the date of purchase or exchange in Japan. You do not have to determine your 5 travel dates at the time of purchase or exchange. For example, if you purchase your pass or get it by exchange on August 1, you can show the pass at a station on any five days between August 1 and August 14 and it will be stamped as valid for use on that day.
Valid Train Routes
Unlimited travel on local, limited express and express trains including Shinkansen trains on the following rail company lines:
- JR East Lines
- Izu Kyuko Line
- Hokuetsu Express
- Echigo TOKImeki Railway: Arai-Naoetsu.
- Tokyo Monorail
- The following limited express trains that directly run between the JR East lines and Tobu Railway lines: the Nikko, the SPACIA Nikko, the Kinugawa, and the SPACIA Kinugawa.
- The pass can be used for travel on local and rapid trains between Shimo-imaichi and Tobu-nikko/Kinugawa-onsen on Tobu Railway Lines. Between Kurihashi and Shimo-imaichi Stations, the pass may be used only on limited express trains that connect directly with Tobu Railway Lines.*
Notes:
- *The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) may be used for Tobu Railway Lines as long as either the departing or destination station is on a JR line.
- The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is not valid for the Tokaido Shinkansen as that is operated by a different rail company.
- GALA Yuzawa Station is in operation only in winter and spring.
- The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is not valid for JR buses.
Qualifications for purchase
- The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is available for purchase by holders of non-Japanese passports with a visa to stay in Japan for no longer than 90 days. The passport is required for confirmation purposes at the time of purchase.
Limited time offer! Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (one-way)
The Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (one-way) is on sale for a limited time as an optional ticket for travel to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. This optional ticket can be used from JR Nagano/Shinano-Omachi Station to Dentetsu-Toyama Station, or from Dentetsu-Toyama Station to JR Shinano-Omachi Station/Nagano Station. (Not valid for round-trip travel or partial trip round-trip travel)
Use this opportunity to use a Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket (one-way) to visit the fall colors of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route!
Sales period: Saturday, April 16 to Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Valid period: Five days
Train Accommodations
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is valid on ordinary cars.
To ride on Green Cars, GranClass, individual compartments, Liners or sleeper cars, an additional purchase is required, such as a limited express or sleeper ticket. See the station staff for further details.
How to purchase
Advance Purchases from Outside Japan
Exchange Orders (e-ticket) can be purchased in advance online or from overseas travel agents.
This pass may not be exchanged for a different type of pass after purchase.
- Step 1. Before leaving for Japan, purchase an Exchange Order (e-ticket) at a travel agent or other location connected to the Global Distribution System (GDS).
Note: Different passes are valid for different areas. Please verify your desired destinations and the valid area (Tohoku or Nagano/Niigata) before purchase. - Step 2. After you arrive in Japan, take your Exchange Order (e-ticket) to an exchange location. Your passport is required. You will receive your JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) after confirmation of eligibility.
Note: Your actual personal passport is required for the pass exchange. Passport copies cannot be accepted.
Click here for a list of exchange locations - Step 3. Select any five days within 14 days of issuance, including that day, when you want to use the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area). You do not have to designate your five days of use when purchasing.
- For Travel Agents
- When selling an Exchange Order (e-ticket) with GDS (global distribution system), enter "9B" as the carrier code, "XZJ" for the departure, and "XZP" for the arrival.
- GDS that can issue passes: Amadeus, Abacus, Sabre, Galileo, Apollo, WorldSpan, Topas, TravelSky
- For further information on Exchange Order (e-ticket) sales refer to the AccesRail sales manual.
Sales begin on Friday, April 1, 2016.
- Step 1. Purchase an Exchange Order (e-ticket) on the JR East Website.
Note: Different passes are valid for different areas. Please verify your desired destinations and the valid area (Tohoku or Nagano/Niigata) before purchase. - Step 2. The Exchange Order (e-ticket) will be e-mailed to you. Print it out and bring it with you to Japan.
- Step 3. After arriving in Japan, take your Exchange Order (e-ticket) and your passport to a designated location. You will receive your JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) after confirmation of eligibility.
Click here for a list of exchange locations - Step 4. Select any five days within 14 days of issuance, including that day, when you want to use the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area). You do not have to designate your five days of use when purchasing.
Your Exchange Order (e-ticket) will be an e-ticket. Print out a copy that shows the details of the e-ticket (name, reservation number, airline ticket number) and take it with you.
The Exchange Order (e-ticket) must be redeemed for a JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) within three months of Exchange Order (e-ticket) issuance.
After arriving in Japan, you can use the pass on any five days within a 14-day period starting with the date of purchase or exchange in Japan. You do not have to determine your five travel dates at the time of purchase or exchange.
For example, if you purchase your pass or get it by exchange on August 1, you can show the pass at a station on any five days between August 1 and August 14 and it will be stamped as valid for use on that day.
Purchasing in Japan
- This pass may not be exchanged for a different type of pass after purchase.
- Show your passport at a location where the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is sold. You will receive a pass after confirmation of eligibility.
Notes:
- When purchasing, it is necessary to present your passport. Passport copies cannot be accepted.
- While visiting in Japan, each visitor may have one JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) at a time. (Multiple passes can be purchased as long as the valid periods do not overlap.)
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) holders can purchase a new pass when the validity period of the old pass has expired.
List of Exchange and Sales Locations
Exchange Orders (e-ticket) may be redeemed for a JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) at Narita or Haneda Airport, as well as Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku, Nagano, Niigata and many other JR East stations.
Note: Ticket locations are subject to change.
JR EAST Travel Service Center
JR EAST Travel Service Center – Tokyo Station
Marunouchi North Entrance
JR EAST Travel Service Center – Shinjuku Station
JR EAST Travel Service Center –
Haneda Airport International Terminal (Tokyo Monorail)
2F Ticket Gate / Arrival Lobby
JR EAST Travel Service Center – Narita Airport Terminal 1
B1F
JR EAST Travel Service Center – Narita Airport Terminal 2·3
B1F
| Station | Office | Sales | Exchange | Office Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Service Center | Y | Y | Weekdays | 10:00-19:00 | |
| Weekends and Holidays | 10:00-17:00 | ||||
| Travel Service Center | Y | Y | Weekdays | 10:00-19:00 | |
| Weekends and Holidays | 10:00-17:00 | ||||
| Travel Service Center | Y | Y | Weekdays | 10:00-19:00 | |
| Weekends and Holidays | 10:00-17:30 | ||||
| JR EAST Travel Service Center | Y | Y | All Days | 8:15-19:00 | |
| JR Ticket Office | Y | Y | All Days | 6:30-8:15 | |
| 19:00-21:45 | |||||
| JR EAST Travel Service Center | Y | Y | All Days | 8:15-20:00 | |
| JR Ticket Office | Y | Y | All Days | 6:30-8:15 | |
| 20:00-21:45 | |||||
| Haneda Airport International Terminal |
JR EAST Travel Service Center (Tokyo Monorail 2F Ticket Gate / Arrival Lobby) |
Y | Y | All Days | 7:45-18:30 |
| JR EAST Travel Service Center (Marunouchi North Exit) | Y | Y | All Days | 7:30-20:30 | |
| Information Center (Central) | N | Y | All Days | 9:00-19:00 | |
| Travel Service Center | Y | N | Weekdays | 10:00-20:00 | |
| Weekends and Holidays | 10:00-18:00 | ||||
| Information Center (Central) | N | Y | All Days | 9:00-19:00 | |
| Travel Service Center | Y | N | Weekdays | 10:00-20:00 | |
| Weekends and Holidays | 10:00-18:00 | ||||
| JR EAST Travel Service Center (New South Exit) | Y | Y | All Days | 8:00-19:00 | |
| Information Center (East) | N | Y | All Days | 9:00-19:00 | |
| Information Center (South) | N | Y | All Days | 10:00-18:30 | |
| Travel Service Center | Y | N | Weekdays | 11:00-20:00 | |
| Weekends and Holidays | 11:00-18:00 | ||||
| Information Center (Central) | N | Y | All Days | 9:30-18:00 | |
| Travel Service Center (West) | Y | N | Weekdays | 10:00-20:00 | |
| Weekends and Holidays | 10:00-18:00 | ||||
| Travel Service Center | Y | Y | Weekdays | 10:00-20:00 | |
| Weekends and Holidays | 10:00-19:00 | ||||
Notes:
Some Travel Service Centers are closed during the end-of-year and New Year's holiday season.
Some Information Centers are not able to do exchanges during the end-of-year and New Year's holiday season.
Office hours are subject to change and offices are subject to close without notice.
Eligibility
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is available exclusively for visitors from abroad who enter Japan under the entry status of "Temporary Visitor". Both of the below two conditions must be met for purchase and use.
- The pass user must have a passport issued by a country other than Japan.
(日本国籍のお客様は使用できません。) - The pass user must enter Japan as a temporary visitor and have "Temporary Visitor" stamped in their passport as shown at right.
- The status of temporary visitor is established in Japanese immigration law and permits stays in the country of up to 90 days for purposes such as sightseeing. Visitors desiring to enter Japan for sightseeing will receive a stamp, as shown at right, saying "Temporary Visitor" in their passport by the immigration officer.
Notes:
- The passport immigration stamp must be presented for confirmation when exchanging for or purchasing a JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) in Japan.
- If the above conditions cannot be confirmed as being met, travelers may not be allowed to purchase a pass or redeem an Exchange Order (e-ticket) for a pass. Also, please carry your passport when using your pass. It may be required by JR staff for identity confirmation.
- Visitors with dual citizenship in Japan and another country will not be able to use a JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) if they entered Japan with their Japanese passport.
- A JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) cannot be purchased if the period of stay in Japan noted in the passport is shorter than the validity period of the pass.
Seat Reservations
Making a Reservation at a Station
Visit a JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or Travel Service Center (View Plaza), located in most major JR East stations, and present your JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) to reserve a seat.
Making an Online Reservation
Some JR East Shinkansen and limited express seats can be reserved online.
- JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi)
- Travel Service Center (View Plaza)
- Seating is limited, so please make your reservation early.
- If no reserved seats are available, please use the unreserved seating. JR East does not make refunds for the difference between the price of a reserved and an unreserved seat in such situations.
Click here to make an online Shinkansen or limited express train reservation
Refunds
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) Refunds
- Refunds are available at JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) sales and exchange locations. The pass must be unused and the validity period cannot have started on the day the refund is made.
- If the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) has clearly not been used, a refund may be made after the start of the validity period. In this case, a refund fee applies. However, if a reserved seat ticket was issued with the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area), no refund will be made after the departure time regardless of whether the pass has been used to ride a train.
- The application/backing must be still attached to the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) to receive a refund.
- Refunds are not made for canceled or delayed train service (exceptions may be made for total system stoppages).
Exchange Order (e-ticket) refunds
- Refunds are made for Exchange Orders (e-ticket) within one year of issuance if not redeemed. See the seller for the refund. A fee may be charged by the seller. JR East does not make refunds for Exchange Orders (e-ticket).
Other
- Lost Exchange Orders (e-ticket) and JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) will not be reissued.
- The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is non-transferrable. Only the person whose name is on the pass may use it. Travelers must carry their passport when using the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) as they may be asked to present it for identification purposes.
Recommended Tourist Locations
Exploring Japan with the JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
The JR East Nagano/Niigata area has many natural attractions. In addition to the abundance of natural beauty and quality hot springs, there are numerous national treasures and historical World Heritage Sites. Stroll around Tokyo, one of the world's great megalopolises, take a trip on a Shinkansen, or enjoy a relaxing ride on a resort train or a local line. Or even do all of these activities during your stay in Japan. Spread your wings in the Nagano/Niigata area. We guarantee you will encounter a Japan you never knew existed.
- Suggested Places to Visits
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Matsumoto Castle, Nagano Prefecture
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Sado, Niigata Prefecture
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Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture
- Related Information
- Print the PDF Files
As of January 2016.