Written by Carey Finn
Researched by Hitomi Kuroda
Railway operator JR East has starting selling a new rail pass that allows unlimited rides on local and rapid trains across the JR East network for three consecutive days. The pass is available to both tourists and residents of Japan until December.
Priced at ¥9,000, the “Higashi Nihon Nonbiri Tabi Pass”, or 東日本のんびり旅パス, which loosely translates to East Japan Leisurely Pass, is being sold through JR East’s online booking platform, Ekinet (in Japanese).
The new rail pass is part of JR East’s effort to promote “leisurely rail travel” around eastern Japan. It allows access to the beautiful Tōhoku and Niigata regions, among other under-represented parts of the country. Here is a map of JR East train lines, so you can see where the pass will take you.
Details of the new JR East rail pass
- Travel period: July 1 to December 26, 2025 (excluding the Obon holiday period of August 10–19)
- Sales period: June 18 to December 24 (sales end at 11:50 p.m.). The pass can be purchased from 1 month before, up until the day of travel.
- Validity: 3 consecutive days starting from the selected date of use.
- Price: ¥9,000 (flat rate for all passengers, including kids).
- Purchase and issuance: Only available via Ekinet; the pass must be printed at a reserved seat ticket machine (at a station) before use.
Note: You can also access the non-reserved seating on Green Cars (first-class cars on local and rapid trains) by purchasing a separate Green Car ticket.
In sum, the new rail pass is a cost-effective option for travelers looking to explore eastern Japan without relying on high-speed, higher-cost trains like the Shinkansen and limited expresses.
Also read:
- Which Japan Rail Pass To Choose for Your Trip, for details about rail passes that give you access to the speedy Shinkansen.
- JR Passes for Foreign Residents of Japan
Note that T&Cs apply and certain lines may be excluded from the pass. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
