JR Rail Passes

Many travelers choose the nationwide Japan Rail Pass, but this may not be the most economical choice for all travelers. If you're planning on exploring one particular area, consider JR's regional passes to get the most bang for your buck.

The Japan Rail Pass , jointly offered by six JR Group companies, is a convenient and economical ticket suitable for train travel throughout Japan. For more information, please visit the official website. Although this all-encompassing pass is the right choice for many, consider some of the regional alternatives below for more of a bargain.

Hokkaido Rail Pass holders can ride all JR Hokkaido trains (excluding Hokkaido Shinkansen) within a set time period. If you are planning to head up to Japan's great white north, find out all the details here: JR Hokkaido Railway Company : Hokkaido Rail Pass details

Valid for unlimited rides on trains in the East Japan and southern Hokkaido area during the designated period. Take a look at the official page for all you need to know: JR East : JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass details

If you are traveling up to the wonderland of the northern Tohoku region, make use of the JR East Pass covering the vast Tohoko area. Click here to find out more: JR East : JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) Pass details

Similarly, if you are planning on exploring the Nagano and Niigata area, get hold of a JR East Pass for this region to travel farther at less expense. All the details are here: JR East : JR East Pass (Niigata, Nagano Area) Pass details

If you plan to stay city-centric during your time in Japan, the Tokyo Wide Pass is the one for you. The pass includes Mt. Fuji and Nikko, popular destinations among travelers, making it easy to enjoy a trip unique to the metropolis of Tokyo and Japan. Check the website for more details: JR East : JR Tokyo Wide Pass details

Travel between Tokyo and Osaka via Nagano, Fukui , Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures on the Hokuriku Arch Pass. Take a look at all the details about how to make the most of your travel on this new Golden Route: JR East: Hokuriku Arch Pass details

The Alpine Route stretches through the mountainous regions of Toyama , Gifu and Nagano prefectures. The Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass offers you unlimited rides on conventional JR lines running between Nagoya , Gero, Takayama and Toyama; between Nagoya, Kiso Fukushima, Matsumoto and Shinano Omachi; and on all transportation means of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route . Take a look at the official site for more details: JR Central / JR West : Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass detai

JR West offers a number of passes too, so if you are traveling to Kyoto and Osaka , further west to Toyama and Kanazawa , or down to Okayama and Hiroshima , there will be a pass to match your travel destinations. Take a look at the website for more details on routes and fares - JR West : JR-West Rail Pass (Intercity / Regional, Western Japan) details

The All Shikoku Rail Pass offers you unlimited rides on all six railways on the island of Shikoku. For information on prices, routes and how to purchase, check here: Shikoku Railway Company : All Shikoku Rail Pass details

If you are going to be Kyushu-based during your stay, it is worth looking at the travel pass options for Japan's southern island. All of the information is here: Kyushu Railway Company : JR-Kyushu Rail Pass (Intercity / Regional, Kyushu area) details