Passes for Foreign Residents

Explore Japan in a cost-effective way

Japan Travel Staff

Photo: Nor Gal / Shutterstock.com

If you're a foreign resident in Japan looking to explore more of the country, this article might pique your interest. Did you know some rail passes are available to foreign passport holders who live in Japan? Paying for transportation for every ride can get expensive. Fortunately, there are various rail passes available to foreign residents for traveling around the country. So, if you are planning a holiday or weekend getaway in Japan, take advantage of your foreign passport to travel cost-effectively. The following passes grant you the opportunity to tour the country using Shinkansen, express trains, metro services, and buses.

1. JR Tokyo Wide Pass

JR Tokyo Wide Pass offers three consecutive days of unlimited travel on trains and Shinkansen. It allows you to explore various locations in and around Tokyo, including Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Kamakura. Additionally, you have the flexibility to take day trips to scenic spots like Lake Kawaguchiko (near Mt. Fuji) and the Nikko area in Tochigi. For those seeking relaxation, the pass enables visits to popular hot springs and resorts in destinations such as Karuizawa, Kusatsu, or Izu.

(Prices for Adult/Child: ¥15,000/¥7,500)

2. JR East Pass (Tohoku Area)

JR East Pass (Tohoku Area) provides five consecutive days of exploring not only Tokyo but also Japan’s northern Tohoku region. This includes places like Yamagata, Zao Onsen in Yamagata/Miyagi, Shirakami Sanchi in Akita, and Oirase Gorge in Aomori, and other attractions around Sendai. The pass grants access to a range of transportation options, including Shinkansen, metro, and buses to various destinations in Tokyo to the Tohoku area.

(Prices for Adult/Child:¥30,000/¥15,000)

3. JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata Area)

For those who plan for a culturally enriching experience in the Nagano or Niigata area, JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata Area) would be an excellent choice. JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) offers access to Shinkansen and express trains for five consecutive days, allowing you to explore Niigata and immerse yourself in its culture and history related to sake, rice, and fish. The pass covers the travel to areas of Shinshu as well, including Nagano, Matsumoto, and Hakuba.

(Prices for Adult/Child: ¥27,000/¥13,500)

4. N'EX TOKYO Round Trip Ticket

N'EX TOKYO is a round-trip ticket from Narita International Airport to major areas in and around the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Yokohama. Round-trip usage is permitted within the 14-day validity period.

(Prices for Adult/Child: ¥5,000/¥2,500)

More Passes available to Japan residents

There are several regional passes and tickets available for anyone, including foreign passport holders, that you can use to explore different areas. The regions and validities of these passes vary depending on the pass. You can find detailed information about each regional pass on the JR East website.

Regional Passes (Adult/Child)