The JR East Tohoku Area Pass (10-day consecutive) grants unlimited access across a wide region in northern and eastern Japan. It’s available for purchase to non-Japanese passport holders and is valid from May 15, 2025, onward.
JR East Tohoku area Pass Coverage
Available Areas:
This pass allows you to use JR East lines in the following regions:
- Tohoku Region: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukushima
- Kanto Region: Tokyo, Joetsu, Nagano, parts of Shizuoka
- Shinkansen (bullet train): Tohoku Shinkansen, Akita Shinkansen, Yamagata Shinkansen, Joetsu Shinkansen, Hokuriku Shinkansen (Joetsu-Myoko to Nagano) Limited Express, Express, Rapid, and Local Trains: All JR East lines (including BRT)
- Other: The pass also allows use of the Tokyo Monorail, Izu-Kyuko Line, Aomori Railway, IGR Iwate Railway, Sendai Airport Line, and some trains on the Tobu Railway, including the "Nikko," "SPACIA Nikko," "Kinu-gawa," and "SPACIA Kinu-gawa" trains.
The pass also covers:
- Non-reserved and reserved seats on limited express, express, and ordinary (incl. rapid service) trains.
- Reserved seats in ordinary cars on limited express services that run directly between JR lines and Tobu * Railway lines (e.g. “Nikko,” “Kinugawa,” “SPACIA Kinugawa”)
- Some JR bus routes (within the covered region)
- Sendai Airport Lines.
Must-Visit Destinations
- Sendai — the lively gateway to the Tohoku region, known for its historic sites and local cuisine.
- Tokyo — access the capital easily via JR East or Tokyo Monorail, perfect for a mix of city life and sightseeing.
- Omiya — a key transport hub with attractions like the Railway Museum and beautiful parks.
- Yamagata — famous for its scenic landscapes, hot springs, and seasonal festivals.
- Fukushima — home to mountains, lakes, and cultural spots, ideal for off-the-beaten-path adventures.
- Aomori — Hirosaki Castle: A famous cherry blossom spot, one of the most beautiful castle,s and parks in Japan. Lake Towada and Oirase Gorge: Scenic hiking and autumn foliage.
- Akita — Kakunodate Samurai District: Edo-era samurai residences and cherry blossom avenues. Lake Tazawa: The deepest lake in Japan.
How to Use the JR East Tohoku Area Pass?
- Book your ticket online at 12go.asia
- Activate the pass on the first day you travel (pass becomes valid then).
- Show your pass when entering/exiting stations, and when making seat reservations at ticket counters.
- Reserve seats (free with the pass) for limited express or express services if you want guaranteed seating.
- Use non-reserved cars if you prefer flexibility or are traveling spontaneously.
Important Information
- This is only for non-Japanese passport holders.
- The pass must be used on consecutive days, starting from the activation date.
- Some JR bus routes are included, but coverage is limited to certain routes within the region.
- For limited express services that run between JR and Tobu lines (e.g. Nikko/Kinugawa), only ordinary (not green/special) cars’ reserved seats are covered.
- It’s recommended to reserve seats early, especially in peak travel seasons.