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    JR Pass vs JR East Pass: which one should you buy?

    The nationwide JR Pass and the JR East Pass look similar but cover very different networks. The right choice depends on whether you stay in eastern Japan or travel west to Kyoto, Osaka and beyond.

    01

    Coverage at a glance

    • JR Pass (nationwide): every JR shinkansen except Nozomi and Mizuho, all JR lines across Japan.
    • JR East Tohoku area pass: Tohoku and Niigata shinkansen, Tokyo region.
    • JR East Nagano Niigata pass: Hokuriku and Joetsu shinkansen.
    • Neither East pass works west of Tokyo on the Tokaido shinkansen.
    02

    When the JR East Pass wins

    • Trips focused on Tokyo, Tohoku, Nikko and Niigata.
    • Snow trips to Yuzawa, Aizu or Aomori.
    • Cheaper for short regional trips, 5 day flexible pass.
    03

    When the nationwide JR Pass wins

    • Tokyo plus Kyoto, Osaka or Hiroshima itineraries.
    • Any trip touching Kyushu or western Japan.
    • Multi week travel where you want one ticket for everything.

    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers to common questions.

    Can I use a JR East Pass on the Tokaido shinkansen?

    No. The Tokaido shinkansen is operated by JR Central and is not included.

    Can I buy both passes for one trip?

    Yes, but the nationwide JR Pass already covers everything an East pass does.

    Is the JR East Pass flexible date?

    Yes, both 5 day East passes can be used on any 5 days within a 14 day window.

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