This region needs no introduction. Home to Japan’s tallest mountain and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mt. Fuji. Hike up one of the trails to the summit (seasonal activity) or admire the majestic volcano from afar. Don’t miss the Fuji Five Lakes.
Traverse the enchanting Japanese Alps. Enjoy unlimited rides on JR Central trains and buses for a convenient 5 days, making the most of your Central Japan adventure. The areas covered in this pass are Gero Onsen, Takayama, Shirakawa-gō, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka. You can avail of the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Toyama and Kanazawa with this pass.
This 5-day pass grants access to various JR Central trains and the intricate transportation network of the Alpine Route. Travel seamlessly from Gero Onsen, Takayama, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Kiso Valley, and Matsumoto with this JR Central Pass. The best time to visit the place is during April and May as it is the time of the year when you can witness the famous snow wall.
Set on a spiritual journey to Ise Grand Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, delve into the mystical Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails, and discover the beauty of Wakayama with unlimited travel for 5 days on JR Central trains and designated buses. Ise, the Kii Peninsula, Nara, and Osaka are the regions covered by this pass.
From Mt. Fuji to hot springs like Shizuoka, and coastal towns, this 3-day pass unlocks it all. Ride local JR Central trains, buses, ferries, and even private railways. This pass covers areas like Atami, Numazu, Gotemba Premium Outlets, and Fuji Five Lakes. In addition, a ferry between Izu and Shimizu is covered by this JR Central Pass.
This region needs no introduction. Home to Japan’s tallest mountain and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mt. Fuji. Hike up one of the trails to the summit (seasonal activity) or admire the majestic volcano from afar. Don’t miss the Fuji Five Lakes.
The JR Central Pass unlocks a world of exploration in Central Japan. Here's a breakdown of the process to ensure a seamless experience:
Identify the region you want to explore in Central Japan, such as Takayama, Kanazawa, and Mt. Fuji. Purchase your chosen JR Central Pass online and well in advance. Consider booking your pass ideally more than 2 weeks before your trip.
After a successful online booking, you'll receive an exchange order via email.
Head to a JR Pass Exchange Office located in the major airports of Narita, Haneda, or train stations of Tokyo Station and Nagoya Station. Present your documents at the Exchange Office. A staff member will verify them and issue your actual JR Central Pass.
Your JR Central Pass can only be activated after the exchange in Japan. Choose an activation date that aligns with your travel itinerary.
The JR Central Pass can be very cost-effective if you plan on making multiple train journeys within the covered region of Central Japan. Considering the convenience and speed of JR Central trains, especially the Shinkansen (bullet train), it can save you time and money compared to purchasing individual tickets for each trip.
The JR Central Pass itself doesn't cover travel to or from Tokyo. However, depending on your specific JR Central Pass and starting point, you might be able to reach Nagoya Station, a major hub within the JR Central network, using your JR Pass and then transfer to a JR East Pass (covering the Tokyo area) for onward travel.
Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass or Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Pass, depending on your desired destinations within the Alps. These passes cover train travel to popular destinations like Takayama, Matsumoto, and Toyama, which serve as gateways to exploring the Japanese Alps.
Yes! A major benefit of the JR Central Pass is access to JR Central Shinkansen bullet trains. This allows for swift and comfortable travel between major cities within the Central Japan region.
The JR Central Pass opens up exciting day trip possibilities from major cities. Explore the charming village of Shirakawa-go or the culturally rich city of Kanazawa from Nagoya. If you're based in Takayama, consider a scenic hike in Kamikochi or a visit to the historic city of Gifu.
Absolutely! The JR Central Pass allows you to experience several scenic train rides, including journeys on the Shinkansen bullet trains, offering breathtaking views of the Japanese countryside. Consider the journey along the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (open seasonally) for a truly unique experience through the majestic Japanese Alps, which might require additional local transportation depending on your access point.
While the JR Central Pass is great for train travel within Central Japan, it doesn't cover everything. Local buses, trams, and other transportation beyond JR lines require separate tickets in some destinations. You'll also need to pay extra to reserve seats on Shinkansen bullet trains, entrance fees to attractions, and travel to/from Tokyo unless you use the JR Central Pass in combination with another JR Pass.
Unfortunately, lost JR Central passes cannot be replaced. It's crucial to safeguard your pass throughout your trip.
The JR Central Pass is designed for ease of use. The passes are activated on a specific date and allow unlimited travel on designated JR Central trains within the validity period. Signage and announcements at stations are often in English, and JR staff are generally helpful.