Passes

Wide Passes

Japan Rail Pass

This Japan’s premier transportation passes can be used on nearly any JR Line throughout Japan. Thisese passes areis perfect for first-time visitors to Japan or those seeking to explore different parts of the country in one go. The pPrices may vary depending on the method of purchase. Some great deals are available when purchasing the passes outside of Japan, through travel agencies, or at JR-recognized ticket services.

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JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata Area)

The JR East Pass is is perfect for trips to Nagano, Niigata, and destinations around Tokyo such as the Nikko area, the Izu Ppeninsula, and Chiba. Be aware that the JR East pass cannot be used on the JR Chuo West Line that runs through Kiso or the Iida Line that runs through southern Nagano.

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Hokuriku Arch Pass

This pass is highly convenient for visitors wanting to explore multiple regions of Japan. ItThe Hokuriku Arch Pass covers routes along the Hokuriku Shinkansen and the limited express Thunderbird from Tokyo to Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa, as well as routes along the limited express Thunderbird routes to Nagano, Toyama, from Kanazawa, to Kyoto, and up to Osaka. The Hokuriku Arch Pass It also includes routes between Tokyo and Narita Aairport, as well as routes between Kansai International Airport and Osaka. Some train lines in the Tokyo and Osaka areas are also covered by this pass, so be sure to check your route in advance.

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2-Day Free Passport Kamikochi/Norikura/Matsumoto

Offered by Alpico, this reasonable pass offers unlimited travel on Alpico trains and select bus lines in Matsumoto City, covering such major destinations from the Northern Japan Alps (incl. Kamikochi, Norikura and Shirahone Hot Springs) in the west to Utsukushigahara Highlands in the east. Central Matsumoto including Asama Hot Springs and Utsukushigaraha Hot Springs as well as the popular Town Sneaker bus. For an example of a trip using the 4-day pass, see here.

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Three-Star Route Ticket (currently unavailable)

The Three-Star Route Ticket covers one-way bus travel between Matsumoto and Kanazawa/Shin-Takaoka/Toyama (valid for seven days). As the name implies, this route runs along many of central Japan’s most popular sightseeing areas, including Matsumoto Castle, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and Kanazawa. See the link below for details.

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Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass

This pass is perfect for visitors looking to visit the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Nagoya. The pass also offers unlimited rides on the JR Chuo Line and Oito Line between Nagoya and Shinano Omachi stations, as well as unlimited rides on the JR Tokaido Line and Takayama Line between Nagoya and Toyama stations. Fare for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is included. While traveling between Nagoya and the Alpine Route, be sure to stop and visit some picturesque and historical sightseeing spots. Matsumoto Castle, post towns along the Nakasendo, Takayama City, and Gero Onsen are but a few destinations to consider.

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Prefectural Passes

Snow Monkey 1-Day Pass

Nagano Dentetsu offers this convenient pass for visitors to the Jigokudani Wild Monkey Park. The pass covers transportation between Nagano Station and Kanbayashi (the trailhead to the park) as well as park admission. Pass users are encouraged to explore some of the places along the way, such as classic Yudanaka-Shibu Hot Springs, quaint Obuse Town, and Suzaka City’s historical storehouse district.

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Zenkoji & Togakushi 1-Day Ticket

This pass is perfect for daytrips within Nagano and offers unlimited rides on buses from Nagano Station to Zenkoji Temple and Togakushi. A typical one-way trip from Nagano Station to Togakushi Okusha costs 1,450 JPY, so this pass pays for itself with a single roundtrip ride! Other popular bus stopdestinations are the Togakushi Chusha bus stop, the Togakushi Soba Museum, and Zenkoji Daimon.

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Shinano Railway Banzai Pass

The Shinano Railway Banzai Pass is a 2-day unlimited ride pass along the Shinano Railway line. The pass covers travel along the Shinano Railway between Karuizawa and Shinonoi, as well as between Nagano and Myoko Kogen. Popular stops along the way include Ueda (Ueda Castle & Bessho Onsen), Togura (Togura Kamiyama Onsen), and Kurohime (Lake Nojiri, Kurohime Kogen). See this article for an example of a trip using the Banzai Pass.

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