JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area (E-Ticket)
Starting March 14, 2026, the JR East Rail Pass (Tohoku Area / Nagano–Niigata Area) will be consolidated into a single pass, and prices will be adjusted according to JR East’s official regulations. For details, please refer to the official website (Japanese).
From now until March 13, 2026, regardless of the actual date of use, all purchases completed within this period will be charged at the current (pre-adjustment) price.
As passes can be purchased up to 90 days in advance, the latest selectable travel date under the current price is June 12, 2026. Please take note.
- The JR East Pass for the Nagano & Niigata area uses an electronic voucher for quick and convenient ticket collection, making it easy to travel to major Tokyo-area ski resorts. Please refer to the official website for ticket collection locations.
- The JR East Nagano & Niigata Pass allows unlimited rides on multiple Japan Railways lines for 5 consecutive days.
- Coverage includes popular destinations in Nagano, Niigata, Tokyo, and more, including JR East lines, the Joetsu Shinkansen, and the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Product Info
－What You Can Expect－
Wander deeper into the heart of Japan with the JR East Pass (Nagano-Niigata Area) and travel to Nagano and Niigata, two prefectures known for some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the country. Explore coastal cities and mountainous getaways and visit all the famous spots in this gem of a region.
From the Haneda or Narita airports, hop on a shinkansen bullet train and head directly to the city of Nagano, home to the 1998 Winter Olympics. Famously known as ‘Japan’s Alps,’ Nagano features snow capped peaks, ski resorts, and beautiful temples. Alternatively, make your way to Kazuizawa, a famous resort town at the foot of an active volcano offering hot springs, golf courses, great cycling routes, skiing, and other outdoor recreation activities.
Head north to Niigata, a modern coastal city that’s the capital of the Niigata prefecture. Known for sake and outdoor activities, the city is also the gateway to Sado Island, a lovely island famous for its gold mining history, idyllic beaches, and hiking and diving opportunities.
Discover all the amazing sights Japan has to offer with the JR East Pass (Nagano-Niigata Area) in your hand.
Service Range
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Jōetsu Shinkansen
Explore Nagano and Niigata Area with your JR East Pass
Enjoy your holidays in Japan
Purchase Notice
— JR East Rail Pass (Nagano & Niigata Area)—
- Only tickets within 3 months are available for purchase
- Please refer to the official website for the pass coverage
- A voucher will be sent via mail after the booking is confirmed. Please print your voucher with all the important information (name, reservation number, air ticket number) and present it for pass redemption
- JR ticketing operates on a registration system. Please ensure sufficient information is provided while making a purchase, and bear in mind that we are not liable for any delays resulting from insufficient information on the passenger's part
- Children will be required to purchase a child ticket under the following circumstances:
• Children requiring their own seat in a standard carriage (reserved seat)
• Children travelling alone - Travellers may reserve seats via the JR East Reservation site
1. Click Seat Reservation (please log in first to make a reservation, credit card details are not required for the membership)
2. Select the option indicating that you purchased the pass from external sources
3. Select the preferred train and time
4. Select the preferred seat
5. Select the pass pick-up date and location
6. The reservation is completed
** For more details, please click here
Includes/Excludes
Eligible Users
Ineligible Nationalities/Regions
- Japan
Notes
- Eligibility: • Non-Japanese passport holders • Travellers with a tourist visa • Travellers entering Japan under the entry status of "Temporary Visitor"
- Non-Japan nationals who are eligible for Japan residency are allowed to book this pass
Reminders
JR tickets operate under a registration system. Please ensure that you have provided sufficient information that’s required to make a purchase. Please also bear in mind that we will not be liable for any loss or delay due to insufficient information provided by travellers
Please note that if you do not collect your reserved seat ticket by 9:00 pm on the day before your travel date, your seat reservation will be automatically canceled, and you will not be able to collect the ticket on the day of travel
Only 1 JR Pass can be used during your travel in Japan (if the validity period overlaps, you can't buy more than 1 JR Pass of the same type)
Children's age is determined by their age on the date of ticket purchase. Please present their passport for verification
Children aged under 6 do not need a pass if they don't take reserved seats
Redemption Location
Narita Airport (NRT) JR EAST Travel Service Center (Terminal 1/2/3)
- JR EAST Travel Service Center (Narita Airport Terminal 1): 8:30 am–7:00 pm
- JR EAST Travel Service Center (Narita Airport Terminal 2/3): 8:30 am–8:00 pm
- JR Green Window (Narita Airport Terminal 1/2/3): 6:30 am–9:45 pm
Tokyo Station JR EAST Travel Service Center (Marunouchi North Gate)
Monday 08:30 - 19:00
Tuesday 08:30 - 19:00
Wednesday 08:30 - 19:00
Thursday 08:30 - 19:00
Friday 08:30 - 19:00
Saturday 08:30 - 19:00
Sunday 08:30 - 19:00
Shinjuku Station JR EAST Travel Service Center (New South Gate/East Gate)
- East Exit: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- New South Exit: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
How to Use
- User must present their passport and printed voucher at the designated location (within 3 months after the date of issue) for ticket redemption
- JR PASS is valid for 5 consecutive days from the first usage date
- Travellers are required to designate the first usage date when redeeming the ticket, the first usage date must be within 1 month after redemption, requests for date changes will not be granted once the redemption procedure is completed
- Please refer to the official website for redemption points
- Please note that this voucher cannot be redeemed at JR East Reserved Seat Ticket Machines. You must visit a designated redemption counter for manual exchange. Self-service machine redemption is not available.
- When collecting the Japan Rail Pass, please wait until all applicants are present before picking up the tickets. Passport verification for all applicants will be required at the time of collection. If you need to travel separately, please make separate bookings
How to Use Your Voucher
- The e-voucher will be sent to your email. Please present a printed voucher and your passport to redeem your ticket
FAQ
The JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area provides unlimited travel within its designated areas. It primarily covers major cities in the Nagano and Niigata prefectures, along with key railway lines connecting them to Tokyo. This includes access to regions around Nagano city, Niigata city, and other areas served by JR East lines, offering extensive exploration opportunities within the zone.
The JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area grants unlimited rides on all JR East lines, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), limited express trains, and local trains, within its coverage area. This encompasses routes like the Joetsu Shinkansen and Hokuriku Shinkansen (up to Joetsumyoko), as well as various JR local lines that connect Tokyo to Nagano and Niigata, ensuring comprehensive rail access.
Yes, travelers can use the JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area to reach Hakuba. Typically, this involves taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano Station, then transferring to a JR Oito Line train. The pass covers the JR train segments necessary for this journey, providing convenient access to the Hakuba Valley and its renowned ski resorts and natural attractions.
The JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area is valid for 5 consecutive days. This validity period begins on the first day of use, which is designated when the e-ticket voucher is exchanged for the physical pass at a JR East ticket office. Once activated, the pass allows unlimited travel for five continuous calendar days within its specified region.
To activate the JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area, you must exchange your e-ticket voucher for a physical pass at a designated JR East Travel Service Center or major JR station ticket office in Japan. During the exchange, you will select your desired first day of use. Once this start date is confirmed, the pass is activated and can be used immediately on JR trains within its coverage area.
The JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area is specifically designed for foreign tourists visiting Japan with a 'Temporary Visitor' status. This means individuals holding a non-Japanese passport who have entered Japan for tourism purposes are eligible. A valid passport with the temporary visitor stamp or sticker must be presented when exchanging the e-ticket for the physical pass.
The JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area primarily focuses on unlimited rides on JR East's extensive railway network, including Shinkansen and limited express trains within its designated region. It generally does not cover non-JR private railway lines, subways, or local buses, unless specific exceptions for certain joint operations or sections are explicitly stated in the pass's official terms of use. The core benefit is JR rail access.
Yes, holders of the JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area can make seat reservations for Shinkansen and limited express trains without any additional charge. These reservations can be obtained at JR ticket offices (Midori-no-Madoguchi) or through designated ticket machines at JR East stations. Reserving seats is recommended, especially for long-distance travel or during peak hours, to ensure comfortable travel.
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