REGIONAL JAPAN RAIL PASSES

In addition to the Japan Rail Pass good for all of Japan, there are also regional passes that encompass smaller areas of the country. Your client may wish to purchase a combination of passes for a personalized travel itinerary, such as a 14-day Japan Rail Pass for far-flung destinations, followed by a regional pass allowing more in-depth immersion in, say, Kyushu. [More info: www.japanrail.com]

The JR-East Pass is valid for travel on all of JR East's 72 railway lines connecting Tokyo with northeastern Honshu, including Akita, Sendai, Nagano, Nikko and the rugged national parks that make this area of Japan (Tohoku) famous. The pass allows travel on five Shinkansen lines, the Narita Express (N'EX) from Narita International Airport to downtown Tokyo, and most local trains. Only overseas visitors who enter Japan for purposes of sightseeing and have "Temporary Visitor" status may purchase the pass, available both outside and inside Japan. If purchased outside Japan by an authorized travel agent or online, an Exchange Order will be issued, which must be exchanged for the real JR East Pass in Japan. Or, the pass can be purchased in Japan by showing a passport with "Temporary Visitor" stamped inside it, along with a return air ticket, at designated train stations. Passes are available for 5 days, 10 days, or for any 4 consecutive or non-consecutive days within a month. [More info: www.jreast.co.jp/e/index.html]

The JR-West Rail Pass is a boon for travelers who arrive at Kansai International Airport and wish to spend a few days sightseeing in the Kansai area, which includes the historic towns of Kyoto and Nara and the bustling metropolis of Osaka with its many attractions. Two different kinds of JR West Rail Passes are available. The Sanyo Area Pass, available for 4 or 8 days, allows travel on the Shinkansen (including the super-fast Nozomi) from Osaka as far as Hakata (in the city of Fukuoka on Kyushu) and includes Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Okayama, Kurashiki, and other towns and villages in the area. The Kansai Area Pass encompasses a smaller area and can be used only on JR rapid and local trains (that is, Shinkansen and limited express trains are not covered in the pass except Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka) in the Kansai area, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nara, and Himeji. It's available for 1 to 4 days of travel. Both passes may be purchased outside Japan by overseas tourists or in Japan by showing a passport with "Temporary Visitor" stamped inside it, along with a return air ticket, at designated train stations. [MORE INFO: www.jr-odekake.net/en/jwrp/index.html]

The JR Kyushu Rail Pass is an economical way for your clients to explore the island of Kyushu, which offers a wealth of tourist attractions ranging from theme-oriented amusement parks to natural wonders and hot-spring resorts. The pass, available for 3 or 5 days, is valid for all JR train lines including the Shinkansen Tsubame and limited express trains and can be purchased from an authorized travel agent before arriving in Japan. [MORE INFO: www.jrkyushu.co.jp.]

The "JR Kyushu Rail Pass for the Northern Kyushu Area" is an ideal 3-day pass for those wishing to travel mainly in northern Kyushu, that is, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Oita prefectures.

The JR Hokkaido Rail Pass covers the vast island of Hokkaido, known for its virgin forests, majestic mountains, crystal-clear lakes and wide open pastures. Valid for 3 days, it allows travel on all JR Hokkaido Railway trains and most JR buses (exceptions are bus routes between Sapporo and Asahikawa, Monbetsu, Obihiro, Kiroro, Erimo, Hiroo and irregular lines). It may be purchased outside Japan from an authorized travel agent or at selected Travel Service Centers located in Hokkaido. [MORE INFO: www2.jrhokkaido.co.jp/global/index.html]

Domestic Air Routes JR Train Services Japan Rail Pass Regional Japan Rail Passes Ferry Service Long-distance Bus Rental Cars Intra-city Transportation Hints to Pass on to Your Clients Traveling by Public Transport