JR East will be selling the “East Japan Nonbiri Tabi Pass” special ticket, which allows unlimited rides on local trains in the company’s jurisdiction for three consecutive days, exclusively on “Eki-net” from June 18 (Wed), 2025.
Shinkansen and limited express trains unavailable
In response to the need for “unhurried travel” where you can get off at any time along the way, they will release a new round-trip pass that can be used on weekdays and holidays. The pass costs 9,000 yen for adults and children, and allows unlimited rides on ordinary car unreserved seats on all JR East lines and BRT for three consecutive days from the start date of use specified at the time of purchase. The period of use is from July 1 (Tue), 2025 to December 26 (Fri), 2025 (excluding August 10 (Sun) to August 19 (Tue)), and it can also be purchased on the day of the start date of use.
In addition to Shinkansen and limited express trains, the Green Car reserved seats on regular and rapid trains cannot be used with the “Tabi Pass”. However, you can use the ordinary car unreserved seats on limited express trains only when departing and arriving between Shin-Aomori Station and Aomori Station on the Ou Main Line. You can also ride the Aoimori Railway Line between Hachinohe Station and Aomori Station only if you transfer to a JR line on the same day, and it has the same effect as the “Seishun 18 Ticket” that is sold during the long student vacation period.
Successor to the “Weekend Pass” that will no longer be on sale in June
The “Tabi Pass” is limited to the East Japan area, but it can also be interpreted as a ticket equivalent to the “18 Ticket” being usable at any time during the year except for Obon and the end of the year. The price of the 3-day “18 Ticket” is 10,000 yen, so if you narrow down your riding area, choosing the “Tabi Pass” will save you 1,000 yen.
JR East has previously sold a “Weekend Pass” that allows unlimited travel for two consecutive days within the free areas of Kanto, Shinetsu, and southern Tohoku, but this will be discontinued in June. The “Weekend Pass” allowed travel on the Shinkansen and limited express trains if a separate limited express ticket was purchased, but the “Tabi Pass” does not allow travel on these trains, so although it is a successor product, the content will be significantly different. JR East plans to review some of its special tickets, while also strengthening discount sales of ticketless compatible products such as “Shinkansen e-tickets.”
