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Passes

Transport Passes for Use in and Around Nagano

Wide Passes

Japan Rail Pass

This is Japan’s most-known and premier transport passes that can be used on nearly any JR Line throughout Japan. While it can be a convenient option for travelers looking to cover long distances and explore many different parts of Japan in one go over multiple weeks, it may not be the most practical choice for every itinerary. For those primarily travelling from Tokyo to Nagano and its surrounding areas, the regional passes below may be a better option to consider instead. Prices may vary depending on the method of purchase.

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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 Peninsula, 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. The 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 Airport, 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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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 2-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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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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