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Explore More of Japan: Expanded JR EAST PASS Opens Access to the Underexplored Tohoku Region
East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has announced the launch of a newly expanded JR EAST PASS, available from March 14, 2026. Tohoku, comprising six prefectures in northern Honshu, is emerging as one of Japan's most compelling year-round destinations for travelers venturing beyond the major metropolitan hubs. However, it currently accounts for just 1.5 percent of overnight stays by inbound visitors. Recognizing the significant potential for further growth, JR East aims to increase that share to
About this update from East Japan Railway Company
[{"type":"text","content":"New rail pass expands coverage across eastern Japan, making it easier for international travelers to explore Tohoku's seasonal landscapes, festivals, and cultural destinations.","length":180,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"TOKYO, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has announced the launch of a newly expanded JR EAST PASS, available from March 14, 2026. Tohoku, comprising six prefectures in northern Honshu, is emerging as one of Japan's most compelling year-round destinations for travelers venturing beyond the major metropolitan hubs. However, it currently accounts for just 1.5 percent of overnight stays by inbound visitors. Recognizing the significant potential for further growth, JR East aims to increase that share to 5 percent by 2034 by improving rail accessibility and encouraging deeper regional exploration.","length":637,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"image","alt":"Tohoku Shinkansen passing through cherry blossoms in full bloom. (C) KENTA MUKAWA","displaySize":"","headline":null,"caption":"Tohoku Shinkansen passing through cherry blossoms in full bloom. (C) KENTA MUKAWA","className":"","disableSlideshowImg":false,"size":{"original":{"width":400,"height":266,"url":"https://media.zenfs.com/en/prnewswire.com/9cea842681addbf023375c27036cb681"},"resized":{"url":"https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OUXMi.9l7IDzsRnLBsuRsA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTcwNTtoPTQ2OTtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/prnewswire.com/9cea842681addbf023375c27036cb681","width":400,"height":266}},"href":"https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935528/JRE_Shinkansen_Sakura_E5_C_KENTA_MUKAWA.html","hrefExternal":true,"rel":"nofollow"},{"type":"text","content":"New JR EAST PASS: https://www.jreast.co.jp/en/multi/pass/eastpass.html","length":70,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The new JR EAST PASS replaces both the former JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) and JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) with a single consolidated pass that offers unlimited access to reserved seats in ordinary cars across all JR East lines, including Shinkansen, limited express, express, local, and rapid services. Coverage also includes select partner railways, such as Tokyo Monorail, and regional operators, ensuring smooth airport access and regional connectivity.","length":463,"tagName":"p"},{"type":"text","content":"The pass is available in two f...