JR Central

JR Central History

The Japan Railways Group (JR Group) brings JR Central to provide train services in the Central Japan region, especially the Chubu (Nagoya) area. The official name of the subsidiary with this orange logo is Central Japan Railway Company. In Japanese, JR Central is called JR Tokai or Tokai Ryokaku Tetsudo Kabushiki-gaisha.

Judging from its history, JR Central was established as a process of splitting the Japanese government railways company, Japan National Railways (JNR) on April 1, 1987. JR Central finally took over the Tokaido Shinkansen operation in October 1991. In March 1998, JR Central opened a number of stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which is known as the oldest express train line in the world. At the same time, JR Central established a JR Tokai subsidiary to service city bus operations.

In March 1992, JR Central began commercial operations of the Nozomi Series 300 fleet at Tokaido Shinkansen. Seven years later, JR Central introduced the Nozomi Series 700. A new version of the series was then launched in July 2007 for the N700 and in February 2013 for the N700A.

Up until now, Tokaido Shinkansen is one of the busiest fast train lines in the world. Train speeds on this track can reach a maximum of 285 kilometers per hour. This system makes the trip from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka reachable in only 2 hours 22 minutes by using the Nozomi train.

Policy

Japan Rail Central Pass sales are available in various ways. You don’t need to bother visiting JR Central offices or stations in Japan, you can now buy JR Central pass online, even before leaving the country. Currently, various travel agents are already serving JR Central Pass ticket purchases. One of them is of course Traveloka.

Before using your Japan Rail Central Pass, note the following policies:

1. JR Central Pass  are valid as train and bus access within the Chubu area, Nagoya-Central Japan. JR Central Pass is only valid for the person whose name is listed on the ticket.
2. The validity period for JR Central Pass tickets adjusts to the purchase period. The duration of use is available for 3 (three) and 5 (five) consecutive days. The validity period is calculated based on the date of the visit you selected when you purchased the ticket.
3. Exchange of JR Central Pass tickets is carried out at the JR Exchange Office located at the airport and related train stations in Japan. Make sure you get an Exchange Order first as a proof of ticket exchange. Show your passport, Exchange Order, and temporary visitor visa to be able to exchange tickets at the exchange location. You can find complete information about ticket exchanges on the Traveloka website.
4. If you buy a JR Central Pass ticket from Traveloka, an Exchange Order can be picked up at the Traveloka counter at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, sent to your email, or sent to your address by courier.
5. JR Central Pass is only valid for temporary visitor visa holders. Do not forget to ask for a temporary visitor stamp for your passport from the immigration officer at the Japanese airport

Services & Facilities

At present, JR Central has ten branch offices. Its headquarter is located at JR Central Towers, 1-1-4, Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi-Japan. Apart from Japan, JR Central also opened branch offices in Washington DC, London, and Sydney.

JR Central's main service is the train transportation service for the metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka-Central Japan. The JR Central's main operational is, of course, Tokaido Shinkansen. Besides Tokaido Shinkansen, JR Central also serves 12 conventional lines centralized in the city of Nagoya and Shizuoka.

In general, JR Central provides a fleet of trains in two passenger classes. Ordinary Cars are the standard class with 2-3 seating arrangements. Meanwhile, the Green Car (First Class Car) class offers more comfortable and luxurious seating, with more room to move.

The entire fleet has been supported by JR Central facilities in the form of air conditioners, folding tables, electrical outlets, telephones, bathrooms, free WiFi connections, and special areas for wheelchair users. Passengers can submit special requests if they want to carry more luggage, pets, and bicycles.

As a complement, JR Central facilities are also available at a number of stations and headquarters. These facilities include a customer service center, a travel information center, and a free WiFi connection. There are also JR Central (Japan Rail Central Pass) ticket vending machines at a number of stations in the JR Central operational area. JR Central Pass prices apply differently, adjusting the class of passengers and the duration of the validity period.

Explore Japan With JR Central

Traveling with JR Central offers its own fun because you can walk around Central Japan more practically. With JR Central, you do not have to buy tickets repeatedly to be able to ride various trains and public buses to visit the following special destinations:

Mount Fuji

A trip to Japan will not be perfect without seeing the symbol of natural majesty of the Land of Sakura. Tourists can enjoy Mount Fuji by climbing to the peak which is usually crowded throughout July to mid-September. Lake Kawaguchi at the foot of the mountain can be a place that pampers your eyes because it offers a natural landscape that is equipped with a green open park, playgrounds, art museums, hot spring baths, lodging, and tours around the lake in a large boat.

Gero-onsen

This destination is called one of the best hot springs in Japan. Visitors will be immersed in the freshness of natural springs in a rocky pond surrounded by green hills. In addition to refreshing, warm water in Gero-onsen is also believed to be effective in curing rheumatism, neurological diseases, and motor disorders, and relieving fatigue. Use the JR Central Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass to reach this destination.

Shirahama

The freshness of nature in Japan does not stop at the cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji. Shirahama invites you to relax with the charm of 640 meters of white sandy beach. Besides immersing yourself in a tropical atmosphere, visitors can interact with animals in Adventure World, including meeting pandas! Take advantage of your Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area Tourist Pass to visit Shirahama.

Alpine Route

With Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass, you have the chance to encounter a variety of natural beauty. The Alpine route offers hiking trails through mountains, "Yuki-no-Otani" snow walls, Daikanbo Hill, and Kurobe Dam. You can walk, take the bus, or take the cable car to pamper yourself with the natural scenery at this place. Come in spring to get the best view.

Numazu Port

Try fresh Japanese sushi, directly from Numazu Port. It functions as a port and also a Japanese-style street food paradise. This place has always been a target destination for tourists who want to try sushi or dried fish typical of Numazu and hunt for cheap souvenirs. When the weather is good, visitors can see the view of Mount Fuji from here. The location of the Numazu Port is very easily accessible from Numazu Station.

Conquer Central Japan easily with JR Central Pass. For a cheaper JR Central Pass, buy in advance on Traveloka.