JR East Pass Nagano-Niigata Area is a rail train ticket for tourists in Japan. By buying this pass, you can travel as much as you want on JR trains, including the fast ones like the Shinkansen and local JR buses like in the Nagano and Niigata areas. You can use this pass for five days. 

JR East Pass for Nagano and Niigata area allows you to explore both prefectures during your holiday in Japan. Nagana is known for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics and is often called as “Japan Alps” because of its snowy mountains and ski resorts. Another destination you can visit is Karuizawa. Karuizawa is popular for its stunning resorts with golf courses, hot springs, and many outdoor activities. 

Meanwhile, Niigata is the capital city of Niigata prefecture with a modern vibe by the sea. This city is famous for Sake (Japanese rice wine) and fun outdoor activities.  From here, you can visit Sado Island easily. Sado Island is known for its gold mining, beautiful beaches, and hiking and diving activities. 

JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area Ticket Price 2024 

The ticket prices for JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area in Traveloka for 5 Days starts from RM 841.12.

JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area Opening Hours 

JR Pass service starts operating at approximately 4.30 AM and continues until 1 AM the following day. It's important to note that, unlike train systems in some other countries, Japan's trains do not run 24 hours a day. 

Attractions and Activities in Nagano and Niigata

Things to do in Nagano

1. Learning about Ninja in Ninpo Museum 

The Togakure Ninpo Museum is located across from the Upper Togakushi Shrine. This museum exhibits all the things that are related to Japanese Ninja. First, they have Ninja House which has many secret doors inside. This could be a fun activity to explore the maze inside the house. Moreover, you can also find the tools and weapons used by Togakure Ninja together with the photos while they are practicing. 

2. Exploring Yamanouchi

Yamanouchi is in the Northern part of Nagano Prefecture. It has many varieties of tourist attractions. The most popular attractions are Jigokudani Monkey Park and Shibu Onsen. Jigokudani Monkey Park offers a unique experience to see monkeys taking baths in natural hot onsen springs. Meanwhile, in Shibu Onsen, you can explore and try to take a bath in its nine public bathhouses. Each of the public bathhouses has its own unique name and offers different health benefits. 

3. Skiing at Shiga Kogen Ski Resort

The Shiga Kogen Ski Area has 18 ski resorts located in the highlands of Nagano Prefecture.  By buying the lift tickets that cost you approximately RM254, you can access to all resorts in one day.  Almost all of the ski areas are connected and you can easily travel by skiing or snowboarding. You can also try their free shuttle bus. There are also many hotels around the ski resorts, so you don’t have to worry about the accommodation. 

Things to do in Niigata

1. Exploring the Beauty of Sado Island 

Sado Island is a hidden gem located in Niigata Prefecture. It is the sixth-largest island in Japan with 280km of coastline. This island is known for its beautiful landscapes that offer you many interesting activities to do. There are many outdoor activities you can do here such as cycling, camping, hiking, and playing by the sea. Other exciting experiences include exploring the Sado Gold and Silver Mines. 

2. Visitting Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai

Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai is a famous aquarium that has approximately 30,000 animals from 600 species. In this aquarium, you can observe the sea creatures from a closer look in Marine Tunnel. Moreover, there is also a main tank that contains many fish species and a Marine Safari where you can see the sea lions closer. Niigata City Aquarium also has several animal shows you can enjoy here, but the most popular is the dolphin show at the stadium. 

3. Taking sake brewery tour at Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery

Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery is an old and historical sake brewery house since 1767. It produces the best quality of Junmai or “pure rice” sake made of 100% high-quality Niigata rice and pure water from Mount Suganatake. In this tour,  you can learn about the sake-making process and the history of the sake. You can also see the small exhibition of historical photos of traditional Japanese brewer clothes. The tour will take around 30 minutes, and at the end of the tour you can try the sake. 

Tips to JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area  

Before planning your visit to the JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area, it's essential to keep a few key details in mind:

• JR tickets work with a system where you need to register. Make sure you give all the needed information.
• You can bring up to two big bags on the train, each weighing up to 30kg. They shouldn't be longer than 200cm or have a total size of more than 250cm.
• If you have vouchers that can be turned into official passes but haven't done it yet, you can get a refund within 11 months of buying them, but you'll lose 20% of the cost. 
• Starting from April 1, use your JR PASS at the automatic ticket gates. You'll need your passport and printed voucher to get your ticket at the right place within 3 months of getting it.
• The JR PASS is good for 5 days in a row from the first day you use it. When you get your ticket, you have to pick the first day you'll use it, and you can't change that later.
• Look at the official website to find where you can get your tickets. Remember, you can't get them from JR East ticket machines, only from certain places.

Location and How to Get to JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area 

The main location of JR East stations is in Tokyo, Japan. JR East operates numerous stations throughout the Greater Tokyo area such as Nagano and Niigata Area. These stations serve as central transportation hubs for both local and long-distance train services operated by JR East.

Getting to JR East stations depends on your starting point and the specific station you're aiming for. Here's a general guide:

• Using Public Transportation: In urban areas like Tokyo, many JR East stations are well-connected to the city's extensive public transportation network. You can typically reach JR East stations by using subways, buses, or other train lines.
• Shinkansen (Bullet Train): If you're traveling from another city in Japan, you might take the Shinkansen to reach a JR East station. For instance, if you're coming from Osaka or Kyoto, you can take the Shinkansen to Tokyo Station.
• Domestic Flights: If you're arriving from another region of Japan, you might fly into one of Tokyo's airports, such as Haneda Airport or Narita International Airport. From there, you can take trains or buses to reach JR East stations in Tokyo.
• Walking or Cycling: Depending on your proximity to a JR East station and your preference, you might choose to walk or cycle to the station if it's nearby.
• Taxi or Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber might be convenient options if you're carrying luggage or need door-to-door transportation.
• Driving: If you have access to a car, you can drive to some JR East stations and park in nearby parking lots or garages.

That's some interesting information about JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area. Secure your JR East Pass: Nagano-Niigata Area tickets effortlessly by directly booking through the Traveloka application.