JR East

JR East History

JR East is the official abbreviation for East Japan Railway Company. It is a major rail-based mass transportation company in Japan under the auspices of the Japan Railways Group (JR Group). JR Group itself is the main railway network in the Land of Sakura. There are seven subsidiaries in the JR Group, and JR East is the largest.

JR East is called JR Higashi-Nihon in Japanese. As the name implies, this company specifically serves train travel in Eastern Japan, including the City of Tokyo. This transportation company is headquartered in Yoyogi 2-2-2, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, precisely next to Shinjuku Station. There are also four JR East branches that are spread globally in New York, London, Singapore, and Paris.

Judging from its origin, the JR East company was officially established on April 1, 1987. The establishment of this company was the result of the disruption of the Japanese National Railways (JNR) which is a Japanese government-owned business entity. Although this solution was classified as a form of privatization, JR East remained a subsidiary of the JNR Settlement Corporation, until it was sold to the public in 2002.

In 2014, JR East has total sales of 27.7 million US dollars, with total profits reaching 1.9 million US dollars. The total market value in the same year reached 28.7 million US dollars, with a total asset value of 68.8 million US dollars. This achievement listed JR East in the "Global 2000" list of Forbes Magazine, precisely ranked 237. Global 2000 is a list of the largest companies in the world according to Forbes Magazine.

Policy

Traveloka is one of the JR East Pass ticket sales service provider. JR East Pass ticket prices are offered based on the choice of seat class and validity period. A number of policies also apply in using JR East Pass tickets.

1. Japan Rail East Pass is only valid for people whose names are listed on the ticket. JR East Pass users must be registered as a temporary visitor visa holder in Japan. Request a temporary visitor stamp from the immigration officer upon your arrival in Japan.
2. JR East Pass tickets can only be used according to the validity period ordered.
3. Seat reservations can be made at the JR East office at the station by showing the JR East Pass Ticket to the relevant officer before boarding.
4. Exchange of JR East Pass tickets is done by showing an Exchange Order (which is obtained after purchasing a JR East Pass), passport, and a temporary visitor stamp on the user's visa to Japan Railways staff. JR East Pass ticket exchange locations are available at Haneda International Airport, Narita International Airport, New Chitose Airport Station, Sapporo Station, Tokyo Station, and Ueno Station.

Services & Facilities

Specifically, JR East carries out the operational responsibilities of the Japan Railways Group (both Metro and Shinkansen) trains, especially for the Greater Tokyo, Tohoku, and Kanto lines. The expansion of JR East's operational area currently includes Niigata, Nagano, Shizuoka and Yamanashi Prefecture. As for the Shinkansen express train, JR East serves commercial travel in the northern hemisphere (besides Hokkaido Shinkansen).

JR East services are divided into three fleet classes, namely Ordinary Cars, Green Cars (First Class Cars), and Gran Cars. The entire fleet has been supported by JR East facilities that prioritize comfort and simplicity through advanced technology. A spacious room, air conditioning, wireless internet connection, up to luxurious and comfortable seats are also embedded in all JR East's fleets.

In addition, service users can also enjoy various other JR East facilities that are not less appealing. From JR East Travel Service Centers that can be easily found in a number of popular airports and areas, free WiFi connections in offices and service outlets, even in the fleet, and up to the JR-EAST Train Info mobile app.

To enjoy JR East services, travelers must purchase JR East Pass tickets, commonly called the Japan Rail East Pass. There are many choices on how to buy JR Pass tickets, from buying directly at the JR Ticket Office or JR Travel Service Center, using the Ticket Vending Machine, up to purchasing online.

Explore Japan With JR East

Traveling east of Japan is no longer complicated when you use JR East services. With JR East Pass, you can enjoy a tour with JR East to the best destinations in the following Sakura Countries:

Tokyo Dome City

Tokyo Dome City offers a destination with complete entertainment for all ages. You can find this destination not far from Suidobashi Station on the JR Sobu Line. As an integrated area, visitors can enjoy entertainment at playgrounds, shopping, enjoying world-class spa treatments, have a luxurious stay, exercising, watching music shows and sports matches.

Tsuruga Castle

Tsuruga Castle is one of the best places to enjoy views of cherry blossoms in Japan. This castle has existed in Tohoku for more than 600 years. The cultural heritage and museum of the Japanese empire are in the middle of a large park that holds thousands of cherry trees. Tourists can reach this castle by taking the Haikara-san Loop Bus from Aizu Wakamatsu Station to Kitademaru-Odori or Tsurugajo Kitaguchi.

Ginzan Onsen

People fill tourist attractions on the borders of Yamagata and Sendai prefectures to enjoy the freshness of natural hot spring baths that are believed to be healthy for the body. The atmosphere of the old city also brings tourists to feel the sensation of life in ancient Japan, especially when staying at a Ryokan (traditional nuanced lodging). Tourists can reach Ginzan Onsen by taking the JR Yamagata Shinkansen and getting off at Oishida Station, then continuing driving for about half an hour.

The Railway Museum

Take the New Shuttle from JR Omiya Station to Tetsudo-Hakubutsukan Station. From there, walk a little to reach The Railway Museum which accommodates various types of rail-based transportation. Here, visitors of all ages can enjoy a variety of interesting activities. For example, seeing an ancient steam train, trying a train conductor simulator, operating a mini train, up to enjoying delicious food at thematic restaurants.

Tobu Zoo

For tourists who come with family, be sure to spend all day at the Tobu Zoo. This zoo offers complete recreation, combining a playground, zoo, horse club and swimming pool. In addition to meeting and interacting with thousands of animals from 120 species, visitors can also enjoy the excitement of playing 30 challenging rides. Tobu Zoo is about 10 minutes walk from the western exit of Tobu-Dobutsu-Koen Station which is on the Tobu Isesaki line.

Now, planning a trip to the eastern part of Japan feels as easy as shopping online. Make sure you check the promotion from Traveloka before buying JR East Pass to be able to enjoy an affordable JR East Pass ticket price.