Latest news with #JapanRailPass
SoraNews24
2 days ago
- SoraNews24
These are Osaka's three best digital rail passes for travelers
Unlimited subway rides, free admission to some of the city's best sightseeing spots, and no paper ticket you need to pick up at a service counter. One of the biggest Japan travel sphere bummers in recent years is the price hike for the Japan Rail Pass, which used to be the go-to choice for visitors looking to travel all across the country at an amazing discount. However, Japan still has plenty of awesome and affordable local rail passes, and today we're looking at three for Osaka. All of these are digital rail passes, meaning that you can purchase them online and use them via your phone, with no need to pick paper passes up at a service counter or dig through your wallet to pull them out every time you're going through a ticket gate. First up is the Surutto Kansai Osaka Amazing Pass, and yeah, it totally deserves that grandiose name. This is the pass for you if you want to see as much of the cool stuff that Osaka has to offer as possible. Available in 1-day (3,500 yen [US$24]) or 2-day (5,000 yen) versions, this pass gives you unlimited rides on the Osaka Metro subway network, and also unlimited of the vast majority of Osaka City Bus and Hankyu, Hanshin, Keihan, Kintetsu, and Nankai train lines within Osaka City. How this pass really earns the 'awesome' part of its name, though, is by giving you free admission to nearly 40 sightseeing attractions in Osaka, including some of the city's most iconic spots and activities including the Umeda Sky Building observatory (one of Japan's best 'travel experiences in the sky'), Dotonbori river cruises, Tsutentaku Tower, and Osaka Castle. If you've got a more focused itinerary, there's also the Osaka Metro 26-hour Ticket (1,100 yen for adults, 550 yen for kids) and its more expansive sibling the Osaka Metro 48-hour Ticket (1,800/900 yen). These give you unlimited subway network rides for their periods, and as a nice perk the clock doesn't start running until you activate your ticket for your first ride, so if you're getting an afternoon start to your sightseeing you'll be able to use your pass the next morning too. Being lower-priced, these passes don't get you into places for free like the Surutto Kansai Osaka Amazing Pass does, but they still get you admission discounts of around 10 percent at a number of attractions and museums, including the main keep of Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building observatory. Rounding out our trio of Osaka ticket passes is the Osaka Smart Access Pass (1,200 yen), which combines unlimited use of the Osaka Metro network and free rides on nearby portions of JR West lines, which aren't covered by either by the other two passes. The JR area includes the Osaka Loop Line, Yumesaki Line, and access to Shin-Osaka and JR Namba Stations, meaning it can be used for traveling to/from Universal Studios Japan (and its Super Nintendo World area), which is on the Yumesaki Line. Full purchase details for each pass can be found on the Osaka Metro website here. Source: Osaka Metro Top image ©SoraNews24 Insert image: Osaka Amazing Pass official website, SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
What's On
3 days ago
- What's On
One travel expert on how to plan the perfect trip to Japan
Japan is a country of contrasts. From ancient temples steeped in centuries of legends, to modern vending machines dropping everything from hot corn soup to the delights of yakitori in a can, this country of calm chaos is one of the safest and easiest countries to travel around. While many of us carry postcards in our minds of iconic snapshots of Tokyo's neon lights, snowcapped Mount Fuji or Kyoto's geishas gliding past wooden teahouses, Japan offers a layered tapestry that blends tradition with innovation. Whether you're planning to check that dream cherry blossom trip off your bucket list, taking the road less travelled during shoulder season, or exploring the countryside to savour cups of tea with monks, Japan is home to experiences unlike anywhere else. Image: Andrew Marty With a variety of flight options from the UAE, Japan is accessible, and once there, it is very easy to navigate around for groups, families or solo adventure seekers. The Japan Rail Pass is essential when travelling between cities and must be purchased before arriving in Japan. This pass allows you hop on and off most Japan Rail trains, including the Shinkansen (bullet train), allowing you to go from seeing the green blur of rice paddies through passing train windows, to the popular swirl of a cup of matcha being whisked in one of the back alleys of Tokyo – hassle free and in the blink of an eye. Image: Andrew Marty Japan thrives on contradictions – it's a country that is incredibly progressive and modern, while remaining fiercely traditional, frenetic and serene. Taking in the must-see sights, particularly on a first-time visit, will feed an Instagram fuelled appetite, but don't be afraid to step off the regular tourist path – spend a night in a capsule hotel, belt out karaoke until the early hours of the morning, taste the strangest items on the menu, and learn to love a convenience food store (trust me, they are life-changing)! Image: Andrew Marty One word of advice on any trip to Japan, is to not rush. Embrace the quirks and lean into the whispers of locals, wander through the quirky villages, and if you stay here long enough or surrender to the current that will inevitably draw you back, you'll notice the choreography in the rituals of the tea ceremony that match the falling drops on a commuters umbrella on a rainy morning. Every corner of the country offers unique theatre, and you will find yourself with a front row seat. Where to Stay Luxury : Aman Tokyo, Hoshinoya Kyoto, Park Hyatt Tokyo. : Aman Tokyo, Hoshinoya Kyoto, Park Hyatt Tokyo. Mid-range : Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Cross Hotel Osaka, Mitsui Garden Hotel. : Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, Cross Hotel Osaka, Mitsui Garden Hotel. Budget : Capsule hotels (like Nine Hours), Toyoko Inn. : Capsule hotels (like Nine Hours), Toyoko Inn. Traditional: Try a ryokan (traditional inn) in Kyoto, Hakone, or Takayama for tatami rooms, futons, and multi-course Japanese dinners. Must-Visit Cities & Regions Tokyo Japan's capital is a sprawling metropolis that mixes ancient shrines with futuristic skyscrapers. Highlights: Shibuya Crossing : The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. : The world's busiest pedestrian crossing. Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple : Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. : Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Harajuku : Fashion central, and Meiji Shrine is just nearby. : Fashion central, and Meiji Shrine is just nearby. Odaiba: Waterfront area with shopping, entertainment, and Rainbow Bridge views. Culinary stops not to miss in Tokyo: Ushigoro – The beef is so tender it will make you tear. Hachibei – Skewered chicken, cooked with divine intervention. Bochi Bochi – Japanese pancakes deserving of a Nobel Prize. RyuGin – A three star Michelin Star private dining experience like no other (reservations are accompanied by a pre-arrival contract). Sushi Shin – A branch of Hokkaido's Michelin three star Sushi Miyakawa Kirin Sushi – Disguised down an alley, simple and delicious Kyoto Image: Andrew Marty Once Japan's capital, Kyoto is the cultural heartland of the country, home to over 1,000 temples. Highlights: Fushimi Inari Shrine : Famous for its thousands of red torii gates. : Famous for its thousands of red torii gates. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove : A dreamy bamboo forest near the river. : A dreamy bamboo forest near the river. Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A Zen temple covered in gold leaf. Osaka Image: Andrew Marty A more relaxed and food-focused city, Osaka is known for its nightlife and street food. Highlights: Minami & Dotonbori : Neon lights and delicious eats (takoyaki, okonomiyaki). : Neon lights and delicious eats (takoyaki, okonomiyaki). Osaka Castle : A picturesque historical site. : A picturesque historical site. Universal Studios Japan: Great for families and movie lovers. Hiroshima A city with a tragic past and a hopeful spirit. Highlights: Peace Memorial Park & Museum : A moving tribute to those lost in the atomic bomb. : A moving tribute to those lost in the atomic bomb. Miyajima Island: Known for the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Hakone Ideal for a day trip or overnight stay from Tokyo. Highlights: Hot springs (onsen) . . Views of Mount Fuji: From Lake Ashi or the Hakone Ropeway. From Lake Ashi or the Hakone Ropeway. Open-Air Museum: Home to works by Picasso and Henry Moore. Words: Zahirah Marty, Images Andrew Marty > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
SoraNews24
10-07-2025
- SoraNews24
Japan Airlines is giving away free domestic flights to international tourists
Find out how you can take advantage of this special offer. If you've been to Tokyo recently, you'll know how overly crowded it is, with record-breaking numbers of international visitors flying into Japan and making the city their first tourist destination. Meanwhile, in the Japanese countryside, however, peaceful, quiet communities with dwindling populations are crying out for tourists, and Japan Airlines (JAL) plans to get them there, by giving away free domestic plane tickets to overseas visitors. It's a win-win for international tourists, who get to snag a free plane ticket to any of JAL's 64 domestic destinations, and cities outside of Tokyo that might otherwise be overlooked or deemed too difficult to get to. Far-flung destinations like Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido, for instance, or Naha on the southern islands of Okinawa, are now more easily accessible, putting them on the radar for visitors who may have never thought to travel there before. ▼ Okinawa's tropical climate and white-sand beaches now look even more enticing. In order to take advantage of the offer, travellers must book their international flight to Japan with JAL and make the booking for the free domestic leg with the same reservation. The deal is currently available to visitors from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Travellers are encouraged to head straight from the international airport to the domestic one, with a stopover fee of US$100 for arrivals from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and a fee of CNY 300 for China arrivals, if their stay in the initial arrival city exceeds 24 hours. Other countries get an even better deal as they are exempt from this fee so they can head to their domestic destination whenever they like during their stay, free of charge. The complementary flight covers one segment of the domestic journey, which means you can arrive in Tokyo, hop on a plane to Osaka and then leisurely explore the area and surrounding sites like Kyoto by train before travelling back to Tokyo by Shinkansen for your flight home. This would ultimately save you around 13,870 yen (US$94.62), which is the approximate cost of travelling one-way from Tokyo to Osaka by Shinkansen. More intrepid explorers might want to follow the same mode of travel, only to more off-the-beaten path destinations like Kagoshima, where you can visit a convenience store at an active volcano. ▼ The beauty of Kagoshima awaits. If the free trip has you preferring to fly back to Tokyo domestically, you can do that at a special discount by taking advantage of these little-known special offers from JAL and ANA, which are also exclusively available to overseas residents. These offers open up a whole new way of travelling for visitors who previously only thought to solely use the train after arriving in Japan. With the Japan Rail Pass not as good a deal as it was before the massive price hike, travelling by plane is now an option that's definitely worth considering, and with no end-date announced for the free flight offer, there's never been a better time to start dreaming of those unexplored rural places you've always had on your bucket list and start making them a reality. Source: Japan Airlines Top image: Pakutaso Insert images ©SoraNews24 ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
SoraNews24
09-07-2025
- SoraNews24
Japanese airlines offer discounted fares to international tourists
JAL and ANA have surprising deals that allow you to see more of Japan while saving time and money. When you're planning a trip to Japan, you might find yourself umming and ahhing over whether or not to purchase the Japan Rail Pass, which used to be a great deal for exploring the country by train… before they raised the prices. But did you know that travelling around the country by plane might be a better option? Not a lot of people are aware of it, but the top two Japanese airlines, JAL and ANA, have special deals exclusively for foreign visitors that are designed to save you time and money, and give you better access to off-the-beaten path destinations in Japan. Both deals require your permanent residence to be outside of Japan and you must possess an international airline ticket to and from Japan. Only flights during your stay qualify for the special offer and you'll need to show your passport at check-in. If you meet those requirements, then read on to find out how you can start exploring Japan on a discount, starting with the offer from ANA, which is called the ANA Discover Japan Fare. The ANA deal is only available until 28 March 2026, with new bookings closing on 18 May, and you can purchase it up to 355 days before boarding. It must be booked and purchased at least three days before departure, via the ANA website or through ANA offices or travel agents outside Japan, with no refunds or changes after purchase. The JAL deal, called the JAL Japan Explorer Pass, has no end-date as of yet, and it too, must be purchased at least three days before departure, with no refunds or changes after purchase. Unlike the ANA deal, however, the JAL Explorer Pass can only be purchased from JAL websites outside of Japan, using English or local-language sites only. In addition to having less purchase options than ANA, the JAL offer has two other main drawbacks, although they may not be major dealbreakers for international visitors. Firstly, the JAL Japan Explorer Pass is exclusively for foreign passport holders, while the ANA offer can also be purchased by Japanese passport holders with international airline tickets and permanent residency outside Japan. Secondly, ANA serves more domestic airports than JAL, and because codeshare flights operated by partner airlines aren't included in the deal, you'll have your choice of roughly 50 airports nationwide with ANA, compared to roughly 30 with JAL. As for prices, however, both offer substantial discounts, with the same three fare tiers — 5,500 yen (US$37.44), 7,700 yen, or 11,000 yen per segment, depending on distance. While fares are displayed at the time of booking, an example of a return trip from Tokyo to Osaka shows how much you can save, as it'll cost you 7,700 yen each way, totaling 15,400 yen for a round trip compared to 29,000 yen for regular-priced airfares during standard seasons and over 42,000 yen during peak seasons. Even comparing it to the bullet train shows there are savings to be had, as the JAL and ANA deals will cost you roughly half the price of a return trip from Tokyo to Osaka on the Hikari Shinkansen, which generally costs 28,800 yen. Flying even further afield, say to Hokkaido or Okinawa, will give you even more savings, both in money and time. Travelling from Tokyo to the tonkotsu ramen paradise of Hakata in Fukuoka, for example, will only take you an hour and 40 minutes by plane, compared to roughly five-and-a-half hours on the Shinkansen. If you're worried about luggage, don't be — the deals allow for two pieces of free check-in baggage, up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds) per item, which is more generous than the standard domestic baggage allowance on regular domestic fares, which is typically one piece up to 20 kilograms. You can also accrue mileage points on these deals, making them even more tempting for frequent travellers. So whether you're thinking about exploring the abandoned railway that runs through a bamboo forest in Tottori Prefecture or the mysterious octagonal tunnel hidden in the mountains of Kyushu, these deals are well worth looking into. They'll help to expand your options when travelling and allow you to pack even more into your Japan itinerary, so you can discover more than you ever thought possible. Sources: ANA Discover Japan Fare, JAL Explorer Pass Top image: Pakutaso Insert images: Pakutaso (1, 2) ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
SoraNews24
20-06-2025
- SoraNews24
New unlimited-ride JR Japan rail pass is perfect for a laid-back trip in east and northeast Japan
Taking your time in Kanto, Tohoku, and Chubu? This might be just the pass for you. Following a huge price increase for the nationwide, Shinkansen-inclusive Japan Rail Pass and new restrictions regarding the use of the all-across-Japan Seishun 18 Ticket, many travelers are saying the bloom is off the rose for what used to be Japan's two best-loved train passes. But as good gardeners and flora fans know, flowers are seasonal things, and even as one or two types wither there's usually another beautiful unfolding ready to take place, which is something that's happening in the rail pass world as well. As of June 18, East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is offering a new East Japan Nonbiri Tabi Pass, or East Japan Laid-back Journey Pass. This three-day pass allows for unlimited rides through JR East's rail network that covers Japan's eastern Kanto and northeastern Tohoku regions, as well as parts of the Chubu region in Nagano, Shizuoka, Niigata, and Yamanashi Prefectures. ▼ A map of the usable area for the East Japan Nonbiri Tabi Pass As for the Nonbiri/Laid-back part of the name, that's because JR is billing this as a pass for people looking for an 'unhurried' style of travel, as the pass can be used for regular and rapid-class trains, but not special express or Shinkansen rides. But since this is a regional pass you won't be using it to travel all the way from one end of Japan to the other, and so with a little planning, it could save you a nice chunk of cash. The East Japan Nonbiri Tabi Pass is priced at just 9,000 yen (US$62). To put that in perspective, the one-way standard/rapid-train fare from Tokyo Station to Nikko is already 2,600 yen. It's 5,000 yen one-way to Nagano, so even if all you did was ride from Tokyo to there and back, the pass would pay for itself, and the same goes for a trip between Tokyo and Sendai (6,400 yen one-way). In its announcement for the pass, JR East put together two model itineraries, one using Tokyo as a starting point for a day trip to Ito in Shizuoka Prefecture on Day 1, then heading from Tokyo to the beautiful mountain temple town of Nikko for an overnight stay on Day 2 (via Utsunomiya, with a stopover to enjoy the town's famous gyoza, no doubt) before heading back to Tokyo on Day 3. Another option would be a longer round-trip route, going from Tokyo to Niigata on the Sea of Japan coast, spending the night there before going over to Akita in Tohoku for your second night, and then returning to Tokyo on the final day. ▼ Akita's hydrangea temple Unshoji seems like an especially great stop to make on a laid-back journey. The East Japan Nonbiri Tabi Pass is available exclusively through JR East's Ekinet online ticketing service, and can be purchased up to one month before your desired activation date. The pass can be used for any three consecutive days between July 1 and December 26, with the exception of the Obon summer holiday period between August 10 and 19. Related: Ekinet, East Japan Nonbiri Tabi Pass webpage Source: PR Times, JR East via Tokyo Shimbun Top image: Pakutaso Insert images: JR East, PR Times ● Want to hear about SoraNews24's latest articles as soon as they're published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
