 |
|
|
|
| |
The member companies of Japan Railways are constantly improving rail service for their millions of passengers by introducing new amenities on trains, increasing service, adding new facilities in stations and expanding information for travelers. In addition JR is always working to make the rail system responsive to the ecological and energy needs of a new century. Read below for some of the changes that may make your rail travel in Japan even more convenient and comfortable.
|
|
|
 |
| |
Past News: January - March 2007
|
| Mar 18, 2007 - JR EAST: DIRECT RAIL SERVICE TO SENDAI AIRPORT |
East Japan Railway (JR East) has initiated direct train service between downtown Sendai Station and Sendai Airport via Sendai Airport Transit with a travel time of only 17 minutes compared with 40 minutes by car. Two to three trains operate every hour in each direction. The one-way fare is ¥630 and the JR East Suica IC card can be used. |
|
|
|
| Mar 18, 2007 -
JR EAST: SUICA CARD NOW COVERS NON-JR MASS TRANSIT IN THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN AREA |
East Japan Railway (JR East) Suica IC card now covers non-JR trains (subways and private railways) and many buses in the Tokyo metropolitan area. It also covers JR East lines in the Sendai and Niigata areas, as well as West Japan Railway (JR West) lines in the Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe areas. JR East has also begun sale of its new discount Suica & N’EX Ticket for foreign visitors arriving at Narita Airport.
Suica is a ‘smart card’ that is easy to use: just touch it above a scanner to enter or exit platform areas in stations. It can also be used at thousands of shops carrying the Suica or PASMO logos. The price is ¥2,000 (¥1,500 credit and ¥500 deposit). Additional money can be added to the card at any time and the card has no limit to validity.
> See details (JR East page)
|
| Feb 08, 2007 - JAPAN RAILWAYS 20TH ANNIVERSARY
SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON NATIONWIDE “SEISHUN 18 KIPPU”: MARCH 1 TO APRIL 10 |
In 1987 the former JNR (Japanese National Railways) was privatized to create the JR (Japan Railways) Group. To celebrate 20 years of excellence in rail service, Japan Railways Group is offering a special discount rate of 8,000 yen on Seishun 18 Kippu in the Spring 2007.
It will be on sale from 20 February through 31 March, and can be used from 1 March through 10 April. The reduced rate will return to the standard price of 11,500 yen when the ticket is sold for use in the summer (20 July to 10 September, 2007) and next winter (10 December 2007 to 20 January 2008). |
|
|
|
| Jan 12, 2007 - JR Bulletin Vol.56 Posted |
| Jan 10, 2007 - JR EAST: NEW SUICA & N’EX TICKET DUE IN MARCH |
 |
|
On Wednesday, 28 March 2007, East Japan Railway (JR East) will introduce its new discount Suica & N’EX ticket at a price of ¥3,500, on sale at the JR stations in both terminals of Narita Airport. The N’EX part of this new package offers foreign visitors (anyone entering the country on a non-Japanese passport) a discount fare on the Narita Express one way from the airport stations to any point in the JR Tokyo Urban Zone. |
This includes popular downtown destinations such as Tokyo Station, Shinagawa, Shinjuku or Ikebukuro, as well as more distant spots such as Yokohama and Ofuna. The ticket covers reserved seats in Ordinary (coach class) cars on N’EX. Savings run from ¥1,440 for Tokyo Station to ¥3,000 for Ofuna. The ticket also allows local train connections from N’EX stations to other JR stations in the JR Tokyo Urban Zone.
The Suica card included in this package allows ¥1,500 worth of travel on most local trains (both JR and non-JR) and many buses in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Suica is a ‘smart card’ that is easy to use: just touch it above a scanner to enter or exit station platform areas. It can also be used at thousands of shops carrying the Suica or PASMO logo. Additional money can be added to the Suica card at any time and the card has no limit to validity. For anyone planning a stay of several days in Tokyo, and who is not using a Japan Rail Pass or a JR East Pass during that time, the Suica & N’EX ticket will be a great advantage. You may wish to plan a trip using the Suica & N’EX ticket for your first few days in Japan and then use a Japan Rail Pass for later travel to Kyoto and other long-distance trips. Please note that this new ticket will only be sold at the JR stations in both terminals of Narita Airport ; credit cards are accepted. There will be no similar discount fare to the airport so plan to use the ticket on arrival.
Price comparison (Japanese Yen)
*Suica sales price is 2,000 yen (1,500 yen credit and 500 yen deposit)
From
Narita Airport / Airport Terminal 2
|
“Suica & N’EX” |
Full price ticket during normal season in ordinary car + Suica |
Saving |
| To |
|
|
|
| Tokyo
|
3,500 |
2,940 + 2,000 = 4,940 |
1,440 |
| Shinjuku / Ikebukuro |
3,500
|
3,110 + 2,000 = 5,110
|
1,610 |
| Omiya
|
3,500
|
3,740 + 2,000 = 5,740 |
2,240 |
Yokohama
|
3,500
|
4,180 + 2,000 = 6,180
|
2,680 |
| Hachioji / Takao / Ofuna / Kamakura (need change at Ofuna or Yokohama to local train) |
3,500
|
4,500 + 2,000 = 6,500 |
3,000 |
> See details (JR East page) |
|
|
