Use automatic gates
From 1 April 2020, holders of the JR TOKYO Wide Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass will be able to use automatic gates, instead of manned gates as previously required. This change comes as the tickets have been upgraded from paper cards to machine-readable tickets.
Make seat reservations from vending machines
In addition, holders of these two passes will also be able to make seat reservations for free at Reserved Seat Ticket Vending Machines (指定席販売機) in train stations, as well as at JR Ticket Offices (みどりの窓口 Midori-no-Madoguchi).
East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has published English instructions on how to utilize the Reserved Seat Tcket Vending Machines.
JR TOKYO Wide Pass
The JR TOKYO Wide Pass is a consecutive 3-day pass that allows for unlimited rail travel on valid lines within the Kanto region and a slightly wider area, including Kawaguchiko, the Izu Peninsula, Karuizawa and GALA Yuzawa (winter only). It is perfect for travellers staying in Tokyo and wishing to make day trips out of the city.
Hokuriku Arch Pass
The Hokuriku Arch Pass is a consecutive 7-day pass that allows for unlimited travel between Tokyo and Osaka via the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Thunderbird Express, and includes major cities like Omiya, 나가노, Toyama, Kanazawa, 후쿠이, Kyoto, Kobe, and more. It is recommended for travellers who wish to explore the Hokuriku region.
Header image credit: JR East and JR West
