The JR San’in-Okayama Area Pass allows for unlimited use of JR local, rapid and express trains in the northern Chugoku area for 4 consecutive days. It includes popular tourist spots such as Okayama, Kurashiki, Tottori and Matsue, as well as access to near Izumo-Taisha.
What does it cost?
Bought before entering Japan: Adults 4500 yen (about $45), Children 2250 (about $22)
Bought in Japan: Adults 5000 yen, Children 2500 yen
When can I use it?
Anytime.
Is it worth it?
If you make one trip up to a northern city such as Tottori (or the opposite) and back around, the pass will start paying for itself pretty quickly. This is even if you compare prices with highway buses.
What are the rules?
- For use only in northern Chugoku,
- Usable on local, rapid and express trains,
- You cannot use on non-JR (national rail) trains,
- Only available to people with Tourist Visas,
- Only non-reserved seats,
- The pass cannot be used on the Shinkansen.
Where can I buy it?
You can buy in Japan, but it is 500 yen cheaper to buy before at a travel agent or online.
How do I use it?
Activating a pass differs according to who you buy it from, so check with the company you purchased from. You are usually given a slip which you then take to a JR train station, then exchange for a pass (you will need to show your passport).
Once you have your ticket, just show it to the station staff at the ticket gates and they will let you in. They will stamp the pass on the first day of use.
Pass Map
Links
Matthew Baxter 