Tuesday, February 20, 2024
The East Japan Railway Company has recently unveiled an innovative travel initiative named the ‘Hokuriku Ouen Free Ticket,’ aimed at bolstering the economic revival of Northwestern Japan. This initiative introduces a four-day travel pass that enables significant savings across unscathed territories within the prefectures of Ishikawa, Toyama, and Fukui.
Available for purchase at a discounted price, this pass is on sale until March 11 and is valid for travel until March 15. Distinguishing itself from typical discount travel passes that are generally reserved for international tourists, the Hokuriku Ouen Free Ticket extends its eligibility to include both local Japanese residents and foreign nationals residing in Japan.
The pass offers an exceptional deal, including a round trip via shinkansen from Tokyo to Hokuriku and unlimited travel on specified routes within the region. Travelers have the option to commence their journey from either Tokyo or Ueno Station, heading towards various destinations in Hokuriku. For the outbound trip, passengers are entitled to reserved seats on either the Kagayaki or Hakutaka-class shinkansen, whereas the return journey offers unreserved seating options.
To contextualize the financial benefits of the pass, a standard round trip from Tokyo to Kanazawa typically a discounted fare for a non-reserved seat on the shinkansen. By opting for this pass, travelers can enjoy a saving of 28 percent. Similarly, for those interested in visiting Fukui prefecture, the regular fare for a round trip to Obama Station is a discounted fare, thus the pass represents a 41 percent discount.
For the initial segment of the trip from Tokyo to the Hokuriku region, travelers are allocated reserved seats in the regular cars of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, choosing between the Kagayaki or Hakutaka services. Conversely, the return journey to Tokyo mandates the use of non-reserved seats in the regular cars on the Hakutaka Shinkansen.
Beyond facilitating travel to and from Tokyo, the ticket enables unrestricted access to an array of transportation options within the designated Hokuriku Free Area. This includes unlimited use of the JR West Japan Line, Ainokaze Toyama Railway Line, and the IR Ishikawa Railway Line. Pass holders can take advantage of unlimited travel on limited express trains (including shinkansen), express trains, and local trains for four consecutive days, offering a comprehensive opportunity to explore the rich cultural and natural landscape of the region.
The introduction of the Hokuriku Ouen Free Ticket is anticipated to have a profound impact on local tourism, from the outset to the conclusion of the campaign. By making travel more accessible and affordable, this initiative is expected to attract a broader audience, including both Japanese locals and international residents, thereby stimulating economic activity and promoting Northwestern Japan as a key destination for travelers seeking to discover the country’s diverse attractions.
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