What is the Tokunai Pass?
The Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass, better known as the Tokunai Pass, is a one-day JR East pass that provides unlimited rides on local and rapid JR trains within Tokyo’s 23 special wards. Fast, flexible, and affordable, it’s ideal for exploring central Tokyo by train. (jreast.co.jp)
2025 Prices & Validity
- Adult (12 years and older): ¥760
- Child (6–11 years): ¥380 (jreast.co.jp)
- Valid for one calendar day, from midnight to midnight (Essential Japan)
These prices remain stable into late 2025, according to JR East. (jreast.co.jp)
Where & How to Buy the Tokunai Pass
Buying the Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass) is quick and easy inside JR East stations across Tokyo’s 23 wards.
Where to purchase
- JR East green ticket machines (reserved-seat ticket vending machines).
- JR ticket counters (Midori-no-Madoguchi) at major stations.
How to buy at the machine (fast steps)
- Tap English → IC/Passes (or “Discount/Free Pass”).
- Choose Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass).
- Select Adult or Child and the date (today/another day).
- Pay by cash, credit card, or IC (options differ by machine).
- Collect your pass and receipt—keep the pass handy for the gates.
Tips
- No passport is required; anyone can buy it.
- The pass is valid for one calendar day on eligible JR lines within the 23 wards.
- If you’ll ride mostly subways, compare with a Tokyo Subway Ticket for value.
- New to JR? Start your day at a big hub like Shinjuku, Tokyo, or Ueno—staff can help.
Explore more Tokyo tips on JapanToVisit.com
Where & How to Use It
Coverage
Covers all JR East local and rapid trains within the 23 wards, including popular lines like:
- Yamanote Line
- Chūō-Sōbu Line
- Keihin-Tōhoku Line
- Saikyō Line
- And other JR lines within central Tokyo
Zone accessible with Tokyo Metropolitan District Pass (Tokunai Pass) JR lines in TokyoNote:
- Shinkansen, limited-express, and reserved-seat trains are not included. (Pitari Japan)
How to Use It at Ticket Gates
Using the Tokunai Pass is simple and works like a regular train ticket:
Don’t forget to pick up your pass as it comes out on the other side.
Insert your Tokunai Pass into the automatic ticket gate.
Walk through the gate.
Purchase Locations
- JR East reserved-seat ticket vending machines inside stations within the 23 wards (jreast.co.jp)
- Also part of Welcome Suica with IC Special Pass, which can include Tokunai—here are the details:
- Until May 30, 2025, JR East offered Welcome Suica with IC Special Pass bundles that preset the Tokunai Pass onto a Suica IC card. (jreast.co.jp)
- After May 30, 2025, these bundle offers were discontinued, so Tokunai Pass must be bought separately. (jreast.co.jp)
Benefits in 2025
- Affordable daily travel – At just ¥760, it’s one of the cheapest ways to travel widely across central Tokyo by JR. (jreast.co.jp)
- Hassle-free – No need to buy individual tickets for every ride — just buy the pass, tap in and out.
- Great for JR line lovers – Perfect if you’re focused on rail routes like the Yamanote or going to areas not easily served by subway.
- Quick savings – Multiple rides quickly justify your purchase—save time and fare. (Essential Japan)
Drawbacks & Things to Keep in Mind
- No subway access – This pass does not cover Tokyo Metro or Toei Subway lines. You might need separate tickets or a subway pass for coverage there. (Pitari Japan)
- Fixed boundary – Only valid within the 23 special wards. Journeys to suburbs like Kichijōji or Tachikawa are not included. (Pitari Japan)
- Not for express services – Cannot be used on limited express or reserved-seat trains without paying extra. (Pitari Japan)
- Activation of IC bundle discontinued – As of mid-2025, the Welcome Suica with IC Special Pass including the Tokunai Pass is no longer on sale. You must now purchase the pass separately. (jreast.co.jp)
How to Maximize Value
To make the Tokunai Pass pay off:
- Use multiple JR line trips in one day: Cross central Tokyo using JR lines multiple times (e.g. Shinjuku → Shibuya → Akihabara → Ueno) to exceed ¥760 in ticket costs. (Essential Japan)
- Visit JR-only spots: Some places like Kasai Rinkai Park, Akabane, or Koiwa are more convenient via JR. (Pitari Japan)
- Combine travel modes wisely: Use Tokunai in the morning for wide JR travel, then switch to a subway pass for afternoon exploration.
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2025 Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price (Adult / Child) | ¥760 / ¥380 |
| Validity | One calendar day (midnight–midnight) |
| Coverage | JR local & rapid trains in 23 wards |
| Excluded | Shinkansen, express, subways |
| Purchase Options | JR reserved-seat machines, counters |
| Notable Change (2025) | IC bundle (Welcome Suica special pass) discontinued after May 30 (jreast.co.jp) |
Final Verdict: Is Tokunai Pass Worth It in 2025?
Absolutely, if your day’s plan involves multiple rides on JR East lines across Tokyo’s core. At just ¥760, it offers great flexibility and savings for travelers and locals alike.
But if most of your touring is on subways, a Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72-hour) may be more cost-effective. Or consider combining passes intelligently: use the Tokunai Pass for JR line-heavy days, and a subway pass for others.
FAQ
Q: Who is the Tokunai Pass for?
Anyone visiting or living in Tokyo who plans to take multiple JR East local or rapid trains in one day within the 23 wards. (jreast.co.jp)
Q: Can tourists and non-Japanese residents buy it?
Yes—there are no nationality restrictions. (Essential Japan)
Q: Can I use this pass late at night or early morning?
Yes, within that calendar day. Just be mindful — if you start a journey before midnight and it ends after, it’s still valid. (Essential Japan)
Q: Is there a 2025 update to IC bundled options?
Yes—JR East discontinued the Welcome Suica with IC Special Pass bundles (including Tokunai) from May 30, 2025 onwards. (jreast.co.jp)
Q: I only need it for one short trip—should I still buy it?
Probably not. It only pays off if you take multiple journeys (often 3 or more JR trips). Otherwise, individual fares might be cheaper. (Essential Japan)
