[E-ticket] JR-WEST All Area Pass 7 Day Transport Passes

Must Do Experiences

• Ride the exclusive Hello Kitty Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Hakata for a uniquely charming high-speed rail experience.

• Take a day trip from Kyoto to Miyajima Island to witness the floating torii gate and spot wild deer using your unlimited Sanyo Shinkansen access.

• Explore the historic streets of Kurashiki and the stunning sand dunes of Tottori by utilizing the pass on JR West local and rapid services.

• Travel to the coastal city of Kanazawa to stroll through the breathtaking Kenrokuen Garden and sample fresh seafood at Omicho Market.

Hidden Gems

• Use your pass to reach the lesser-known town of Onomichi, a nostalgic port city famous for its Temple Pilgrimage and stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.

• Hop off at Ikaho to discover the historic silver mines and beautifully preserved Edo-period streetscape, completely bypassed by standard tourist itineraries.

• Take the JR West lines to the rural hot spring town of Kinosaki Onsen, where you can experience traditional tattoo-friendly public baths and willow-lined canals.

What Makes it Special

• Unmatched regional coverage that includes the high-speed Sanyo Shinkansen, connecting major hubs like Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hakata.

• The rare opportunity to ride the officially licensed Hello Kitty Shinkansen without paying any extra express surcharges.

• Complete flexibility to mix high-speed bullet trains with scenic local and rapid JR West lines for deep regional exploration over seven consecutive days.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The pass is incredibly versatile year-round, but spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for vibrant foliage offer the most spectacular window views from the Shinkansen. To avoid the heaviest crowds and secure easy seat reservations on the bullet trains, travel on weekday mornings and avoid major Japanese holidays like Golden Week or Obon.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the iconic Hello Kitty Shinkansen at Shin-Osaka or Hakata stations during the early morning when the platforms are less crowded and the lighting is crisp.

• When photographing the passing landscapes from the train window, use a polarizing filter or hold your camera lens flush against the glass to eliminate interior reflections.

• Respect the privacy of fellow passengers and avoid using flash photography or tripods inside the train carriages and busy station concourses.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Japanese train etiquette is highly respected, so ensure your phone is on silent mode and avoid taking phone calls while inside the carriages. When boarding the Shinkansen, it is customary to slightly bow or nod to the conductor as they enter and exit your carriage. Keep your voice down when conversing with travel companions to maintain the peaceful, quiet atmosphere that Japanese public transport is famous for.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Use your pass in early April to catch the breathtaking cherry blossom tunnels along the JR lines in Kyoto and the Chugoku region.

• Travel in late summer to easily access the vibrant regional festivals and the spectacular fireworks displays over the Seto Inland Sea.

• Ride the Hello Kitty Shinkansen during its special seasonal stamp rallies, where passengers can collect exclusive limited-edition merchandise and station stamps.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Mind the gap between the train and the platform when boarding, especially at older rural stations where the height difference might be more pronounced.

• Keep your valuables and passport secure in a zipped bag or money belt, particularly when sleeping on longer Shinkansen journeys.

• Stay behind the yellow tactile paving lines on station platforms while waiting for high-speed trains to arrive, as they pass through at immense speeds.