Hey Wanderlusters! If you love discovering Japan by train, we’ve got exciting news for you. JR East Japan has brought back an even better travel deal called the “Travel on Weekdays! JR East Tabi-Kyun Early-Bird Pass”, often called the Kyun Pass. This pass gives you unlimited weekday rides on JR East trains — including high-speed Shinkansen and limited express services — all for a flat, easy price.

What makes this deal so great is that it isn’t just for local trains. With the Kyun Pass, you can explore a huge swath of Eastern Japan quickly and affordably — from quick day trips to spontaneous overnight rides. Best of all, it’s designed for weekday explorers like you!

“Travel on Weekdays! JR East Tabi-Kyun Early-Bird Pass” Details

• Pass Name: Travel on Weekdays! JR East Tabi-Kyun Early-Bird Pass (commonly “Kyun Pass”)
• Price: ¥10,000 for a 1-day pass / ¥18,000 for a 2-day pass
• Valid Days: Weekdays only — unlimited rides on each valid day
• Usage Window: Valid during the special seasonal period (typically winter to early spring weekdays)
• Sales Window: Sold online via Ekinet from one month before travel up to 14 days before use
• Who Can Use It: Adults only (no child fare available)
• Covered Lines: JR East lines plus connected local lines including Aoimori Railway, Iwate Galaxy Railway, Sanriku Railway, Hokuhoku Express, and the Echigo Tokimeki Railway (Naoetsu–Arai)
• Train Types Included: Unlimited boarding on ordinary and rapid trains, non-reserved seats on limited express and Shinkansen, and even some BRT services. Reserved seats are also available up to 2 times on a 1-day pass and up to 4 times on a 2-day pass (when reserved ahead of time).

This pass lets you hop on and off JR East trains all day long on valid weekdays — perfect for hitting Tohoku, Hokuriku, and other scenic regions without worrying about individual ticket costs. It’s especially great if you plan a round-trip or a sequence of day trips out of Tokyo, Sendai, Niigata, or other hubs where JR lines intersect.

Why the Kyun Pass is Worth It

• Unbeatable value: For ¥10,000 you can ride Shinkansen and local trains all day — a bargain compared to buying separate tickets on long routes.
• Flexible travel: Unlimited rides mean you can explore as much as you want without planning every ticket in advance.
• Reserved seat perks: You can secure a reserved seat a handful of times at no extra fare, making longer journeys more comfortable.
• Coverage beyond JR East: Lines operated by partner railways are included, letting you access even more places off the beaten path.

One of the best parts of the Kyun Pass is how it blends high-speed travel with local charm. You could take a morning Shinkansen to a coastal city, spend the afternoon exploring, and then ride back in the evening — all on the same pass. For seasoned travelers and newcomers alike, this opens up a world of easy, affordable weekday exploration.

How to Buy Your Kyun Pass

Tickets are sold exclusively online through JR East’s Ekinet reservation system. You’ll need to register an account, then choose your travel start date within the allowed sales window (typically from one month to 14 days before the date you want to use the pass). Once purchased, you can collect your pass at a station ticket machine or counter before your trip.

Because this pass is only valid on weekdays, we recommend planning your itinerary in advance so you make the most of your travel day. If you’re visiting during a season where most travelers head out on weekends, this weekday option can be a smart way to avoid crowds and save money.

Tips for Making the Most of It

• Reserve seats early: Although the pass includes reserved seat usage, these are limited — snag them as soon as your travel window opens.
• Plan strategic routes: Use high-speed trains in the morning and local trains in the afternoon to see more places in one day.
• Combine with local events: Many towns along JR East lines host winter and early spring events — perfect for pairing with a Kyun Pass trip. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Don’t miss this chance to explore Japan on your terms — whether you’re day-tripping to scenic coastal towns, chasing seasonal food spots, or sampling regional culture, the Kyun Pass makes weekday rail travel more accessible and memorable than ever.

Ready to hit the rails? Visit the official site here: JR East “Travel on Weekdays! Tabi-Kyun Early-Bird Pass” page.

JR East Kyun Pass 2024