Ticket to Ride
Whether you're planning a long distance trip or taking the train to the next station,
there's no need to pay full fare. Discounts abound for those who are aware of them. In the
first of a two-part series, Jeffrey Strain explains a variety of ways to save on every train ride you take.
Japan Railways (JR) offers a number of discount tickets to those living in Japan which can
save you a significant amount of money. The main problem is that you're probably not aware
of them. JR doesn't publish pamphlets on these discounts in English although they are
available in Japanese (ask for the JR "Waku Waku Odekake" ticket guide
at major JR stations). You can contact the JR East Infoline (03-3423-0111) to receive
English information about discounts available, but you'll need to know the name of the
discount for which you want information. The following are samples of the discount deals
available to those without a temporary visitor visa.
Kaisuken
Kaisuken are a standard discount available on most forms of transportation in Japan which
will save you about ten percent between destinations. Instead of buying individual tickets
to and from destinations you regularly visit, you buy a booklet of eleven tickets between
the stations for the price of ten. Kaisuken on JR are good for travel in either direction
and for a three month period. Kaisuken can be bought directly from JR ticket vending
machines. For those not proficient in Japanese, it may be difficult to figure out how to
purchase these tickets the first time. If you ask a friend or a JR employee for help,
however, you should have no problems purchasing them by yourself thereafter.
Commuter passes
Commuter passes (tsukin teiki) can save you money if you travel round-trip
between two stations at least five times a week. You can buy commuter passes for one,
three, or six-month time periods, with the savings increasing for the longer period
purchased. If you travel less than five days each week between stations, then kaisuken can
sometimes be a better deal, so it's worth comparing. A similar commuter pass for students
(tsugaku teiki) is available with even greater savings. You must fill out a form
to get a commuter pass, so it's advisable to take a friend proficient in Japanese the
first time you apply for this discount.
Jipangu Club
For men 65 years of age or older, women 60 years of age or older or couples where one
spouse is 65 years of age or older, JR offers a discount club membership called the
Jipangu Club. The yearly membership fee is \3670 for an individual or \6120 for a couple.
Joining this club entitles members to discounts on 20 ticket purchases over 201
kilometers, including bullet train tickets. The first three tickets purchased receive a
20% discount and each additional ticket thereafter receives a 30% discount. Some
restrictions apply, such as blackout periods from April 27 to May 6, August 11 to 20 and
December 28 to January 6. Membership forms are available at JR stations.
In Part 2: More JR discounts, including savings on long-distance travel.
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