Whether it be because of travel restrictions or your busy schedule, you may not have traveled very much during the past year. Now you definitely have an excuse to stretch your legs and go on an adventure. Companies across Japan, such as JR East, are giving customers the incentive to get around. There are various deals on limited express JR lines, but for select Shinkansen you can receive up to a 50% discount on tickets. Here’s how to get started.
This limited-time offer comes from JR’s online platform Ekinetto. Although there are rarely deep discounts on Shinkansen tickets, the push from travel and tourism companies and prefectures throughout the country has allowed for this kind of deal to be possible. That being said, the promotion will only be available until December 15, so it’s best to grab the available seats while you can.
Getting Your Tickets
There are a few conditions that you must meet to get the tickets. First, the tickets can only be purchased via the JR East Ekinetto website on the Ekinettotokudane page. Once you go to the Japanese-only website, you will need to register an account and purchase your tickets. It’s important to note that you will need to register 20 days before your departure date to get the full 50% off. It might be a bit of a hassle, but having access to some of the most beautiful places in Japan at half the normal price is well worth it.
The half-off Shinkansens you’ll be able to ride go to Hokkaido, Niigata, Miyagi, and Ishikawa prefectures. Any of these places will guarantee a change of scenery, and let you experience local cultures and delicacies.
Experiences That Await
Hokkaido Prefecture is a popular travel spot towards the end of the year, with its snowy resorts and delicious food. Don’t miss out on fresh crab or special Sapporo classic beer if you decide to make a trip there.
Niigata Prefecture’s coasts and mountains are a beautiful backdrop to famous hot springs. There are also beautiful places to stay, such as Yuzkyu Resort where you can experience the outdoors via camping, glamping, tiny houses and more at a discounted rate through GoConnect.
Miyagi Prefecture is home to delicacies such as gyuu-tan, or beef tongue. It is also an area rich in history. The area has ties to the famous one-eyed samurai Date Masamune, who built the Buddhist temple Zuigan-ji in Sendai.
Ishikawa Prefecture is known for its fresh seafood and seaside nature spots. Shiroyone Senmaida is a great spot to overlook the vast rice paddies of the region with the Sea of Japan in the background. Wajima City is also home to some of the most intricate lacquerware in the country, so you can pick up souvenirs from your travels to take home.
These are popular destinations at any time of the year, but the holiday season sees many Japanese people travel back to their hometowns. Make sure you beat the rush. There are so many reasons to travel across Japan, but being able to travel around at half price has to be one of the best. There isn’t much time left to take full advantage of this offer, so make sure you claim your spot. You won't regret it!
