Do I need to disembark when crossing a Japan Rail pass zone boundary?
Say I have a JR West Kansai–Hiroshima Area Pass, which covers travel between Kurashiki and Sōja, and I take the train from Kurashiki to Izumo(shi), which goes through Sōja.
Is it necessary that I either disembark and exit ticket gates at Sōja (where the pass’s validity zone ends) or buy a full ticket from Kurashiki to Izumoshi?
Or can I buy a fare ticket from only Sōja to Izumoshi, embark at Kurashiki, ride all the way to Izumoshi, disembark and talk to station staff at Izumoshi to let me out (explaining that the Kurashiki–Sōja section is covered by my pass)? Can I assume that automatic gates won’t work because I can’t activate the ticket at Kurashiki?
Do the same rules apply to limited express tickets?
Best Answer
What I would do is ask the station staff manning the gate at Kurashiki, explain that you are going to Izumoshi and show your pass. It is likely he can issue you a ticket that will take you all the way to Izumoshi and ask for the fare difference between Soja and Izumoshi. I'm pretty sure the staff are used to cases like yours.
Of course, you could exit Soja and reenter with a separate paid ticket (or use an IC card) to carry on. Or you could just go straight to Izumoshi from Kurashiki and talk with the staff there, and he will charge you the difference in fare. But paying ahead gives you peace of mind and lets you enjoy your trip more.
As for limited express tickets, according to the page you linked, the area pass does not cover limited express tickets, and you will be required to purchase one separately. So if you do, you will have paid for the full Kurashiki-Izumoshi trip anyway. (Note that you don't need to buy a limited express ticket if you're using the non-reserved seating).
Pictures about "Do I need to disembark when crossing a Japan Rail pass zone boundary?"
How do train passes work in Japan?
You must bring the physical Exchange Order with you to Japan and when you arrive you must visit a Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office. There you can exchange it for the actual JR Pass. You're now able to travel with your pass and simply need to display it at the train station ticket gate.Where does the Japan Rail Pass take you?
It provides unlimited access to all Japan Railways National trains and also to the fast 'Shinkansen' bullet trains that connect most of the main cities, like Tokyo to Kyoto, in Japan and which will take you to the county's biggest and best attractions.Does the JR Pass cover all of Japan?
JR is the largest train company and covers travel around the whole of Japan using the world famous bullet trains. Subways, Metros, and non JR trains are not covered by the Japan rail pass.Can I use Japan Rail Pass on Shinkansen?
The PASS is valid on all Japan Railways (JR) Group Shinkansen \u201cbullet trains\u201d (except for the \u201cNOZOMI\u201d and \u201cMIZUHO\u201d trains), limited express trains, express trains, and local trains (Green Car passes are valid for Green Car travel) in addition to the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit system).More answers regarding do I need to disembark when crossing a Japan Rail pass zone boundary?
Answer 2
You may also consider buying the Sanyo-San'in Area Pass instead.
It's ¥5,700 more expensive, but in return:
- 2 more days of validity, i.e. 7 days in total
- Izumoshi is included in the area
- Seat reservations without additional fares
The fare of a single, one-way, non-reservation seats, limited express train from Soja to Izumoshi is ¥5,610. It appears that the more expensive pass might be a better deal, also with less hassle.
Answer 3
I think the answer is actually "yes, because you can't use your pass for the limited express".
If you are going to Izumoshi, then you will be travelling on the Hakubi Line, and use the Limited Express "Yakumo". However, the page of the Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass says that the limited express trains covered are:
Non-reserved seats on Express Trains 'HARUKA, KUROSHIO, THUNDERBIRD, KOUNOTORI, SUPER HAKUTO (Kyoto?Kamigori) etc.'
Apparently this pass doesn't cover travel on the Yakumo. So the only option is to disembark at Soja and change to the Limited Express there.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Abby Chung, Satoshi Hirayama, Armin Rimoldi, Felix Haumann