The JR Group will begin selling the 2026 “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass” (Aki no Norihodai Pass) on September 18, 2026. The pass offers unlimited travel on local and rapid JR trains across Japan for three consecutive days.
The pass can be used from October 3 to October 18, 2026, and costs ¥7,850 for adults and ¥3,920 for children.
The “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket”, which allows travelers to cross between Honshu and Hokkaido using the Hokkaido Shinkansen, will also go on sale at the same time. Together, these limited-time tickets offer an affordable way to enjoy rail travel across Japan this autumn.
Key Highlights
- Unlimited JR train travel across Japan for three consecutive days The pass mainly covers non-reserved ordinary-class seats on local and rapid JR trains.
- ¥7,850 (about US$48) for adults and ¥3,920 (about US$24) for children The pass is valid for three consecutive days from a selected start date between October 3 and October 16, 2026.
- BRT services and the JR West Miyajima Ferry are also included Special rules also allow through travel on certain sections of third-sector railway lines.
- Limited express trains can be used on certain sections Special exceptions apply to certain sections where local train services are limited, including parts of the Sekisho Line and Muroran Main Line.
- Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket also available The option ticket allows a one-way journey on the Hokkaido Shinkansen between Shin-Aomori and Kikonai, as well as on the South Hokkaido Railway between Kikonai and Goryokaku.
2026 Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass: Sales and Travel Period
| Sales Period | September 18 – October 16, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Travel Period | October 3 – October 18, 2026 |
| Validity | 3 consecutive days from the selected start date |
| Adult | ¥7,850 (about US$48) |
| Child | ¥3,920 (about US$24) |
The latest possible travel start date is October 16, 2026, allowing the pass to remain valid through October 18.
Each pass is valid for one person only. A single pass cannot be shared by multiple travelers, and two children cannot share one pass.
You must select your travel start date when purchasing the pass. It will then remain valid for three consecutive days from that date.
Where to Buy the Pass
The “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass” and the “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket” will be available for purchase at the following locations:
- Major JR stations across Japan, including reserved-seat ticket machines
- JR travel centers
- Major travel agencies
The travel start date can be changed once, as long as the pass has not yet been used and the applicable conditions are met.
Refunds for the “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass” are available only before travel begins, or during the validity period if the pass has not been used. A refund fee of ¥220 (about US$1.40) per pass applies.
For the Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket, refunds are available only if both ticket portions are unused and refunded together. A ¥440 (about US$2.70) refund fee will be deducted.
Once you have started using the “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass,” no refund will be provided due to train cancellations or delays.
Unlimited Travel on JR Local and Rapid Trains Across Japan
The “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass” offers unlimited travel in non-reserved ordinary-class seats on local and rapid JR trains across Japan.
In addition to JR trains, the pass can also be used on the following BRT services and the JR West Miyajima Ferry:
- Kesennuma Line BRT: Yanaizu–Kesennuma
- Ofunato Line BRT: Kesennuma–Sakari
- Hitahikosan Line BRT: Soeda–Hita
- JR West Miyajima Ferry
When using the JR West Miyajima Ferry, a separate ¥100 Miyajima Visitor Tax must be paid in addition to the pass.
The “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass” can also be used at automatic ticket gates.
Travel on Selected Third-Sector Railways, Including Aoimori Railway
When traveling between JR lines via designated third-sector railway lines and returning to a JR line on the same day, the pass can also be used on the following sections:
| Railway Company | Eligible Section | Stations Where Stopovers Are Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Aoimori Railway | Aomori–Hachinohe | Aomori, Noheji, Hachinohe |
| Ainokaze Toyama Railway | Toyama–Kurikara | Toyama, Takaoka |
| IR Ishikawa Railway | Kurikara–Tsubata | Tsubata |
| Hapi-Line Fukui | Tsuruga–Echizen-Hanando | Tsuruga, Echizen-Hanando |
This special exception applies only when traveling through the designated third-sector railway sections to connect between JR lines.
If you exit at a station other than one of the designated stopover stations, travel beyond an eligible section, or otherwise travel outside the conditions of this exception, you will need to pay the separate fare for the entire journey on the third-sector railway.
Shinkansen and Limited Express Trains Are Generally Not Included
With the “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass,” limited express and express trains, including the Shinkansen, generally cannot be used.
If you wish to travel on a limited express or express train, you will need to purchase a separate base fare ticket in addition to the required limited express or express ticket.
Similarly, if you wish to use a reserved Green Car seat on a local or rapid train, you will need to purchase the required Green Car ticket and base fare ticket separately.
However, when traveling only between Shin-Aomori and Aomori, passengers may use an available ordinary-class seat on local or rapid trains that operate with reserved seating only.
Limited Express Trains Can Be Used on Certain Sections
Due to limited local train services and other operational circumstances, special exceptions allow passengers to use limited express trains on certain sections.
| Line | Eligible Section | Eligible Seating |
|---|---|---|
| Sekisho Line | Shintoku–Shin-Yubari | Available ordinary-class reserved seats |
| Muroran Main Line | Higashi-Muroran–Muroran | Available ordinary-class reserved seats |
| Ou Main Line | Shin-Aomori–Aomori | Ordinary-class non-reserved seats |
| Sasebo Line | Haiki–Sasebo | Ordinary-class non-reserved seats |
| Miyazaki Airport Line | Miyazaki Airport–Miyazaki | Ordinary-class non-reserved seats |
Special conditions apply to the Sekisho Line, Muroran Main Line, and Ou Main Line, including a requirement that your journey begin and end within the designated section.
If you remain on the same limited express train beyond an eligible section, you will need to purchase the appropriate separate base fare ticket and limited express ticket for the applicable journey.
Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket Costs ¥4,650 (About US$29) for Adults
When traveling between Honshu and Hokkaido, you can combine the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass with the “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket.”
| Sales Period | September 18 – October 18, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Travel Period | October 3 – October 18, 2026 |
| Adult | ¥4,650 (about US$29) |
| Child | ¥2,320 (about US$14) |
| Number of Trips | One-way journey per person |
The option ticket cannot be used on its own and must be used together with a valid Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass.
It is valid only on the travel date selected at the time of purchase. Once use has begun, the ticket cannot be transferred or lent to another person.
Travel on the Hokkaido Shinkansen Between Shin-Aomori and Kikonai
The Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket consists of two ticket portions: a “Hokkaido Shinkansen Ticket” and a “South Hokkaido Railway Ticket.”
| Hokkaido Shinkansen | Shin-Aomori–Kikonai | Available ordinary-class seats |
|---|---|---|
| South Hokkaido Railway | Kikonai–Goryokaku | Local trains |
The option ticket allows one one-way journey when these two sections are used consecutively.
When traveling on the Hokkaido Shinkansen, insert both your “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass” and “Hokkaido Shinkansen Ticket” into the automatic ticket gate at the same time.
When traveling on the South Hokkaido Railway, present both your “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass” and “South Hokkaido Railway Ticket” to railway staff.
You cannot begin your journey at an intermediate station. On the South Hokkaido Railway, stopovers are not permitted except at Kikonai Station.
Important Notes When Using the Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket
The option ticket alone cannot be used if you reserve a specific ordinary-class seat on the Hokkaido Shinkansen or wish to travel in the Green Car or GranClass.
In these cases, you must purchase a separate base fare ticket in addition to the required limited express ticket, Green Car ticket, GranClass ticket, or other applicable ticket.
If you travel on the Shinkansen beyond the Shin-Aomori–Kikonai section, you will need to pay the applicable fare and Shinkansen charges for your entire Shinkansen journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass be available in 2026?
Yes. The 2026 Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass will go on sale on September 18, 2026.
The travel period runs from October 3 to October 18, 2026.
How many days can I use the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
The pass is valid for three consecutive days starting from the travel date selected when you purchase it.
You cannot choose three separate non-consecutive days.
How much does the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass cost?
The 2026 pass costs ¥7,850 (about US$48) for adults and ¥3,920 (about US$24) for children.
Each pass is valid for one person only.
Can I ride the Shinkansen with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
As a general rule, the Shinkansen is not included.
If you wish to travel on the Shinkansen, you will normally need to purchase a separate base fare ticket and Shinkansen limited express ticket.
Can I ride the Hokkaido Shinkansen with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
Yes. By combining the pass with the “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket,” you can travel on the Hokkaido Shinkansen between Shin-Aomori and Kikonai.
The option ticket costs ¥4,650 (about US$29) for adults and ¥2,320 (about US$14) for children. It allows one one-way journey per person, including travel on the South Hokkaido Railway between Kikonai and Goryokaku.
Can I use limited express trains with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
As a general rule, limited express and express trains are not included.
However, special exceptions apply to certain sections, including the Sekisho Line between Shintoku and Shin-Yubari, where limited express trains can be used under specified conditions.
Can I use reserved seats on local trains with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
Yes. You can use ordinary-class reserved seats on local and rapid trains by purchasing a separate reserved-seat ticket.
Different rules apply to limited express trains and the Shinkansen.
Can I use Green Cars with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
You can use non-reserved Green Car seats on local and rapid trains by purchasing a separate Green Car ticket.
If you wish to use a reserved Green Car seat, you will also need to purchase a separate base fare ticket and any other required tickets.
Can children use the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
Yes. A child version of the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass is available.
The child fare for the 2026 pass is ¥3,920 (about US$24).
Can I share the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass with family or friends?
No. A single pass cannot be shared by multiple people.
Even when traveling together, each traveler must purchase their own pass.
Can I use automatic ticket gates with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
Yes. The Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass can be used at automatic ticket gates.
When using the Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket between Shin-Aomori and Kikonai, insert both the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass and Hokkaido Shinkansen Ticket into the automatic ticket gate at the same time.
Can I make stopovers with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
Yes. You can get on and off trains freely within eligible JR sections.
However, when using special through-travel exceptions on certain third-sector railway lines, stopovers are permitted only at designated stations.
Can I use non-JR railway lines with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
The pass primarily covers JR lines, but under certain conditions, you can also travel on designated sections of the Aoimori Railway, Ainokaze Toyama Railway, IR Ishikawa Railway, and Hapi-Line Fukui.
Specific conditions apply, such as traveling from a JR line via an eligible third-sector railway section and transferring back to a JR line on the same day.
Can I use BRT services and ferries with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
Yes. The pass can be used on the Kesennuma Line BRT, Ofunato Line BRT, Hitahikosan Line BRT, and JR West Miyajima Ferry.
When using the JR West Miyajima Ferry, a separate ¥100 (about US$0.60) Miyajima Visitor Tax is required.
Where can I buy the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
The pass can be purchased at major JR stations across Japan, including reserved-seat ticket machines, as well as JR travel centers and major travel agencies.
Purchase the pass during the sales period and select your travel start date when buying it.
Can I get a refund for the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
A refund is available before the validity period begins, or during the validity period if the pass remains unused. A refund fee of ¥220 (about US$1.40) per pass applies.
No refund will be provided for train cancellations or delays once you have started using the pass.
Can I change the start date of the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
Yes. You can change the travel start date once, provided the pass remains unused and the change is made before the validity period begins or while the pass is still valid.
Can I travel from Tokyo to Osaka using only the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass?
Yes. You can travel from Tokyo to Osaka by connecting between eligible local and rapid trains.
However, the journey takes many hours, and total travel time can vary significantly depending on train schedules and connections. We recommend checking your route and connections in advance.
Planning an Overnight Trip?
Booking your hotel early is recommended, especially during popular travel periods.
Compare flight prices on Skyscanner to find affordable fares for your trip.
Conclusion
The JR Group will begin selling the “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass” and the “Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket” on September 18, 2026, offering an affordable way to explore Japan by train this autumn.
- Unlimited travel on eligible JR local and rapid trains across Japan for three consecutive days
- Valid from October 3 to October 18, 2026, with prices of ¥7,850 (about US$48) for adults and ¥3,920 (about US$24) for children
- Also covers selected BRT services, the JR West Miyajima Ferry, and designated sections of some third-sector railways
- Special exceptions allow limited express trains to be used on certain sections
- With the ¥4,650 (about US$29) adult Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket, travelers can also use the Hokkaido Shinkansen between Shin-Aomori and Kikonai and the South Hokkaido Railway between Kikonai and Goryokaku
Whether you are planning a rail journey across Japan using local and rapid trains or traveling from Honshu to Hokkaido with the option ticket, the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass offers a flexible and affordable way to explore Japan by rail during the autumn travel season. (Image: JR Hokkaido)
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