TOKYO - JR East has announced its first-ever time-limited discount sale offering up to 60% off Shinkansen fares, with tickets available through its online reservation platform, Ekinet.
The promotion applies to select routes and is available in two sales phases: tickets for travel between June 2nd and 11th go on sale starting May 22nd, while tickets for June 12th to 22nd are available from May 23rd, with limited seating for each.
The discount is offered through the “Shinkansen e-ticket” system, which allows passengers to enter gates using a transportation IC card. Eligible trains include the Akita Shinkansen "Komachi", the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa", and portions of the Joetsu Shinkansen "Toki" line. For example, a standard one-way fare from Tokyo to Akita, normally 17,820 yen, will be reduced to 7,120 yen—saving over 10,000 yen.
The deal has been met with enthusiasm from potential travelers, with many saying the lower prices offer a compelling reason to travel. Aviation and travel analyst Kotaro Toriumi said the move is aimed at easing congestion in urban areas and encouraging more travel to regional destinations before the summer holiday rush, ultimately boosting local economies.
Toriumi recommended several destinations ideal for early summer travel, even during Japan's rainy season. For the Akita Shinkansen, he suggested getting off at Shizukuishi in Iwate to visit Koiwai Farm, cycling around Lake Tazawa in Akita, or enjoying local specialties such as sake and kiritanpo in the Akita City area.
For those taking the Joetsu Shinkansen, Toriumi recommended continuing on to Niigata and boarding a ferry to Sado Island, a registered World Heritage site. Another option is visiting Shibata City in Niigata Prefecture to view irises at the “Shibata Ayame Festival,” where around 600,000 irises of 300 varieties bloom across a vast 18,000 square meter field, typically peaking in mid-June.
On the Yamagata Shinkansen, hot spring enthusiasts can visit destinations such as Hijiori Onsen, Zao, or Kaminoyama Onsen. The sale period also coincides with cherry season, allowing travelers to enjoy fresh cherries alongside their stay.
According to Toriumi, even he had "never heard of a 60% discount on the Shinkansen," and noted that demand is expected to be high. As tickets may sell out quickly, early planning is advised.
Source: FNN
