Kanto Area Pass

Above, this is the area the JR Kanto Area Pass covers. Map: JR East Railway Co.

Suppose you went on vacation to Japan, but didn't pick up a JR Rail Pass voucher (you have to buy them in your home country) to exchange for a JR Rail Pass in Japan. But, you want to venture out of Tokyo, but not too far and want to save some cash. What can you do?

Well, you're in luck! JR East has a rail pass you can purchase in Japan. All you'll need is your foreign passport.

Gaijinpot.com (via Tokyo Cheapo) has posted an article on the JR Kanto Area Rail Pass.

Here's some of what it says:

The JR Kanto Area Pass feels like the cheap rail pass that JR forgot about. While all the unlimited travel passes are only available to foreign tourists, this particular pass is open to anyone with a foreign passport – I even purchased one using an expired passport. 

So what’s the deal? Unlimited travel within the greater Kanto area for 3 consecutive days on ANY JR train – including the Shinkansen – for 8,300yen. Kids get the pass for 4,200yen. 

If you’re stuck in the sweltering heat island of Tokyo, this is the ideal pass for a weekend away or for a quick circuit of some of the slightly far flung (and cooler) points of interest in the Kanto region. 

Unlike the other rail passes, you won't need a voucher from your home country to get it. Just present your foreign passport and yen. Remember, it is only good for three consecutive days.

To read the rest, go here.