JR East is launching new discount initiatives aimed at promoting Shinkansen travel following the May holiday. Among the exciting offerings is the 'Shinkansen e-ticket (Toku-dane Special 21)', providing travelers with substantial savings.
From May 12 to May 30, 2025, JR East and JR Hokkaido will offer three special products at 50% off the regular price. This initiative is timed strategically after the major holiday season to attract more riders to the Shinkansen network.
The 'Shinkansen e-ticket (Toku-dane Special 21)' covers various routes including the Tohoku, Hokkaido, and Joetsu Shinkansen lines. For example, travelers will benefit from the ticket pricing between Tokyo and Hakodate, dramatically reducing costs from ¥23,560 to ¥11,770. Similarly, the route from Tokyo to Aomori drops from ¥17,470 to ¥8,730 and from Tokyo to Morioka it is now ¥7,140 instead of ¥14,290.
The ticket is available for online purchase via the 'Ekinet' platform, which enables easy bookings without the need to visit ticket counters. 'Ekinet' not only provides users with options for train tickets but also accommodations and car rentals, making it holistic travel planning.
Another appealing product is the ‘Conventional Line Ticketless Express Ticket (Toku-wari)’, which halves the express fare for popular routes such as the Azusa, Hitachi, and Odoriko trains, making travel options more accessible to frequent commuters. For example, the fare from Shinjuku to Matsumoto on the Azusa drops from ¥2,550 to just ¥1,270.
For those traveling on special express trains like the Tobu direct express ‘Spacia Nikko’ and ‘Kinu-gawa,’ the 'Express Toku-dane Special 21' offers similar discounts, bringing fares down significantly from their regular pricing. The route from Shinjuku to Tobu Nikko sees tickets going for ¥2,040 instead of ¥4,090.
To avail these prices, users need to book their tickets between one month before travel and up to 23:50 on the 21st day prior to their departure. Given the extensive availability of the discount and the various travel options, these initiatives are poised to significantly increase ridership.
JR East emphasizes the ability for travelers to accumulate points through purchases made on the Ekinet platform. JRE POINT is rewarded for each transaction, adding another layer of incentive for tourists and frequent travelers. This integration not only encourages Shinkansen usage but enhances customer loyalty.
Marketing officials stated, "The special version of the 'Toku-dane' tickets offers significant savings for travelers during the peak season." They highlight how these discount campaigns are part of JR East’s strategic effort to promote convenient travel solutions across Japan. This initiative not only makes travel cheaper but also encourages wider exploration of Japan’s vast rail network.
With travel expected to pick up after the holidays, these promotions represent JR East's commitment to enhancing customer experience by making train travel more affordable and accessible. It allows families to plan vacations, business travelers to save costs, and casual tourists to experience the beauty of Japan via the fast and efficient Shinkansen. This campaign could very well change the way travelers approach booking rail travel.
By seamlessly blending discounts, customer-friendly booking technologies, and additional incentives like JRE POINT, JR East sets the stage for potentially higher ridership. This initiative sets forth the notion of convenient, economical, and enjoyable travel experiences for all.