Overview of the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass
The JR Group will offer the Aki no Norihodai Pass (Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass) from October 3 to October 18, 2026. The pass gives unlimited rides on local trains and other services across all JR lines nationwide for 3 consecutive days. It was announced on September 14, 2026, and sales begin on September 18. It lets you build a 3-day rail trip using JR lines throughout Japan.
An Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket will also be sold. It allows one one-way trip on sections of the Hokkaido Shinkansen and the Donan Isaribi Railway Line. This article covers eligible trains and sections, prices, sales period, and key points to check before buying.
Key Facts
- Offered by: JR Group
- Product name: Aki no Norihodai Pass (Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass)
- Valid: Any 3 consecutive days between October 3 and October 18, 2026
- On sale: September 18 to October 16, 2026
- Price: ¥7,850 for adults, ¥3,920 for children
- Where to buy: Major JR stations nationwide, JR travel centers, and major travel agencies
Eligible Trains and Sections
JR Local and Rapid Trains (Ordinary Car, Non-Reserved Seats)
For 3 consecutive days within the validity period, you can ride local and rapid trains on JR lines nationwide and hop on and off freely. Coverage is specified as non-reserved seats in ordinary cars. If you plan to use reserved seats or Green Cars, check in advance what additional tickets may be required.
BRT (Bus Rapid Transit)
In addition to JR trains, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) services are also included, giving you another option to combine with rail travel.
JR West Miyajima Ferry
The JR West Miyajima Ferry is included as well. A notable feature of this pass is that it covers travel by boat, not just by rail.
Passing Through Certain Third-Sector Railways
You may pass through four non-JR lines: Aoimori Railway, Ainokaze Toyama Railway, IR Ishikawa Railway, and Hapi-Line Fukui. Although these are not JR lines, they can be included in your itinerary as through routes. Please check the official information before traveling for specific conditions of through use, such as rules on getting on and off at intermediate stations.
Limited Express Trains on Certain Sections (Special Exception)
The pass is generally valid on local and rapid trains, but as a special exception, limited express trains may be used on certain sections. These sections are limited, so be sure to confirm them in advance if you want to include a limited express in your plans.
Price and Value
The pass costs ¥7,850 for adults and ¥3,920 for children. Spread over 3 days, that works out to about ¥2,617 per day for adults and about ¥1,307 per day for children.
The more you travel long distances by connecting local and rapid trains, or stop off at stations along the way for sightseeing, the more you benefit from unlimited rides. On the other hand, for short trips, regular tickets may be cheaper. It is a good idea to compare fares for your planned route before deciding.
Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket
The Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket is designed to be used together with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass.
Eligible Sections
- Hokkaido Shinkansen: Okutsugaru-Imabetsu to Kikonai
- Donan Isaribi Railway Line: Kikonai to Goryokaku
The sections above can be used for one one-way trip. This option is useful if you want to add the section linking Honshu and Hokkaido to your pass itinerary.
Price and Purchase Conditions
- Price: ¥4,650 for adults, ¥2,320 for children
- Number of uses: One one-way trip
- Requirement: A valid Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass must be purchased separately
The option ticket cannot be used on its own; it is intended to be used together with the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass. If you buy both, the total comes to ¥12,500 for adults and ¥6,240 for children.
Sales Period and Locations
Both the Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass and the Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket are on sale from September 18 to October 16, 2026. They are available at major JR stations nationwide, JR travel centers, and major travel agencies.
The validity period is October 3–18, and you use 3 consecutive days within it. To use all 3 days, your start date must be no later than October 16. The last day of sales is also October 16, so if you plan to travel in the latter half of the period, pay attention to when you buy.
Checklist Before You Travel
- Valid for 3 consecutive days only; days cannot be split up
- On JR lines, unlimited rides cover non-reserved seats in ordinary cars on local and rapid trains
- Limited express trains are allowed only on certain sections as a special exception
- Aoimori Railway, Ainokaze Toyama Railway, IR Ishikawa Railway, and Hapi-Line Fukui are for through use
- BRT and the JR West Miyajima Ferry are also covered
- The Hokkaido Shinkansen Option Ticket is valid for one one-way trip only and requires a separate valid Autumn Unlimited Ride Pass
- Sales: September 18 to October 16; validity: October 3 to 18
Who Is This Pass For?
This pass suits travelers who want to take in the scenery from local trains at a relaxed pace. It is also convenient for anyone crossing several prefectures over a long weekend or holiday, or for those who want to explore stations and towns by stopping off along the way. Since the Miyajima Ferry and BRT are included, you can also plan trips that combine rail, boat, and bus. If you want to extend your journey to Hokkaido, consider the option ticket.
Source
This article is based on the information below. Please also check the JR Group official announcements for detailed terms of use.
https://www.traicy.com/posts/20260914381151/