The “Thank You Chiba Free Pass,” offering two days of unlimited travel on trains, buses, and ferries in Chiba Prefecture, goes on sale August 1. The covered area has been expanded this fiscal year.

Editor in Chief

2 months ago

Prices are 4,170 yen for adults and 2,080 yen for children. The validity period is divided into two seasons: fall and early spring. The fall season runs from September 1 to October 31 (tickets go on sale August 1), and the early spring season runs from January 4 to February 28, 2027 (tickets go on sale December 4). Tickets can be purchased at designated ticket vending machines at major JR stations in Chiba Prefecture and at Kurihama Station.

Chiba Prefecture, in collaboration with 15 local transportation operators—including JR East—will release the fiscal year 2026 edition of the “Thank You Chiba Free Pass,” which offers two days of unlimited travel on trains, local buses, and ferries.

Routes Eligible for the Free Area

Railways: JR lines in Chiba Prefecture, Isumi Railway, Kominato Railway, Choshi Electric Railway, Nagareyama Railway, Hokuso Railway, Keisei Electric Railway, Shibayama Railway, and Toyo Rapid Railway

*Passengers on the “Isumi Railway,” which is currently suspended along its entire line, can use the replacement bus service.

Buses: Kominato Railway, Kujukuri Railway, Keisei Bus Chiba East, Keisei Taxi East, JR Bus Kanto, Nitto Kotsu (designated routes of each company)

Ferry: Tokyo Bay Ferry (Kanaya Port–Kurihama Port)

Within the Free Area, passengers can board and alight at will on non-reserved seats in ordinary cars on JR local trains (including rapid services), designated routes operated by various rail and bus companies, and the Tokyo Bay Ferry. This fiscal year, the Free Area has been expanded with the addition of the Toyo Rapid Railway. Additionally, English language displays are available on ticket faces and ticket vending machine screens for foreign travelers.

As a special benefit, by presenting your Free Pass at participating stores, you can receive a 5% discount on purchases at select NewDays stores east of Chiba Station; a rare paper ticket with purchases of 500 yen or more at the Choshi Electric Railway Nakanocho Station shop; and a 5% discount on purchases at the Kanaya Port Ferry Terminal shop.

In addition, visitors can rent bicycles for free at the tourist information centers located in front of 12 stations within the free area, including Sakura Station and Otaki Station.