Trainline has announced its entrance into Asia through a partnership with JTB, one of the few Japan Rail appointed global wholesalers.
The partnership means that Trainline leisure customers now have full access to the Japan Rail pass, which enables travel on trains across the whole of Japan through one, simple ticket and at a fixed price.
The Japan Rail pass is available to non-Japanese nationals residing outside Japan and provides hassle-free, intuitive access to one of the most technologically-advanced and efficient rail networks in the world.
Trainline leisure customers can choose between the standard Japan Rail pass or the Green pass, for first class travel, opting for a travel period of either seven, 14 or 21 days.
The passes cover national travel on most Shinkansen high-speed trains (known in the UK as the bullet trains), as well as Japan Rail regional trains, bus services operated by Japan Rail and some ferry journeys.
Commenting on the new partnership, Daniel Beutler, general manager, Trainline International, stated: “We’re committed to opening up every rail journey in the world and making international rail travel as simple and hassle-free as possible.
“Our partnership with JTB takes us one step closer to achieving this – our customers across Europe and beyond now have simple and cost-effective access to one of the best rail networks in the world.”
Trainline sells tickets worldwide on behalf of 137 rail and coach companies.
The company recently announced a partnership with Eurail Group to provide Trainline leisure customers with access to Eurail and Interrail passes, which allow rail travel in up to 30 European countries on one ticket.
Clive Buckingham, Japanbound leisure manager at JTB, commented: “The Japan Rail Pass is a very popular product for overseas visitor to Japan, providing great value for exploring the country by train.
“We are very pleased to work together with Trainline to expand the range of train passes they offer.”