JR East has published three documents last year regarding fare increase and changes in fare schemes. On 2 December, six JR companies including JR East announced that they will discontinue the sale of return (round-trip) tickets in March 2026, which will be a huge blow to long-distance travellers. Four days later, JR East announced a fare increase of 7.1% on average in March 2026 with a lengthy 49-page document. On 10 December, JR East also announced the major upgrade of Suica services called "Suica Renaissance" which this blog article does NOT refer to.
The demise of return tickets
A return ticket is, as the name suggests, a pair of two tickets between two stations. The price is generally twice the single fare, and the entire trip is valid for twice the duration of a single ticket. JR East and other JRs across the country insist that Suica and relevant cards have been widely used and many passengers prefer booking online so that they have decided to terminate the sale of return tickets, claims that are highly dubious.
Most people might think that purchasing a return ticket and buying two single tickets are the same, but there are a few differences. First, if a journey is longer than 601 km, there is a 10% discount ("往復割引", often abbreviated as "復割") for a return ticket. For example, the single fare for a 601 km journey is 9,790 yen, so purchasing two single tickets costs 19,580 yen. However, when the return discount is applied, the price is down to 17,620 yen. The discount is even greater for longer journeys, which travellers have long benefitted from. When the return ticket is discontinued, the discount will also be abolished.
Secondly, a return ticket can be refunded easily in case of major disruptions caused by natural disasters, while it could be difficult for single tickets. What if, for example, one plans to travel from Tokyo to Osaka and go back on the next day, and a train is cancelled on the first day due to a typhoon? In case of a return ticket, they can ask for a full refund even if the train services resume on the second day. However, when it comes to two single tickets, they can only get a full refund for the first ticket, while the second ticket is not eligible for it. Buying tickets separately (purchasing each ticket just before getting on a train) would work well, but given that JR companies urge people to purchase tickets in advance, and ticket offices are always extremely crowded, it is not a sensible idea.
Thirdly, it will be difficult to apply other discounts, such as student discount (20% discount on standard fare tickets, often abbreviated as "学割") or Zipangu Club discount (20-30% discount on both standard fare tickets and limited express tickets, eligible for elderly people). These discounts require a special application form, but it is not unlimited. For example, universities usually issue up to 10-20 forms per year. Students submit one for a return ticket, but after March 2026, they will have to use two forms for a trip.
Scheme changes behind the fare increase
There are a few changes of fare schemes that are not necessarily well-known. First, two fare schemes in Tokyo, namely "電車特定区間 (lit. specific train zone)" and "東京山手線内(lit. Yamanote Line zone)", will be abolished. They were introduced by Japanese National Railways in 1984, cheaper than fares of other "main lines (幹線)" as there has been competition with private railways. After March 2026, commuter lines in Greater Tokyo, Chiba, Ibaraki, Kanagawa and Saitama Prefectures will be classified as "main lines", resulting in a significant fare increase of up to 16.4%.
Furthermore, most of special fares for specific sections, which have been applied for highly competitive routes, will also be abolished. Some commuters might consider shifting from JR East to its rivals. For example, the table below shows the comparison between JR and Tokyo Metro.
| JR East before Mar 2026 | JR East (after Mar 2026) | Tokyo Metro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo - Shinjuku | 210 yen (15 mins) | 260 yen (15 mins) | 210 yen (18 mins) |
| Shibuya - Ueno | 210 yen (32 mins) | 260 yen (32 mins) | 210 yen (27 mins) |
The changes might not look huge, but the difference will be greater when it comes to season tickets. If Tokyo Metro keeps the fares at the present level, Marunouchi Line is likely to be affected the most and get more crowded than today, as it is parallel to Chuo and Yamanote Lines.
Another noticeable change comes to any standard fare tickets that include Tokaido Main Line between Tokyo and Atami. Tokaido Main Line and Tokaido Shinkansen are technically treated as the same line, and thus passengers are free to choose either one.
After March 2026, the basic fare for any ticket including Tokyo, Shinagawa, Yokohama (or Shin-Yokohama), Odawara or Atami stations have to choose which route to go. While long-distance travellers are not likely to be affected, those going to or from eastern Shizuoka Prefecture or western Kanagawa Prefecture should be careful.
Furthermore, a person who misses Limited Express Sunrise Seto or Sunrise Izumo at Tokyo station and wishes to take Shinkansen and catch the night train at Shizuoka station, will have to purchase another standard fare ticket. A stark reminder of the importance of giving oneself extra time (though this is applicable to very few people).
