#Japan #Tokyo #JR East #JAL MaaS #Eki-net

JAL and Eki-net Join Forces to Revolutionize Travel

In an exciting new development for travelers, Japan Airlines (JAL) and East Japan Railway Company (JR East) have announced a partnership that will simplify the travel booking process for passengers beginning on September 4, 2025. This collaboration will integrate JAL's Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platform with JR East's Eki-net reservation service, marking a significant step in the evolution of travel in Japan.

Seamless Travel Experience

JAL, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, has been pioneering the MaaS initiative since its launch in 2022. The platform aims to provide travelers with a cohesive travel experience, integrating aviation with various land transportation options such as buses, trains, and ferries. With this upcoming alliance, users will now have the capability to purchase JR East train tickets through the JAL MaaS route search functionality. Passengers will experience a streamlined process, eliminating any stress associated with coordinating multiple transport modes.

This collaboration is a game-changer, particularly for individuals looking to visit new destinations across East Japan and Hokkaido. By allowing direct access to JR ticket purchases during route searches, JAL and Eki-net are opening doors previously unavailable to travelers, fostering new connections and experiences across the Japanese archipelago.

Booking Details

The booking feature will become available one month plus six days before the intended train travel date, allowing users ample time to finalize their travel plans. During the booking process via JAL MaaS, users will encounter a 'Buy Now' button when searching for applicable shinkansen (bullet train) or limited express services. A click on this button will lead users directly to the Eki-net reservation screen, where they can effortlessly secure their tickets.

What is JAL MaaS?

The JAL MaaS platform simplifies the process of planning travel to and from airports, serving as a one-stop shop for transport reservations and logistics. Users can receive route suggestions tailored to their needs and manage their tickets directly from their smartphones. Additionally, JAL's service features a variety of offerings that allow customers to earn JAL miles, enhancing the travel experience further. For more information, visit JAL MaaS.

Exploring Eki-net

Eki-net is JR East's user-friendly service that enables quick and easy reservation and ticket purchase for shinkansen and limited express trains via smartphones or computers. Passengers can take advantage of discounted products such as the Shinkansen e-ticket (Toku-dane) and ticketless express tickets (Toku-wari), providing convenience and savings. Please note that a user account with Eki-net is required for ticket purchases. For more details, check out Eki-net.

Conclusion

The JAL and Eki-net collaboration is poised to redefine travel in Japan, offering travelers an innovative and efficient way to experience the country’s rich cultural tapestry. With seamless integration of services, passengers can focus on enjoying their journeys while JAL and JR East handle the logistics. This partnership marks a new chapter in travel convenience, setting the stage for a future of connected transport options.