The Obon holiday in 2025 will be up to 9 consecutive holidays. Many people will be traveling or returning home with their pets, and JR Group lines will require a “hand luggage ticket” when boarding trains with pets. This applies not only to Shinkansen trains but also to conventional lines. We asked JR about the rules once again.
The fee is 290 yen per case. Show the case containing the dog or cat at the ticket gate of the boarding station, and a station attendant will issue a “Ticket for Personal Effects” after confirming that the dog or cat is allowed to be brought on board. Payment is by cash only (credit cards and IC cards are not accepted), and tickets cannot be purchased from ticket vending machines.
This “personal effects ticket” is in the form of a “tag” that can be attached to the case, and one is required per case (if it is difficult to attach the tag, be sure to carry it with you and be ready to show it). (If it is difficult to attach the tag to the case, be sure to carry it with you so that you can present it.) The case can be placed at the foot of the seat or on the luggage rack during the ride.
The pet case must not exceed 120 cm in width, depth, and height, and the total weight of the case and the animal must not exceed 10 kg. The backpack, bag, and carry-on types that have become mainstream in recent years are also acceptable, as long as the pet case is sold exclusively for pets.
On the other hand, cloth-like items (such as a dog sling) that do not hold the dog’s body in place are not acceptable, even if the dog’s entire body is in the case, and “showing only the face” is also not acceptable. In case the dog suddenly starts squealing in the car, it is advisable to prepare treats or toys that can be given to the dog from outside the case.
According to JR Tokai, parakeets, rabbits, hamsters, ferrets, and other small animals are also eligible for the “personal effects ticket” as long as they are living creatures. Animals that may harm passengers (beasts of prey or snakes) are not allowed, but turtles and lizards among reptiles are safe.
In fact, this rule of bringing pets on board has existed since the days of Japan National Railways (JNR). When traveling with pets, passengers are advised to purchase a ticket for personal effects and to be considerate of other passengers. We hope that both humans and pets will have a safe and secure family trip.
© Source travel watch
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