Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass user guide. Perfect deal to travel Takayama, Kanazawa, Toyama, Shirakawago from Nagoya or Osaka

shirakawago winterRail pass for visitors
Tanabata festival decoration in Takayama ©Y.Shimizu/©JNTO
Tanabata festival decoration in Takayama ©Y.Shimizu/©JNTO

This train pass has been very popular to travel Kanazawa, Takayama and Shirakawago. The train route to these destinations from Nagoya and Osaka are covered. However there are some restrictions. You may be confused how you use this pass.

In this post, I will clarify the condition and the coverage area of this pass. You will find what you can do and what you cannot do by this pass in this post. I also compare the price of pass and a regular fare. You will easily find how you can get the worth of this pass.

Who is eligible

Visitors who land as “Temporary Visitor” status can purchase this pass.

Types, prices and conditions

There is only 5-day pass.

Purchasing placeAdultChild (6-11yrs)
Overseas travel agent
(Before arrival in Japan)
14,260 yen7,130 yen
At the designated station
(After arrival in Japan
15,280 yen7,640 yen
Online15,280 yen7,640 yen

*5 year old or younger child is free. Maximum 2 children per one adult. But one of your adult traveler must share the seat with the child who is 5 years old or younger.

The pass must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.

e.g.
If you start to use 5 days pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 5.

You may book a reserved seat on the train up to 4 times by this pass. This four times booking seat fee is covered. But you cannot book a seat on the limited express Haruka and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. This four times reservation does not include Nohi bus reservation. I will tell you about this restriction later.

Sales location

You can purchase this pass before or after you arrive in Japan. If you purchase an exchange order of this pass, the price is 1,000 yen cheaper than the price in Japan. You can find the sales location list in the official site in the link below:

Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass official site

Coverage area and valid transportation

Kentrokuen garden is one of three best Japanese Gardens.  ©JTA/ ©JNTO
Kentrokuen garden is one of three best Japanese Gardens. ©JTA/ ©JNTO

The pass covers Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Gero, Gifu and Nagoya. Please see the coverage map below:

The coverage area of this pass is blue shaded.

Basically this pass covers JR trains, Nohi Bus and Kaetsuno Bus in the coverage area. I would like to show you the key train and bus services one by one.

The limited express Haruka and Kansai Airport Rapid train

The limited express Haruka connects Kansai airport, Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto.

Haruka operation route shown by a bold red line

If you start using this pass right after you arrive in Kansai airport, you may take this train. This train has both reserved seat car and non reserved seat car. But this pass covers only non reserved seat car. This train does not stop at Osaka. Please see the link below to find more information about Haruka:

Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka

If you cannot take Haruka, you can take Kansai Airport Rapid train too. This is a sort of commute trains. Haruka has nicer interior.

Kansai Airport Rapid Service

Local train services in downtown Osaka

This pass covers a local train in Osaka, such as Osaka Kanjo line (Osaka loop line). You can get many places by this pass in Osaka. Please see the link below to find the information about JR local train service in Osaka:

The limited express Thunderbird (Osaka, Kyoto – Kanazawa)

This train is a primary way to get Kanazawa from Osaka or Kyoto.

The limited express Thunderbird operation route shown by a bold red line

You can book a reserved seat on this train by this pass. But you have to make a reservation after you arrive in Japan.

Nohi Bus (Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama), Kaetsuno Bus (Shin Takaoka – Shirakawago)

Both bus services are shown by a green line in the coverage map above.

Most of you take Nohi Bus to get Shirakawago. You also take this bus when you move between Takayama and Kanazawa. All bus services between Kanazawa and Shirakawago requires an advanced booking. You cannot book online and you have to make a call to book a seat. A few bus services can be taken without reservation between Takayama and Shirakawago. You can find the phone number and timetable in the link below:

Nohi Bus official site

If you want to visit Ainokura, Suganuma and/or Gokayama, you will take Kaetsuno Bus. Reservation is not required.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kanazawa – Toyama)

The Shinkansen train runs very frequently between Kanazawa and Toyama.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen route which is covered by this pass. (shown by a red bold line)

This pass does not allow you to book a seat on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. There are three kinds of trains running on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Those are Kagayaki, Hakutaka and Tsurugi. But the fastest train “Kagayaki” does not have any non reserved seat cars. You have to take other two trains, Hakutaka or Tsurugi on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Usually Tsurugi has lots of empty seats and easily can take a seat in non reserved cars.

Please find more details about the Hokuriku Shinkansen in the following link:

Find your hotels in 400 cities throughout Japan!!!

Hotels in Takayama
Hotels in Kanazawa
Hotels in Shirakawago

The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama – Toyama)

This is very popular train to get Takayama. The scenery is very nice from this train.

Limited Express Wide View Hida operation route (shown by a bold red line)

This train runs once an hour in daytime between Nagoya and Takayama. But this train runs only a few times between Takayama and Toyama. If you cannot take this train between Toyama and Takayama, you can take a local train. But there is no direct local train between Toyama and Takayama. You have to change trains at Inotani between Takayama and Toyama.

Please see the link below to find more information about Wide View Hida:

You can book a reserved seat on this train by this pass. But you have to make a reservation after you arrive in Japan.

Train which is not covered at all or partially

This pass does not cover any train services between Gifu and Kyoto. This means you cannot make a circle tour by this pass. I would like to show you some trains which are not covered by this pass and how much you have to pay extra.

The Tokaido Shinkansen (Nagoya – Kyoto – Shin Osaka)

It is not covered at all. Even though the Shinkansen runs partially between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka in the coverage area, it is not covered at all. You may consider using Platt Kodama if you want to take the Shinkansen between Nagoya and Kyoto/Shin-Osaka.

Osaka departure of the limited express Wide View Hida (Osaka – Kyoto – Gifu – Takayama)

One round trip of Wide View Hida runs between Osaka and Takayama. However this train runs outside the coverage area partially.

This train runs outside the coverage area between Kyoto and Gifu.

If you take this train, you have to pay for Kyoto – Gifu. The one way extra cost (the base fare and the reserved seat fee) is around 4,500 yen. The reserved seat fee is covered in the coverage area. But you have to use two of four times seat booking for Takayama – Gifu and Osaka – Kyoto. If you take this route, you have to book a seat for both inside coverage area and outside coverage area at same time. You can get a same seat all the way.

The limited express Shirasagi (Kanazawa – Nagoya)

If you move between Nagoya and Kanazawa, the limited express Shirasagi is the fastest way. However this train runs outside the coverage area partially.

The segment between Tsuruga and Gifu is outside the coverage area.

If you take this train, you have to pay for Tsuruga – Gifu. The one way extra cost (the base fare and the reserved seat fee) is around 3,500 yen. Reserved seat fee is covered in the coverage area. But you have to use two of four times seat booking for Nagoya – Gifu and Kanazawa – Tsuruga. If you take this route, you have to book a seat for both inside coverage area and outside coverage area at same time. You can get a same seat all the way.

If you want to avoid this extra cost, you can take one of these following routes:

  • The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Toyama), the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Toyama – Kanazawa)
  • The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama), Nohi Bus (Takayama – Kanazawa)

These routes are covered but the trip time is much longer than the limited express Shirasagi. If you take the limited express Shirasagi, the trip time is about 3 hours to get Nagoya from Kanazawa without changing trains. But if you take one of these above routes, the travel time is about 4.5 hours and you have to change trains or train/bus. Please think which choice is better for you, spending 1.5 hours or spending 3,360 yen.

Local train service in downtown Kyoto

You can get Kyoto by this pass. But after you arrive in Kyoto, this pass does not help you at all. You cannot get even some spots in Kyoto by this pass. JR lines connect Arashiyama and Fushimi from Kyoto station. But this pass does not cover these lines.

Trip to Nara, Trip to Kobe

These cities are a step away from Kyoto or Osaka. But these cities are not in the coverage area. Please do not think using this pass even partially. Just pay as you go or think about using other deal:

Compare cost between pass and single fare

First of all, please see the fare table for major segments below. These fares are approximate and may be varied by the seasonality:

One way fare

Kansai airport – Shin-Osaka by Limited Express NON reserved seat2,500 yen
Kansai airport – Kyoto by Limited Express NON reserved seat3,000 yen
Osaka – Kanazawa by Limited Express reserved seat7,800 yen
Kyoto – Kanazawa by Limited Express reserved seat7,000 yen
Nagoya – Takayama by Limited Express reserved seat6,000 yen
Toyama – Takayama by Limited Express reserved seat3,500 yen
Toyama – Kanazawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen NON reserved seat2,900 yen
Kanazawa – Shirakawago by Nohi bus2,000 yen
Takayama – Shirakawago by Nohi bus2,600 yen
Kanazawa – Takayama by Nohi bus3,600 yen
Shirakawago – Shin-Takaoka by Kaetsuno bus1,800 yen

You may find more information about the access to Takayama and Kanazawa at the links below:

You can find the timetable of the limited express Wide View Hida, Thunderbird, and Shirasagi in the link below:

Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine

Assessment

This deal is highly recommended if you visit Takayama, Shirakawago and/or Kanazawa from Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya. Especially the coverage of Nohi Bus and Kaetsuno Bus offers a big deal.

I hope this post helps you to build your trip plan.

Comments

  1. Vincent says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    I will be visiting Osaka and Kyoto on 23 Nov arriving at Kansai Airport.

    There so many passes in Kansai area, would like your advice which pass is more appropriate for me.

    This is my suggested itinerary
    23-Nov: Arrive at Kansai Airport 930pm and Namba (Hotel)
    24-Nov: Aquarium and Universal Studio
    25/26-Nov: In Osaka
    27-Nov: Himeji Castle and to Kyoto (Hotel)
    28-Nov: Kyoto to Kanazawa and Shirakawago (Should we go to Takayama and Gero? Or no time)
    29/30-Nov, 1-Dec: in Kyoto (e.g. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama, Ginkaku, Central Kyoto
    2-Dec: Kyoto and to Kansai Airport 1130pm

    Which pass is suitable?
    – Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass
    – Kansai Thru Pass
    – Kansai WIDE Area Pass
    – JR West Kansai Area Pass
    – or others?

    Thank you very much

    Cheers

  2. WP says:

    Hi Takeshi San,

    I plan to go Hokkaido on 3 Dec to 14 Dec family trip, 2 adults and 2 kids. Below is the places that we plan to go:

    Sapporo – Jozankei (Sapporo Ski Resort) – noboribetsu ,Toyaka – Hakodate – Sapporo

    Please kindly what pass that I should get for my trip.

    Thank you in advance.

  3. Assanuk says:

    Hi Takeshi -San
    We have total of 4 adults We decide to go to Japan this Dec.
    Pls advise me what kind of pass is more convenient for us.
    21/12 – Arrive Nagoya
    22/12 – Nagoya to Takayama
    23/12 – Takayama to Shirakawago to Takayama
    24/12 – Takayama to Nagoya to Tokyo
    25/12 –Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko
    26/12 –Fujikawaguchiko to Tokyo to Osaka
    27/12 –Osaka to Kyoto , Nara
    28/12 –Departure from Kansai Airport
    Regards
    Assanuk

  4. Catherine Chia says:

    Hello Takeshi San

    I need your advice on which pass is the most economical for my daughter & I for this December. Buy the JR pass 7 days then buy the Hokuriku Area Pass or just get the 14 days JR pass for the schedule below

    1-3 Dec Tokyo
    3 Dec Kyoto – Nishiki market etc
    4 Dec Kyoto – Fushimi Inari & Nara
    5 Dec Kyoto – USJ
    6 Dec Kyoto – Kanazawa
    7 Dec Kanazawa – Shirakawa-go
    8 Dec Kanazawa – Nozawa Onsen
    9 Dec Nozawa Onsen – Ski / Snow monkey park
    10 Dec Nozawa Onsen – Ski
    11 Dec Nozawa Onsen – Tokyo
    12 Dec Tokyo
    13 Dec Tokyo
    14 Dec Tokyo – Bangkok

    Thank you in advance

    • Hi Catherine san,

      It’s very tough to choose the deals. 7 days pass is too short as you notice. Roughly total fares for this 14 days trip is around 40,000 to 42,000 yen. JR pass 14 days is still higher than this total fares. But if you have side trip, such as visit Nikko, Kamakura, Fuji when you are in Tokyo, it may work.

      If you really save your cost, single ticket and local deals (like subway pass in Tokyo and Kyoto) may be better. But JR pass is much easier to handle. I still recommend you to use 14 days JR pass.

      By the way JR pass 7 days and Hokuriku area pass are not good choices. You have to pay for lots of extra even if you use these two passes.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Catherine Chia says:

        Takeshi San

        Thank you so much for your input.
        I thought so too.

        I will order the JR 14 days pass.

        Just want to add that you’ve been a great help
        in the planning of our trip. My daughter, a huge
        anime fan, is looking forward to taking the
        500 type EVA New Generation Evangelion train
        after reading your post.

        Once again, domo arigato gozimasu

  5. Joyce says:

    Hi Takeshi -San,
    We are a family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers.
    This is our itinerary:
    18Dec – Arrive Nagoya
    19Dec- Nagoya to Takayama
    20Dec- Takayama to Shirakawago and back to Takayama
    21Dec – Takayama sightseeing
    22Dec – Takayama to Osaka
    22-25Dec – sightseeing Osaka (Universal Studios etc)
    26Dec – Departure from Kansai Airport

    Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is perhaps the best option for the first 5 days. Am worried about the journey from Takayama to Osaka, which have to be via Kanazawa using the pass.
    *How long will it take or are there better options?
    *How about in Osaka itself, which pass would be ideal for us to take us all the way to Kansai Airport?
    *Lastly, have we got to pre book all the train bookings?
    Thank you so much for your time,
    Joyce

  6. Alvin says:

    Hi,

    I will be flying to Osaka (KIX) from July 4-7. Can you please provide me a simple itinerary. Is it possible if I can travel to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe for these limited days?

    • Hi Alvin,

      You may spend at least one day for Kyoto. Kobe and Nara can be done in one day even though it’s tight.
      If you arrive early or depart late, you can go to Kobe or Nara on arrival or departure days.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  7. Sharon says:

    Hi Takeshi-San,

    We are total 6 adults and need your advice for what kind of passes that suit our itinerary at below:

    13/11 arrive at KIX on 3.25pm
    14/11 will travel to Kanazawa then shirakawa-go
    15/11 Kanazawa to Nagoya
    16/11 Nagoya to Kyoto
    17/11 Kyoto to Osaka
    18/11 Osaka to Kobe and go back to Osaka again
    19/11 Osaka
    20/11 Osaka – KIX

    Hope to hear from you soon.

    Thanks & regards,
    Sharon

  8. Michelle says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    I will be traveling this December with 3 adults ,2 Seniors and a 12 year old. Kindly suggest what pass is suitable for my itinerary.
    12/28 – Nagoya
    12/29- Nagoya – Takayama
    12/30- Takayama-Shirakawago-Takayama
    12/31- Takayama-Nagoya
    Optional day trip from Nagoya to Osaka on 1/1

    Regards,
    Michelle

  9. Catherine Kweh says:

    Hi Takeshi -San,
    We have total of 4 adults and one of them is a senior. We decide to go to Japan this Dec. Pls find my itinerary below and pls advise what kind of passes is more convenient for us.
    22/12 – Arrive Osaka to Kanazawa
    23/12 – Kanazawa
    24/12 – Kanazawa to Takayama
    25/12 – Takayama to Shirakawago to Takayama
    26/12 – Takayama to Osaka
    27/12 – Departure from Kansai Airport

  10. Dennis says:

    Hi Again Takeshi -San

    – 5 days in Kansai, then
    18/11 – Osaka to Kanazawa
    19/11 – Kanazawa
    20/11 – depart to Takayama via Shirakawago
    21/11– Takayama
    22/11 – depart to Gero
    23/11 – Gero to Osaka
    – 1 night in Osaka then fly off.

    We are 5 adults and 2 toddlers.

    –Plan A: public transport–
    Takayama Hokuriku pass – 13,500
    Gero – Nagoya – Osaka Train – 9570
    Taxi between station and accommodation in Kanazawa and Takayama – 1100/ trip

    –Plan B: self drive–
    Rental from and return to Osaka for 6 days approx 85,000
    Toll, approx 20000
    Petrol, approx 20000 (based on 2.5 tank)
    Free parking at all our accommodations.

    Both plans works out to around 125000. Based on data from:
    http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
    – search.w-nexco.co.jp/
    http://www.taxifarefinder.com
    – www2.tocoo.jp/en

    Is that the best rail pass option we have for plan A?

    Some other questions not related to rail pass, if you have the info:

    1. What are the chances that it’ll snow at that time? Especially for the Takayama area? We’re quite seasoned in long distance driving, but not so much for snow driving.

    2. Luggage space. We’ll be in Japan for 2 weeks. Based on the wagon type (Serena?), and considering we need 2 child seat, we’re not sure if the luggage space in the rental car is enough.

    3. If luggage is a concern, what are our options, and how do we estimate the cost? e.g. send our luggage to KIX before we leave for kanazawa, keep them there for 6 days?

    4. Did we miss any major factors for considerations?

    Regards,
    Dennis

    • Hi Denise,

      You have picked the right choice for Plan A.

      1. You may see some snow in Shirakawago. And also if it’s rain day before, the surface of the road may be frozen.

      2,3. Sorry but no idea. It’s hard to say because it depends on how much luggage you have. And I don’t have any experience to drive in Japan for the last 10 years.

      4. I don’t think so. But if you care about drive in snowy or freezing condition, train trip may be better.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

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