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. Serene Lim says:

    Hi Takeshi San

    I read somewhere that I can only make 4 reservations with the Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Area Pass. Is this true?
    If yes, does it mean 4 reservations for Train (eg. Ltd Express (Wide View) Hida) and another 4 reservations for Bus (eg. Nohi bus)? Or total 4 reservations for both Train + Bus?

    Regards
    Serene

  2. Cynthia villanueva says:

    Hi Takeshi. I would like ti know how long is travel time from Osaka to takayama on hokuriku pass? I have this itinerary and I would like to know if this is possible:
    Leave Osaka on April 2 for takayama
    Stay in takayama april2-3
    Leave for shirakawago for day trip. On April 4
    Then back to takayama in the afternoon.
    Leave takayama back to Osaka on April 5
    I would like to experience Shinkansen ride from Kanazawa to Toyama that is why I am taking this route.
    I hope to hear from you soon before I purchase my hokuriku pass. Thank you very much

    Cynthia

    • Hi Cynthia,

      It takes 4.5 to 5 hours from Osaka to Takayama via Kanazwa and Toyama. Train runs very frequently between Osaka and Toyama by limited express Thunderbird and Hokuriku Shinkansen. But there are only 3 round trips of limited express Wide View Hida between Toyama and Takayama. There are more local trains fun between Toyama and Takayama. But it’s very slow and there is no direct ways from Toyama to Takayama by local trains. You need to transfer some points on this segment.

      You may find the timetable at Hyperdia. But check the timetable twice, Osaka-Toyama and Toyama-Takayama.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Cynthia villanueva says:

        Dear Takeshi. Thank you very much For your quich response. It was very helpful.
        May I ask again if you would advice us to buy a shirakawa go day tour or just take the Nohi bus which is part of the hokuriku pass. will it make a lot of difference?
        Thanks again.
        Cynthiaa

        • Hi Cynthia,

          I have never taken tour so I cannot compare. But you have to add extra because this pass covers only scheduled bus.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Cynthia villanueva says:

            Thank you Takeshi. You have been very helpful.
            Is it better then to take the bus to Kanazawa from shirakawa go instead of going back to Takayama? it looks like the Takayama Toyama transfers will be complicated. I can stay overnight in Kanazawa instead of Takayama on my way back to Osaka.
            Is this itinerary better?
            Apt 4 – Takayama to shirakawa go all day till afternoon. Then take bus to Kanazawa to spend night there.
            Apt 5 – take early trip back to Osaka following morning.

            • Hi Cynthia,

              Of course you can do. But you have to move with your luggage. There are lockers and baggage storage in Shirakawago information center beside bus stop. So you can enjoy Shirakawago without luggage. But it is very busy place and you will spend 5-10 minutes at least to store your luggage. If you are okay with this situation, you can do it.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JPRail.com

              • Cynthia villanueva says:

                Hi Takeshi. That was a helpful tip about the luggage inconvenience. Thanks. May I get back to you for more advice as my trip gets closer.

  3. Serene Lim says:

    Dear Takeshi san

    I need your advice again.

    Can I use the Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass for the bus from Takayama to Hirayu Onsen and Shin-Hotaka Ropeway?

    Regards
    Serene

  4. Serene Lim says:

    Dear Takeshi san
    Thank you for sharing the benefits of Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass. I am travelling to Gifu prefecture this April and plan to buy this Tourist Pass.
    1) Can I use this Pass for Shirakawa-go & Gokayama Tour (JPY 6,690) organised by Nohi Bus (http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/bus_tour.html) ?
    2) Can I use this Pass to take the Nohi and Hokutetsu Express Bus from Takayama to Shirakawa-go ?
    3) How do I make reservation for the bus seats (from Takayama to Shirakawa-go & Gokayama)?

    Thank you.

    Regards
    Serene

  5. Cindy says:

    Hello Takeshi!

    Is me again!

    I need your advice on the type of pass that suits our family trip itinerary.

    Day 1 (Feb 7):
    *Arrive at Haneda 11pm.
    Stay Tokyo

    Day 2 (Feb 8):
    *Disneyland Tokyo

    Day 3(Feb 9):
    *Disney Sea Tokyo

    Day 4(Feb 10):
    *Tokyo to Kanazawa
    *Stay Kanazawa

    Day 5(Feb 11):
    *Travel from Kanazawa to Shirakawa Go
    *Stay Kanazawa

    Day6(Feb 12):
    *Kanazawa to Kyoto
    *Sightseeing in Kyoto
    *Kyoto to Nara
    *Stay Kyoto for 2 nights

    Day8(Feb 14):
    *Kyoto to Osaka
    *Stay Osaka for 2 nights

    Day10(Feb 16):
    *Go back -Kansai Airport

    We cant decide whether to use the 7 day Jr Pass or Takayama-Hokuriku Pass. Or perhaps you could recommend a better deal?
    Hope you could advise on our itinerary!

    Have a nice day.

    Regards,
    Cindy

    • Hi Cindy,

      Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is better option. You may use it for the last 5 days of your stay. But it does not cover the train from Haneda-Tokyo and Tokyo-Kanazawa. You need to add single fare ticket for this segment.

      JR Pass covers this segment but it does not cover the bus to Shirakawago. And the price is more expensive than even single fare.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  6. Jan says:

    Hi
    I would like to ask you about the train from Kyoto to Kansai airport.
    This pass can use LTD. EXP HARUKA 43 right? I don’t need to change other train to KIK airport right?

  7. Cindy says:

    Hi Takeshi, if I bought the pass, can I take any train from Tokyo to Kanazawa? Is the train from Tokyo to Kanazawa cover by this pass? Thanks.

  8. Ophiuchus says:

    Hi Takeshi / JRail,

    May I know where’s the official website to purchase this Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass? Can I purchase it online?

    I found this site is selling the pass too… is this the official website?
    https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/pass-regional/central/takayama-hokuriku-tourist-pass?ap=j0095g

    Thanks.

  9. Joanne Tan says:

    Hi Takeshi-San

    I saw your advice for Nain above, I have a similar enquiry.

    I will be flying into Osaka, and start my journey to Kyoto with the planned itinerary as below.

    12 – 14 April : Travel from Osaka Airport to Kyoto , 2 night stay in Kyoto.

    14 – 16 April : Travel from Kyoto to Takayama/Shirakawago, 1 night in Takayama, 1 night in Shirakawago

    16 – 18 April : Travel from Shirakawago to Osaka, and 2 night in Osaka

    I thinking TAKAYAMA HOKURIKU AREA PASS is the most valued pass, but it is only valid for 5 days.
    Does it mean that, I would not be able to use this pass to go to KIX airport from Osaka, and on top of that I will need to buy ICOCA card for my last day in Osaka.

    Is there other alternative pass that I can buy?

  10. nain says:

    Hello Takeshi!

    My boyfriend had seek advice from you few months before in regards of our previous trip and you had given invaluable recommendations. Our trip went smoothly and we are coming back again 6 months after. 🙂 Thank you so much!

    We need your advice on the type of pass that suits our itinerary. It’s our first time venturing into Gifu region.

    Day 1 (Feb 26):
    *Arrive at Haneda 6am.
    *Travel to Takayama and stay for 2 nights.
    *Do a bit of sightseeing at Kanazawa and Shirakawago during this period.

    Day 3 (Feb 28):
    *Travel to Fukuji Onsen village and stay for 2 nights.
    * Plan for a day of ski and sight seeing around.

    Day 5(March 1):
    *Travel to Kyoto and stay for 3 nights.
    *Do a day trip to Kobe or Osaka

    Day (March 4):
    *Return to Tokyo and stay for 4 nights
    *Travel around Tokyo

    We cant decide whether to use the 7 day Jr Pass or Takayama-Hokuriku Pass. Or perhaps you could recommend a better deal than the above mentioned ones?

    Hope you could advise on our itinerary!

    Have a good day ahead.

    Regards,
    Nain

    • Hi Nain,

      Welcome back!
      JR pass 7 days is more recommended but you will spend 8 days for Takayama, Fukui and Kyoto. You will be back to Tokyo on 8th day of your trip. Is this correct?
      If so, it’s very hard to find the best deal. Because 14 days pass is too expensive. Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass does not cover Tokyo-Nagoya and Kyoto-Tokyo. But at this point, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass and single fare are the best choice for you.

      If you can give up one of three nights in Kyoto, most part of your trip will fit in 7 days and JR pass 7 days will cover most part of your trip. The last Hikari will leave Kyoto at 20:53 and arrive Tokyo at 23:26.
      http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/timetable/_pdf/eastbound.pdf

      You still can enjoy in Kyoto for almost one full day even if you give up one night in Kyoto.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

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