Hokuriku Arch Pass user guide. Clarify valid trains, coverage area and compare single fare and pass

Kanazawa castleRail pass for visitors
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka are covered by this deal. (C) ©Sue Ann Simon (upper left), Osaka Government Tourism Bureau (lower left), Yasufumi Nish (upper right), Kanazawa City (lower right) and JNTO (all photos)
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka are covered by this deal. (C) ©Sue Ann Simon (upper left), Osaka Government Tourism Bureau (lower left), Yasufumi Nish (upper right), Kanazawa City (lower right) and JNTO (all photos)

This pass covers Narita airport, Tokyo, Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Kansai airport. It suits the one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka via Hokuriku area, such as Kanazawa. This pass does not cover Tokyo – Osaka/Kyoto direct route by the Shinkansen. It is valid for 7 consecutive days. The valid period is same as JR Pass 7-day. The price is cheaper than JR Pass 7 days but coverage area is much smaller.

In this post, I would like to share the information of Hokuriku Arch Pass with you. And I show you some sample rate and compare the pass value and single fares. I also compare Hokuriku Arch Pass and JR Pass. You may find this suits your plan or not.

Prices and valid period

Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass 7-day

 Purchase outside Japan or onlinePurchase inside Japan
Adult25,500 yen25,500 yen
Child
(6-11 years old)
12,750 yen12,750 yen

*Any child who is 5 years old and/or younger is free but you have to share the seat with child. If you want to have a seat for your child too, you have to purchase a child pass for even younger than 5 years old.

This pass is valid for 7 days only. There is no Green pass choices.

One day means midnight to midnight, technically 0:00 to 23:59. Even if you start using the pass at 23:00. you will spend one full day for just one hour. So try to start in the morning. It does not make sense to start to use in the evening.

Coverage area

Coverage map of Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass (Click to view large)
Coverage map of Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass (Click to view large)

This pass covers the trip between Narita airport and Kansai airport via Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokuriku area. This pass covers the following major spots in the area.

  • Tokyo
  • Kyoto
  • Osaka
  • Kanazawa
  • Toyama
  • Nagano
  • Karuizawa
  • Nara
  • Kobe

The following places surrounding Tokyo, Osaka and Kanazawa are not located in the coverage area. You CANNOT use this pass to access these following places.

It seems to cover whole part of the trip between Tokyo side and Osaka side via Kanazawa and Toyama. But there are some restrictions. Please see next chapter about valid trains.

Valid trains and lines

The following JR trains are covered by this pass.

  • Narita Express between Narita airport and Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro
    You cannot get Yokohama because it is outside coverage area.
  • The Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kanazawa
  • The limited express Thunderbird between Wakura Onsen, Kanazawa and Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Osaka
  • The limited express Haruka between Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji and Kansai airport
    But only non reserved seat is covered by this pass.
  • Local and Rapid train in downtown Tokyo area, and between Tokyo and Narita airport
  • Local, Rapid and Special Rapid train in Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara)
  • Etsumi-Hoku line between Fukui and Kuzuryuko
  • Nanao line between Tsubata and Nanao
  • Himi line between Takaoka and Himi
  • Johana line between Takaoka and Johana
  • Takayama line between Toyama and Inotani
  • Oito line between Itoigawa and Minami-Otari
  • Rapid Airport Narita between Narita airport and Kinshicho, Tokyo, Shinagawa
  • The limited express Shirasagi between Kanazawa and Maibara
  • The limited express Wide View Hida between Toyama and Inotani, and between Osaka and Maibara
  • The limited express Noto-Kagaribi between Kanazawa and Wakura-Onsen
  • The limited express Hanayome-Noren between Kanazawa and Wakura-Onsen
  • The limited express Dinastar between Kanazawa and Fukui

There are some more limited express trains running in the coverage area. As long as you travel in the coverage area, you can ride these trains as well. But even though the limited express Shirasagi and the limited express Wide View Hida are covered, you cannot get Nagoya by Shirasagi and cannot get Takayama by Wide View Hida either. These places are not in coverage area.

JR deals covers basically JR trains only. But Hokuriku Arch Pass covers some “NON JR” railway trains. The following railways are NON JR companies but those are covered by this Pass.

  • Tokyo Monorail (Haneda airport – Hamamatsucho)
  • IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata
  • Ainokaze-Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka
  • Noto Railway between Nanao and Wakura-Onsen

If you arrive in or depart from Haneda airport, trip by Monorail is fully covered by this pass. But JR East Travel Service Center which is the exchange place of this pass does not open in early morning and late night. Please check the operation hours before you travel.

JR East Travel Service Center Haneda

You cannot make any stopover when you take IR Ishikawa Railway and Ainokaze-Toyama Railway. These coverage are connecting to Himi line, Johana line and Nanao line from Toyama and Kanazawa for your convenience.

In Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, subway and non JR railways are not covered by this pass. You have to add an extra fare or other city deal. Please find some more information in the following posts:

Compare single fare and Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass

When you think about purchasing this deal, you need to know this is paid off in your trip or not. I show you some sample.
*All rates are based on base fare and reserved seat limited express supplement in regular season.

Trip from Narita airport to Kansai airport with stopover at Tokyo, Kanazawa, Shin-Osaka

Actually if you purchase single fare ticket and limited express surcharge ticket for Narita Express (Narita airport to Tokyo), the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo to Kanazawa), the limited express Thunderbird (Kanazawa to Shin-Osaka) and the limited express Haruka (Shin-Osaka to Kansai airport), total fare is around 23,000 yen. In this case, you have to purchase surcharge ticket for each segments. But you can use one base fare ticket and make stopovers. The ticket is valid for 6 days.

If you use the pass, you can use JR trains when you are in Tokyo and Osaka. So even though single fare and express surcharge combination is cheaper, you may expect to get the worth of this pass by this trip plan. But this pass does not give you a big saving for this itinerary.

Trip between Kanazawa and Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen

Total fares is around 14,000 yen for one way. If you have a round trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa, you can get the worth.

Trip between Nagano and Tokyo by the Shinkansen

Total fare is around 8,500 yen for one way. You need to have some more trips if you want to use this pass.

Trip between Karuizawa and Tokyo by Shinkansen

Total fare is 6,000 yen for one way. This is not enough to use this pass by only this trip.

Trip between Kanazawa and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by the limited express Thunderbird

Total fare is around 8,000 yen for one way. If you have a round trip to Kanazawa from Osaka and do not visit Tokyo, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass is better choice.

You may think about using Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass if you intend to visit Shirakawago and Takayama too.

Trip between Narita Airport and Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku or Yokohama by Narita Express

The fare is around 3,000 to 3,500 yen.

Trip between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho by Tokyo Monorail

Single fare is around 500 yen for one way.

Trip between Kyoto and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Special Rapid, Rapid or Local

Single fare is around 600 yen for one way.

Trip between Kyoto and Nara by Rapid or Local

Single fare is around 700 yen for one way.

Trip between Nara and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Rapid or Local

Single fare is around 800 yen for one way.

Trip between Sannomiya (Kobe) and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Special Rapid, Rapid or Local

Single fare is around 500 yen for one way.

Trip between Kyoto and Kansai airport by the limited express Haruka

Single fare is around 3,000 yen for one way. This fare is based on non reserved seat. Because this pass covers only non reserved seat on this train.

Trip between Shin-Osaka and Kansai airport by the limited express Haruka

Single fare is around 2,500 yen for one way. This fare is based on non reserved seat. Because this pass covers only non reserved seat on this train.

Fares in downtown Osaka and Kyoto

You can take any local trains, like Osaka Kanjo line (to Tennoji, Osakajo, JR-Namba), Yumesaki line (USJ), Sagano line (to Arashiyama) by this pass. The fare is varied by the distance. The fare range is 200 to 300 yen. The train ride in Osaka and Kyoto does help you to get the worth of the pass much.

Fares in downtown Tokyo

You can take any local trains, like Yamanote line, Chuo line by this pass. But the fares in downtown Tokyo is quite reasonable. If you take a local train from Tokyo to Shinjuku, the fare is around 200 yen. When you calculate the fares and compare this pass and single fare, you can ignore the fares in downtown Tokyo. It does not help to get worth very much.

Compare Hokuriku Arch Pass and JR Pass ordinary 7-day

If you have a round trip between Osaka and Tokyo, you may think to use Hokuriku Arch Pass. Because this pass covers both and the price is cheaper than JR Pass 7-day.

Hokuriku Arch PassJR Pass ordinary 7-day
Price24,400 yen (online)29,650 yen

Hokuriku Arch Pass is about 5,000 yen cheaper. This seems to be very attractive. But on the other hand, the trip time between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka is so different too.

Hokuriku Arch PassJR Pass ordinary 7-day
Travel time5.5 to 6 hours3 hours
TrainThe limited express Thunderbird
The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki)
The Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari)
TransferOnce at KanazawaDirect

If you drop by Kanazawa, Hokuriku Arch Pass is a good choice. But if you are looking for the deal of Tokyo – Osaka round trip, JR pass is better in my opinion. But the choice is yours. You can use either one.

Assessment

This deal suits the following plan.

  • Narita airport (or Haneda airport) – Tokyo – Kanazawa/Toyama – Tokyo – Narita airport (or Haneda airport)
  • Round trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa
  • Narita airport (or Haneda airport) – Tokyo – Kanazawa/Toyama – Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe – Kansai airport
  • Narita airport (or Haneda airport) – Tokyo – Kanazawa – Toyama – (Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route) – Nagano – Tokyo
    *Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and bus from Shinano-Omachi to Nagano are not covered by this pass. You have to add Tateyama Kurobe option ticket.
  • Kansai airport – Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe – Kanazawa/Toyama – Nagano – Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara – Kansai airport

I hope this post will help you to pick up the right deal for your trip!

Comments

  1. Nurul says:

    Hi,

    I already purchase Hokuriku Arch Pass?
    1. May I know is this pass cover the station between Kyoto and Kanazawa such as Shiga station and Hira station?
    2. Does it cover Kitesenju & Senjuohashi station in Tokyo?

    Thank you

    • Hi Nurul,

      1. Yes.
      2. Kitasenju is in coverage area. Senju-Ohashi station is not JR station and not covered. This pass covers JR trains only. Non JR train, such as Keisei, and subway are not covered.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  2. Nurul says:

    Hi there,

    For Hokuriku Arc Pass, It didnt cover osaka subway (Universal city station , umeda station and etc)and tokyo subway (shibuya station, Akihabara station, shinkuju station and etc) ?

  3. debra benger says:

    Dear Takeshi-Shan, we are travelling to Japan in November. We arrive at Narita airport and will be staying 3 nights in Ikebukoro, then travelling to Kyoto for 2 nights and then travelling back to Ikebukoro for the remainder of our holiday, then depart Narita for Australia. Would you be able to recommend the best way for us to travel, time efficient and economical. Thanking you in advance..Debra

  4. Polly says:

    Thank you Takeshi for your detailed report, I was planning to get this pass but now I have some questions and hoping that you could help out:

    My plan is to stay in Tokyo for a day then travel to Osaka for 2 days then from there to Kobe – Arima and from Kobe to Kyoto and back to Tokyo and maybe to go to Mt Fuji; I am flying in and out from Narita Airport

    Since this pass does not offer express train between Tokyo and Osaka, does not include Tokyo subway and Mt Fuji, I am wondering if I should still get this pass. A few questions – a) how long does it take for the train to travel from Tokyo to Osaka on the train that can use this pass b) is there a day/ week pass for Tokyo subway c) how to get to Mt Fuji and what is the train type and fare? d) is there a day/ week pass for Osaka subway d) is it necessary to reserve a seat for long haul travel? e) which is the best site to check train times and reserve seat?

    Thank you a lot in advance, you help is much appreciated.

  5. Joe Pan says:

    Dear Takeshi-San,
    Could you please tell me how do I go to Gujohachimon by using the All JR pass and the other transportation ?Is it on the way to Shirakawa from Takayama? Can I visit both in one day?
    Cheese.

  6. Vikram Rao says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    Good Day! I will be travelling to Japan with my girlfriend in October.
    – We will be in Tokyo for 5 days
    – Then travel to kawaguchiko and stay for 1 night.
    – The next morning we will travel to Kyoto and do some sightseeing and stay the night in Kyoto.
    – The next day we will be travelling to Osaka to visit Universal studios.
    – The following day, we will be departing from Kansai airport.

    Could you kindly advise me on the following:

    1) Which train/bus pass would be best to buy and its fare?
    2) Fastest route to travel from Tokyo (Shibuya) to Kawaguchiko station including the timings and fare?
    3) Fastest route to travel from Kawaguchiko to Kyoto station including the timings and fare?
    4) Fastest route to travel from Kyoto station to Kansai airport including timings and fare?
    5) Is there a train route that takes you around kawaguchiko just for sightseeing? What is the cost for this and approximately how long would it take?

    Thank you with regards,
    Vikram

  7. Peishan says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    My family is visiting Japan this summer. We will be arriving and departing at Narita airport. Our total travel in Japan is 9 days.
    We will be staying in Tokyo for 3 nights, then to Nagano and Kanazawa, and end up in Yokohama. Since the Hokuriku pass is only good for 7 days, would you recommend buying N’EX Tokyo tickets or the Skyliner tickets for our trips to and from the airport? Thank you very much for your time.

    Peishan

  8. Maryceline E says:

    Hi,
    Great site and post. Thank you for all your help in advance. I will be traveling to Japan with my husband this summer and want to get your advice on what the best rail pass to get with our itinerary.
    Debating between JRail pass and the new Hokuriku Arch pass to buy for our trip. We will be originating our trip from Tokyo. The following is our day to day schedule;
    1. Tokyo to Yudanaka (Nagano)
    2. Yudanaka to Kyoto.
    3. Kyoto to Osaka.
    4. Osaka to Tokyo (Haneda Int’l Airport)

    Will we be able to take the Shinkansen train from Osaka direct to Haneda airport on the Hokuriku Pass? or do we have to through the route of the train through Kanazawa? Do you have an idea how long the train ride will be? What time should we start going back from Osaka or Kyoto if my flight from Haneda Int’l airport is at 1 AM ?
    Sorry for the questions and thank you for all your trouble in giving me some good suggestions for this trip.

    Cheers,
    Maryceline

    • Hi Maryceline,

      You cannot take Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo directly by Hokuriku arch pass. That is a reason why it’s cheaper than JR Pass. You have to take a route via Kanazawa by Hokuriku arch pass.

      If you use JR pass, it take 3.5 hours to get Haneda from Osaka or Kyoto. If you use Hokuriku arch pass, it takes about 5.5 to 6 hours and it’s not direct train. If you want to maximize your stay in Kyoto or Osaka, go for JR pass. You may get 2-3 hours extra by JR pass.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  9. Marie says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I am planning to go on a 10-day trip during the end of November, and will be arriving to Japan at HND and will be departing Japan at KIX.

    Trip itinerary are as follows:

    3 days in Tokyo (staying in Ikebukuro)
    1 day in Yokohama
    Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka
    2 days in Osaka
    1 day each for Kobe, Kyoto, and Nara

    I’m still not sure if the Japan Rail Pass or the Hokuriku Pass will be better, or if I just buy different passes (like Tokyo Tour Ticket, Yokohama-Minatomirai, a shinkansen ticket, Kansai Pass Thru and Osaka Amazing Pass) altogether.

    What would you suggest? Highly appreciate your answer.

  10. Winnie says:

    Dear Takeshi-San,

    May you kindly advise me what is the best route and lowest tranasportation fee for my upcoming trip next week to Japan.

    Day 1 – Kaisan airport to shin-Osaka
    Day 2 – stay in Osaka
    Day 3 – Osaka to Kyoto
    Day 4 – Kyoto to Tokyo
    Day 5 – stay in Tokyo
    Day 6 – Tokyo to Narita

    One point to note is that I will be travelling with some friends who have been travelling all over Japan before I join them hence they will have a JR pass (the one that can be used all over Japan) on hand. Therefore, I would be taking the same train as my friends. Not sure if this makes a difference.

    Thank you in advance for your help.

    Best regards,
    Winnie

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