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
- Coverage area
- Valid trains and lines
- Compare single fare and Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Trip from Narita airport to Kansai airport with stopover at Tokyo, Kanazawa, Shin-Osaka
- Trip between Kanazawa and Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen
- Trip between Nagano and Tokyo by the Shinkansen
- Trip between Karuizawa and Tokyo by Shinkansen
- Trip between Kanazawa and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by the limited express Thunderbird
- Trip between Narita Airport and Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku or Yokohama by Narita Express
- Trip between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho by Tokyo Monorail
- Trip between Kyoto and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Special Rapid, Rapid or Local
- Trip between Kyoto and Nara by Rapid or Local
- Trip between Nara and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Rapid or Local
- Trip between Sannomiya (Kobe) and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Special Rapid, Rapid or Local
- Trip between Kyoto and Kansai airport by the limited express Haruka
- Trip between Shin-Osaka and Kansai airport by the limited express Haruka
- Fares in downtown Osaka and Kyoto
- Fares in downtown Tokyo
- Compare Hokuriku Arch Pass and JR Pass ordinary 7-day
- Assessment
Prices and valid period
Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass 7-day
| Purchase outside Japan or online | Purchase inside Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 25,500 yen | 25,500 yen |
| Child (6-11 years old) | 12,750 yen | 12,750 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
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 Pass | JR Pass ordinary 7-day | |
| Price | 24,400 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 Pass | JR Pass ordinary 7-day | |
| Travel time | 5.5 to 6 hours | 3 hours |
| Train | The limited express Thunderbird The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki) | The Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari) |
| Transfer | Once at Kanazawa | Direct |
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
Hi Takeshi ,
Kindly please advise the appropriate tourist pass to use for the below itinerary:-
Day 1 – reach KIX in the early morning -> Kyoto.
Stay in Kyoto : 丸屋町245-1
京都市上京区, 京都府 602-8139
Places to visit : Kinkakuji -> Ryoanji -> Kitano Tenmangu -> Nijo Castle.
Day 2 – Kyoto
Places to visit : Kiyomizu-dera -> Kodai Ji Temple -> Yasaka Shrine -> Chio In -> Gion
Day 3 – Kyoto
Places to visit: Heian Temple -> Nanzen ji -> Path of Philosophy -> Ginkaku ji
Day 4 – Kyoto (Arashiyama & Sagano Area)
Day 5 – Fushimi Inari Shrine & Uji, night transfer to Osaka
Stay in Osaka: Nishi-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 550-0022
Day 6 – Osaka -> Nara -> Osaka
Day 7 – Osaka -> Kobe -> Osaka
Day 8 – Osaka -> Kobe -> Osaka
Day 9 – Osaka
Day 10 – Osaka -> KIX Airport
Thank you.
Hi Celest,
Please see the link below. You will find the info that you need.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/visit-kyoto-osaka-nara-and-kobe-for-5-to-7-days-sample-itinerary.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san, i’m going to japan from 28th March 2017 until 7th April 2017. i plan to visit Nara (day 1), Osaka (day 2 & 3), Kyoto (day 4 & 5), Shirakawa-go (day 6) and takayama (day 7) before returning to Shinjuku/Disney Sea (day 8 to 11). Since i’m spending my 7th night in takayama, the 7 days JR pass will not cover the trip from takayama to tokyo region. Can you give me some advice on which pass i should choose?
Hi Hancheng san,
I want to make sure where you arrive. Please tell me which airport you will arrive and depart. If you give me arrival/departure time and the detailed itinerary, I may give you more effective answer.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi san for the prompt reply. I will arrive and depart at haneda airport. my travel itinerary is as follows:
1st day arrive at haneda airport at 11.00pm.
2nd day depart from Haneda to Nara.
3rd day depart from Nara to Osaka
4th day staying in Osaka.
5th day depart from Osaka to Kyoto.
6th day staying in Kyoto.
7th day depart from Kyoto to Shirakawa-go
8th day depart from Shirakawa-go to Takayama.
9th day depart from Takayama to Tokyo
The itinerary in Tokyo is not fully decided yet, but we plan to visit Disney Sea and some shopping districts.
Thank you for your advice. We really appreciate it.
Sincerely,
Han Cheng
Hi Han Cheng san,
If you use JR pass 7 days, you have to pay single fare to get Tokyo. It costs around 15,000 yen. So roughly your cost for day 2 to 9 is around 44,000 yen. It’s about 3000 yen short to use 14 days JR pass. But you may use JR pass when you are in Tokyo. 14 days pass may work. It gives you flexibility and change your plan much easier. I recommend you to use JR pass 14 days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Just wish to clarify if the only advantage the Hokuriku Arch pass has over the JR pass is cost? I.e. JR pass covers all trains available with the Hokuriku Arch pass.
Thank you!
Hi Alfien,
That’s right. Honestly I’m not impressed by this pass. The coverage is much smaller but not much cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We plan to visit the following places:
1. Shirakawa-go using Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa
2. Hakone
3. Yokohama
4. Sightseeing inside Tokyo including Disneysea
So is it more worth it to buy Hokuriku Arch Pass + Hakone free pass or just get a JR pass? Do Homuriku Arch Pass and JR pass cover the transportation in Tokyo city?
Thank you.
Hi Jun,
It’s hard to say about which one is better solution, JR Pass or Hokuriku Arch Pass + Hakone Free Pass.
If you stay in Shinjuku or around there, Hakone Free Pass is a good choice. But if you stay in Tokyo, Shinagawa or other places in east part of Tokyo, you can take Shinkansen to Odawara and using Hakone Free Pass. JR Pass covers Shinkansen to Odawara but Hokuriku Arch Pass does not.
Yokohama is not far from Tokyo. You can add single fare or other pass if you use Hokuriku Arch Pass but JR Pass covers it.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
It covers JR local lines, such as Yamanote line in downtown Tokyo. You can access to Shinjuku, Shibuya, Akihabara and many more places in Tokyo. Please see the link below. It explains about the coverage of Tokyo Tokunai Pass. Hokuriku Arch Pass has same coverage as Tokyo Tokunai pass in downtown Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html#Tokyo_Metropolitan_District_Pass_Tokyo_Tokunai_Pass
Meanwhile JR pass covers all JR lines. Maihama (nearest station to Disney) is just step away from Hokuriku Arch Pass coverage but JR Pass covers it.
I think it depends how you travel to Hakone. If you take Shinkansen to Odawara, JR pass is your choice. If not, Hokuriku Arch Pass is okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I have a question. I will arrive in the morning at narita airport at 8:30, and my itinerary requires me to reach kyoto by 3 pm. Am I right to assume that this pass just won’t do it for me?
My plan is to save some money. I’ll be travelling with my fiancee and one friend. My friend already got the standard JR PASS, and I havent get anything yet and was planning to purchase this Hokuriku pass.
So, with my itinerary is only: Tokyo – Kyoto – Kobe – Kyoto -Tokyo, will this pass be less of a use for me compared to the standard JR Pass?
I will be staying for 6 days in Tokyo after my itinerary above, and the cost for the 7 days JR pass vs 14 days JR pass is almost double the difference. If I won’t travel outside of tokyo Yamanote sen after the initial 7 days, will I save a lot by purchasing individual tickets every day for 6 days, compared to if I buy the 14 days JR Pass?
Your help will be very appreciated.
regards!
Hi Tora san,
This pass is a wrong choice. If you take this pass, you have to take the route via Kanazawa. JR pass user can get Kyoto from Tokyo directly by Tokaido Shinkansen. But you cannot take this route by Hokuriku Arch Pass. You need to spend at least 2 hours extra. And you have to change the trains at Kanazawa. And also Kobe is not in coverage area of Hokuroku Arch Pass. You should have JR pass 7 days.
As you think, 14 days pass is too expensive. You can use regular ticket or Tokyo Subway Ticket. This is the best deal.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-San,
I am planning a trip around Kansai and then to Tokyo through Kanazawa this Hokuriku arch.
I’d like to ask for some advice for picking between
Hokuriku Arch pass
vs
Kansai-Hokuriku pass + 1-way shinkansen Jotetsumyoko to Tokyo
Rough itinerary
1 Osaka/Kyoto
2 Osaka/Kyoto
3 Himeji/Okayama
4 Himeji/Okayama
5 Kanazawa/Toyama
6 Kanazawa/Toyama
7 Tokyo
Both passes are 7-days, I feel the 2nd may give me more coverage at kansai region that I’d like to have (ie. option for Himeji/Okayama sidetrip), not sure if I am missing on something else.
Also, should I pick the 2nd case, what do I need to do during shinkansen from Kanazawa (inside pass) to Tokyo (outside pass)?
Can I just pay for the fare difference for a direct train? or do I need to exit at Jotetsumyoko (edge of Kansai-Hokuriku pass) and then get gack in?
Thanks in advance.
Hi HC san,
As you think, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass + single fare from Joetsu-Myoko to Tokyo is better because of Himeji and Okayama. In this case, you can purchase Joetsu-Myoko to Tokyo base fare ticket and seat fee in advance. You can purchase it at any major JR stations. And you can avoid to exit at Joetsu-Myoko.
As you probably notice, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass does not cover reserved seat. When you go to Tokyo from Kanazawa, you cannot take the fastest train, “Kagayaki”. You have to take Hakutaka because Kagayaki has reserved seat only. If you want to take reserved seat, Hokuriku Arch Pass covers it and it’s better option. And also if you leave Japan from Narita in 7 days period, Hokuriku Arch Pass covers Narita Express to Narita airport. This is another benefit of Hokuriku Arch Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi! Would you like to make a train list/which line in Tokyo/Kyoto/Osaka are covered by this pass? Of course it’s the JR one but which line exactly are covered by this pass especially in Osaka and Kyoto. FYI i’d like to go to Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, Gion, and other tourist attraction. There’s just a few information about JR Line in downtown tokyo/osaka/kyoto that covered by this pass. Thank you
Hi Nyra,
Basically all JR lines are covered in the coverage area except Shinkansen between Maibara, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Shin-Kobe. There are too many lines in these cities and I cannot show you. Please see the links below. These are covered by this pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html#JR_Pass_Kansai_Area_Pass_Kansai_WIDE_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hiroshima_Area_Pass_Sanyo_Sanin_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hokuriku_Area_Pass
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html#JR_Pass_Kansai_Area_Pass_Kansai_WIDE_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hiroshima_Area_Pass_Sanyo_Sanin_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hokuriku_Aea_Pass_Takayama_Hokuriku_Area_Pass
In Tokyo, you can take Yamanote line, Chuo line, Keihin-Tohoku line, Ueno-Tokyo line, Shonan-Shinjuku line, Saiyo line, Yokosuka line in the coverage area. And you can take Tokyo Monorail (to/from Haneda airport) and Narita Express (to/from Narita airport).
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPrail.com
Hi
I am travelling with my family to tokyo on 9 dec and itinerary follow:
9 dec – arrive in tokyo
10 dec – odAiba
11 dec – yokohama
12 dec – within tokyo
13 dec – train to karuizawa
15 dec – from karuizawa to kanazawa
16 dec – shirawakago
17 dec – kanazawa
18 dec to 22 dec – tokyo
Does it make sense for me to purchase the horiku arch pass ?
Hi JOJobar,
Hokuriku Arch Pass is the best choice for your trip. You may start using it on 12th or 13th Dec. As long as you use it for Karuizawa and Kanazawa, it doesn’t matter when you start using it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I am arriving in Narita in the morning at 8.30am, our plan is to visit the following cities:
Osaka (3 nights)
Hakone/Mt Fuji (day trip or 2 nights)
Tokyo
Total no. of days: 11 days/10 nights
What would be the best way to travel – Osaka/Hakone/Tokyo?
Would appreciate your expert advice. Thank you.
Julie
Hi Julie,
Please see the link below first:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
Basically you can use this sample itinerary. Please remove the part of Kyoto and Nara in the link above. Just purchase single ticket from Osaka.
If you drop by Hakone/Fuji on the way to Tokyo, you can get off Shinkansen (bullet train) at Odawara. And you can add Fuji Hakone Pass or Hakone Free Pass at Odawara.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/
These passes can be purchased at Shinjuku. If you want to access there from Tokyo as day trip, Hakone Free Pass may be your choice. At this point, you have to fix your itinerary first. And then you can choose most suitable deal.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi 🙂
I need some help to decide what pass I need to buy. My family leaves for Japan in November.
1. 4 days in Osaka
: we will be staying near Namba sation and have planned to go to Kyoto, Nara and universal studio and look around Osaka.
2. 2days in Toyama
: then we will move to Toyama and stay 2 days at a ryokan in Unazuki onsen, so we have to start any journey from Unazuki onsen station to get to other places. We intend to take a Alpine route tour and if possible, would like to go to Gokayama.
3. 3days in Tokyo
: From Unazuki osen, we will move to Tokyo and stay in Shinjuku and plan to go to other nearby places like Harajuku, shibuya, odaiba, asakusa, ginza and so on.
We will fly off to another country from Haneda airport.
I am thinking of buying a Hokuriku arch pass, but it seems like, I cannot use that pass for Toyama rail lines. So I might have to pay for another Toyama free pass to move within Toyama. Plus, I don’t think that I would be using JR lines much when I am in Osaka.
My family, three of us, needs transport passes so a lot of money have to be spent on transportation so I need to choose the most efficent ways to get to each city and move within the cities.
Please advise me the cheapest and If possible fastest ways to complete the journey.
Thank you very much 🙂
Mich
Hi Mich,
First of all, you can get some idea to choose the pass in my sample itinerary. The following link shows stay in Osaka itinerary. But you can use some idea there:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-build-the-itinerary-and-choose-the-deals-for-osaka-stay-5-to-7-days.html
If you use JR lines between Osaka and Toyama, and between Toyama and Tokyo, single ticket is cheaper than Hokuriku Arch Pass. There is no better deals than Hokuriku Arch Pass. However if you go through alpine route from Toyama, you will be able to get Nagano after complete alpine route and then take Hokuriku Shinkansen to get back to Toyama. If you think about this cost, Hokuriku Arch Pass is better choice.
You can use Tateyama Kurobe option ticket if you complete alpine route:
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
For the travel to Gokayama, there are some deals. You need to get Takaoka or Shin-Takaoka station to get the bus. You may find the info at the link below:
http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html
In Tokyo, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com