![E7 series is one of the newest Shinkansen fleets for Hokuriku Shinkansen (C) Rsa (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/640px-JReastE7_F1_Omiya_20140209-600x283.jpg?resize=600%2C283)
This Shinkansen lines was called “The Nagano Shinkansen”. On March 14. 2015, this Shinkansen lines was extended to Kanazawa and it is called “The Hokuriku Shinkansen”. This Shinkansen line connects Tokyo, Omiya, Takasaki, Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa. This Shinkansen line is covered by JR Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass fully. JR East Pass Nagano Niigata covers between Tokyo and Joetsu-Myoko station.
I would like to show you the information about this Shinkansen service with you in this post.
Route, schedule and trip time
The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs from Tokyo to Kanazawa via Omiya, Takasaki, Karuizawa, Nagano, Itoigawa and Toyama.
The fastest train of this Shinkansen service connects Tokyo and Kanazawa in 2.5 hours, Tokyo and Toyama in 2 hours 10 minutes.
Types of trains
There are four types of trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line.
Kagayaki (Tokyo – Kanazawa)
Kagayaki is the name of the fastest train that connects between Tokyo and Kanazawa. All Kagayaki stops at Omiya, Nagano and Toyama. One of all Kagayaki service skips Ueno but the rest of the trips stop at Ueno. Some seasonal operation of Kagayaki stops at Shin-Takaoka.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Kagayaki
| Tokyo |
| 30 minutes |
| Omiya |
| 1 hour |
| Nagano |
| 45 minutes |
| Toyama |
| 20 minutes |
| Kanazawa |
Kagayaki train formation
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | G | GR |
R:Reserved Ordinary class G:Reserved Green class GC:Reserved Gran class
Kagayaki has only reserved seat. You cannot get on this train without a seat reservation. JR Pass, JR East Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass covers a reserved seat fee. But you have to receive a reserved seat ticket before boarding. If you use one of these passes, all you have to do is showing your pass and received a reserved seat ticket.
Hakutaka (Tokyo – Kanazawa)
Hakutaka is the name of the second fastest train that connects between Tokyo and Kanazawa. All Hakutaka stops at Ueno, Omiya, Nagano, Joetsu-Myoko, Itoigawa, Kurobe-Unazukionsen, Toyama and Shin-Takaoka. Most of Hakutaka stops at Takasaki and Iiyama. Some of the trips stop at Karuizawa, Sakudaira and Ueda.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Hakutaka
| Tokyo |
| 30 minutes |
| Omiya |
| 25 minutes |
| Takasaki |
| 40 minutes |
| Nagano |
| 30 minutes |
| Itoigawa |
| 30 minutes |
| Toyama |
| 9 minutes |
| Shin-Takaoka |
| 13 minutes |
| Kanazawa |
Hakutaka train formation
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| NR | NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | R | R | G | GR |
NR: Non Reserved Ordinary class R:Reserved Ordinary class G:Reserved Green class GC:Reserved Gran class
Asama (Tokyo – Nagano)
Asama is the name of the train that connects between Tokyo and Nagano. All Asama stops at Ueno, Omiya, Takasaki and Karuizawa. Most of Asama stops at Kumagaya, Sakudaira and Ueda. Some of the trips stop at Honjowaseda and Annaka-Haruna.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Asama
| Tokyo |
| 30 minutes |
| Omiya |
| 30 minutes |
| Takasaki |
| 20 minutes |
| Karuizawa |
| 30 minutes |
| Nagano |
Asama train formation
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| NR | NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | R | R | G | GR |
NR: Non Reserved Ordinary class R:Reserved Ordinary class G:Reserved Green class GC:Reserved Gran class
*No meal service available on Gran class of Asama. Only the higher class seat service and Gran class seat fee is cheaper than Kagayaki and Hakutaka.
Tsurugi (Kanazawa – Toyama)
Tsurugi is the name of the train that connects between Kanazawa and Toyama. All Asama stops at Shin-Takaoka.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Tsurugi
| Toyama |
| 9 minutes |
| Shin-Takaoka |
| 13 minutes |
| Kanazawa |
Tsurugi train formation
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| NR | NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | (R) | – | – | G | – |
NR: Non Reserved Ordinary class R:Reserved Ordinary class G:Reserved Green class
Car #9, #10 and #12 are not used on Tsurugi. Car #8 is available on the train which runs in the busy period.
Timetable
You may find the timetable at JR East official site timetable:
JR East official site – the timetable
Photo gallery
Only E7/W7 series run on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
E7 and W7 are same train fleet. The Hokuriku Shinkansen is operated by JR East and JR West. E7 belongs to JR East and W7 belongs to JR West.
Gran class
![Interior of Gran class seats (C) 黄金のひばりたち (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/640px-E7Gran_Class-600x338.jpg?resize=600%2C338)
![The seat of Gran class (C) Asacyan (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/640px-Gran_class_06-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400)
![Entrance deck of Gran class (C) Meitetu1380 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/640px-E7-guran_class-600x400.jpg?resize=600%2C400)
Gran class seat is the highest category in all JR trains. Only the Tohoku, the Hokkaido and the Hokuriku Shinkansen trains offer this class. The seat is leather and theleg space is 1,300 mm with 2+1 seat layout. The attendant offers high-end hospitality. The light meal and the beverage are included. But Asama and Hakutaka between Nagano and Kanazawa operation will not offer an attendant, a light meal and beverage. Only the high class seat is offered. A power outlet and many amenities are offered too.
Green class
![Interior of Green class (C) 黄金のひばりたち (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/640px-E7First-class_car-600x338.jpg?resize=600%2C338)
Green class is the highest class in most of express trains. The leg space is 1,160 mm with 2+2 seat layout. A power outlet at each seat is equipped.
Ordinary class
![Ordinary class interior (C) 黄金のひばりたち (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/blue-works.com/jprail/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/640px-E7Standard-sized_car-600x338.jpg?resize=600%2C338)
It is very typical Shinkansen ordinary class layout. It gives you 1040 mm seat pitch with 2+3 seat configuration. All seats have the power outlet. Actually this is the first Shinkansen train that the power outlet is equipped at all seats in the ordinary seat car.
Other facilities
The coverage by the travel passes
There are many rail passes available. You may be confused which Shinkansen train and class are covered by the pass. The following table shows you the coverage on the Hokuriku Shinkansen lines only. The table below does not show the coverage on the other Shinkansen lines, such as the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Tohoku-the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
| Type of the pass | Coverage |
| JR Pass Green | All trains and seats except Gran class |
| JR Pass Ordinary Hokuriku Arch Pass | Both reserved and non reserved ordinary seats on all trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen lines |
| JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, JR East Pass Tohoku, Tokyo Wide Pass | Both reserved and non reserved ordinary seats on all trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Sakudaira |
| JR East Pass Nagano Niigata | Both reserved and non reserved ordinary seats on all trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Joetsu-Myoko |
| Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass | Non reserved ordinary seats on Hakutaka and Tsurugi between Kanazawa and Joetsu-Myoko |
| Hokuriku Area Pass | Non reserved ordinary seats on Hakutaka and Tsurugi between Kanazawa and Kurobe-Unazukionsen |
| Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist pass | Non reserved ordinary seats on Hakutaka and Tsurugi between Kanazawa and Toyama |
Additional charge to take Gran class seat
As I mentioned above, the highest seat, “Gran class” is not covered by any rail pass. If you want to take a seat in Gran class, you have to pay a full fare of Gran class seat. For example, the fares for Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto are the following:
| Base fare | 7,480 yen |
| Gran class seat fee | 20,000 yen |
| Green class seat fee | 11,620 yen |
| Reserved ordinary class seat fee | 6,900 yen |
Even if you use JR Pass Green, you have to pay 20,000 yen to get a seat on Gran class. The additional fee is NOT the difference (8,380 yen = 20,000 – 11,620) between Gran class seat fee and Green class seat fee. If you use JR Pass Ordinary or other rail pass, such as Hokuriku Arch Pass, the additional fee is same. In this case, only base fare 7,480 yen is covered by any type of the rail passes.
Summary
On the Hokuriku Shinkansen, there is no restirictions to use the pass. On Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, the fastest train, “Nozomi” is not covered. But on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, even the fastest train “Kagayaki” is covered. This Shinkansen line makes your trip to Nagano, Toyama and/or Kanazawa be easy.
Comments
Dear Takeshi san,
Me and my husband are buying Hokuriku Arch Pass for 7 days,
My Schedule is
DAY 1 28may . Haneda – Tokyo station – Toyama station
DAY 2 9may Tateyama (alpine route)
DAY 3 30 May Toyama – Kanazawa
DAY 4 31 May Kanazawa – Toyama – Fujisan
Day 5&6 1 June – 2 June Stay in FUJI
Day 7 3 June Fuji back to Tokyo
Day 8-Day 10 Travel in Tokyo
May I know will the 7 days Hokuriku Arch Pass worth for us?
Do we need to purchase in advance the ticket if we need to catch the train at specific time?
Hi Jenny san,
You can use this pass but it covers only day 1 to 4. Because this pass does not cover Fuji. You have to go back to Shinjuku, Tokyo on day 4 and take an express bus to Lake Kawaguchi. This bus is not covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-fuji-area-various-sample-itineraries-of-fuji-five-lakes-and-5th-station.html
You may get Tokyo Subway Ticket for sightseeing in Tokyo and have to pay a regular fare to get Haneda.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am travelling to Japan for 2 weeks with my daughter (9) .
We will arrive on the 9th at around 7 oclock at night . We will be staying in Chiba for the night so my daughter wont be too tired.
10th May – chiba – Tokyo
11 & 12 Tokyo
13 Tokyo Hakone back to Tokyo
14 Tokyo Kanazawa
15 Kanazawa
16 Shirakawa taking the bus ? then spending the night in Takamaya
17 Takamaya
18 Takamaya – Kyoto
19 – 20 Kyoto
21 Kyoto – Tokyo
22 Tokyo – Narita ( at night)
Could you please advice me on the best pass ?
Kind regards
Calina
Hi Calina san,
This is very tough to choose the deal. JR Pass is only choice to cover your trip. But 7-day pass is too short to cover and 14-day pass is too expensive:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
If you go back to Tokyo on 20th, you can use 7-day pass for 14th to 20th. In this case, you can get the worth of 7-day pass easily. You may add other local deal in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
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
If you don’t want to go back to Tokyo on 20th, you have to use a regular fare ticket for city to city. It’s still cheaper than 14-day pass.
At last, if you stay near Narita airport on arrival day, that is a good idea. But if you meant that you will stay in city of Chiba, that is not much different from going to Tokyo. Because you can take express train to Tokyo and you have to take rapid or local train to get Chiba. Trip time is not much different. And also you don’t need to move to Tokyo from Chiba with luggage on day 2. This may be easier for you and your daughter.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
How does this below itenary look? If i just buy a hakone free pass and start the jr pass on the 15, is that better?
9 arrive at 7 pm straight to tokyo
10,11 & 12 Tokyo
13 Tokyo Hakone stay in hakone
14 hakone -tokyo
15 Tokyo Kanazawa
16 Kanazawa
17 Shirakawa taking the bus ? then spending the night in Takamaya
18 Takamaya
19 Takamaya – Kyoto
19 – 21 Kyoto
21 Kyoto – Tokyo
22 Tokyo – Narita ( at night)
Hi Calina san,
Yes, you can use 7-day pass from 15th to 21st. This is more cost efficient way for you. You can use Hakone Free Pass for 2 days trip to Hakone.
There are lots of deals which include Narita-Tokyo round trip and Tokyo subway pass. Please see the link below to get more info:
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/airport_bus/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
My itinerary is as follows:
1. Haneda airport to Nagano
2. Snow monkey (Should I get the snow monkey pass as JR East Nagano Niigata pass does not cover this?), Obuse (Does snow monkey pass or JR East Nagano Niigata cover this?)
3. Nagano to Matsumoto or Kanazawa (Day trip, does the JR East Nagano Niigata pass cover this??
4. Nagano to Hakuba
5. Hakuba
6. Hakuba
7. Hakuba to Echigo Yuzawa (Should I transit in Niigata so I can take the Ruto Shu Kara then Genbi Shinkansen?)
8. Echigo Yuzawa to Niigata and back (Day trip) I would like to go to Niigata Furusato Village and Bandai city (Would the pass cover these?)
9. Echigo Yuzawa to Hamamatsucho
10 ….Around Tokyo
Should I get the JR East Nagano Niigata pass? Which day should I use it to fully utilize it?
Thank you.
Hi Nic san,
You can use JR East Pass Niigata Nagano and Snow Monkey Pass. Obuse and Snow Monkey Park are covered by Snow Monkey Pass. Kanazawa is outside the coverage area of JR East Pass.
You can use 5 days coverage for Haneda to Nagano, Nagano to Matsumoto to Nagano, Hakuba to Echigo-Yuzawa, Echigo-Yuzawa to Niigata to Niigata, and Echigo-Yuzawa to Hamamatsucho. Please add a regular fare for other segments.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
We are going to Tokyo December 2018 and this is our itinerary:
Day 1: Narita – Shinjuku
Day 2: Shinjuku – Ueno
Day 3: Shinjuku – Iiyama: Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort
Day 4: Iiyama – Yudanaka: Jigokudani Snow Monkey
Day 5: Iiyama
Day 6: Iiyama – Matsumoto
Day 7: Iiyama – Shibuya
Day 8: Shibuya – Narita
Please advise, what pass should I get and or to combine with.
Domo arigatougozaimasu.
Hi Casy san,
You may use JR East Pass Niigata and Nagano:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-niigata-and-nagano-flex-5-days-pass-in-14-days-period-to-cover-kanto-region-nagano-and-niigata.html
You can use it for day 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8. Shinjuku to Ueno is very short ride. You will ride a bus from Iiyama to Snow Monkey Park. This is not covered by JR East Pass.
http://www.snowmonkeyresorts.com/access/from-nozawa-how-to-get-to-snow-monkey/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I will be heading to Japan during December, do you think Hokuriku Arch Pass is suitable for my itinerary?
21st – Haneda Airport > Osaka
22-23rd – Osaka > Kyoto
23-26th – in Osaka but will be visiting Nagano
27th – back to Tokyo after that will use Suica thru out.
Thank you.
Apple
Hi Apple san,
You may use it but I recommend you to use JR pass 7 days more than Hokuriku arch pass. Because Hokuriku arch pass does not cover Tokyo-Osaka direct Shinkansen route. It you use Hokuriku arch pass, you have to take the route via Kanazawa. You have to change trains at Kanazawa and trip time is 5.5 hours which is 2 hours longer than Tokyo-Osaka Shinkansen which is Tokaido Shinkansen.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
If you use JR pass, you can take Hikari on Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka. Trip time is around 3 hours from Shinagawa to Shin-Osaka. Of course, all coverage area of Hokuriku arch pass is covered by JR pass too. It’s no problem to travel to Nagano by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for replying, if it is only the journey time we are fine with it.
We will take a short break in Kanazawa since we are not in a rush, but can we use this pass in Osaka and Kyoto? Is Osaka metro and Kyoto metro cover. Or can I use Suica for metro?
Warmest Regards,
Apple
Hi Apple san,
Both JR Pass and Hokuriku arch pass do not cover subway and city bus. Please see the links below to find the coverage:
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
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you very much 🙂
No worries, Apple san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thanks alot for your explaination. I will take a look on the suggested subway pass.
Domo Arigatou.
mc
No worries, Maria san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Could you please recommend me if Hokuriku Pass or JR pass or other pass that suits my plan to visit Japan.
Day 1 : arrived Haneda
Day 2 – Day 9 : will be around Tokyo & Disneyland etc
Day 10 : Tokyo – Takayama (stay overnight, will visit Shirakawago)
Day 11 : Takayama – Kanazawa (stay overnight)
Day 12 – Day 15 : Kanazawa – Kyoto (stay 3 nights)
Day 15 – Day 17 : Osaka (2 nights)
Day 17 – Day 18 : Nagoya (1 night)
Day 18 : back to Tokyo (1 night) then Narita airport
I am interested in trying the new golden route to get to Takayama. Does that mean I need to get the Hokuriku Pass or i can use JR Pass and still be on this route? and would getting the 14 days JR pass worth it for my journey?
Please advise, what pass should I get and or to combine with.
THank you so much I appreciate your help.
Hi Imelda san,
First of all, Hokuriku arch pass does not work because it does not cover Takayama. 14 days JR pass is too expensive to get the worth by your trip plan. I believe the best option is 7 days JR pass from day 12 to 18. Total cost will be almost same as 7 days JR pass price.
For day 1 to 9, you can use subway pass or regular ticket. You can find the deal which include Haneda access + Tokyo subway ticket in the link below:
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/airport_bus/index.html
For Tokyo to Takayama, you may use a regular fare ticket. Please find the fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
If you want to save your cost, you can take an express bus.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/shinjuku_en/
You have take a bus anyway for Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa which is not covered by JR pass.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/kanazawa_en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I’m going to Tokyo early 2019 and this is my itinerary:
Day 1: Shinjuku
Day 2: Disney Sea
Day 3: Shirakawago (stay one night in Toyama and travel back to Tokyo the next day)
Day 4: Asakusa
Day 5: Hakone
Day 6: Shibuya
My biggest concern is the train ticket from Tokyo to Toyama. Do you think we should go for JR East Pass just to travel between Tokyo/Toyama?
Hi Nicholas san,
I recommend you to use Hokuriku arch pass. JR East Pass does not cover Toyama.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-osaka-hokuriku-arch-pass-user-guide-clarify-valid-trains-coverage-area-and-compare-single-fare-and-pass.html
This is cheaper than Tokyo-Toyama round trip fare. If you use JR East Pass, you have to pay Joetsumyoko – Toyama round trip fare on top of JR East Pass which is around 10,000 yen.
Hokuriku arch pass does not help for trip to Hakone and JR East Pass covers partially.
But Hakone Free Pass is much better choice than using JR East Pass.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
i’m travelling to japan from 3rd-11th december this year from tokyo to osaka. my itinerary is as follows :
3rd : arrive in tokyo
4th : tokyo area
5-6th : kawaguchiko and stay for a night
7th : takayama
8th : shirakawago
9th : osaka
10th : kyoto day trip
11th : home.
Would buying the JR pass benefit me? or should i just buy the takayama-hokuriku area pass?
Thank you ^^
Hi Joanna,
JR pass is too costly for your trip. You cannot get the worth of it. You may use a regular fare ticket until you get Takayama. After Takayama for day 7 to 11, you can use Takayama Hokuriku area pass.
When you move from Kawaguchiko to Takayama, I recommend you to take the following route:
Kawaguchiko (Fujikyu railway) Otsuki (JR Limited Express Azusa) Matsumoto (Nohi bus) Takayama
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/matsumoto_en/
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/matsumoto-station-guide-how-to-catch-the-bus-to-takayama-hotaka-and-kamikochi-how-to-take-a-train-to-nagano-hakuba-shinano-omachi.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/otsuki-station-guide-how-to-transfer-from-jr-train-to-fuji-kyuko-train.html
This route is most affordable and the fastest way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the advice Takeshi-san,
Also from Tokyo/Shinjuku to kawaguchiko, which means of transport is more preferable? buy bus or train? because i will be carrying luggage too.
Hi Joanna san,
Express bus is the best way.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Please recommend me any JR pass or other pass that suits my plan to visit Tokyo.
19 oct 2018: Narita to Takayama
20 Oct 2018: Takayama – ShirakawaGo – Kanazawa
21 Oct 2018: Takayama – Tokyo (shibuya)
22 Oct 2018: Asakusa
23 Oct 2018: Shibuya – Narita
in between 20 -21 oct, I also plan to visit toyama and tateyama alpine Route, but this is my extra plan only. it is optional.
Please advise, what pass should I get and or to combine with.
Domo arigatougozaimasu.
mc
Hi Maria san,
JR Pass is only pass which covers most part of your trip. You can use JR pass. But you need to pay for the bus to Shirakawago. And also if you go to Tateyama Kurobe alpine route, I recommend you to add Tateyama Kurobe option ticket.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
What about Hokuriku arch pass? It is a bit cheaper than JR pass.
Is it applicable for my planned trip?
Thanks.
mc
Hi Maria san,
Hokuriku Arch Pass does not cover Takayama. And also when you go to Takayama from Narita, you may take Narita-Tokyo-Nagoya-Takayama route. Because train runs more frequently than Narita-Tokyo-Toyama-Takayama. Hokuriku arch pass does not cover Tokyo-Nagoya-Takayama. JR pass does.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
Thank you very muchh for your explaination.
From the given detail, i change the plan. From Takayama, i change to Kanazawa. So, Kanazawa will be my base. And, from Kanazawa i will take the bus to shirakawaGo and to takayama.
So, according to this new plan, i still have to use JR pass or i can use the Hokuriku Arch Pass??
Thanks.
mc
Hi Maria san,
That’s right. You can use Hokuriku Arch Pass and take a bus to Shirakawago and Takayama.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
You have to pay the fare for bus to Shirakawago and Takayama. But even if you have JR pass, it’s not covered either. You have to pay it anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
After some time of thinking, i change my schedule again. The fixed schedule will be:
1. 19 oct: Narita – Asakusa
2. 20 oct: Asakusa – Kamakura
3. 21 oct: to Hakone
4. 22 oct: hakone – Gotemba
5. 23 oct: Hakone to Narita
Please help to advise what pass that suits me for my schedule.
At the moment, I am still thinking these 4 passes:
1. Tokyo Wide pass (3days)
2. Hakone kamakura pass (3 days)
3. Fuji hakone pass (3 days)
4. Hakone free pass (3 days)
Please help to advise.
Thank you very much.
Hi Maria san,
It’s hard to say which one is better, Hakone Free Pass or Hakone Kamakura Pass. Other two deals do not work for your trip. Roughly speaking, if you will still visit many places in Hakone on 23rd, Hakone Free Pass for 21st to 23rd may be better than using Hakone Kamakura Pass. In most of cases, Hakone Kamakura Pass is better than Hakone Free Pass.
There is no direct ways to get Narita from Hakone. You have to go back to Shinjuku anyway. If you intend to use subway on 19th and 20th, some airport access + subway pass deal will work for you.
https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/airport_bus/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com