Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass will be released after three JR West’s new passes, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass, Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass and Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass. It will be on sale on 14th March, 2015. This is the first ever deal that covers Kansai area (Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe) and Hokuriku area (Kanazawa, Toyama). JR West has been selling Kansai Wide Area Pass and Hokuriku Area Pass. This pass is the deal that these passes are combined. It is much more convenient than combination of two passes and much easier to purchase.
I believe this pass will be very useful for travellers who stay in Kansai and travel to Hokuriku area and other area of outside Kansai. I am very happy to share the information of this pass with you in this post.
Coverage Area
This pass covers whole part of Kansai area, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kansai Airport, Himeji and Wakayama. It also includes Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama, and Hokuriku Shinkansen between Kanazawa and Joetsu-Myoko. This pass includes many more conventional lines as well, such as line to Takamatsu in Shikoku, Kinosaki Onsen, Shirahama and Shingu in Kii peninsula, Fukui, Kanazwa and Wakura-Onsen too. You may access to Toyama, Itoigawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen.
We have never had the pass that covers both Kansai and Hokuriku. Many visitors wanted to have a deal to Kanazawa from Osaka or Kyoto. Finally we will have that we want!
As you see, this pass does not cover most part of Japan, such as Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagoya, Kanazawa, Takayama, most part of Shikoku and Kyush. So if you intend to travel throughout Japan or travel to Tokyo, Hokkaido or Kyushu, Japan Rail Pass is maybe more suitable for you.
*Osaka – Tokyo one way trip is not enough to use JR Pass. Please see the the post, Japan Rail Pass user guide. How to use JR Pass to its maximum.
Valid trains, bus services, routes and class
All daytime trains in coverage area are covered. But reserved seat fee is NOT included. You have to take non reserved ordinary seat. Most of limited express and Shinkansen trains have non reserved seat. And Green seat is not covered fully either. If you want to take Green seat, this pass covers base fare only. You have to pay full of express supplement and Green seat fare.
As of mid April 2017, this pass started to cover JR bus in Kyoto, Fukui and Kanazawa. In Kanazawa, you can take JR bus to get Kanazawa castle, Kenrokuen garden, Korinbo and Omicho market. In Kyoto, you can get Ryoan-ji temple, Kitano-Tenmangu shrine, Takao area via Nijo. This pass also covers Obamba to/from Omi-Imazu bus service and Sonobe to/from Fukuchiyama bus service.
This pass also started to cover Kyoto Tango railway as of mid April, 2017. You can get Amanohashidate, Miyazu without any extra charge.
When you use this deal, there are a few exceptions. You have to know that before you choose this deal. Please see the below to learn.
Tokaido Shinkansen among Maibara, Kyoto and Shin-Osaka
Even though it is in the coverage area, you cannot take Shinkansen train in this segment. Because Tokaido Shinkansen belongs to other JR company, JR Central. It is same JR Group company and many trains go through both areas each other. But technically it is different company. Therefore this deal cannot include this Shinkansen segment. When you depart from Kyoto or Maibara and take Shinkansen, you have to take Special Rapid Service to Shin-Osaka and then transfer to Shinkansen train there.
NON JR lines, IR Ishikawa Railway and Ainokaze Toyama Railway
This pass does not cover any NON JR lines. But it covers IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata, and Ainokaze Toyama railway between Toyama and Takaoka. Because JR West own Tsubata to Wakura-Onsen, Takaoka to Himi and Takaoka to Johana. Especially you can never get Tsubata to Wakura-Onsen without NON JR trains. That is why these segments are allowed to take by this pass. On these NON JR segments, you cannot make any stopover. You can exit the station at departure and arrival points, Toyama, Takaoka, Tsubata and Kanazawa only.
Kagawaki on Hokuriku Shinkansen
Kagayaki that is the fastest train on Hokuriku Shinkansen does not have any non reserved seats. This pass does not cover any reserved seats. You cannot take this train. You can get other Hokuriku Shinkansen trains, Hakutaka and Tsurugi.
Hotels in Kanazawa
Hotels in Toyama
Price, eligibility and how to purchase
This pass is available for temporary visitor only. If you are resident, you can’t purchase it.
JR West is the first company that has different price tag for same product. Please see the below:
Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass 7-day
| Purchasing from the travel agent overseas (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West online (Before arrival) | Purchasing from JR West station (After arrival) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 17,000 yen | 18,500 yen | 19,000 yen |
| Child (6-11 years old) | 8,500 yen | 9,2500 yen | 9,500 yen |
As you have seen, you can purchase this pass after you arrive in Japan. But you have to pay 1000 yen more.
If you want to purchase this at 15,000 yen, you can purchase it at authorized travel agents. You can find the dealers list and exchange location at the link below:
JR West Rail Pass Dealer’s list
You also can purchase this pass online through JR West official site. But the price is not much cheaper than the price which is sold at the station.
Valid period
It is valid for 7 days. One day means midnight to midnight, technically 0:00 to 23:59. So try to start in the morning. It does not make sense to start to use in the evening.
You can purchase this pass only once per visit if you purchase online or inside Japan. If you purchase it at authorized agents outside Japan, you can purchase as many as you want. If you need more coverage, please think about combining with other deals in Kansai area, like Kansai Thru Pass or Kansai Area Pass or pick up other deals, like Japan Rail Pass.
Compare to single fares
Base fare and surcharge for the major segments are the following. Please compare the price of Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass and these fares. If you use Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, these following fare, both base fare and surcharge, are covered.
*All surcharges in the following table are non reserved seat rate.
| Segment | Base fare | Surcharge |
|---|---|---|
| Osaka – Kyoto | 560 yen | – |
| Osaka – Sannomiya (Kobe) | 410 yen | – |
| Osaka – Nara | 800 yen | – |
| Kyoto – Nara | 710 yen | – |
| Osaka – Himeji | 1490 yen | 1730 yen |
| Osaka – Kansai Airport | 1190 yen | 970 yen |
| Osaka – Okayama | 3020 yen | 2480 yen |
| Osaka – Kinosaki Onsen | 3350 yen | 1730 yen |
| Osaka – Kanazawa | 4750 yen | 2380 yen |
| Kyoto – Kanazawa | 4000 yen | 2380 yen |
| Osaka – Toyama | 5620 yen | 4220 yen |
| Kyoto – Toyama | 5080 yen | 4220 yen |
| Kanazwa – Toyama | 970 yen | 1840 yen |
As you see, Osaka-Kanazawa one way fare and surcharge total amount is 7,130 yen. Round trip to Kanazawa from Osaka is slightly smaller than online purchase price, 15,000 yen. But you will use this pass in Kansai area, like Osaka-Kyoto, Kyoto-Nara. It is not difficult to pay off.
Assessment
I believe this deal will be fit to many travellers who want to go to Kanazawa and Toyama. At this point, Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass is available but this pass will be on sale until June.
After that, this pass may be substitute choice for the tranvellers who want to go to Shirakawago via Kanazawa. If you have a plan to go to Hokuriku area when you stay in Kansai area, this pass is the best choice. Kanazzwa can be visited as day trip from Osaka or Kyoto.
How to access to Kanazawa and Toyama from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Niigata.
You can visit other side of Kansai area, like Kinosaki Onsen and Shirahama by this pass.
This pass gives you many way to enjoy Kansai and outside Kansai area.
Comments
Hi Takeshi San.
I have plan to visit to toyama alpine route on end of sptember. It is possible to get snow corridor in september arround 26-28. My ittenary is arrive in osaka and back to jakarta from haneda.
Thank you for your help.
Regards
Hendro W
Hi Hendro san,
No, you can’t. It can be seen in April and May.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I am planning a trip to Kobe in July , but i will like to visit Toyama and Himeji as well. I am arriving in Kobe on 2 July and plan to visit Toyama and Himeji before leaving for Tokyo on 4 July via Itami airport. I plan to stay in Kobe for from 2 July to 4 July. What JR pass should i use? Thanks.
Hi Evelyn,
JR Pass is the best choice. It covers all places, Himeji, Toyama and trip to Tokyo.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
May I get some advice? 🙂
I’m going to be traveling between Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Takefu (in Fukui prefecture). Will this pass make up the purchase cost? It seems like it might be cutting it really close.
Also, Fukui Station is listed but are the other stations in Fukui (like Takefu) serviced by this pass as well? I found limited express, rapid service, and Thunderbird trains for my trips.
And last, where can I activate this train pass if I’m starting my trip in the region in Fukui Station? Does it need activation like the JR PASS or is that not necessary?
I would appreciate any insight, many thanks!
Hi Olivia,
Takefu is covered by this pass. All stations and trains in coverage area are covered by this pass.
But Osaka-Takefu single trip fare with express surcharge is 5700 yen. So even if you have round trip, single ticket is still cheaper.
Even though you use this pass in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, total fares will be almost equal. So you can use this pass, but it does not give you a big saving.
You can activate this pass at Fukui, but you cannot do it at Takefu. Please see the official site:
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel-information/pass/kansai_hokuriku/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I’d like to check with you if this pass covers the transportation from KIX to Kyoto (the direct Thunderbird train?) ? I will be in Kansai area between 30/9 to 6/10 and I’m planing to make Kyoto my first stop, followed by Kanazawa and Osaka. On the way back from Osaka to KIX, I’m planning to buy the stopover ticket at Rinku before my last stop in KIX. Would this pass be a reasonable one for my trip?
Thanks!
Hi Jenny san,
This pass will suit your trip.
You can take limited express Haruka from KIX to Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Thunderbird connects Kyoto, Osaka and Kanazawa.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-thuderbird-raicho-%E9%9B%B7%E9%B3%A5.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I will be visiting Japan between 22-29 Dec. I will be using a Kansai and Hokuriku pass. Considering that it is year end, I wonder if I should use reserved seat for longer trip rather than non-reserved one. The pass says that it is valid for non-reserved seat only. It does not say if I can make seat reservation by paying reservation fee. Do you have any idea if this is possible?
Thank you very much.
Raymond
Hi Raymond san,
Actually it’s not a good idea to pay for reserved seat on top of this pass. Because if you want to reserve your seat, you have to pay full seat fee. For example,
Osaka to Kanazawa by limited express Thunderbird
reserved seat 3100 yen
non reserved seat 2380 yen
You have to pay 3100 yen, not 720 yen (3100-2380).
If you take non reserved seat, you don’t need to pay any extra, of course even 2380 yen is not required. But you have to pay 3100 yen if you want to reserve your seat.
When you will be in Japan, the busiest day and direction is Osaka or Kyoto to outside Kansai area on Dec 28 and 29. Residents in Japan want to spend the time with family and friend in New Years day.
But your trip will be end on Dec 29. So in my opinion, you will be okay. Don’t spend extra money. Reserved seat fee on top of this pass is very expensive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
I am planning to visit Kansai region and Matsumoto area in April 2016 to see the cherry blossoms and also travel on the Kurobe Alpine route.
I would like to seek your advise on whether it is better for me to purchase a :-
a) 7 Day Kansai Hokuriku Pass and activate it on Day 3 of my holiday; or
b) 5 Day Kansai Wide Area pass and activate it on Day 1 and a 4 Day Hokuriku Area Pass and activate it on Day 5.
By the way, can I travel on the same types of trains using the Kansai Wide Area pass and Hokuriku Area pass as the Kansai Hokuriku Area pass?
My proposed itinerary:-
Day 1 – Arrive in Kansai. Travel and sightseeing in Osaka
Day 2 – Day trip from Osaka to Yoshino to see the cherry blossoms
Day 3 – Day trip from Osaka to Kobe, Himeji and Okayama
Day 4 – Travel from Osaka to Kinosaki onsen. Overnight at Kinosaki onsen
Day 5 – Travel from Kinosaki onsen to Kanazawa via Kyoto or Osaka
Day 6 – Travel by Nohi bus to Takayama to see the Takayama Matsuri festival. Overnight at Takayama
Day 7 – Travel by Nohi bus to Kanazawa. Overnight and sightseeing in Kanazawa
Day 8 – Travel to Toyama and then join Kurobe Alpine route. Overnight at Matsumoto
I will then spend 3 days at Matsumoto to vist a wasabi farm and see the cherry blossoms at Takato.
Thanks for your help
Paul Lau
Hi Paul,
Kansai Wide Area Pass + Hokuriku Area Pass are better. Because it’s cheaper and cover whole part of your trip, except Yoshino and Nohi bus.
Condition is same. You can take any train’s non reserved seat in the coverage area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanky you Takeshi-san for the information and your help.
No problem, Paul san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks for the information you share.
I will buy flight and arrive at Osaka (Kansai Airport) on Nov 2, 10.25 pm.
My destination is Kanazawa, and must be there at least at 11.30am.
If single fare, I must buy from Kansai Airport to Osaka? what is the name of the station? What is the latest hour of train from Kansai Airport?
after that I must go to Kanazawa from Osaka Station? where can I get the information about the schedule of the train to Kanazawa? So I can decide better to stay at Osaka 1 night or directly go to Kanazawa by train. I’ve search before that JR Thunderbird is rhe train name to go to Kanazawa. Is this pass covered both of train from Kansai Airport & train to Kanazawa?
Which is better to buy single fare or this Hokoriku Area Pass?
fyi. I will stay at Kanazawa till Nov 8.
Thanks so much for your reply.
Regards,
Jasmine
Hi Jasmine san,
Technically you can purchase a ticket from Kansai airport to Kanazawa with stopover at Osaka. But you will arrive in KIX very late. Ticket window might be closed. You might not catch even the last train to Osaka. Please find more info at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-access-to-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe-from-late-arrival-flight-at-kansai-airport-kix.html
If you are in time to catch the last train to Osaka, you still can purchase a ticket at the vending machine. But you can purchase a ticket to Osaka only. You cannot purchase it to Kanazawa.
You may purchase a ticket to Kanazawa at Osaka station next morning. Limited Express Thuderbird is a direct train service from Osaka to Kanazawa. You can find the schedule and the fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Takayama Hokuriku Area pass is valid for 5 days. But your trip is 6 days for Osaka-Kanazawa-Osaka. So this pass does not cover round trip to Kanazawa from Osaka. As a result, single fare is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for the information. So if I can’t caught the latest train to Osaka, I must wait at Kansai Airport till morning? poor me 😀
I will leave Kanazawa on 9Nov and I also have bought flight ticket from Haneda on Nov 12. Maybe I will go by bis to Tokyo from Kanazawa/Osaka if its cheapre than train.
But, according to the question before, what do you think about take the pass 7 day (JR Kansai Hokoriku Area Pass) that you inform before?
Is this cover the train from Kansai Airport to Osaka & JR Thunderbird Osaka- Kanazawa? Is it cover the train to other place around like Kyoto?
Thanks and appreciate for your helping
regard,
Jasmine
Hi Jasmine,
If you have round trip to Kanazawa from Osaka, this pass may work. But if you go to Tokyo from Kanazawa directly, this pass does not cover most part of the trip from Kanazawa to Tokyo. And this pass does not work. Even if you have round trip between Osaka (or Kyoto) and Kanazawa, single ticket is still cheaper. You may use this pass to take the trains around Kyoto and Osaka. But especially in Kyoto, JR trains cannot take you to most places in Kyoto. You need to take subway or local bus and these are not covered by this pass.
I think single ticket is the best choice for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san,
Kindly advise me for the better and easy itinerary as below:-
If i buy Hokuriku Area Pass & Fuji Hakone Pass, which route out of cover and need to buy single ticket…
possible If want include the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine route ?
25/3/16 – Arrive Osaka
26/3-Osaka – Kyoto
27/3-Kyoto – Kanazawa – Shirakawa-go-Takayama
28/3-Takayama – Shirakawa-go -Takayama
29/3-Takayama – Nagoya – Tokyo – Mt Fuji /Fujiyoshida
30/3 – Kawaguchigo
31/3-Fujiyoshida – Tokyo (Hakone-not confirm yet)
31/3-2/4 – Tokyo – Narita
Thank you
mcchow
Hi Mcchow san,
You have to purchase single fare ticket for Nagoya – Tokyo, in Tokyo and Tokyo – Narita airport.
Tateyama Kurobe will open in mid April. Sorry but it’s too early to go there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail,com
Dear Takeshi san,
I will be travelling to hokuriku in the coming November and I will be staying in Toyama. As the Kansai-Hokuriku pass would only cover the region between Toyama and Joetsumyoko, if I am going to Shinano-Omachi via Nagano taking the shinkansen (one-way), do I need to buy the whole ticket covering from Toyama to Shinano-Omachi? Or would I buy the ticket covering Joetsumyoko to Shinano-Omachi, and if the latter is possible, is it a must to purchase this ticket (and the express fare) in Joetsumyoko station?
If this cannot be done, is the Japan Rail pass a better choice than this Kansai-Hokuriku area pass?
Thanks for your help and best wishes,
Frankie
Hi Frankie san,
I need to see whole part of your trip to choose the best deal. Would you tell me that?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
The tentative itinerary would be
The first day is travelling from Kyoto to Toyama
1. round trip between toyama and unazukionsen (did by shinkansen to kurobe-unazukionsen followed by private railway)
2. One way from toyama to shinano-omachi via Nagano, and one way from shinano-omachi to toyama via minami-otari
3. round trip between toyama and yoshino
4. round trip between toyama and takayama
5. if jr pass is obtained then it would be a round trip between toyama and nagoya, otherwise if kansai-hokuriku pass is used then a round trip between toyama and kanazawa
The last day would be travelling from Toyama to kansai airport
Thanks for your reading and help
Best wishes
Frankie
Hi Frankie,
I have a few questions.
1. Is this trip completed in 7 days?
2. Which Yoshino are you going to visit? Do you mean Yoshino in Nara?
3. Do you understand Takayama is not coverage area?
4. How do you want to get Shinanoomachi from Nagano? Bus or train all the way?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
1. Yes it would be completed in 7-days
2. That one in Nara and I know that the travel time would be long, with an early wake-up being a must.
3. Kansai-Hokuriku pass only covers up to Inotani, and I am wondering whether I am going to pay the full fare from Toyama to Takayama or just from Inotani to Takayama.
4. By train via matsumoto. (Another early trip).
Actually I am curious more about fare separation for travelling regions partly covered by the pass, should I buy the whole fare? Or just that not being covered? and do I need to get off the train, go out from the station and buy the ticket at that station?
Thanks for your help.
Best wishes
Frankie
Hi Frankie,
Now I see the whole picture.
Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass + extra fare is cheaper than JR Pass. You need to add the fare for only outside area, like Joetsumyoko-Nagano-Matsumoto-Minamiotari, Inotani-Takayama.
But if you want to reserve your seat, JR pass is better choice. Both passes covers express trains and Shinkansen. (Kansai Hokuriku pass does not cover Tokaido Shinkansen). But only JR pass covers reserved seat fee. When you go to Nagano, you cannot take the fastest train Kagayaki from Kanazawa to Nagano because this train has reserved seat only.
This is only difference between these two passes. In most of cases, non reserved seat is okay. You will get a seat. But never know.
In my rough estimation, the difference between these two passes (+extra for Kansai hokuriku) is about 5000 to 6000 yen. The choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks for your help. I have a last question. How can i add the fare for going to outside regions. Am I going to add the fare when I leave station, say, if I am going from Toyama to Takayama, by going to Midori-no-madoguchi and ask the staff there to add the fare before I exit?
Thanks a million.
Frankie
Hi Frankie,
You can do either purchasing at the station in advance or pay on board. You cannot pay when you exit because you will be asked by conductor where you will go.
I think purchasing at the station is easier. Because it will take a long time to explain your plan. Especially Joetsumyoko-Minamiotari may be complicated to explain.
Cheers,
Takeshi
Dear Takeshi-san,
Thanks for your suggestions and help and I would probably go for the Kansai-hokuriku pass.
Many thanks,
Frankie
No problem, Frankie san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I want to go Nanao from Kyoto station.
Is the LTD. EXP NOTO KAGARIBI included in this pass or do I have to take the JR Nanao line?
Thanks
Hi Txh,
It’s not included. You have to pay extra beside the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com