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
Dear takeshi san,
I am planning to get 1 day osaka amazing pass and the 7 days kansai hokuriku pass.i will be staying in osaka from 8/2/20 to 16/2/20.here is the example of my itenary :
Day 1 : will be arriving in osaka at night so will just be staying in the hotel.
Day 2 : osaka
Day 3 : kanazawa
Day 4 : himeji and kobe
Day 5 : nara
Day 6 : okayama
Day 7 : fukui
Day 8 : kyoto
Day 9 : Will be flying back
So basically i am staying in osaka and will be doing day trips from there.also im only planning on activating my kansai hokuriku pass on monday.is it ok if im purchasing osaka amazing 1 day pass and kansai hokuriku area pass?
Regards ,
Jonah.
Hi Jonah san,
You may use Kansai Hokuriku area pass from day 3 as you think. Osaka amazing pass is a good choice for day 2. You may add other deal for Kansai to Osaka if you like. Please find more deal in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Sir
My Family of 4 Japan itinerary are as follows:-
16 to 18 jun 2020 in Osaka
19 Jun to Toyama (Alpine Route)
20 Jun to Kanazawa or Fukui
21 Jun to Nara
22 Jun to Wakayama Marina City
23 Jun to Kobe
24 to 25 Jun to Kyoto (Kyoto to Kansai Airport)
Could you please advise what is the JR Pass we should purchase?
Thank you and Regards
Lu
Hi Lu,
You may use Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass for June 19 to 25. But if you travel all the way of Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, you have to add Tateyama Kurobe Option Ticket and the regular fare to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano to Joetsumyoko. This segment is outside of the coverage area of Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass. Non reserved seat fee and base fare is around 3,000 yen.
You may use other deal for the first 3 days. You can find it in the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Understood, thanks a lot for your advices.
Rgds
CS
No worries, Chee san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thanks for your prompt reply.
May i know if i can i use the takayama hokuriku pass to reserve bus ticket from kanazawa to shirakawago online?
Thanks
Rgds
CS
Hi Chee san,
Unfortunately you can’t. You have to make a call:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
If that is the case, do you think Kansai Hokuriku pass suits me?
Thanks.
Rgds,
CS
Hi CS,
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is more recommended. Because the bus to Shirakawago is covered. Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass does not.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I will be reaching kansai airport on 20th Feb late night and head straight to kyoto. Below is my itinerary :
20th-24th Feb – kyoto
24th-27th : kanazawa (municipal ski resort and shirakawago)
27th-29th – osaka (leaving on 29th night)
Please suggest which pass shall i be getting ad when shall i redeem it?
Thanks.
Rgds,
CS
Hi Chee San,
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is recommended:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass covers the bus to Shirakawago. It’s valid for 5 days only but you can cover the trip to Kanazawa and Shirakawago from 24th to 28th.
You may add other local deal in Kyoto and Osaka:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-from-kansai-airport-to-downtown-osaka-kyoto-and-kobe.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-Kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Rinto san
You are amazing answering questions from strangers visiting your country. Thank you in advance.
We are travelling from Melbourne Australia in Oct 2019. I am confused about which rail pass to buy.
JR Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area pass, or another
Land at Narita 21 Oct
Tokyo 21-25 Oct with day trips like Nikko
Miyajima 26 Oct
Osaka 27-29 with day trip to Noashima and Nara
Kyoto 30-31Oct
Kanazawa 1 Nov
travel to Narita to fly home.
Hi Jacqui san,
You may use 14-days JR pass:
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
This is only pass which covers your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-San / JPRail.com,
I am deciding between “5 Day JR Takayama-Hokuriku” Area Pass and “7 Day JR Kansai Hokuriku” pass. Here are the questions that I would like to seek your advice:
1. Will both passes cover places like Mount Koya?
2. I read on K’look that the “5 Day JR Takayama-Hokuriku” Area Pass does not cover Tokaido Shinkansen between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka while the “7 Day JR Kansai Hokuriku” pass does not cover Tokaido Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka to/from Tokyo). While on your website here, you mentioned that the “7 Day JR Kansai Hokuriku” pass does not cover Tokaido Shinkansen, specifically “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.” I am a little confused here so would like to seek clarification if possible.
Here’s my brief itinerary for my 8 Days 7 nights trip in Japan:
Tue Osaka
Wed Osaka / Kyoto
Thu Mount Koya
Fri Kyoto
Sat Nara
Sun Kanazawa – Shirakawago
Mon Kanazawa – Osaka
Tue Osaka
We will be staying in Osaka, specifically hanazonocho station for most of our trip except for a 1 night stay at Kanazawa.
Would greatly appreciate your advice on which pass to choose between this 2 passes as I am facing an avalanche of information right now while reading about what’s included and not included in the passes.
Thank you so much!!!
Cheers,
Sue
Hi Sue san,
1. Mt Koya is not covered by either passes.
2. The Tokaido Shinkansen is not covered by either passes. I mentioned about Tokaido Shinkansen in the post. But I explained about the trip from Kyoto or Maibara to the west, such as Himeji, Okayama. The Shinkansen connects Maibara, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Himeji and Okayama directly. But this pass does not cover the Tokaido Shinkansen. That is why train change is required at Shin-Osaka even though the Shinkansen goes through. Anyway Tokaido Shinkansen is not covered at all.
I recommend you to use Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass 5-day and Kansai Thru Pass 3-day. If you use Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, Nara and Kyoto are covered. But these passes covers only JR trains. It does not cover subway, other non JR railway, and city bus. But Kansai Thru Pass does. It covers subway in Osaka too. Especially you will stay in Hanazonocho which is subway station. You can use Kansai thru pass from Hanazonocho. So you may use Kansai thru pass 3-day for Mt. Koya, Nara and one of two days in Kyoto.
When you use Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, you have to pay for taking subway to the nearest JR station which is JR-Namba. But you can go to Kyoto by this pass. After arriving in Kyoto, this pass does not cover anything. So you have to make sure which place you go by this pass and which place you go by Kansai thru pass.
You will use Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass for the last 5 days. So please switch (Tue) Osaka and (Sat) Nara.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san/ JPRail.com,
Thanks a million!!! Really really appreciate your advice and clarifications!!! I will incorporate them. You have just saved a million of my brain cells!
Cheers,
Sue
No worries, Sue san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Sir,
I plan to travel in and out from KIX to Toyama, Alpine route, Kanazawa and Shirakawago in 5 days. 22-26May2019.
Day 1 – KIX-Shin Osaka-Toyama
Day 2 – Toyama-Alpine route-Nagano-Kanazawa
Day 3 – Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Kanazawa
Day 4 – Kanazawa- Shin Osaka
Day 5 – Shin Osaka-KIX
I intend to purchase the Kansai Hokuriku area pass + Tateyama kurobe option ticket.
For Day 2, Nagano back to Kanazawa, i need to purchase a seperate ticket from Nagano to Joetsu-Myoko? in order to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Joetsu-Myoko to Kanazawa.
What type of train and ticket and how much additional will that be?
Thank you.
Best regards,
Julie
Hi Julie,
You may purchase a base fare ticket and non reserved seat fee ticket. The additional cost is around 3000 yen. You can buy this when you get Kansai Hokuriku area pass if you like. Otherwise you can purchase at Nagano station or any other major JR stations.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
I’m planning to go to Japan this weekend. What I need to ask are:
1. Is Limited Express Thunderbird/Haruka covered by Kansai Hokuriku Pass? What I’ve read is it’s covered for only non-reserved seats.
2. For KIX-Kanazawa trip suggestions are to take Haruka from KIX to Shin Osaka, then transfer to Thunderbird in Shin Osaka to Kanazawa.
3. Below is my itinerary for your reference:
– 24-27 Feb: Sapporo –> I didn’t take the Sapporo Pass, after I read your advise 🙂 since I will only travel to Otaru
– 27 Feb – 1 Mar: Kanazawa
– 1 – 4 Mar: Kyoto
– 4 – 6 Mar: Osaka
Please advise.
Thank you in advance Takeshi san.
Regards,
Mira
Hi Mira san,
1. It’s covered and as you know, it covers only non reserved seat. Please see the link below if you want to know more about non reserved seat:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
2. That’s right. But if you go back to Osaka to take Thunderbird, you can get a seat much easier as I mentioned in the link above.
3. Your choice is right.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply. Really appreciate your input.
Have a great day ahead!
Regards,
Mira
No worries, Mira san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Greeetings from Indonesia, I am thinking about using this pass for my trip at the end of the month
My total trip is actually a total of 8 days (7 nights)
Which i am planning to break it down this way:
Day 1: arrive at kix 9 30pm then stay at a hotel nearby the airport
Day 2: morning to rinku outlet half day until approx 2-3pm then take the train from kix to kanazawa (activate my pass) spend the night in kanazawa
Day 3: kanazawa half day to shirakawa go and gokayama/suganuma.
Afternoon Back to Kanazawa spend another night
Day 4: explore kanazawa and probably toyama (is it worth to go do you think?)
Take the afternoon train to Kyoto and spend the night
Day 5: Explore Kyoto and spend the night
Day 6: Kyoto to Osaka and explore Osaka spend the night in Osaka
Day 7: Universal Studios all day spend the night in Osaka
Day 8: take a day trip to Himeji and Okayama then back to Osaka to pick up luggages at the hotel flight leaves at 11pm.
My questions are:
1. Is it worth it to buy the pass according to my itinerary?
2. Is a night stay in Kanazawa a bit too much if i wanted to do Shirakawa? Or should i add an extra night in Kyoto and in Osaka and eliminate staying in Kanazawa all together. so 3 nights Kyoto for a base for shirakawa and 3 night in Osaka.
3. I am bit confused about buying the bus ticket from Kanazawa to Shirakawa go. Can i stop at both gokayama and shirakawa if i buy the furthest route (which i think is shirakawa) or how does it work? Do you recommend i purchase bus tickets in advance or a go show would be ok?
Arigato Gozaimasu, looking forward for youre reply
Hi Rinto san,
1. Yes. You can get the worth of it.
2. I recommend you to stay in Kanazawa for one night. Kanazawa is very attractive city and worth to stay overnight.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2167.html
Toyama is okay. If you have some extra time, you can go but spending time in Kanazawa and/or Kyoto is more attractive in my opinion.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7500.html
3. You may take a bus from Takaoka. Because if you take a bus from Kanazawa, you get Shirakawago directly and this bus is not covered by the pass. Please see the link below to find the pass info, timetable and fare chart of this bus.
https://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com