This train pass has been very popular to travel Kanazawa, Takayama and Shirakawago. The train route to these destinations from Nagoya and Osaka are covered. However there are some restrictions. You may be confused how you use this pass.
In this post, I will clarify the condition and the coverage area of this pass. You will find what you can do and what you cannot do by this pass in this post. I also compare the price of pass and a regular fare. You will easily find how you can get the worth of this pass.
- Who is eligible
- Types, prices and conditions
- Sales location
- Coverage area and valid transportation
- The limited express Haruka and Kansai Airport Rapid train
- Local train services in downtown Osaka
- The limited express Thunderbird (Osaka, Kyoto – Kanazawa)
- Nohi Bus (Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama), Kaetsuno Bus (Shin Takaoka – Shirakawago)
- The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kanazawa – Toyama)
- The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama – Toyama)
- Train which is not covered at all or partially
- Compare cost between pass and single fare
- Assessment
Who is eligible
Visitors who land as “Temporary Visitor” status can purchase this pass.
Types, prices and conditions
There is only 5-day pass.
| Purchasing place | Adult | Child (6-11yrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Overseas travel agent (Before arrival in Japan) | 14,260 yen | 7,130 yen |
| At the designated station (After arrival in Japan | 15,280 yen | 7,640 yen |
| Online | 15,280 yen | 7,640 yen |
*5 year old or younger child is free. Maximum 2 children per one adult. But one of your adult traveler must share the seat with the child who is 5 years old or younger.
The pass must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.
e.g.
If you start to use 5 days pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 5.
You may book a reserved seat on the train up to 4 times by this pass. This four times booking seat fee is covered. But you cannot book a seat on the limited express Haruka and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. This four times reservation does not include Nohi bus reservation. I will tell you about this restriction later.
Sales location
You can purchase this pass before or after you arrive in Japan. If you purchase an exchange order of this pass, the price is 1,000 yen cheaper than the price in Japan. You can find the sales location list in the official site in the link below:
Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass official site
Coverage area and valid transportation
The pass covers Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Gero, Gifu and Nagoya. Please see the coverage map below:
Basically this pass covers JR trains, Nohi Bus and Kaetsuno Bus in the coverage area. I would like to show you the key train and bus services one by one.
The limited express Haruka and Kansai Airport Rapid train
The limited express Haruka connects Kansai airport, Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto.
If you start using this pass right after you arrive in Kansai airport, you may take this train. This train has both reserved seat car and non reserved seat car. But this pass covers only non reserved seat car. This train does not stop at Osaka. Please see the link below to find more information about Haruka:
Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka
If you cannot take Haruka, you can take Kansai Airport Rapid train too. This is a sort of commute trains. Haruka has nicer interior.
Local train services in downtown Osaka
This pass covers a local train in Osaka, such as Osaka Kanjo line (Osaka loop line). You can get many places by this pass in Osaka. Please see the link below to find the information about JR local train service in Osaka:
The limited express Thunderbird (Osaka, Kyoto – Kanazawa)
This train is a primary way to get Kanazawa from Osaka or Kyoto.
You can book a reserved seat on this train by this pass. But you have to make a reservation after you arrive in Japan.
Nohi Bus (Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama), Kaetsuno Bus (Shin Takaoka – Shirakawago)
Both bus services are shown by a green line in the coverage map above.
Most of you take Nohi Bus to get Shirakawago. You also take this bus when you move between Takayama and Kanazawa. All bus services between Kanazawa and Shirakawago requires an advanced booking. You cannot book online and you have to make a call to book a seat. A few bus services can be taken without reservation between Takayama and Shirakawago. You can find the phone number and timetable in the link below:
If you want to visit Ainokura, Suganuma and/or Gokayama, you will take Kaetsuno Bus. Reservation is not required.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kanazawa – Toyama)
The Shinkansen train runs very frequently between Kanazawa and Toyama.
This pass does not allow you to book a seat on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. There are three kinds of trains running on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Those are Kagayaki, Hakutaka and Tsurugi. But the fastest train “Kagayaki” does not have any non reserved seat cars. You have to take other two trains, Hakutaka or Tsurugi on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Usually Tsurugi has lots of empty seats and easily can take a seat in non reserved cars.
Please find more details about the Hokuriku Shinkansen in the following link:
Hotels in Takayama
Hotels in Kanazawa
Hotels in Shirakawago
The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama – Toyama)
This is very popular train to get Takayama. The scenery is very nice from this train.
This train runs once an hour in daytime between Nagoya and Takayama. But this train runs only a few times between Takayama and Toyama. If you cannot take this train between Toyama and Takayama, you can take a local train. But there is no direct local train between Toyama and Takayama. You have to change trains at Inotani between Takayama and Toyama.
Please see the link below to find more information about Wide View Hida:
You can book a reserved seat on this train by this pass. But you have to make a reservation after you arrive in Japan.
Train which is not covered at all or partially
This pass does not cover any train services between Gifu and Kyoto. This means you cannot make a circle tour by this pass. I would like to show you some trains which are not covered by this pass and how much you have to pay extra.
The Tokaido Shinkansen (Nagoya – Kyoto – Shin Osaka)
It is not covered at all. Even though the Shinkansen runs partially between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka in the coverage area, it is not covered at all. You may consider using Platt Kodama if you want to take the Shinkansen between Nagoya and Kyoto/Shin-Osaka.
Osaka departure of the limited express Wide View Hida (Osaka – Kyoto – Gifu – Takayama)
One round trip of Wide View Hida runs between Osaka and Takayama. However this train runs outside the coverage area partially.
If you take this train, you have to pay for Kyoto – Gifu. The one way extra cost (the base fare and the reserved seat fee) is around 4,500 yen. The reserved seat fee is covered in the coverage area. But you have to use two of four times seat booking for Takayama – Gifu and Osaka – Kyoto. If you take this route, you have to book a seat for both inside coverage area and outside coverage area at same time. You can get a same seat all the way.
The limited express Shirasagi (Kanazawa – Nagoya)
If you move between Nagoya and Kanazawa, the limited express Shirasagi is the fastest way. However this train runs outside the coverage area partially.
If you take this train, you have to pay for Tsuruga – Gifu. The one way extra cost (the base fare and the reserved seat fee) is around 3,500 yen. Reserved seat fee is covered in the coverage area. But you have to use two of four times seat booking for Nagoya – Gifu and Kanazawa – Tsuruga. If you take this route, you have to book a seat for both inside coverage area and outside coverage area at same time. You can get a same seat all the way.
If you want to avoid this extra cost, you can take one of these following routes:
- The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Toyama), the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Toyama – Kanazawa)
- The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama), Nohi Bus (Takayama – Kanazawa)
These routes are covered but the trip time is much longer than the limited express Shirasagi. If you take the limited express Shirasagi, the trip time is about 3 hours to get Nagoya from Kanazawa without changing trains. But if you take one of these above routes, the travel time is about 4.5 hours and you have to change trains or train/bus. Please think which choice is better for you, spending 1.5 hours or spending 3,360 yen.
Local train service in downtown Kyoto
You can get Kyoto by this pass. But after you arrive in Kyoto, this pass does not help you at all. You cannot get even some spots in Kyoto by this pass. JR lines connect Arashiyama and Fushimi from Kyoto station. But this pass does not cover these lines.
Trip to Nara, Trip to Kobe
These cities are a step away from Kyoto or Osaka. But these cities are not in the coverage area. Please do not think using this pass even partially. Just pay as you go or think about using other deal:
Compare cost between pass and single fare
First of all, please see the fare table for major segments below. These fares are approximate and may be varied by the seasonality:
One way fare
| Kansai airport – Shin-Osaka by Limited Express NON reserved seat | 2,500 yen |
| Kansai airport – Kyoto by Limited Express NON reserved seat | 3,000 yen |
| Osaka – Kanazawa by Limited Express reserved seat | 7,800 yen |
| Kyoto – Kanazawa by Limited Express reserved seat | 7,000 yen |
| Nagoya – Takayama by Limited Express reserved seat | 6,000 yen |
| Toyama – Takayama by Limited Express reserved seat | 3,500 yen |
| Toyama – Kanazawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen NON reserved seat | 2,900 yen |
| Kanazawa – Shirakawago by Nohi bus | 2,000 yen |
| Takayama – Shirakawago by Nohi bus | 2,600 yen |
| Kanazawa – Takayama by Nohi bus | 3,600 yen |
| Shirakawago – Shin-Takaoka by Kaetsuno bus | 1,800 yen |
You may find more information about the access to Takayama and Kanazawa at the links below:
You can find the timetable of the limited express Wide View Hida, Thunderbird, and Shirasagi in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
Assessment
This deal is highly recommended if you visit Takayama, Shirakawago and/or Kanazawa from Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya. Especially the coverage of Nohi Bus and Kaetsuno Bus offers a big deal.
I hope this post helps you to build your trip plan.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to travel around Kanazawa, Shirakawago and Takayama departing from Kyoto and return to Kyoto / Osaka What are the transport mode and itinerary you will suggest?
Day 1 – Kyoto to Kanazawa (Stay a night)
Day 2 – Depart from Kanazawa to Shirakawago & Takayama & Return to Osaka
Day 3 – USJ
Or
Day 1 – Kyoto to Kanazawa (Stay a nigh)
Day 2 – Depart from Kanazawa to shirakawago and takayama (overnight at Takayama)
Day 3- Depart from Takayama to Osaka and play at USJ (overnight at Osaka)
Thanks & Regards,
Mcdoda
Hi Mcdoca,
Actually both itineraries are not recommended.
If you take the first one, it’s not feasible. You can do Kanazawa and Shirakawago but not Takayama.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
If you stay in Takayama by using this pass, you will spend at least 4.5 hours and you will loose many hours for visiting USJ.
If you can spend only two days for USJ and Kanazawa/Shirakawago/Takayama, you should give up Takayama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Does the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass covers Nanao line to Wakura Onsen?
If not can you recommend a pass that covers Wakura Onsen as well as Hokuriku Area and Takayama?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Hi Casey,
It does not cover. If you want to use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, only single fare is your choice.
Other pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass covers Nanao line, but it does not cover Nohi bus, Shirakawago and Takayama.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-to-kansai-kanazawa-and-toyama.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply.
Since Wakuraonsen is not covered by Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass, how do I pay the additional fare?
Starting from KIX, do I need to exit the station at Kanazawa then by a single fare tkt and re-enter the station or I can continue on to my destination and pay for the fare at exit fare adjustment?
Similar question on returning from Wakuraonsen to KIX, do I buy a tkt at Wakuraonsen station to Kanazawa station first? then do I need to exit Kanazawa station and re- enter using pass?
Thank You! You are a great resource to all of us!
Hi Casey,
You don’t exit at Kanazawa station. You can pay when you exit and when you enter at Wakura for this segment.
However if you intend to take limited express trains between Kanazawa and Wakura Onsen, you need to purchase limited express ticket beside base fare ticket. You can purchase limited express train ticket and additional base fare ticket at KIX station in advance.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
I am Isaac from Singapore. After hearing from you, i intent to change my itinerary to use the 5 Days Takayama – Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass:
Day 1: Kansai Airport – Kanazawa
Day 2: Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama
Day 3: Takayama – Okuhida (put bags)- Kamikochi – Okuhida
Day 4: Okuhida – Takayama
Day 5: Takayama – Osaka
Will the 5 days pass cover most of the journey? and if this is a good idea?
Thank you very much in advance!
We will use the 7 days JR pass after and tour Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo and Nikko thereafter. We will depart from Narita Airport.
-Isaac
Hi Isaac san,
I would like to mention to you two things. First, trip to Okuhida from Takayama is not covered by this pass. Second, You have to go through Kanazawa when you go back to Osaka. You cannot take the route via Nagoya or/and Gifu. You can get Nagoya or Gifu by this pass. But after that, this pass does not cover your trip to Osaka.
If you are okay with these, this pass is right choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Is it a bad idea to go to Osaka via Kanazawa from Takayama?
Hi Isaac,
It’s not a bad idea but Takayama-Nagoya-Osaka is faster than Kanazawa route. However this route is not covered by Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will just use this pass for 2 days,
1st day kyoto-kanazwa (JR thunderbird)
2nd day kanazawa-Shirakawa-takayama (Nohi bus)- nagoya (JR )
Would you still recommend Takayama Hokuriku area pass to me?
Hi Vivian,
Yes, it’s recommended. Even if you use this pass for only two days, it’s cheaper than regular fares anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning to get the Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass to cover the first part of my trip to Japan and was wondering if i am correct in my itinerary below and everything is included if i were to get this pass?
Day 1 : Osaka – Kanazawa
KIX – Shin-Osaka (Limited Express Haruka 55min)
Shin-Osaka – Kanazawa (Limited Express Thunderbird 2hr 35min)
Stay in Kanazawa
Day 2 : Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama
Kanazawa – Shirakawago (Nohi bus 1hr 15min)
Shirakawago day trip
Shirakawago – Takayama (Nohi bus 1hr 5min)
Stay in Takayama
(Question: Is there a place at the bus station where we can store our luggage while we visit Shirakawago and then collect it when we return to catch the later bus to Takayama at the end of the day? And just to confirm that i read the timetable correctly, the earliest bus out from Kanazawa to Shirakawago is at 8:10 and the last bus out from Shirakawago to Takayama is at 17:30?)
Day 3 : Takayama day trip
Stay in Takayama
Day 4 : Takayama – Shinhotaka Ropeway – Takayama
Stay in Takayama
Day 5 : Takayama – Toyama – Kanazawa – Kyoto
Takayama – Toyama (JR Takayama Line train, have to make a transfer at Inotani or is there a direct train?)
Toyama – Kanazawa (Hokuriku Shinkansen 25min)
Kanazawa – Kyoto (Thunderbird 2hr 20min)
Stay Kyoto
Day 6 – 13
Kyoto – Uji – Nara – Osaka – Kobe – Himeji – KIX
Havent started to plan this out yet, any tips on what pass to get that would cover this areas?
Hi YuMee,
Your itinerary is okay. Only trip to Shin-Hotaka from Takayama is not covered by this pass.
You read Nohi bus timetable correctly. There are some lockers in information center of Shirakawago. If it’s full, information can handle it.
There are some direct trains between Takayama and Toyama. But the first one is 11:00. If you search in Hyperdia and choose only limited express, you will find it.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
There are many deals in Kansai area, like Kansai thru pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
But you have to fix your itinerary first before choosing the deals. It’s hard to find it without detailed itinerary and location to stay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi.
My trip will be at the end of the year so need some more reading to plan out the 2nd part of the trip, will get your help again once I have everything sorted out.
Thank you again for taking the time to check on my itinerary, much appreciated .
No problem, YuMee.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
A quick question, is LTD. EXP (WIDE VIEW) HIDA covered in the pass?
I was looking at Hyperdia by selecting only limited express for the direct trains from Takayama to Toyama and this seems to be the train option available.
And is making a transfer at Gifu a better route instead of Toyama?
When selecting Takayama – Kyoto, Hyperdia is giving the option of travelling from Takayama via Gifu (LTD. EXP SHIRASAGI) and Tsuruga (LTD. EXP THUNDERBIRD) to reach Kyoto. This route has an earlier option to depart at 8am.
Hi YuMee,
Wide View Hida between Nagoya and Takayama or Nagoya and Toyama are covered. This pass does not cover between Gifu and Kyoto on any trains.
If you want to go back to Kyoto, you need to go to Toyama or Kanazawa anyway. You can go to Nagoya or Gifu from Takayama by this pass. After arrival these locations, you cannot go anywhere by this pass
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hii Takeshi,
Have this pass cover :
– Limited Express Haruka from Kansai Airport to Tennoji station ?
– hokuriku shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo ?
– Limited Express / JR train from Osaka to Kyoto station ?
Thanks..
Hi Emi,
– Limited Express Haruka from Kansai Airport to Tennoji station ?
Yes.
– hokuriku shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo ?
No. Only non reserved seat between Kanazawa and Toyama are covered.
– Limited Express / JR train from Osaka to Kyoto station ?
Yes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hii Takeshi,
– Is this pass also cover Limited express train from Osaka station to Kanazawa station ?
– How to reserve seat that cover by this pass ? There are counter for seat reservation or can reserve online ?
Thanks
Hi Emi,
– Is this pass also cover Limited express train from Osaka station to Kanazawa station ?
Yes.
– How to reserve seat that cover by this pass ? There are counter for seat reservation or can reserve online ?
You have to book it at Midori no Madoguchi that is JR reservation window. You can find this window at most of JR stations. If you want, you can book when you exchange the pass. It’s the easiest way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hii Takeshi,
– Is this pass cover JR Special Rapid train from Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto station ?
– Is this pass cover Limited Express train from Shin-Osaka station to Kyoto station ?
Thanks,
Emi
Hi Emi,
Both are covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
– Is this pass cover Limited express train from Shin-Osaka station to Kanazawa station ?
My first plan was Shinsaibashi-Kyoto (transfer at Osaka station) & Shinsaibashi-Kanazawa (transfer at Osaka station), but when I watched video guide how to transfer from subway Umeda station to Osaka station, it takes a long route & there are no escalator/elevator at Umeda station to the street level.
– Are most of subway station don’t have escalator & elevator ? (Because I’m coming with elder & bring luggage)
Need your guidance for the transfer point below, whether all of the stations have escalator/elevator ? (will bring luggage for these routes)
– Kansai airport with LTD EXP to Tennoji station, then with Midosuji subway line to Shinsaibashi station (Tennoji station as transfer point)
– Shinsaibashi station with subway Midosuji line to Shin-Osaka station, then with LTD EXP train to Kanazawa station (Shin-Osaka station as transfer point) (if Takayama Hokuriku pass cover this route)
– Akihabara station with JR train to Hamamatsucho station, then with Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport (Hamamatsucho station as transfer point)
– Have you know any direct bus from Akihabara station area to Haneda airport at night (for departure around 7pm) ?
Thank you so much 🙂
Emi
Hi Emi,
This pass covers Limited Express Thunderbird from Osaka to Kanazawa.
Actually all stations have escalator and elevator. Especially in Osaka, Tokyo and other major cities, station is quite huge and there are many routes. There are lots of escalators and elevators. It’s hard to explain but there are lots of signage and you can find the route by these signage. Please see the link below to find more info about signage.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/signage-and-announcement-in-the-station-and-train.html
Limousine bus is only way to get Haneda from Akihabara. But the departure time is around 17:00.
http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/platform_searches/index/3/122
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Can I ask if this pass covers travel on trains/buses within Kyoto area?
Thanks!
Hi Yen,
Unfortunately it does not cover any train and bus in Kyoto. All you can do is stopover at Kyoto station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san
I will be travelling into Nagoya this December and contemplating to drive to Kanazawa sightseeing Takayama and Shirakawa-go. However I’m also considering taking the train.
If my itinerary is :
Nagoya – 2 nights
Takayama/Shirakawago – 2 nights (to sightsee Kanazawa)
Thereafter Osaka for a few days,
Do you propose Takayama – Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass so that after visiting Toyama area I can go to Osaka using the same pass?
Thank you
Hi Nancy san,
This is the best choice. It covers the bus to Shirakawago from either Kanazawa and Takayama too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Would like to find out whether the Takayama Hokuriku pass covers ride between Nagoya airport (Chubu Centrair International airport) and Nagoya JR station?
Thanks
Hi Charlie,
Unfortunately it does not cover airport access train or bus at all. You need to pay extra on top of pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks for all the info on your website. It is very informative & useful.
I’d like to seek your advice on this itinerary:
Fly into Nagoya, stay in Takayama (2 nights) – with trip to shin hotaka ropeway > Kyoto (3 nights) > Osaka (3 nights) – with a day trip to Hiroshima, then fly off from Osaka
would this Takayama Hokuriku area pass be ideal? it only covers 5 days, but we will be around for longer.
what would you recommend?
Thank you for advice, in advance.
Hi Min,
You may use two passes, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass and Kansai Hiroshima Area Pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
Kansai Hitoshima Pass covers the second half of your trip. You need to use this pass for access to Hiroshima. Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass does not cover trip to Hiroshima anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
thanks so much for the info 🙂
cheers.
No problem, Min.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com