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 am going to Japan next week
Here is my itinerary
1 – Osaka
2 – Kyoto – Nara – Osaka
3 – Osaka – Kanazawa
4 – Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Kanazawa
5 – Kanazawa – Alpine road – Karuizawa
6 – Karuizawa
7 – Karuizawa – Shinjuku (hotel Check in) – Kamakura
8 – Disneyland
9 – Disneyland
10 – Hakone + Tokyo
11 – Haneda
My plan is to buy Kintetsu 2 days rail pass to cover Osaka & Kyoto. Then buy JR pass for 7 days to cover day 3 to day 9.
Day 10 & 11 buy single ticket.
Is day 7 can be done in one day?
Please advise if the above arrangement is ok or you have other suggestion
Thanks
Susan
Hi Susan,
At this point, JR pass is too expensive. Single fare is cheaper. If you want to use JR Pass, start using it on day 2. And switch day 8 and 10. So you can take Shinkansen to get Odawara on the way to Hakone. This is only way to use JR pass to get the worth. Otherwise you cannot get the worth. Disneyland is in Tokyo and single fare is only around 400 yen from Shinjuku to Maihama. But if you take Shinkansen to get Odawara, single fare and surcharge is around 3500 to 4000 yen. It’s ten times bigger value.
Kintetsu rail pass is not a good choice anyway. You can use JR pass to get Kyoto and Nara. And add Kyoto bus pass as you need.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
There are lots of deals available in Osaka and Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Thanks for your reply
How about if I go to Hakone on day 7 from Karuizawa then return to Tokyo on same day. Then I will di Kamakura on day 10.
Can I use JR pass then from day 1?
The rest 4 days, I will buy single ticket
Thanks
Susan
Hi Susan,
Hakone from Karuizawa is not impossible. If you really want to start using JR pass on day 1, you can go ahead. But it will be tight and not recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi. I am trying to plan my trip to Japan from 8th May 2017 onward. There are three places Hakone, Kyoto and Takayama which I would like to visit. I will arrive in Yokohama on the 3rd May 2017, stay 5 nights then from Yokohama, I plan to go to Hakone stay one night then travel onward to Kyoto for 4 nights. From Kyoto I will travel to Takayama for two nights then head back to Kansai Airport (Osaka) and go home. Is there any passes that I can buy based on my plan? I am open to changing or reversing destinations if there are cheaper deals for transportation. Thank you for your kind assistance.
Thank you.
Hi Lay,
I recommend you to go to Takayama after Hakone. Kyoto is the closest place to Kansai airport. Kyoto must be the last place in your plan.
JR pass 7 days may be considerable. You can start using it after Hakone. In this case, you need to use single fare from Yokohama to Hakone.
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
But actually JR Pass is more expensive than single fare if you use the train for Odawara (gateway to Hakone) to Takayama, Takayama to Kyoto and Kyoto to Kansai airport. But if you visit outside Kyoto when you are in Kyoto, it may be cheaper than single fare. And also JR Pass is more flexible and much easier to handle than single fare ticket.
At this point, your plan has not been fixed yet. So I cannot compare single fare and JR pass now.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi for your prompt reply. After looking at your site for Tokaido Shinkasen route map, I understand its better to follow the route below as advised by you:
8/5/17 Shin Yokohama to Hakone by Tokaido Shinkasen
Overnight in Hakone and use Hakone 2 day pass
for touring Hakone. Is it better to buy Hakone
pass for the Odawara train to Hakone and only pay
for Shin yokohama to Odawara? Tour Hakone circle
using the pass
9/5/17 Hakone to Takayama via Nagoya by train. Is
there a way to use Hakone Pass for this trip?
Overnight in Takayama
10/5/17 Day trip to Shirakawago by Nohi bus using
Takayama Hokuriki pass. Back to Takayama
11/5/17 Leave afternoon for Kanasawa by Bus??
See sights in Kanasawa and overnight there.
12/5/17 Leave for Kyoto from Kanasawa by train. I am
assuming I can use the Takayama Hokuriki Pass for
all the transportation from 9/5 to 12/5 since the
pass is for five days. Overnight Kyoto
13/5 to 15/5 in Kyoto to see sights in Kyoto.
16/5/17 Leave Kyoto to Kansai airport
This is my tentative itinerary. Haven’t decided if I need to go out of Kyoto. My first time in Japan so I have much to learn on the places to visit and learn all the different trains and transport options. Your site has been very helpful and your advise most valuable. I have yet to make any ticket bookings so my schedule is still flexible. I understand I can buy the Hakone and Takayama Passes from overseas through travel agents and exchange for pass once I am in Japan. But how do I get to reserve train seats? My travel dates are after the Golden week so I am hoping I will be able to get seats Thank you very much for your advise.
Best regards, lay
Hi Lay,
Hakone Free Pass does not cover the trip to Nagoya. And if you use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass. it starts to cover from Nagoya. So you have to pay single fare for Odawara (Hakone) to Nagoya.
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is valid until day 2 in Kyoto. But this pass does not cover any transportation in Kyoto. The only thing you can do is stopover at Kyoto. So you need to add single fare or pass in Kyoto.
That’s all I can say now. You cannot find the best deal at this point. Please make sure where you want to go when you are in Kyoto. And then you can find the deal for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Here is my itinerary:
Day1-7 Yokohama and Tokyo sightseeing
Day8 Take a train to Hakone, sightseeing and 1 night
Day9-10 Take train Takayama, sightseeing in Shirakawago as well 2 nights
Day 11 Take Nohi bus to Kanazawa, 1 night
Day 12-15 Kyoto, sightseeing in Kyoto, North, South, West (and side trip to Osaka, Nara)
Day16 Leave Japan from Kansai airport
What would be your advise on buying passes to maximise value for my trip.
Thank you,
lay
Hi Lay,
You have to use several deals and single ticket.
Tokyo
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Hakone
Single ticket to Odawara and use Hakone free pass from Odawara.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
Use single ticket from Odawara to Nagoya and use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass from day 9.
Kyoto city deal for Kyoto sightseeing and Kansai thru pass for outside Kyoto
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
Hatuka discount ticket from Kyoto to KIX
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
This is my finalised itinerary for my May trip to Japan.
1/5 to 3/5 : Arrive in Haneda airport at 11pm. Staying in hotel near Hamamatsucho monorail for 2 nights
3/5 to 8/5 : Go to Yokohama and stay 5 nights. Will do a day trip to Hakone either on 6/5 or 7/5.
8/5 to 11/5: Go to Takayama for 3 nights stay. Day trip to Shirawa-go and Toyoma
11/5 to 12/5: Go to Kanazawa for one night
12/5 to 16/5: Go to Kyoto for 4 nights. Planning a day trip to Osaka and sightseeing in Kyoto
16/5 to 17/5: Go to Osaka overnight and take plane back home on 17/5
I would appreciate your kind assistance in recommending the best deals/passes that I should buy for my itinerary above.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Lay
Hi Lay,
You can use subway pass in Tokyo but there is no deals to use when you are in Yokohama. Just purchase Suica for daily use.
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
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/pass/suica.html
You can use Hakone Free Pass for day trip to Hakone. You have to get Odawara by Suica and purchase it there.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
You have to purchase single ticket to get Nagoya. After arrival Nagoya, you can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass that you have read the post above.
In Osaka and Kyoto, you can use city deal.
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
But you have to purchase single ticket or using Suica to get Osaka. There is no deals.
You may be able to use one of the deals in the link below to get KIX from Osaka on the last day.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
Can I buy a bus ticket to Takayama from Shinjuku on 8/5 and how to buy online? Start using Takayama-Hokuriku Pass on 9/5. That means pass expires on 13/5. Can I use this pass to travel from Kyoto to Osaka and do day tour in Osaka city with this pass?
It may be cheaper then buy single ticket to Nagoya.
Hi Lay,
You can take a bus to Takayama. Please see the link below about the bus. Actually I have never taken this bus. So I don’t have any other info than the site below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shinjuku.pdf
You can use this pass for day trip to Osaka. But some places cannot be accessed by JR trains. You need to take subway but subway is not covered by this pass. Basically no problem but please keep it in your mind. Please see the coverage of the pass in Osaka at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html#JR_Pass_Kansai_Area_Pass_Kansai_WIDE_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hiroshima_Area_Pass_Sanyo_Sanin_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hokuriku_Aea_Pass_Takayama_Hokuriku_Area_Pass
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
My wife and myself will arrive at Osaka on 10 Sept. The following would be our tentatively planning.
10 sept – kansai to kyoto
11-12 Sept – Kyoto
13 sept -Shirakawa go
14-16 Sept – Osaka
17 sept – depart from Kansai airport
We are thinking to use Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass (5 days pass) but we are not sure when would be the best time for us to use it either the 1st five days or the last five days of our travelling. Would this pass cover the major attraction train fare at Kyoto such as Arashiyama, North Kyoto and etc?
Would you think it is appropriate if we use Kansai Area Pass (1day) travel from Kansai Airport to Kyoto on 10th sept and only use the Takayama pass on the last 5 days?
Hope to hearing from you soon.
rdgs
Pang
Hi Pang,
You can use it for the last 5 days.
Regarding coverage in Kyoto, I have already replied to your previous inquiry. It does not cover it. You may use ICOCA and Haruka for the first 3 days.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your opinion.
rdgs
Pang
No problem, Pang.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I am writing to enquire if the Takayama horikuku pass for 5 days is cover the train service to Kyoto major attractions such as Inari, Arashiyama answer etc.
Rdgs
Pang
Hi Pang,
Unfortunately not. It allows you to get off at Kyoto station only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Do you think if I take Takayama Hokuriku pass for 5 days and Kintetsu Rail Wide for the below itinerary feasible?
*Can the Kintetsu rail wide pass be used from Nagoya to Nagoya airport on the departure day?
1st day: Nagoya->Gero->Takayama
2nd day: Takayama
3rd day: Takayama->Shirakawago->Kanazawa
4th day: Kanazawa
5th day: Kanazawa->Kyoto
6th day: Kyoto/Osaka/Nara
7th day: Kyoto->Nagoya
8th day: Nagoya->Ise day trip
9th day: Nagoya->Chubu airport
1st five days use Takayama-Hokuriku, last few days use Kintetsu rail wide
Hi Liz,
Both passes work for your itinerary. It’s completely no problem to use airport access portion to get Chubu airport from Nagoya on departure day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I plan to visit Japan next Dec’16 with the following itinerary :
D1 – to Japan
D2 – arrived at KIX
D3 – Kyoto
D4 – Kyoto
D5 – Kyoto to Kanazawa
D6 – Kanazawa – Shirakawa – Kanazawa – Osaka
D7 – Osaka
D8 – Osaka
D9 – Osaka
D10 – Kix
For D2 , D5 & D6 is it fully covered by Takayama Hokuriku Area pass (for 5 consecutive days) ?
D2
Kansai Airport – Kyoto by limited express non reserved seat
D5
Kyoto – Kanazawa by limited express reserved seat
Kanazawa – Shirakawa by Nohi bus
Shirakawa – Kanazawa by Nohi bus
Kanazawa – Osaka by limited express reserved seat
As I read on some blogs, the bus might be fully booked on winter season. If I’m going to use this pass, can I make a reservation by email ?
Thanks heaps!
Cheers,
Fina
Hi Fina,
All trips from day 2 to 5 are covered by this pass.
If you want to book for Nohi bus in advance, you have to make a call. Unfortunately online is available in Japanese only at this point.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you for your prompt reply.
Is D6 is also covered by this pass ?
Kanazawa – Shirakawa by Nohi bus
Shirakawa – Kanazawa by Nohi bus
Kanazawa – Osaka by limited express reserved seat
Thank you!
Cheers,
Fina
Hi Fina san,.
Yes. You will start using the pass from day 2. All trips by both bus and train on day 6 are covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san
I will be using the 5 day Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass.
On one of the valid days, my itinerary will be:
0750 Takayama Bus Station to Shirakawago by Nohi Bus
0850 Reach Shirakawago
1145 Leave Shirakawago (same bus stop???) to Ainokura by Kaetsuno Bus
1230 Reach Ainokura
1438 Lesave Ainokura to Shirakawago by Kaetsuno Bus
1530 Reach Shirakawago for connection back to Takayama
1615 Shrakawago to Takayama via Nohi Bus
1720 Reach Takayama
Are all the sectors covered by this pass and is this itinerary feasible? I could have easily substituted
Ainokura for Suganuma. Should I?
I am also curious as to the differences in two aspects (if any) between Nohi and Kaatsuno Bus:
1. Shirakawago stop: are they the same stop? If not, how to walk from one to the other?
2. Nohi’s “Gokyamasugannuma “vs Kaetsuno’s “Sugannuma “stop
Hi KC san,
This trip is covered by this pass fully.
Bus stops are all same. But don’t forget to make sure the destination and bus companies in Shirakawago bus stop. Sometimes there are 4 or 5 buses at same time.
http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
We want to go to Hirayu Onsen from Shirakawa-go. We are not sure if the nohi bus stops there at 820am at Shirakawa-go cos the it only shows an arrow. Please advice. Thank you!
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Hi Isaac,
Do you mean the bus, Takayama 7:20 – Shirakawago 8:10-8:20 – Toyama 9:45? It obviously stops at Shirakawago. Do you mean other bus?
If you go to Hirayu Onsen from Shirakawago, you need to take a bus to Takayama and transfer to bus to Hirayu Onsen and Matsumoto. You also need to check the bus timetable at the link below too.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/matsumoto.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi
Hi Takeshi,
We will arrive in Japan on June 8th at Osaka and leaving on June 18th from Haneda
Below is our itinerary:
Day 1 – Osaka: Osaka Castle, Tsurumi Ryokuchi, Sinsaibashi
Day 2 – Kyoto Fushimi Inari Shrine then to Nara Deer Park
Day 3 – Osaka to Kanazawa: Kanazawa city tour
Day 4: Kanazawa to Shirakawago, Gokayama, Takayama
Day 5: Kanazawa to Alpine Road then stay at Matsumoto
Day 6: Matsumoto – Tokyo
Day 7: Tokyo – Kamakura
Day 8: Tokyo – Disneyland
Day 9: Disneyland – Tokyo
Day 10: Tokyo – Karuizawa (Prince outlet)
Day 11: Haneda
Kindly advise the best pass for our trip
Hi Susan,
I recommend you to use JR Pass 7 days for the first 5 days but you need to visit Karuizawa on day 7.
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
And also you need to add bus fare for Shirakawago and Takayama from Kanazawa.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/
But you can take train from Takayama to Kanazawa via Toyama.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
And also Tateyama Kurobe option ticket is required to get Shinano-Omachi via alpine route.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
After arriving Shinano-Omachi, train to Matsumoto, to Tokyo and trip to Karuizawa are covered by JR pass.
There are some deals are available for the trip to Kamakura but single fare may be okay. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/yokohama-and-kamakura-access-guide-find-the-right-deal-and-route-from-your-place-to-stay.html
Single fare or subway pass is required in Tokyo and Osaka. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Thanks a lot for your detail information.
Just for comparison to your suggestion, what do you think if I purchase below:
Day 1-5: covered with Takayama Hojuriku pass + Tateyama Kurobe alpine pass
Day 6: rapid train to Tokyo from Matsumoto
Day 7-10: Tokyo wide pass
Is Tokyo wide pass cover train to Disneyland?
Thanks,
Suaan
Hi Susan,
I don’t recommend your choice. You also have to pay single fare from Shinano-Omachi to Matsumoto. And also if you take rapid train from Matsumoto to Tokyo, you have to change the train at least twice. And trains are regular commute trains. The seat is not comfy.
The total amount of Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, single fare (Shinano-Omachi to Matsumoto, Matsumoto to Tokyo) and Tokyo wide pass is slightly cheaper. But the difference is about 1000 yen. If you pay this 1000 yen more, you can take limited express train to Tokyo from Matsumoto. It’s much more comfortable, direct and much faster.
Tokyo Wide Pass covers the trip to Disneyland. But single fare is a few hundred yen. It’s not an issue.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
We change a bit our route. We will go to Nagano instead of Matsumoto.
Is the pass we need still the same?
Do you have any reference for baggage delivery service? Are they provide same day delivery?
Please advise
Thanks
Susan
Hi Susan,
It’s same.
Regarding baggage service, please refer the official site.
http://www.alpen-route.com/en/transport_new/baggage.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Is the Takayama Horikuku Pass (5 day at 13,500 yen) valid on JR Chuo Line and Tokaiado Main Line from Nagoya, the JR Himi and JR Johanna line.
Is the pass valid on ordinary trains from Kanazawa to Toyama?
Is the Limited Express Shirasagi valid (this train was not mentioned at all)? How about Surubobo buses in Takayama.
Thanks for your help in advance.
Hi Kc,
>Is the Takayama Horikuku Pass (5 day at 13,500 yen) valid on JR Chuo Line and Tokaiado Main Line from Nagoya, the JR Himi and JR Johanna line.
Only Tokaido line between Nagoya and Gifu are covered. Other lines are not covered.
>Is the pass valid on ordinary trains from Kanazawa to Toyama?
No. It’s not JR lines.
>Is the Limited Express Shirasagi valid (this train was not mentioned at all)? How about Surubobo buses in Takayama.
You can take Shirasagi but this pass covers the segment only between Tsuruga and Kanazawa, and between Nagoya and Gifu. Shirasagi runs between Kanazawa and Nagoya. But the segment between Gifu and Tsurga is outside coverage area. You cannot take Shirasagi on this segments. Bus in Takayama is not covered either.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com