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
Dear Takeshi-san,
I will be visiting Osaka and Kyoto on 23 Nov arriving at Kansai Airport.
There so many passes in Kansai area, would like your advice which pass is more appropriate for me.
This is my suggested itinerary
23-Nov: Arrive at Kansai Airport 930pm and Namba (Hotel)
24-Nov: Aquarium and Universal Studio
25/26-Nov: In Osaka
27-Nov: Himeji Castle and to Kyoto (Hotel)
28-Nov: Kyoto to Kanazawa and Shirakawago (Should we go to Takayama and Gero? Or no time)
29/30-Nov, 1-Dec: in Kyoto (e.g. Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama, Ginkaku, Central Kyoto
2-Dec: Kyoto and to Kansai Airport 1130pm
Which pass is suitable?
– Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass
– Kansai Thru Pass
– Kansai WIDE Area Pass
– JR West Kansai Area Pass
– or others?
Thank you very much
Cheers
Hi Vincent san,
I recommend you to use several deals.
23-Nov Kanku Tokuwari Rapi:t or single ticket (920 yen)
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
If you are okay with taking common commute rapid train, single fare is okay.
24-Nov Osaka Kaiyu Ticket
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/subway/trip-to-osaka-kaiyukan-aquarium-by-osaka-kaiyu-ticket-2.html
25 and 26-Nov Eco card or Amazing 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#Osaka_area
27-Nov Kansai area pass one day
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
28-Nov to the end, Takayama Hokuriku area pass, but you need to add city deals in Kyoto. This pass does not cover any city transportation.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
You can take limited express Haruka from Kyoto to KIX directly.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for the advise.
If we decide to join package tour to Kanazawa and Shirakawago on 28 Nov. (Any good tour agency to recommend to leave from Kyoto)
From 29 Nov to end is it better to get Kansai Pass?
Thank you.
Hi Vincent san,
If you join the tour, just use Kyoto city deals as I mentioned, and Haruka discount ticket for the last for taking Haruka.
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
You don’t need to have any Kansai pass.
I have no idea about travel agency. Actually I have never joined the package product in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi- san,
Thank you for the advice and information.
Sorry, I have one more enquiry.
If we were to get the Takayama Hokuriku pass, and travel from Kyoto, we can only go to Kanazawa station and take the Nohi bus to Shirakawago?
And we need to reserve or book the Nohi bus before on board?
Is it easy to walk around Shirakawago?
Thank you
Hi Vincent san,
That’s right. You need to get Kanazawa and take Nohi bus. Reservation is required to take a bus.
It’s easy to walk around Shirakawago. You cannot go in the village by car. Even if you join the tour, you will walk in the village.
You don’t need to pay extra to get Nohi bus by Takayama Hokukroku Area Pass. It’c covered fully. But I don’t think you need to use this online site by this pass. You have to make a call.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Can I find how and where can I reserve the Nohi bus?
Thank you very much.
Cheers
Vincent
Hi Vincent san,
You can find the phone number in the link below. They speck English.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
You can book a ticket beside the bus stop in Kanazawa station.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/kanazawa-station-guide-how-to-catch-the-bus-to-the-tourist-spots-how-to-change-between-hokuriku-shinkansen-and-other-trains.html#Kanazawa_station_bus_stops
But I highly recommend you to book over the phone in advance. In my experience, the bus is always busy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Thank you for the information.
You have advised that with the Tayahama Hokuriku pass, we can take limited express Haruka from Kyoto to KIX directly.
This is a non reserved seat.
Can we pay a bit more for reserved seat?
What is the difference between reserved and non reserved seat?
Thank you.
Hi Vincent san,
If you take reserved seat, you have to pay full amount of reserved seat fee, not difference between reserved and non reserved seat fee. This is not a good way to use the pass. Please see the link below to fine more info about reserved seat and 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
By the way, it’s not hard to get a seat on Haruka from Kyoto station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I saw that you recommend to reserve the Nohi bus before on board.
I check the site.
https://japanbusonline.com/Detail/11900040002/4162019/4212032/20161128
We still need to pay extra to reserve the seat even we have the Takayama Hokuriku area pass?
Thanks
Cheers
Hi Takeshi San,
I plan to go Hokkaido on 3 Dec to 14 Dec family trip, 2 adults and 2 kids. Below is the places that we plan to go:
Sapporo – Jozankei (Sapporo Ski Resort) – noboribetsu ,Toyaka – Hakodate – Sapporo
Please kindly what pass that I should get for my trip.
Thank you in advance.
Hi WP san,
Hokkaido Rail Pass may suit your plan. But you must decide how many days you stay in each places. Jozankei is not covered by this pass. Basically you will use the pass for other than Jozankei. But 7 days pass is too expensive for these trips.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hokkaido-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-hokkaido-for-oversea-visitors.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi -San
We have total of 4 adults We decide to go to Japan this Dec.
Pls advise me what kind of pass is more convenient for us.
21/12 – Arrive Nagoya
22/12 – Nagoya to Takayama
23/12 – Takayama to Shirakawago to Takayama
24/12 – Takayama to Nagoya to Tokyo
25/12 –Tokyo to Fujikawaguchiko
26/12 –Fujikawaguchiko to Tokyo to Osaka
27/12 –Osaka to Kyoto , Nara
28/12 –Departure from Kansai Airport
Regards
Assanuk
Hi Assanuk san,
You may use JR pass 7 days from 22 Dec to the end of your trip.
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
Train trip from Chubu airport to Nagoya is not covered by JR pass anyway. So just use single ticket to get Nagoya.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
JR Pass covers most part of your trip but it does not cover local transportation, such as subway and bus. Please see the links below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-shirakawa-go-%E7%99%BD%E5%B7%9D%E9%83%B7.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi San
I need your advice on which pass is the most economical for my daughter & I for this December. Buy the JR pass 7 days then buy the Hokuriku Area Pass or just get the 14 days JR pass for the schedule below
1-3 Dec Tokyo
3 Dec Kyoto – Nishiki market etc
4 Dec Kyoto – Fushimi Inari & Nara
5 Dec Kyoto – USJ
6 Dec Kyoto – Kanazawa
7 Dec Kanazawa – Shirakawa-go
8 Dec Kanazawa – Nozawa Onsen
9 Dec Nozawa Onsen – Ski / Snow monkey park
10 Dec Nozawa Onsen – Ski
11 Dec Nozawa Onsen – Tokyo
12 Dec Tokyo
13 Dec Tokyo
14 Dec Tokyo – Bangkok
Thank you in advance
Hi Catherine san,
It’s very tough to choose the deals. 7 days pass is too short as you notice. Roughly total fares for this 14 days trip is around 40,000 to 42,000 yen. JR pass 14 days is still higher than this total fares. But if you have side trip, such as visit Nikko, Kamakura, Fuji when you are in Tokyo, it may work.
If you really save your cost, single ticket and local deals (like subway pass in Tokyo and Kyoto) may be better. But JR pass is much easier to handle. I still recommend you to use 14 days JR pass.
By the way JR pass 7 days and Hokuriku area pass are not good choices. You have to pay for lots of extra even if you use these two passes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi San
Thank you so much for your input.
I thought so too.
I will order the JR 14 days pass.
Just want to add that you’ve been a great help
in the planning of our trip. My daughter, a huge
anime fan, is looking forward to taking the
500 type EVA New Generation Evangelion train
after reading your post.
Once again, domo arigato gozimasu
No problem, Catherine san.
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi -San,
We are a family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers.
This is our itinerary:
18Dec – Arrive Nagoya
19Dec- Nagoya to Takayama
20Dec- Takayama to Shirakawago and back to Takayama
21Dec – Takayama sightseeing
22Dec – Takayama to Osaka
22-25Dec – sightseeing Osaka (Universal Studios etc)
26Dec – Departure from Kansai Airport
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is perhaps the best option for the first 5 days. Am worried about the journey from Takayama to Osaka, which have to be via Kanazawa using the pass.
*How long will it take or are there better options?
*How about in Osaka itself, which pass would be ideal for us to take us all the way to Kansai Airport?
*Lastly, have we got to pre book all the train bookings?
Thank you so much for your time,
Joyce
Hi Joyce san,
>*How long will it take or are there better options?
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is the best option. But you can start using it on 19th Dec. This pass does not cover airport to Nagoya. You can take JR local trains in Osaka. You may get USJ or other places along JR lines in downtown Osaka.
It takes about 5.5 hours from Takayama to Osaka. There are two routes.
Takayama (bus via Shirakawago) Kanazawa (Limited Express Thunderbird) Osaka
Takayama (Limited Express Wide View Hida) Toyama (Hokuriku Shinkansen) Kanazawa (Limited Express Thunderbird) Osaka
Both routes are covered fully and trip time is almost same.
*How about in Osaka itself, which pass would be ideal for us to take us all the way to Kansai Airport?
Please see the links below:
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/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
*Lastly, have we got to pre book all the train bookings?
You cannot book it before exchange your pass in Japan even if you want.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you, Takeshi -San for your reply.
One day 4 of the Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, we will be in Osaka. Would we be able to use the last day of the pass to go Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka?
Hi Joyce san,
Yes, you can. But this deals covers only trip to Osaka-Kyoto-Osaka only. After you arrive in Kyoto, you need to add single fare or day pass to take local transportation, such as bus, subway.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I will be flying to Osaka (KIX) from July 4-7. Can you please provide me a simple itinerary. Is it possible if I can travel to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe for these limited days?
Hi Alvin,
You may spend at least one day for Kyoto. Kobe and Nara can be done in one day even though it’s tight.
If you arrive early or depart late, you can go to Kobe or Nara on arrival or departure days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
We are total 6 adults and need your advice for what kind of passes that suit our itinerary at below:
13/11 arrive at KIX on 3.25pm
14/11 will travel to Kanazawa then shirakawa-go
15/11 Kanazawa to Nagoya
16/11 Nagoya to Kyoto
17/11 Kyoto to Osaka
18/11 Osaka to Kobe and go back to Osaka again
19/11 Osaka
20/11 Osaka – KIX
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks & regards,
Sharon
Hi Sharon san,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass for the first 3 days. But you have to pay single fare from Nagoya to Kyoto. Technically you can get back to Kyoto by this pass but you have to take the route via Takayama, Toyama, Kanazawa. It’s wasting time. But you can use this pass for Kyoto to Osaka.
For Kobe, you may use single fare or Hanshin Tourist Pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
And for back to KIX, see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you and appreciate for your advice.
We had change our plan. We decided to stay one more night at Kyoto and drop Nagoya. But we will rent a car on day 2 from Kyoto to Shirakawa go to spend one night and will be back to Kyoto after that to return the car. After that we will still travel to Nara by train. So what pass that you will recommend us to buy?
Thanks & regards,
Sharon
Hi Sharon san,
I think you did not include Nara in your previous plan. Please show me your plan after get back to Kyoto. I need to see which place you go and duration.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Below is our new itinerary.
13/11 – KIX to Osaka (travel by train)
14/11 – Osaka to Kyoto (get the car) to shirakawago
15/11- shirakawago to Kyoto (travel by car)
16/11- Kyoto (travel by car)
17/11 – Kyoto (travel by train)
18/11- Kyoto to Osaka (travel by train)
19/11 – Osaka to Nara (travel by train)
20/11 – Osaka to KIX (travel by train)
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks & regards,
Sharon
Hi Sharon san,
You may pick up one of the deals in the link below for arrival and departure days.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
In Kyoto, you can use city deal.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
For 18th and 19th, Kansai thru pass may be your choice. But total fare is not much different from 2 days pass price.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
If you want to compare total single fares and Kansai thru pass, you have to find how many times you will make train trips. It’s hard at this point. But as long as you have Kansai thru pass, you can get convenience and flexibility.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be traveling this December with 3 adults ,2 Seniors and a 12 year old. Kindly suggest what pass is suitable for my itinerary.
12/28 – Nagoya
12/29- Nagoya – Takayama
12/30- Takayama-Shirakawago-Takayama
12/31- Takayama-Nagoya
Optional day trip from Nagoya to Osaka on 1/1
Regards,
Michelle
Hi Michelle,
You can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass. And Kintetsu rail pass is most economical choice to get Osaka. You may add limited express fee. Otherwise you have to change the trains several times. It’s inconvenient and much slower.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kintetsu-rail-pass-most-affordable-deal-for-osakakyoto-nagoya-and-access-to-ise.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi -San,
We have total of 4 adults and one of them is a senior. We decide to go to Japan this Dec. Pls find my itinerary below and pls advise what kind of passes is more convenient for us.
22/12 – Arrive Osaka to Kanazawa
23/12 – Kanazawa
24/12 – Kanazawa to Takayama
25/12 – Takayama to Shirakawago to Takayama
26/12 – Takayama to Osaka
27/12 – Departure from Kansai Airport
Hi Catherine san,
Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is the best option and only choice. You can find the deal for Osaka to KIX at the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much Takeshi san, it save us lots of time finding the exact pass to use, thank you.
No problem, Catherine san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Again Takeshi -San
– 5 days in Kansai, then
18/11 – Osaka to Kanazawa
19/11 – Kanazawa
20/11 – depart to Takayama via Shirakawago
21/11– Takayama
22/11 – depart to Gero
23/11 – Gero to Osaka
– 1 night in Osaka then fly off.
We are 5 adults and 2 toddlers.
–Plan A: public transport–
Takayama Hokuriku pass – 13,500
Gero – Nagoya – Osaka Train – 9570
Taxi between station and accommodation in Kanazawa and Takayama – 1100/ trip
–Plan B: self drive–
Rental from and return to Osaka for 6 days approx 85,000
Toll, approx 20000
Petrol, approx 20000 (based on 2.5 tank)
Free parking at all our accommodations.
Both plans works out to around 125000. Based on data from:
– http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
– search.w-nexco.co.jp/
– http://www.taxifarefinder.com
– www2.tocoo.jp/en
Is that the best rail pass option we have for plan A?
Some other questions not related to rail pass, if you have the info:
1. What are the chances that it’ll snow at that time? Especially for the Takayama area? We’re quite seasoned in long distance driving, but not so much for snow driving.
2. Luggage space. We’ll be in Japan for 2 weeks. Based on the wagon type (Serena?), and considering we need 2 child seat, we’re not sure if the luggage space in the rental car is enough.
3. If luggage is a concern, what are our options, and how do we estimate the cost? e.g. send our luggage to KIX before we leave for kanazawa, keep them there for 6 days?
4. Did we miss any major factors for considerations?
Regards,
Dennis
Hi Denise,
You have picked the right choice for Plan A.
1. You may see some snow in Shirakawago. And also if it’s rain day before, the surface of the road may be frozen.
2,3. Sorry but no idea. It’s hard to say because it depends on how much luggage you have. And I don’t have any experience to drive in Japan for the last 10 years.
4. I don’t think so. But if you care about drive in snowy or freezing condition, train trip may be better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com