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,
Hope you can help me on my itenary and suggest the best pass to purchase:
Travelling period: 28/3-2/4/17, in out Osaka, staying in Namba area
Day 1 in 8.15 am at Kansai Airport
check in in hotel
Propose Nara as it might be cover by the JR pass (or any other better option)?
Day 2 Universal Studio
Day 3 Kyoto Arayashima and Kinkakuji Temple
Day 4 Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu Temple, Osaka Castle
Day 5 Kanazawa n Shirakawago , Osaka
Day 6 Kuromon market, Kansai Airport for 16.40 flight home.
All night will be to Shishabashi and Dontobori areas if time permit.
Is Hokuriku Area Pass the best option? But it looks that the day 6 is not valid anymore, any suggestion? Whether this pass cover all trip to internal Osaka an Kyoto as well
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks!
Hi Shereen,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass for the first 5 days. You can simply add single fare from Namba to KIX by Nankai railway that is 920 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks much!
No worries, Shereen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I’m thinking of covering this Hokuriku region in my 10 day trip around Nagoya / Nagano and travelling to Tokyo / Narita at the end of the trip. If I buy a JR pass, will it cover all the transportation within your recommended Hokuriku places or I hv to get 2 passes separately? Thank you for your advice.
Thanks,
May
Hi May san,
If you use JR pass, you have to pay for the bus to Shirakawago.
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
Other trips are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thanks for your helpful feedback!
May
No worries, May san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am planning to spend 6days at Hokuriku region (Toyama, alpine route, Takaoka, Kanazawa, Gokayama or Shirakawago) and 5days at nakasendo trail from Ena via Nagoya, making train rides from Nagoya to Ena, Nojiri to Kiso Fukushima, Kiso Fukushima to Yabuhara, Narai to Matsumoto & Matsumoto to Tokyo. Our flight will in/out Narita airport. As I noticed there are different restrictions across JR pass, JR East Pass & Hokuriku Arch Pass, and some local train or bus rides are not covered, please advise which pass is more economical for my 13Day trip.
Thanks!
Hi May san,
First of all, you can find some deals for Natia to/from Tokyo in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
You need to combine single ticket and local deals for other part of the trip.
Single ticket for Tokyo to Nagano, Nagoya-Kiso Valley-Matsumoto-Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Tateyama Kurobe option ticket for Alpine route from Nagano to Toyama
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
Takayama Hokuriku area pass after arriving Toyama until you reach Nagoya
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you for your valuable advice! Do I still need to get a JR pass or the 5day flexi JR East Pass just to cover long distance shinkansen rides in addition to the local train /bus passes?
Grateful!
May
Hi May san,
JR pass covers whole part of your trip but you need 14 days pass and it’s too expensive.
You may be able to add JR East Pass Nagano and Niigata if you start the trip on Alpine route from Nagano station. JR East Pass does not cover Toyama.
JR East Pass Nagano Niigata gives you any 5 days in 14 days period. So you can use it for Narita to Tokyo and Tokyo to Nagano. And also it covers the trip from Matsumoto to Tokyo and Tokyo to Narita.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass_n/index.html
But you still need to pay single fare for Nagoya to Matsumoto via Ena, Kiso-Fukushima and other spots.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you for your speedy response! Just to clarify, I will get a 5day flexi JR Pass, A Hokuriku Arch Pass, Alpine Route Pass & single tickets for other Nakasendo destinations & bus rides not covered by these 3 passes.
Thanks for your help!
May
Hi May san,
You don’t need Hokuriku Arch Pass. You need Takayama Hokuriku area pass instead.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks, Takeshi San, for your clarification! Thanks for taking time to respond!
No worries, May san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would like to double check some route
1) from kix I can use JR Kansai airport rapid service for kyobashi to arrive at immamiya station (is this route covered?)
2) if I would like to use this pass to go shinsaibashi, I could only go from immamiya station to jr namba? Is there any other route covered by this pass? How do I reach shinsaibashi? Must I purchase subway pass?
I’m staying at nearby immamiya station
Thanks
Yee Nee
Hi Yee Nee,
1. Yes, you can. It’s covered fully.
2. JR Namba is the nearest station to Shinsaibashi. There is no other ways available by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks again Takeshi. I have one more question pls. I’m going to Kyoto by this pass on 15/2/2017. This pass can only use to reach Kyoto, and I cannot use this pass to travel in Kyoto’s other JR lines correct?
If I’m planning to visit arashimaya, and fushimi Inari, and I’m staying nearby demachiyanagi station, (1 night)what pass would you propose?
Next day I’m leaving around 9.30 to proceed to Kanazawa using the hokuriku pass
Thanks
Belle
Hi Belle,
Hokuriku Arch Pass covers JR line in Kyoto. You can get Fushimi and Arashiyama by JR train. But Demachiyanagi is not JR station and you need to take Keihan railway.
Demachiyanagi (Keihan railway) Fushimi Inari (walk) Fushimi Inari shrine (walk) Inari station (JR) Kyoto (JR) Saga-Arashiyama (JR) Kyoto (bus) Demachiyanagi
You need to pay for only Keihan railway and and bus only. Extra cost is less than 500 yen. All other JR trains trips are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Wow thanks Takeshi! Luckily I double check with you as I thought the pass is only to stop in Kyoto and cannot use on other JR lines. If so I’ll just buy the bus pass and doesn’t have to buy additional kyoto sightseeing pass already! Thank you again! Really appreciate your help 🙂
Sorry Belle!!!
I mixed up with other passes conditions.
This pass does not cover any local trains in Kyoto. You need to add other deals or tickets.
Sorry for giving you unnecessary confusions.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
No worries! 🙂 maybe I will buy return jr pass to arashiyama and the rest I will use subway pass or bus pass.
Thanks again!:)
Thanks for your understanding, Belle.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
I am planning to visit Japan in May 5-12, to see flower festival
Places I am interested in are:
Hitachi
Ashikagawa
Sapporo
Tokyo
Any other interesting places to see sakura?
Please advise which JR pass should I purchased to cover my trip
Thanks
Susan
Hi Susan,
If you want to see cherry blossom, you must go to Hokkaido. It’s done in most part of Japan. You may add Hakodate if it still has it. Hakondate is located on the way to Sapporo. You can add it anyway because Sapporo is quite far from Tokyo by train. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
You can use JR-East South Hokkaido Rail Pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/jr-east-south-hokkaido-rail-pass-user-guide-perfect-deal-for-the-travelers-who-visit-tokyo-and-sapporo-by-train.html
But if you visit other places in eastern and/or norther Hokkaido, such as Asahikawa, JR pass is recommended. Because JR-East South Hokkaido rail pass covers only southern part of Hokkaido, like Hakodate, Otaru, Sapporo only.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
This has been very useful but would like to ask what would be my options to get to Fukui from a) Takayama and b) Nagoya if I use the Takayama Hokuriku Pass I am tracking 3-hour train rides and was wondering what would be the fastest?
From your discussion above, is my understanding correct? These options are:
1. The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Toyama), the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Toyama – Kanazawa)
2. PThe limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama), Nohi Bus (Takayama – Kanazawa)
3. Limited express Shirasagi (partially covered)
If not using this pass am I better off getting single rides on the Shinkansen?
Hi Rowena,
You have understood the condition of the pass correctly. You can take all options by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for your reply.
Setting aside this pass, what would be the fastest way to get to Fukui from Nagoya? I read about the Limited Express Shirasagi that will pass through Fukui.
Is there any pass that will cover this route? If we need a 2-way ride for 2 adults and 2 kids a pass may will cover this route may pay be worth this pass.
Thanks again!
Hi Rowena,
Unfortunately there is no deals to cover Nagoya to Fukui. The limited express Shirasagi is the fastest way to get Fukui from Nagoya. If you just need a mode of transportation to Fukui from Nagoya, you should pay a regular fare to take this train. It costs 5,810 yen for a reserved seat fee and a base fare.
If you intend to visit Takayama and/or Toyama, Kanazawa, you can use Takayama Hokuriku area pass. You may add the fare for Gifu to Tsuruga which is the segment of outside coverage area. The extra fare is 3,240 yen for a base fare and a reserved seat fee. The child fare is half amount which applies to 6 to 11 years old child. Adult fare applies to 12 years old and up. 5 years old or younger is free of charge if one of paid passenger share the seat. If you want to have one seat, you have to pay child fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for all these useful information.
How exactly does one “add the fare for Gifu to Tsuruga” with a Takayama Hokuriki Pass? Do I just slide the pass in the machine and do a fare adjustment before exit at Fukui (intended stop)?
Hi Rowena,
You must buy a ticket before boarding a train. You can buy this ticket when you exchange Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. You can get that you want to take the limited express Shirasagi from Nagoya to Fukui by this pass and tell a staff that you know you have to pay an extra fare for Gifu to Tsuruga. You will be able to buy a ticket there.
When you will be in the train, a condutor will check your ticket. You can show Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass and this extra fare ticket.
Cheers,
Takehsi / JPRail.com
I hope you dont mind if I ask another question because I read in your other posts validity if single journey JR tickets.
If I opt for a single use JR ticket for Nagoya to Kanazawa how long will it be valid? What are the possible stopovers that can be made within such validity period? It would also be helpful if a day to day illustration is outlined similar to the example in this post – https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
This website has been a wonderful source of valuable information!
Thanks again and Happy New Year!
Hi Rowena,
It’s valid for 3 days. You can make a stopover as many as you can. You can get the distance, the fare and the seat fee at hyperdia as I showed in the post which you have seen.
Hyperdia http://www.hyperdia.com/en/
Try to use this site getting the exact fare and the seat fee.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
This was the result from Hyperdia:
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/cgi/search/smartphone/sp/en/hyperdia2.cgi?dep_node=NAGOYA&arv_node=FUKUI(FUKUI)&via_node01=&via_node02=&via_node03=&year=2019&month=12&day=31&hour=19&minute=29&search_type=departure&search_way=time&transtime=undefined&sort=time&max_route=5&faretype=0&ship=off&lmlimit=null&search_target=route&facility=reserved&sum_target=7#route4
It looks like Maibara is the only exit we can do and with 179.8 km validity is for 2 days? I hope I understood correctly.
Thanks!
Hi Rowena,
Sorry but I don’t understand what you are looking for. Are you looking for a ticket to Fukui or Kanazawa? Because you asked me the validity of the ticket to Kanazawa.
Anyway if you look for the ticket to Fukui, it’s valid for 2 days as you thought. You have understood correctly. You can exit Maibara and other stations between Maibara and Fukui, like Tsuruga, because Shirasagi stops at many other station on this segment, like this link:
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/cgi/search/smartphone/sp/en/hyperdia2.cgi?dep_node=MAIBARA&arv_node=FUKUI(FUKUI)&search_target=traintime&diagram=199743&searchday=20191231&dep_time=1256&arv_time=1319
But why you want to exit somewhere between Nagoya and Fukui. You will move to Fukui in late evening. I don’t think you have any extra time to exit on the way to Fukui.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Oh I should have clarified my queries from the start:
1. Fastest way to get to Fukui Dinosaur Museum from Nagoya;
2. Other places of interest in Fukui or along the major stations so our family can maximize the travel (if time permits).
Again, many thanks.
Hi Rowena,
Please see the link below to find some tourist spots in Fukui:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6600.html
There is no other tourist sposts between Nagoya and Fukui. You don’t need to drop by any pladces. Just focus on Fukui. In this case, a regular fare ticket is only choice. You don’t need to care about stopover.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
You’re absolutely right. I spent time reading up on your posts and reminders and here’s what I came up with.
I hope I am able to maximize the Takayama Hokuriku Pass with this 11-day itinerary for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids. Let me know if there’s a way to make it more reasonable and/or efficient (in terms of time and money). I know that I will have to explore more the Kyoto/Osaka leg based on the information you provided under the THP pass.
Thanks a lot Takeshi!
DAY 1 – July 1
11am Arrival at Chubu airport
Transfer bags to Takayama
12nn Take Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto via Nozomi (¥7160 R for 1:10pm – 1hr 30mins)
Exchange MCO for Takayama-Hokuriku Pass
Reserve Thunderbird
3pm Check in at hotel/rest
5pm Explore Kyoto/Osaka
9pm Back to hotel
DAY 2 – July 2 (Activate Takayama-Hokuriku Pass)
6:59am Take Thunderbird to *Fukui/Katsuyama (¥0 R for 6:59am -1hr 30mins + 1hr)
10:30am Fukui Dinosaur Museum
2:30pm Back to Fukui
3:09pm Take Thunderbird to *Kyoto (¥0 R for 3:09am -1hr 30mins)
5pm Back to hotel/rest
6pm Explore Tennoji/Umeda
9pm Back to hotel
DAY 3 – July 3
8am Checkout
9:09am Take Thunderbird to *Kanazawa (¥0 R for 9:09am – 2hrs 30mins)
12nn Lunch/Explore Kanazawa
Reserve Nohi Bus
1:10pm Take Nohi Bus from *Kanazawa to Shirakawago (¥0 R for 1:10pm – 1hr 15mins)
3pm Explore Shirakawago
5:30pm Take Nohi Bus from *Shirakawago to Takayama (¥0 R for 5:30pm – 1hr)
7pm Check in
DAY 4 – July 4
7:40am-9:16am Take Nohi bus to Shin-Hotoka Ropeway (0¥ R for 7:40am – 1hr 40mins last stop)
9:30am-10am Shin-Hotaka Ropeway (Cable car going up to the mountain)
10am-12nn Shin-Hotaka observation deck and walk around Sengoku park
12nn-12:30pm Lunch
1pm-1:30pm Cable car going down
1:46pm-3:30pm: Bus to Takayama (¥0 R for 1:46pm – 1hr 50mins last stop)
4pm Chill around Takayama
DAY 5 – July 5
9am Train to Hida Furukawa (¥0 NR – 18mins)/back to Takayama
10:40am Take Sarubobo Bus to Hida Folk Village (¥? R? for 10:40am – 12mins 4 stops)
10:40am-1pm Explore Hida Folk Village
1:15pm-2pm Walk to Honmachi street for lunch
3pm-3:30pm Hida Kokubunji Temple
3:45pm-4:15pm Rest at hostel
4:30-5:15pm Takayama Jinya
5:30pm Chill around Takayama
DAY 6 – July 6
7am Explore morning market
Transfer bags to Nagoya
10:30am Check out
11:30am Take Hida Wide View from Takayama to *Nagoya (¥0 R for 11:32am – 2 hrs 30 mins)
3pm Check in/rest
6pm Explore Nagoya
DAY 7 – July 7
7am Day tour to Shizouka
6pm Back to Nagoya
DAY 8 – July 8 (activate Nagoya City Pass)
8am City tour
DAY 9 – July 9
8am Toyota tour
DAY 10 – July 10
8am Legoland
DAY 11 – July 11
6am Take train to Chubu airport (¥890 39mins 8 stops)
7am Chill at the airport
10am Flight out
Hi Rowena,
Your itinerary looks good. Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is the best choice.
But this pass does not cover a bus to Shin-Hotaka. And it does not cover any buses at Hida-Furukawa.
And you may spend a litte more minutes to get out the airport on the arrival day. You might take the Shinkansen around 14:00. But there are lots of trains running on the Shinkansen and it will be a small adjustment.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good morning Takeshi!
May I ask if a 9 minute interval is adequate time to transfer between trains from Hikari 495 to Shirasagi 51 in Maibara Station? This route will take us to Fukui earlier by at least an hour compared to taking the Shirasagi from Nagoya.
23mins
(UR) 7:37am-8:00am
Hikari 495
Platform 16
Maibara St. (2 stops)
1hr 5mins
(R) 8:09am -9:14am
Shirasagi 51
Fukui St. Track 1(4 stops)
Thanks and hope to hear from you again.
Hi Rowena,
Yes, you can make it. Actually 9 minutes transfer time is on purpose and calculated by JR.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for your prompt reply, Takeshi.
I have been reading the entries on the uncovered parts of the Takayama Hokuriku Pass and you’ve advised that I pay the extra fare for the Tsuruga to Gifu segment. How do I compute how much is the extra fare to pay? This information may be helpful so I can compare with other options (Keifulku Bus, Hikari/Shirasagi, etc.). These are the information I got from Hyperdia:
Fukui to Nagoya – 2hrs 10mins
5:36pm-7:46pm
Shirasagi 14 Track 5
Nagoya St. Track 2 Total ¥5810 (A)
Fare – ¥3080 (A)
Plus:
Seat Fee – ¥2200 (A) unreserved
Seat Fee -¥2730 (A) reserved
Tsuruga to Gifu ¥3420
Fukui to Nagoya ¥5810 (reserved)
Do I simply look for the uncovered segment in Hyperdia, which in this case is Tsuruga to Gifu with ¥3420 and ¥2390 is covered by the pass?
I am getting a little confused and I hope you can help me out, again. =)
Hi Rowena,
You have to pay this:
http://www.hyperdia.com/en/cgi/en/search.html?dep_node=TSURUGA&arv_node=GIFU&via_node01=&via_node02=&via_node03=&year=2020&month=01&day=18&hour=17&minute=54&search_type=0&search_way=&transtime=undefined&sort=0&max_route=5&faretype=0&ship=off&lmlimit=null&search_target=route&facility=reserved&sum_target=7
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
So let me break it down just to make sure I understood correctly everything that you have shared:
If I take the Shirasagi 14 from Fukui to Nagoya, you have advised that I have to pay for Tsuruga to Gifu (¥3420). This is because only the reserved seat fee for the coverage areas of Fukui to Tsuruga and Gifu to Nagoya are covered by the Takayama Hokiriku Pass (without the pass the fare is ¥5810). This means that I have to make sure that two of the four times seat booking are still available for this leg of my travel. May I ask the following questions then:
1. Will unreserved seats of the Fukui to Tsuruga and Gifu to Nagoya still be covered by the pass in the event I already used up all 4 reserved seat bookings of my pass?
2. Even with separate seat bookings I get the same seat all the way from Fukui to Nagoya because there will be no need to transfer?
I apologize if these appears to be obvious quetions but I hope make sure I get all the details correctly =).
Thanks for all your help.
Hi Rowena,
You have understood correctly. By the way, the extra fare may be varied slightly because there are peak season rate, shoulder season rate and regular season rate. I showed a regular season rate. But it’s a few hunderd yen difference. It’s not a big deal but please keep it in your mind.
When you book a seat for Shirasagi 14, show your pass and tell a reservation staff that you understand to pay extra fare for Tsuruga to Gifu. They will issue a seat ticket at same seat from Fukui to Nagoya. You can stay in same seat. You can use non reserved seat if you like.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I hope JR will come out with other tourist-friendly deals or amend the existing ones. Wasn’t there something in the news about an all around pass that was intended for tourists especially with the Olympics next year? Or is this completely untrue?
Hi Rowena,
At this point, JR will open JR Pass (nationwide pass) official site and online purchasing will be available. That’s all I’ve heard about it.
Cheers,
Takehsi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much for this useful information!
Can you kindly check my itinerary below and advise whether the Takayama Hokuriku pass would be better than the JR 14 Day Pass? Dates are for April.
1st – arrive in Tokyo
2nd – travel to Osaka
2nd – 4th – Stay in Osaka
(day trip to Nara sometime between then)
5th – head to Kanazawa, stay overnight
6th – head to Shirakawago, stay overnight
7th – head to Takayama, stay overnight
8th – head to Kyoto (not sure if there’s a direct way if using this pass or if using this pass would have to head back to Shirakawago > Kanazawa > Kyoto)
8th – 10th – Stay in Kyoto
11th – head to Hakone (considering the Hakone Fuji pass here? would you recommend)
12th – head to Fuji Five Lakes
13th – head to Tokyo
13th – 17th – Stay in Tokyo (would probably need to get the Suica card?)
So my question is:
1) Whether I should get the 14 Day JR Pass or whether I should instead get the One Way ticket from Tokyo to Osaka + Takayama Hokuriku Pass + Fuji Hakone Pass + Suica Card?
2) If the 14 Day Jr Pass is better then what other additional transportation would I need to purchase (eg Suica card, buses from Kanazawa to Shirakawago to Takayama? Is that all?)
3) Which option is cheapest? Then which option is fastest/most efficient? What would be the price/time difference?
4) Have I left anything out – really confused with the Japanese transportation system…
Thank you so much in advanced for your reply!
Hi Jess,
I recommend you to use JR pass 14 days for day 1 to 14. If you Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, bus to Shirakawago is covered. But you need to add single fare for Narita-Tokyo, Tokyo-Osaka, Kyoto-Odawara. It may be almost same cost. But JR pass is more handy. And also you can go back to Kyoto from Takayama without drop by Kanazawa. If you use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, you have to go back to Kanazawa.
You need to add bus fare to Shirakawago, Fuji Hakone Pass (Odawara-Tokyo), Suica or subway pass in Tokyo and single fare to the airport on the last day.
And also you may need to add some other deals in Kyoto and Osaka. Because JR pass does not cover local transportation such as subway and city bus. Please see the links below to find more info:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-kyoto-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
I think you are not confused. You are on the right track. 🙂
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We are 4 Australians and will be purchasing a Green 14 day JR Pass. Our accommodation is already booked and our itinerary is as follows
Tokyo to Takayama (stay 2nights)
Takayama to Kanazawa (stay 2 nights)
Kanazawa to Kyoto (stay 3 nights)
Kyoto to Hiroshima (stay 3 nights)
Hiroshima to Osaka (stay 1 night)
Question is – will our JR pass cover all of these trips and how do we know which train to get on? Feeling very confused.
Hi Joan,
All trips are covered by JR pass. Please see the link below to find the route for Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/takayama-kanazawa-and-shirakawago/how-to-get-kanazawa.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
You can take Shinkansen (bullet train) among Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka and Hiroshima. Please see the link below to find more info about Shinkansen by JR pass.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-tokai/nagoya-toyohashi/what-is-shinkansen-bullet-train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks so much. That was very prompt and helpful.
No worries, Joan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi please help me with this itinerary. We are 4 adults and travel date apr 10-23 2017. In and Out Osaka (Kansai International Airport)
Please suggest best pass to buy.
1. Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass?
(The Kansai-Airport Express “HARUKA”)
2. Kintetsu Rail Pass?
3. Single pass?
Apr 10 – Arrival at Osaka (Kansai International Airport) 8:25am
Travel to Kanazawa. Overnight at Kanazawa
Apr 11 – Shirakawago. Overnight at Shirakawago
Apr 12 – Tagayama. Overnight at Tagayama
Apr 13 – Travel to Nagoya from Tagayama for 3d2n
Apr 15 – Travel back to Osaka from Nagoya
(Osaka, Kyoto,Nara,Kobe) till Apr 23 Apr 23 –
Apr 23 – Fly back home sweet home
Thanks in advance
Hi Noora,
You can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass until you get Nagoya.
Kintetsu rail pass is not recommended for one way trip to Osaka. Platt Kodama may suit your plan.’
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Knsai thru pass is the best choice for the trip to outside Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
You can pick one of the deal for the trip to KIX 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
Hi please help me with this itinerary if doable. We are 2 adults and 3 kids ages 11,8,6 travel date feb 3-11 2017.
Please suggest best pass to buy. Initially, I consider shoryudo 3 days but no discount for kids Or the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass?
Feb 3 day 1 arrival nagoya 550am
Travel to takayama Takayama visit hida folk village, stay 2 nights( hotel is paid already)
Feb 5 shirakawago light up overnight
Feb 6 travel to osaka
Feb 7 osaka
Feb 8 travel back to nagoya.
Thanks in advance
Hi Greyzie,
Itinerary is okay. And Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass is the best deal because you can get Osaka via Kanazawa by this pass. And kids price is available too.
However you have to add single fare to get back to Nagoya. You may consider using Platt Kodama.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/platt-kodama-one-way-deal-among-tokyo-nagoya-kyoto-and-shin-osaka-by-shinkansen.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi thanks so much. Can i use this pass starting feb 3 from chubu airport to takayama correct? Im planning to stay overnight in kanazawa feb 6 since this is the way to osaka, then feb 7 to osaka then platt kodama from osaka back to nagoya. right?
Hi again, how can i reserve the bus from takayama to shirakawago on feb 5 using this pass? I read it should be reserved one month in advance? Thanks
Hi Greyzie,
This pass does not cover Chubu airport to Nagoya. You have to add single fare and then start using this pass from Nagoya. And also you cannot exchange the pass it at Chubu airport. You have to do it at Nagoya station. So start this pass from Nagoya station on Feb 3 to Osaka on Feb 7.
You have to make a call to reserve a seat for Nohi bus. There is online site but it does not accept for pass user. Contact is shown in the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi, this will be our final itinerary, i will be purchasing takayama hokuriku tourist pass for 2 adults and 3 kids (11,8 and 6)
Feb 3 chubu airport to nagoya station then to takayama station. 2 nights
Feb 5 shirakawago, i called nouhi bus and they said 8:50 am is fully booked already, the 9:50 am no longer need to reserve but i fear that since its light up event, there might be a problem with the bus.
Stay overnight.
Feb 6 shirakawago to osaka. How can i get to osaka using this pass?
Feb 6 dotonbori/ shinsaibashi- can i use Jr trains to go here using the pass?
Feb 7 usj this is 5th day of the pass, still covered going here?
Feb 8 kansai to sapporo.- i believe this will be single fare from osaka station to kansai since its 6th day already. Right? What is the cheapest and shortest way to kansai since we have luggage.
Thanks so much
Hi Greyzie,
You have to show up Takayama bus center really early to take 9:50 bus. I have no experience to visit Shirakawago during light up event. But I heard that it’s crazy busy. If I were you, I go to Takayama bus center one hour earlier to take 9:50 bus. I still don’t know this is enough early or not. When you get Takayama, ask the staff in Takayama bus center or staff in hotel how busy it will be.
When you go to Osaka, you can take Nohi bus to Kanazawa and take train from Kanazawa to Osaka.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/takayama-kanazawa-and-shirakawago/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
You can get Namba by this pass. Shinsaibashi can be accessed from JR Namba station by walk. But subway is easier to get there. Subway is not covered by this pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
You can use this pass to get USJ.
There are many ways to get Kansai. It depends on which place in Osaka you will stay. Please see the link below to find more info:
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/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks hiroshi! Sorry, i mean what cheapest pass to use from shin imamiya where we will stay to kansai airport for our flight to sapporo. Or single fare is okay? This is for feb 8, our takayama hokuriku will expire on feb 7. Thanks again
Hi Grezie,
If you want cheap, take Nankai railway ordinary train by single fare, 920 yen. This is commute train and you may need to stand up to KIX.
If you want to reserve your seat, take limited express rapi:t by tokuwari rapid ticket at 1130 yen.
http://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/tokuwari.html
Cheers,
Takeshi (not Hiroshi) / JPRail.com
Nice read. But what if I’m planning for an 8-9 days trip? The pass is only valid for 5 days. Should i do a combination of this pass + kintetsu rail pass? But the kintetsu rail pass won’t cover the trip to kansai airport right? which means I will have to buy a one way returning trip Haruka-icoca back to kansai airport? Or any better idea?
Hi Elaine,
Before choosing the deals, you have to make sure how you spend your days in Japan, such as location to stay and route. You don’t need to start using this pass right after you arrive in Kansai airport. If you spend less than 5 days for trip to Takayama, Kanazawa and/or Shirakaawgo, you can use this pass for these trips only. You can use other deals in Osaka, Kyoto and other places in Kansai region.
There are many other deals available. But you cannot choose it before making the detailed itinerary.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
im staying near shin immamiya station. I would like to know whether if I use this pass when I arrive kix, can I stop at shin immamiya station? (Arrive 14/2)
2) can I use this pass to go kyoto on the next day? (15/2)
3) can I use this pass again to go Kanazawa from Kyoto directly? (16/2)
Thanks
Belle
Hi Belle,
Yes. All trips are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I just check hyperdia to get to takayama from Kyoto. This is the route, but does this pass cover these route?
Kyoto – Nagoya (Shinkansen hilarious 464) – takayama (limited express hida 9)
Thanks
Hi Belle,
This route is not covered. You have to go to Kanazawa first. You cannot get Nagoya from Kyoto directly by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Ok noted! Thanks for your prompt reply 🙂
No worries, Belle.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
If so, I could use the train via toyama to takayama right ? If I don’t want to travel by bus. Does the pass cover that area?
Thanks again 🙂
Hi Belle,
This route, Kyoto-Kanazawa-Toyama-Takayama is covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com