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 san,
I’m traveling to Nagoya and Tokyo this mid November(Nov 10 – 19) and would like to advise which pass to use
D1: Arrive to Tokyo and travel to Nagoya
D2: Nagoya – Kiso Valley – Matsumoto
D3: Matsumoto – Alpine Route – Takayama
D4: Takayama – Nagoya
D5: Nagoya – Ise Shima – Nagoya
D6: Stay in Nagoya
D7: Nagoya – Tokyo
D8- D10: Stay in Tokyo
Is my Itinerary too rush?(Especially for the alpine route if I want to travel from Ogizawa to Toyoma)
Do you think I should get a JR pass for the 1st 7 days?
Or any other pass you would recommend for the trip?
Would the Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass be worth it?
Thanks for your reply in advance!
Regards,
Jo
Hi Jo san,
I don’t think your itinerary is too busy. JR pass is the best choice for the first 7 days. You may add Tateyama Kurobe option ticket for Ogizawa to Toyama.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
When you go to Takayama from Toyama after visiting alpine route, please keep it in your mind that express trains do not run very frequently. In current timetable, the last express train “Wide View Hida” from Toyama to Takayama depart at 17:13 (arrive in Takayama at 18:39). There is one more local train running after this express train. However there is no direct train to Takayama. It’s slower (takes 2 hours) than express train and need to change trains on the way. So don’t miss this last departure of express train. If you leave early from Matsumoto, it’s not hard to complete alpine route by 17:00.
Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass does not cover Tokyo-Nagoya. It’s not a right choice.
You may add subway pass after day 8 in 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
I am planning for a 6D trip at the end of October.
D1 Arrival Nagoya
D2 Nagoya- Matsumoto- Alpine Route- Toyama
D3 Toyama- Kurobe Gorge Railway day trip
D4 Toyama- Gokayama- Shirakawago
D5 Shirakawago- Takayama- Nagoya
D6 Depart Nagoya
I researched online and plan to buy Alpine-Takayama Pass but there seems to be no bus that covers Toyama-Gokayama-Shirakawa-Takayama section with 1 ticket.
Do you suggest doing it in clockwise direction or any similar itineraries?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Sean san,
Your itinerary is okay. It’s not different between clockwise and counterclockwise. You need to add the fare to take bus to Shirakawago anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Konnichi wa Takeshi san,
I would appreciate any advice you could give me about my trip.
Day 1 : Kansai airport to Kyoto
Day 2 -6 : Kyoto and Osaka surroundings
Day 7 : Kyoto to Gero
Day 8 : Gero
Day 9 : Gero to Takayama
Day 10: Takayama
Day11: Takayama
Day 12 : Takayama to Kanazawa
Day 13: Kanazawa
Day 14: Kanazawa to Matsumoto
Day 15: Matsumoto
Day 16: Matsumoto to Mount Fuji
Day 17 :Mount Fuji
Day 18: Mount fuji to Tokyo
Day 19- 21 : Tokyo
Day 22 : Tokyo to Narita airport.
Arigato gozaismasu
David
Hi David san,
Your trip plan is good. I don’t see any issues.
Unfortunately there is no deals available for your trip. Only JR Pass covers your trip but you will travel slowly and easily. You cannot get the worth of the pass. You may add local deal in Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. But single ticket is your choice for other trips.
KIX to Kyoto
ICOCA and 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
Kyoto
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Osaka and other places
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san,
I appreciate your time spent on looking at this for me.
Thank you very much for your help
Arigato gozaimasu
David
No worries, David san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San 🙂
I will be travelling to Osaka, Kyoto, and Takayama next month.
DAY 1 to DAY 5: Buy TAKAYAMA-HOKURIKU PASS.
D1 – 20/10 – Reach KIX @ 5:40am – Stay @ Takayama
D2 – Takayama
D3– Shirakawago
D4 – Hida-Furukawa
D5– Head to Osaka – Stay @ Osaka (SAKURAGAWA)
DAY 6 to DAY 9: Use 3-days Kansai Thru Pass
D6 – Kobe
D7– Kobe-Sanda Outlet (*** I will NOT use Kansai-Thru Pass today)
D8– Osaka Day 1
D9 – Kyoto Day 1
DAY 10 to DAY 12: Use another 3-days Kansai Thru Pass
D10 – Kyoto Day 2
D11 – Nara
D12 – Osaka Day 2
DAY 13: I will use Kaiyu Ticket: Osaka City Plan
DAY 14- 2/11 – Flight @ 9:55am – Use 1-way ticket to KIX
Questions:
1. I just want to ask if the Passes i chose are correct?
2. I know that Takayama-Hokuriku Pass requires purchases outside Japan.. What about Kaiyukan and 3-day Kansai-Thru Passes?
3. I think for our stay at Sakuragawa, the Kansai-Thru pass is better option than Japan Rail pass. I hope i am right 🙂
Thank you very much Takeshi-San.
Regards,
Ling-san
Hi Ling san,
1. I don’t know you need Kansai thru pass for day 8. The difference between 2 days and 3 days is 1200 yen. There are lots of deals available under 1200 yen for Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
If you intend to visit many attractions, Osaka Amazing Pass is better choice than using Kansai thru pass.
2. You need to get Takayama Hokuriku area pass only outside Japan. You cannot purchase other two passes outside Japan.
3. JR pass is not required anyway.
When you use Takayama Hokuriku area pass on day 1, you need to take the route, KIX to Shin-Osaka, Shin-Osaka to Kanazawa, Kanazawa to Takayama via express bus. You may take the train from Kanazawa to Toyama and Toyama to Takayama. If you take express bus from Kanazawa, you need to book it in advance even though Takayama Hokuriku area pass covers.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
You cannot take KIX to Shin-Osaka, Shin-Osaka to Nagoya, Nagoya to Takayama route. Actually this is the primary route to get Takayama from Osaka. But Shin-Osaka to Nagoya is not covered by Takayama Hokuriku area pass. Just keep it in your mind.
P.S.
When you use “san”, you can put it after other person’s name. It’s like “Mr” or “Ms”. But it’s wrong way to use “san” after own name. I just want to let you know.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi-San,
Thank you for noting the points to me! Highly appreciated 🙂
I will read into the links that u had attached.
Question:
On Day 5, when i travel from TAKAYAMA back to OSAKA using the Takayama-Hokuriku Pass.. May i know how whether this pass covers OSAKA MUNICIPAL LINE as well?
This is because i will be staying in SAKURAGAWA..
Regards,
Ling 🙂
Hi Ling,
No, you can’t. This pass covers only subway train. The closest JR station is JR-Namba. It’s less than 1km away. When you don’t have a luggage, it’s easy to access between Sakuragawa and JR-Namba by walk.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Noted.
I tried using Hyperdia to check whether i can get from Namba (Subway) to Sakuragawa (Osaka).. It says i can use Osaka City Subway Sennichimae Line for NODAHANSHIN..
Question:
1. This is Private Railway right?
2. If Yes, then are this Namba (Osaka) different from the Namba JR u mentioned?
2. If the distance is walkable between the 2 stations, Since i will be carrying luggages with my family of 5 (include me), It is better to buy 1 way ticket to Sakuragawa than to walk?
Thank u 🙂
Hi Ling,
1. It’s not private line but municipality subway line. It’s not JR anyway and not covered by that pass.
2. JR Namba and Namba stations are different. There are several Namba stations. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/namba-stations-guide-how-to-change-the-trains-among-nankai-kintetsu-hanshin-subway-and-jr.html
3. How far is your accommodation from Sakuragawa. As you read the link about Namba stations above, JR-Namba is closer to Sakuragawa than other Namba stations. If it’s located between Namba and Sakuragawa, you may be able to walk from JR-Namba. If it’s closed to Sakuragawa station, you can take subway. You may catch taxi at Namba station too. It’s not hard to catch taxi there but one taxi is not big enough to 5 passengers with luggage. You need two taxis. I think the fare is around 1000 yen per taxi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Oh i get it already! Thank u for clarifying the difference.
We are staying at Minamihorie area. . Should be 10-15mins walk from Namba (JR) station according to google map.
If the distance is walkable, we might just walk 🙂
So, when i leave from Kanazawa back to Osaka, i will have to:
1st – Take thunderbird From Kanazawa to Osaka (reserved seat)
2nd – Take Osaka to Shinimamiya then finally to Namba (JR)
Is this correct?
Is this route covered by the Takayama Pass? 🙂
Thank you
Hi Ling,
Your route is correct and it is fully covered by this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hehe thank u!!!
Also, i took your advise and i am considering Osaka 1-day Visitor Pass for one of my “Osaka only” day (not going to Kyoto/ Nara/ etc), because 3-day Kansai Thru Pass and 2-days have a difference of ¥1200.
Question:
Osaka 1-day Visitor Pass covers all subway in Osaka? Including the route to Ikeda (Hankyu)? Because my little brother would like to visit Momofuku Ramen Museum 🙂
The reason i am asking is because i am a little confused between the difference of Osaka 1-day Visitor Pass and Osaka Amazing Pass.
THank u 🙂
Hi Ling,
Hankyu is not subway and not covered. You need to pay for Umeda to Ikeda.
Amazing pass one day covers subway and a few non JR trains, such as Hankyu. But Ikeda is outside coverage area. You need to pay for Mikuni to Ikeda.
Amazing pass also covers many attractions’ admission. But ramen museum is not covered either.
https://www.osaka-info.jp/osp/en/about/about_train.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Oh I see! Than is the route to Ikeda covered by Kansai thru pass? Thank u 🙂
It’s covered, Ling.
Please see the coverage map to make sure in the link below:
http://www.surutto.com/images/ticket/kansai_thru_pass/english/en_map.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi-San.
I have just only purchased the Takayama Hokuriku Pass, tickets pending delivery this Friday.
May I know how do I reserve the seats on JR limited express trains and Nohi Buses?
Do i reserve it before i fly to Japan, or before i Board the train.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Ling san,
You can book a train seat when you exchange the pass or later at any major JR stations’ reservation window.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Regarding booking a seat for Nohi bus, you need to make a call. Please see the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank u Takeshi-san for your help. I will book for the Bus accordingly 🙂
A question regarding Kobe-Sanda Outlet:
Is Direct Express Bus from JR Station the only way to Get Kobe-Outlet? I realized the time we need to leave back to JR station is 4:10pm.. which is quite early.
Can we also take the direct bus from Sannomiya Station on the day we Visit Kobe ??? Not sure if this route is available.
We only want to Eat Kobe beef in Kobe.. so i thought of eating in Kobe, then shopping 🙂
Hi Ling san,
Unfortunately I don’t have any more than official site in the link below. Actually I have never been there.
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/kobesanda/access/access_bus.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank u Takeshi-san,
I have substituted my Kobe Outlet day to an additional day in Kyoto because my mother changed her mind (yay!)
So our schedule is as below:
Day 1 to Day 5: Takayama -> Use Takayama Hokuriku Pass
Day 6 to Day 7: Kyoto -> Use Kyoto-Osaka Pass
Day 8: Osaka -> Use Osaka 1-day Visitor Pass
Day 9: Kyoto -> Use 3-days Kansai Thru Pass
Day 10: Osaka Kaiyukan -> Use Osaka Kaiyukan Pass
Day 11: Kobe -> Use 3-days Kansai Thru Pass
Day 12: Nara -> Use 3-days Kansai Thru Pass
Day 13: Osaka -> Use Osaka 1-day Visitor Pass
Day 14: Fly back -> One way ticket back
Question:
1. Are my passes ok? 🙂 I hope it is not too confusing.
2. Using the passes, means i still need to get a little paper ticket to get to every stations i want to go to? Or i can just “pass through” the gate using the pass?
3. My friend told me to get a ICOCA card, saying it is more useful and convenient for my stay.
But i am confused, Can the cards be used “along-side” the passes i want to use as above? 🙂
Sorry if i sound SO confused because i am quite confused. THank you for clarifying this with me 🙂
Regards,
ling
Hi Ling san,
1. Your choices are okay.
2. If you have a pass, you can slot your pass into the machine gate. That’s all you need. You don’t need to get any other tickets.
3. ICOCA is IC card. It gives you convenience but it does not give you any unlimited ride and discount. In your trip, I don’t think you need it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Omg thank you so much for clarifying this with me 🙂
I’m trying to settle all transports and to make sure my routes are right now haha.
Question:
(1) Just to check with u, Nohi Bus (from Kanazawa to Takayama) requires reservation.. but i can only reserve when i have exchanged for the Pass at KIX Information Counter correct?
(2) For my visit to Hida-Furukawa, I will need to take Wide View Hida Train from Takayama station. Do this needs reservation as well?
Thank you!
Regards,
Ling
Hi Ling,
1. You can do anytime. But you need to make a call.
2. Not required. It’s short ride. You can take a local train too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-San,
Me and my family just only got back from our japan trip. Our travel had became so much smoother because of you. Thank you so much for all help and advise!!! We really appreciate it 😀
Warm regards,
Ling and family
Hi Ling san,
I’m very glad to hear that!
Hope you will go back to Japan again to visit many other places!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
I bought the JR Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass. Can I use this pass to Shin Hotaka ropeway from Takayama? What part of the route is covered?
Regards, Mei Ling
Hi Cheah san,
Shin-Hotaka is outside coverage area. It covers Takayama, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Toyama, and Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya. You may find some more info in the link below too.
http://touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/
Cheers,
Takeshi /JPrail
Hi, Takeshi San,
I need some advice for my coming trip in Dec.
We plan to visit Nagoya and Shiragawago direct from Osaka airport upon arrival on 18th morning, then return to Osaka Station by 20th noon. we only hve 3days.
Should we buy Takayama Hokuriku 5D pass or other passes?
Many Thanks
Ying
Hi Ying san,
Takayama Hokuriku area pass does not cover Osaka-Nagoya direct route. But you may use this pass if you want to take Nagoya-Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa-Osaka route. Even if you take this route, you need to add the fare for Kyoto to Nagoya. You can get Kyoto by limited express Haruka from kansai airport:
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
But you need to add the fare to take Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya which costs around 6,000 yen.
If you want to go back to Nagoya after visiting Takayama and Shirakawago, you need to add another 6,000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I would like to clarify below.
I want to make a loop from Osaka to Kanazawa – Shiragawa-Takayama and back to Osaka.
If I use Takayama – Hokuriku Area Pass, the trip from Takayama back to Osaka is not covered? So my option is either
1. I pay single fare from Nagoya to Osaka?
2. I go back to Kanazawa – Osaka using the same route
Are there other more alternatives?
Hi Cheah,
You can take the express bus from Takayama to Osaka. Takayama Hokuriku area pass does not cover it but it’s direct and cheap.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/osaka.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Sir.
I prefer to travel by train.
If I purchase a one way ticket by shinkansen from Nagoya to Kyoto, would the Takayama Hokuriku area pass cover me from Takayama to Nagoya and from Kyoto to Osaka?
Hi Cheah,
Takayama Hokuriku area pass does not cover Shinkansen from Nagoya to Osaka even though it’s in the coverage area. Takayama to Nagoya is covered but you need to pay full fare for Nagoya to Shin-Osaka by Shinkansen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
I’m planning to arrive Japan on 30 Dec.
If I purchase the the Takayama Hokuriku JR pass can I book an advance ticket from Osaka to Kanazawa, and by Nohi bus from Kanazawa to Shiragawa and to Takayama.
I plan to travel on 1 Jant to Kanazawa , spend one night then to Shiragawa on 2 Jan. I’m worried if I only arrive in 30 Dec to book my tickets to Kanazawa there won’t be any seats left since it’s peak time and Japan major holiday.
Hi Cheah san,
Unfortunately you cannot book a ticket for Osaka to Kanazawa in advance. But I’m very optimistic. Actually January 1st is not busy day. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/2017-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-busy-period.html#New_Years_holidays
You can book a seat for Nohi bus in advance but you need to make a call. Online is not available for Takayama Hokuriku area pass user.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
The bus to Shirakawago is always busy. Advanced reservation is highly recommended.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san
Thank you for your reply.
You mentioned I can book the Nohi bus in advance if I have Takayama Hokuriku area pass. Question:
1) Is the bus ticket available for reservation from 1 month in advance? So if I want to travel on 2 Jan, I can book from 2 Dec onwards?
2) At that time, I would I haven’t arrived in Japan yet and my JR pass haven’t been activated yet, can I book?
Hi Mei san,
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much for your reply. You’ve been a great help
No worries, Cheah.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Sir
If my travel plan is as follow, should i get a Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass to cover for the first 5days or a JR pass for 7days? Kindly advise. Thank you.
Day 1 Nagoya Chubu International airport to Takayama
Day 2 Takayama to Shirakawago (to/fro)
Day 3 Takayama to Nagoya JR Station
Day 4 Nagoya to Hikone
Day 5 Hikone to Kyoto
Day 8 Kyoto to Osaka
Day 10 Osaka to KIX airport
Regards
KT
Hi Katherine,
JR pass is too expensive for your trip. Takayama Hokuriku area pass is suitable but you need to pay the extra fare for Gifu to Hikone, and Hikone to Kyoto. So basically Takayama Hokuriku area pass covers when you pass Gifu on day 4. Gifu is located on the way to Hikone from Nagoya. You don’t need to get off at Gifu. When you get Hikone, you can show your Takayama Hokuriku area pass and station staff tell you how much you pay. If you want to know the fare, please check the fare for Gifu to Hikone at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
You may use Shoryudo bus pass for the first 3 days. It’s cheaper:
http://www.meitetsu.co.jp/eng/ticket-info/shoryudo.html
After Hikone, you will use regular ticket for city to city. You may add the deal in Kyoto, Osaka and trip to KIX. Please see the links below:
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
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 San
Thank you very much for your quick reply.
May i know if this pass covers the meitetsu line from Chubu international airport to Nagoya station?
Best Regards
Katherine
Hi Katherine san,
Takayama Hokuriku area pass does not cover Meitetsu from Chubu to Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san
Would appreciate your advice/suggestion on the type of pass to get for my trip in early December.
Day 1 : arrive Nagoya Chubu Int’l Airport — travel to Takayama directly
Day 2 – 3: Stay Takayama, visit Shirakawago, Shinhotaka Ropeway
Day 4 -7: To Kyoto (stay in Kyoto), visiting Himeji, Arashiyama, etc.
Day 8 – 12: To Osaka (stay Osaka(, visising Nara, etc.
Base on the above itinerary, which rail pass should I get.
Many thanks in advance.
Hi Cara san,
I recommend you to use Takayama Hokuriku area pass until you get Kyoto. But when you go to Kyoto, you need to go through Kanazawa. You cannot go back to Nagoya because Nagoya to Kyoto is not covered by this pass.
After you arrive in Kyoto, you can use the deal in the links when you are in Kyoto and Osaka:
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
For trip to Nara and Himeji, you can use Kansai thru pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
I recommend you to visit Nara from Kyoto and Himeji from Osaka. Osaka is much closer to Himeji than Kyoto.
If you leave from Osaka, please see the link below to find the deal:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san, Can you share with me a sample itinerary for 10 days kyoto, nara, osaka, takayama Kanazawa and Shirakawago?
Is it possible?
Hi Eugene san,
Sorry but I cannot do it. If I have it in my site, I can show you. But I don’t have it now and I cannot make it personally. If I do it, I need to make it whenever I receive request. Please understand it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thanks so much, Takeshi-san, for your help!
No worries, Susan san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com