This train pass has been very popular to travel Kanazawa, Takayama and Shirakawago. The train route to these destinations from Nagoya and Osaka are covered. However there are some restrictions. You may be confused how you use this pass.
In this post, I will clarify the condition and the coverage area of this pass. You will find what you can do and what you cannot do by this pass in this post. I also compare the price of pass and a regular fare. You will easily find how you can get the worth of this pass.
- Who is eligible
- Types, prices and conditions
- Sales location
- Coverage area and valid transportation
- The limited express Haruka and Kansai Airport Rapid train
- Local train services in downtown Osaka
- The limited express Thunderbird (Osaka, Kyoto – Kanazawa)
- Nohi Bus (Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama), Kaetsuno Bus (Shin Takaoka – Shirakawago)
- The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kanazawa – Toyama)
- The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama – Toyama)
- Train which is not covered at all or partially
- Compare cost between pass and single fare
- Assessment
Who is eligible
Visitors who land as “Temporary Visitor” status can purchase this pass.
Types, prices and conditions
There is only 5-day pass.
Purchasing place | Adult | Child (6-11yrs) |
---|---|---|
Overseas travel agent (Before arrival in Japan) | 14,260 yen | 7,130 yen |
At the designated station (After arrival in Japan | 15,280 yen | 7,640 yen |
Online | 15,280 yen | 7,640 yen |
*5 year old or younger child is free. Maximum 2 children per one adult. But one of your adult traveler must share the seat with the child who is 5 years old or younger.
The pass must be used in consecutive days. The validity of a rail pass starts from 12 O’clock at night.
e.g.
If you start to use 5 days pass on May 1, the pass is expired at 23:59 on May 5.
You may book a reserved seat on the train up to 4 times by this pass. This four times booking seat fee is covered. But you cannot book a seat on the limited express Haruka and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. This four times reservation does not include Nohi bus reservation. I will tell you about this restriction later.
Sales location
You can purchase this pass before or after you arrive in Japan. If you purchase an exchange order of this pass, the price is 1,000 yen cheaper than the price in Japan. You can find the sales location list in the official site in the link below:
Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass official site
Coverage area and valid transportation
The pass covers Osaka, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, Gero, Gifu and Nagoya. Please see the coverage map below:
Basically this pass covers JR trains, Nohi Bus and Kaetsuno Bus in the coverage area. I would like to show you the key train and bus services one by one.
The limited express Haruka and Kansai Airport Rapid train
The limited express Haruka connects Kansai airport, Tennoji, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto.
If you start using this pass right after you arrive in Kansai airport, you may take this train. This train has both reserved seat car and non reserved seat car. But this pass covers only non reserved seat car. This train does not stop at Osaka. Please see the link below to find more information about Haruka:
Kansai Airport Limited Express Haruka
If you cannot take Haruka, you can take Kansai Airport Rapid train too. This is a sort of commute trains. Haruka has nicer interior.
Local train services in downtown Osaka
This pass covers a local train in Osaka, such as Osaka Kanjo line (Osaka loop line). You can get many places by this pass in Osaka. Please see the link below to find the information about JR local train service in Osaka:
The limited express Thunderbird (Osaka, Kyoto – Kanazawa)
This train is a primary way to get Kanazawa from Osaka or Kyoto.
You can book a reserved seat on this train by this pass. But you have to make a reservation after you arrive in Japan.
Nohi Bus (Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama), Kaetsuno Bus (Shin Takaoka – Shirakawago)
Both bus services are shown by a green line in the coverage map above.
Most of you take Nohi Bus to get Shirakawago. You also take this bus when you move between Takayama and Kanazawa. All bus services between Kanazawa and Shirakawago requires an advanced booking. You cannot book online and you have to make a call to book a seat. A few bus services can be taken without reservation between Takayama and Shirakawago. You can find the phone number and timetable in the link below:
If you want to visit Ainokura, Suganuma and/or Gokayama, you will take Kaetsuno Bus. Reservation is not required.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kanazawa – Toyama)
The Shinkansen train runs very frequently between Kanazawa and Toyama.
This pass does not allow you to book a seat on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. There are three kinds of trains running on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Those are Kagayaki, Hakutaka and Tsurugi. But the fastest train “Kagayaki” does not have any non reserved seat cars. You have to take other two trains, Hakutaka or Tsurugi on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Usually Tsurugi has lots of empty seats and easily can take a seat in non reserved cars.
Please find more details about the Hokuriku Shinkansen in the following link:
Hotels in Takayama
Hotels in Kanazawa
Hotels in Shirakawago
The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama – Toyama)
This is very popular train to get Takayama. The scenery is very nice from this train.
This train runs once an hour in daytime between Nagoya and Takayama. But this train runs only a few times between Takayama and Toyama. If you cannot take this train between Toyama and Takayama, you can take a local train. But there is no direct local train between Toyama and Takayama. You have to change trains at Inotani between Takayama and Toyama.
Please see the link below to find more information about Wide View Hida:
You can book a reserved seat on this train by this pass. But you have to make a reservation after you arrive in Japan.
Train which is not covered at all or partially
This pass does not cover any train services between Gifu and Kyoto. This means you cannot make a circle tour by this pass. I would like to show you some trains which are not covered by this pass and how much you have to pay extra.
The Tokaido Shinkansen (Nagoya – Kyoto – Shin Osaka)
It is not covered at all. Even though the Shinkansen runs partially between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka in the coverage area, it is not covered at all. You may consider using Platt Kodama if you want to take the Shinkansen between Nagoya and Kyoto/Shin-Osaka.
Osaka departure of the limited express Wide View Hida (Osaka – Kyoto – Gifu – Takayama)
One round trip of Wide View Hida runs between Osaka and Takayama. However this train runs outside the coverage area partially.
If you take this train, you have to pay for Kyoto – Gifu. The one way extra cost (the base fare and the reserved seat fee) is around 4,500 yen. The reserved seat fee is covered in the coverage area. But you have to use two of four times seat booking for Takayama – Gifu and Osaka – Kyoto. If you take this route, you have to book a seat for both inside coverage area and outside coverage area at same time. You can get a same seat all the way.
The limited express Shirasagi (Kanazawa – Nagoya)
If you move between Nagoya and Kanazawa, the limited express Shirasagi is the fastest way. However this train runs outside the coverage area partially.
If you take this train, you have to pay for Tsuruga – Gifu. The one way extra cost (the base fare and the reserved seat fee) is around 3,500 yen. Reserved seat fee is covered in the coverage area. But you have to use two of four times seat booking for Nagoya – Gifu and Kanazawa – Tsuruga. If you take this route, you have to book a seat for both inside coverage area and outside coverage area at same time. You can get a same seat all the way.
If you want to avoid this extra cost, you can take one of these following routes:
- The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Toyama), the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Toyama – Kanazawa)
- The limited express Wide View Hida (Nagoya – Takayama), Nohi Bus (Takayama – Kanazawa)
These routes are covered but the trip time is much longer than the limited express Shirasagi. If you take the limited express Shirasagi, the trip time is about 3 hours to get Nagoya from Kanazawa without changing trains. But if you take one of these above routes, the travel time is about 4.5 hours and you have to change trains or train/bus. Please think which choice is better for you, spending 1.5 hours or spending 3,360 yen.
Local train service in downtown Kyoto
You can get Kyoto by this pass. But after you arrive in Kyoto, this pass does not help you at all. You cannot get even some spots in Kyoto by this pass. JR lines connect Arashiyama and Fushimi from Kyoto station. But this pass does not cover these lines.
Trip to Nara, Trip to Kobe
These cities are a step away from Kyoto or Osaka. But these cities are not in the coverage area. Please do not think using this pass even partially. Just pay as you go or think about using other deal:
Compare cost between pass and single fare
First of all, please see the fare table for major segments below. These fares are approximate and may be varied by the seasonality:
One way fare
Kansai airport – Shin-Osaka by Limited Express NON reserved seat | 2,500 yen |
Kansai airport – Kyoto by Limited Express NON reserved seat | 3,000 yen |
Osaka – Kanazawa by Limited Express reserved seat | 7,800 yen |
Kyoto – Kanazawa by Limited Express reserved seat | 7,000 yen |
Nagoya – Takayama by Limited Express reserved seat | 6,000 yen |
Toyama – Takayama by Limited Express reserved seat | 3,500 yen |
Toyama – Kanazawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen NON reserved seat | 2,900 yen |
Kanazawa – Shirakawago by Nohi bus | 2,000 yen |
Takayama – Shirakawago by Nohi bus | 2,600 yen |
Kanazawa – Takayama by Nohi bus | 3,600 yen |
Shirakawago – Shin-Takaoka by Kaetsuno bus | 1,800 yen |
You may find more information about the access to Takayama and Kanazawa at the links below:
You can find the timetable of the limited express Wide View Hida, Thunderbird, and Shirasagi in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
Assessment
This deal is highly recommended if you visit Takayama, Shirakawago and/or Kanazawa from Osaka, Kyoto or Nagoya. Especially the coverage of Nohi Bus and Kaetsuno Bus offers a big deal.
I hope this post helps you to build your trip plan.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning to go to Nagoya, Takayama, Shirakawa and Shizuoka in Dec. My itinerary is as follows:
Day 1: Chubu airport – Nagoya – Shirakawago. Tour around Shirakawago then go to Takayama where i will stay a night.
Day 2: Takayama – Nagoya – Shizuoka
Day 3: Shizuoka
Day 4: Shizuoka (might make a day trip to Izu)
Day 5: Shizuoka – Nagoya
Day 6: Nagoya
Day 7: Nagoya – Chubu Airport.
Is there a JR pass that will cover buses or trains for Days 1 and 2 and Shinkansen between Nagoya and Shizuoka?
I am looking at the Shoryudo Bus Pass but I will have to buy the Shinkansen tickets individually.
Thanks in advance!
Janice
Hi Janice,
JR pass is better choice than Shoryudo pass as you think. You can take train to Takayama from Nagoya. But JR pass does not cover bus to Shirakawago from Takayama. And also train/bus between Nagoya and Chubu airport is not covered either. Basically JR pass covers only JR trains. It does not cover non JR trains and buses.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail
Thanks for the reply! Which JR pass should I get then?
Hi Janice,
JR pass 7 days is recommended anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Is the cost of reservation on the Ltd Exp wide view hida train and the shinkansen between nagoya and shizuoka included in the cost of the 7 days JR pass?
Yes, it’s included, Janice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for the reply. I have calculated, train rides to and fro takayama and nagoya plus the shinkansen to and fro nagoya and shizuoka, costs lesser than the cost of a 7 days JR pass (22680 vs 29110).
And it does not cover the bus ride between takayama and Shirakawago.
Wouldn’t it be more worthy to get the shoryudo pass + individual shinkansen tickets be better?
Sorry for the questions.
Hi Janice,
You are right. I miscalculated. In my calculation, round trip fare to Takayama from Nagoya with limited express reserved seat charge is 12,060 yen. Round trip fare to Shizuoka from Nagoya with Shinkansen reserved seat fee charge is 12,700 yen. It’s different from your calculation but it’s cheaper than JR pass anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your fast repy.
Is osaka 1 day pass and osaka visitor ticket same ? What the different?
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Esther.
Hi Esther,
Osaka Visitors Ticket is cheaper.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would need some advise from you on my itinerary. I will be travelling mid February 2018 and will be using the Takayama hokurika area pass.
Day 1 – Kansai airport – kanazawa
Day 2 – kanazawa – Nagoya ( which limited express is available if I use this pass ? )
Day 3 – Nagoya – takayama
Day 4 – takayama -shirakawago – takayama
Day 5 – takayama – shin Osaka via kanazawa
Hi Michelle,
When you go to Nagoya from Kanazawa, limited express Shirasagi from Kanazawa to Maibara and Shinkansen from Maibara to Nagoya is most common way.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-shirasagi.html
However these trains are not covered fully. You need to add around 5,000 yen if you take this route. If you want to get Nagoya without extra, you need to take Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Toyama and Limited Express Wide View Hida from Toyama to Nagoya (or bus from Kanazawa to Takayama via Shirakawago and Limited Express Wide View Hida from Takayama to Nagoya). This route is much slower than Shirasagi. It takes 2 hours+ by Shirasagi and Shinkansen, take 4 hours+ by Shinkansen and Wide View Hida.
Other segments are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you again for your reply.
Where i can buy osaka visitor ticket in kansai airport ? At travel desk or jr ticket office or information center?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Esther,
Please see the link below:
http://www.kotsu.city.osaka.lg.jp/foreign/english/osaka1daypass_e.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply.
I have another question,
1. With takayama hokuriku area pass,
can we change reserved seat i
already reserved ? Do i need to pay
charge?
2. If i miss the train which i had
reserved, can i go with another
train with unreserved seat ?
3. Where i can change my booking
order of takayama hokuriku area
pass & kansai 3 day pass at the
kansai airport ? At the jr west ticket
office or travel desk or both ?
4. Can i make reservation for nohi
bus ( for takayama-shirakawago-
kanazawa) at kanazawa bus
terminal ?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Esther,
1. You can. But this pass allows you to reserve a seat at four times. If you change it, you will lose one of four times.
2. You can take non reserved seat as many as you want.
3. JR ticket office.
4. Yes, you can. But I strongly recommend you to book it on the phone in advance. Last minutes booking may be hard. Bus is always busy in these days.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
I would need some advises on my itinerary at early april 2018
Day 1 : kansai airport – kanazawa ( by
Haruka & thunderbird)
Day 2 : kanazawa.
Day 3 : kanazawa – takayama ( via
toyama). By hokuriku
shinkansen & hida.
Day 4 : takayama – shirakawago-
kanazawa- osaka – shin
imamiya. ( by nohi bus,
Thunderbird, jr lines)
Day 5 : shin imamiya, tennoji, kyoto. (
by jr lines & haruka).
Kyoto – gion- kyoto ( single fare)
Kyoto – tennoji- shin imamiya (
by haruka , jr lines).
Day 1- 5 : takayama hokuriku area pass.
Day 6 : osaka ( single fare).
Day 7 : shin imamiya- tennoji- kyoto-
arashiyama( by jr, haruka, san
in line).
Arashiyama – osaka- shin
imamiya ( by jr lines).
Day 8 : shin imamiya, himeji, kobe,
Shin imamiya. ( by jr kobe line).
Day 9 : shin imamiya- tennoji- nara (
by jr lines).
Nara- tennoji- kansai airport (
by jr, haruka).
Day 7-9 : kansai 3 day pass.
Do you think this pass suitable for my itinerary ?
Did nohi bus at day 5 operating at saturday & sunday ?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Esther,
Perfect! I have nothing to say about your trip plan.
Nohi bus runs everyday.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I would like to ask which is the best ticket for my itinerary:-
12/1 (night) – Kansai airport to Osaka
13/1 – Osaka to Kanazawa
14/1 – Kanazawa
15/1 – Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go to Takayama
16/1 – Takayama
17/1 – Takayama to Osaka
18/1 – Osaka
19/1 – Osaka to Kansai Airport
Hi Tan,
Takayama Hokuriku area pass is the best choice for 13th to 17th. You can use other deal for 12th, 18th and 19th. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I would need some advices on my itinerary to Kansai Area and Shirakawa-go at end of October.
Day 1
Arrive Kansai Airport- explore osaka
Checked in Osaka
Day 2
Osaka to Kyoto (East)
Explore Kyoto- back to Osaka
Day 3
Osaka to Kyoto (Arashiyama)
Explore Kyoto- back to Osaka
Day 4
USJ
Day 5
Osaka to Nara
Explore Nara – back to Osaka
Day 6
Osaka to Kanazawa(via Thunderbird) -Nohi bus to Shirakawa-go
Stay at Shirakawa-go
Day 7
Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa – Osaka
Explore Osaka
As round trip from Osaka-Kanazawa cost 19200 yen while this pass cost only 14000yen. And this pass covers some JR train in Osaka city as well. Do you think this pass is suitable for my itinerary?
Thank you in advance.
Hi dendi13,
Yes. You can use this pass for day 3 to 7. I also suggest you to visit Kyoto in this 5 days period. This pass does not cover any local transportation in Kyoto, such as city bus, subway and even JR local train. But you can get Kyoto station by JR train. You may add single fare for Kyoto to Arashiyama and just add bus pass when you visit the other places in 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
And Nara is not covered by this pass. So if you can switch day 2 and 5, it is better. In this case, just add single fare to get Nara. You may use Kansai one pass instead of single fare. It does not give you unlimited ride but it gives you convenience and discount at many attractions.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
You can find the other deal for day 1. If you intend to use ICOCA and Haruka, you can add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-San
Would appreciate your advice/suggestion on my itinerary and type of passes for my trip in early December.
Day 1: Arrive Narita Airport-Hotel, Asakusa & explore Tokyo
(I’m wondering 24hours Keisei Skyliner & Tokyo Subway Ticket)
Day 2: Shinagawa-Nagoya-Takayama-Shirakawago
Day 3: Shirakawago-Gokayama-Toyama-Kanazawa-Kyoto-Kinkakuji-Kiyomizu dera temple-Fushimi Imari Takisha Shrine
Day 4: Nara Park-Osaka Castle-Dotonbori-Shinsaibashi
Day 5: Depart from Kansai Airport
Not sure this itinerary possible to make it in limited days, hope to get your advise.
Many thanks in advance.
Thanks,
Connie
Hi Connie san,
You will use three tickets, Keisei Skyliner & Tokyo Subway Ticket, single ticket for Shinagawa to Nagoya, and Takayama Hokuriku area pass.
And also you need to add the fare for local transports, such as subway and city bus in Kyoto, Osaka and trip to Nara. These are not covered by Takayama Hokuriku area pass.
I think day 3 is impossible. You cannot see Gokayama, Toyama, Kanazawa and a few places in Kyoto in one day. If you spend 1-2 hours each at Gokayama, Toyama and Kanazawa, you will be in Kyoto in late afternoon or early evening. It’s too late to start sightseeing in Kyoto.
In my opinion, you can remove Toyama. And choose either Kanazawa or Gokayama. In Gokayama, Ainokura and Suganuma are popular spots. But you don’t have a time to stop both. Pick up either Ainokura or Suganuma even if you give up Kanazawa. You need at least half day to see Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera and Fushimi Inari.
Other part of your trip are okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thanks for your valuable advice.
Do you recommend to purchase a Suica card for transportation in Kyoto, Osaka and Nara ?
Besides, I have made some changes on Day 3 and Day 4 itinerary as follow:
Day 1: Arrive Narita Airport-Asakusa and explore Tokyo
Day 2: Shinagawa-Nagoya-Takayama-Shirakawago
Day 3: Shirakawago-Kanazawa-Kyoto-Kiyomizu dera Temple
Day 4: Fushimi Inari Takisha Shrine-Osaka-Nara Park-Osaka Castle-Dotonbori-Shinsaibashi
Day 5: Osaka-Kansai Airport
I wish to go to Kiyomizu Dera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, but I’m not sure my day 3 and day 4 itinerary can make it or not Or Takeshi San have better idea for me?
Lastly, is this Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass cover from Kyoto to Osaka and Osaka to Kansai Airport?
Thanks in advance.
Warmest regards,
Connie
Hi Connie san,
I think day 4 is too tight. You should visit Nara after Fushimi Inari but if you do so, you need to pay for Kyoto-Inari-Nara-Kami. Kami is on the way to Osaka from Nara. This is not covered by Takayama Hokuriku area pass. Kami is a border station of coverage area. Osaka castle must be next after Nara. And also luggage may be issue. But this is only way to make all places where you want to visit.
Takayama Hokuriku area pass covers Shin-osaka to KIX.
I don’t think you need Suica. If you use Suica from Nara to Osaka, you need to get off at Kami. If you don’t use Suica, just buy a ticket for Nara to Kami. You don’t need to exit at Kami.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Once again thank you for your time and advised
Regards,
Connie
No worries, Connie san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi.
I intend to ride from Namba to Nara on the JR Yamatoji Line. However, I’m aware that this pass only covers up until Kami station.
With that being said, will I have to disembark at Kami station and purchase an additional ticket for Nara, or, will I be able to pay for the extra charges upon arrival at Nara at the manned ticket gates.
In which case, if it is too much of a hassle do you reckon that I might as well purchase the tickets from Namba to begin with?
I’m sorry if my question sounded silly and thank you.
Regards,
Kayel
Hi Kayel,
You don’t need to exit at Kami. You can proceed to Nara and pay extra fare which is 470 yen at man’s gate. You can show your pass and they let you know the fare.
By the way, you can take Kintetsu railway from Namba to Nara at 560 yen. Kintetsu Nara station is closer to the tourist spots than JR Nara station. And in many cases, you need to change trains on the way to Nara from JR Namba by JR trains. If you take Kintetsu, it’s direct and faster. You need to pay only 90 yen extra. That is just recommendation. You can take either way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com