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 have a complicated Itinerary ^^;; please bare with it…
I bought 5 Days Takayama – Hokuriku JR Pass and will buy the rest soon (KTP, Daily Pass, etc)
Question is:
1. What do you think?
2. Do you have any suggestion to minimize / simplify the use of the so many pass I’m about to buy?
3. When using the JR Pass on Osaka Conventional Line, are we ONLY allowed to get off at the designated station on the map? What happen if we get off at … lets say Shin-Imamiya station? I’m still a bit confuse regarding this conventional line > Kyoto = JR Day 1
Kyoto (Gion & Kiyomizu Dera) = Kyoto Bus Pass (?)
Stay at Kyoto – Fujitaya BNB (require Bus to reach the BNB & 30min to Golden Temple by Bus)
Day 2:
Fushimi Inari & Nara = KTP Day 1
Day 3:
Kyoto Golden Temple: Kyoto Bus Pass (?)
Kanazawa & Takayama: JR Day 3
Stay at Takayama
Day 4:
Shirakawago = JR Day 4
Back to Osaka = JR (but sadly our Guesthouse is near KIX which closest Station is Izumisano Station on Nankai Line) so we have to buy ticket from Osaka to Izumisano St. (?)
Stay at Osaka til Home
Day 5:
Osaka = Osaka Day Pass / basic train fare (?)
We plan to go shopping at Umeda the whole day (probably only going to umeda n back to izumisano st.) we still have JR Pass – Day 5 wonder if we can still use it somehow…somewhere?
Day 6:
Kobe = KTP Day 2
Day 7:
Osaka = Osaka Day Pass (?)
Probably going around Dotonbori Area
Day 8:
Return home
Hi Bee san,
Before I answer your inquiries, I would like to make sure a few things. First, what are you going to do in day 1. Are you arriving in Kansai and go to Kyoto, and visit some places in Kyoto? Second, when are you going?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I am holding Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass. As I understand that we cannot reserve seat for Shin-Takaoko to Toyama train (Hokuriku Shinkansen) .
May I know what is the peak hours for the above route?
Is it easy to get the seat for 4 pax on 24/12/2018 around 16:23 (and other day same time)? (Shin-Takaoko Station to Toyama Station).
Thank you
Ang
Hi Ang san,
Usually it’s easy. I have never seen that the train is full there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
I will be travelling to Japan from 1 – 8 March 2019, below is my itinerary
Day 1 : arrive at Osaka-Kansai airport, transfer to Kyoto
Day 2 : Kyoto
Day 3 : Kyoto
Day 4 : Kyoto – transfer to Kanazawa (overnight Kanazawa)
Day 5 : Kanazawa – Shirakawa – Takayama (overnight Takayama)
Day 6 : Takayama – transfer to Osaka
Day 7 : Osaka
Day 8 : Osaka – fly out of Japan
Do you think I should use the Takayama Hokuriku area pass? Or Kintetsu pass instead?
And would like to ask the suitable transportation pass to cover Kyoto and Osaka, as I am planning to visit major tourist attractions in those two cities.
Arigatou gozaimasu 🙂
Regards,
Hi Arwen san,
You can use Kansai one pass and Haruka for day 1 to 3.
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
For day 4 to 8, you can use Takayama Hokuriku area pass. When you go back to Osaka from Takayama, most common route is Takayama-Nagoya-Osaka. But this pass does not cover Nagoya-Osaka. You have to take same route as day 4 and 5, Takayama-Kanazawa-Osaka. Please keep it in your mind.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for the fast response. If in day 6 from Takayama to Osaka, I opt not to follow the route in day 4 and 5, would it be better (cheaper & hassle free) if I don’t use the pass at all, but buy individual ticket for each destination?
Regards,
Hi Arwen san,
You still have to use the pass because it’s cheaper. You will take Wide View Hida from Takayama to Nagoya, and Shinkansen from Nagoya to Shin-Osaka. You have to pay for Shinkansen from Nagoya to Shin-Osaka which is not covered. Extra cost is around 6,000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
would like to check with you, if I go in March with date in my itinerary above, would you recommend me to book the ticket tickets for trains and buses between cities above weeks before or 1 day before would be still ok?
Many thanks
Hi Arwen,
Advanced reservation is highly recommended. Takayama and Shirakawago are always busy in these days.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Good day. I will be travelling to Osaka on Nov 2018. Would like to seek for your advice. My itinerary as below:
Day 1: Arrive Kansai Airport, will go to Kyoto directly.
Day 2: Kyoto
Day 3: Kyoto
Day 4: Travel to Nara in the morning, afternoon go Kanazawa
Day 5: Travel to Shirakawago, then go back to Osaka
Day 6: Osaka – USJ
Day 7: Osaka
Day 8: Osaka – Return to Singapore.
I have purchased Takayama-Hokuriku Pass.
Q1: Takayama-Hokuriku Pass cannot be used within Kyoto City?
Q2: Which day would you suggest to start use the pass?
Q3: Do I need to purchase other pass like Icoca card? Or if there any additional deal / pass suitable for my itinerary?
Looking forward of your reply:)
Thank you.
Regards
Erinn
Hi Erinn san,
1. No, you can’t.
2. Even though it does not cover within Kyoto, you should use this for day 1 to 5 because you can take Limited Express Haruka from Osaka to Kyoto. It gives you bigger value than using it for the last 5 days.
3. I recommend you to purchase Kansai one pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html#Kansai_One_Pass
You may use this for train ride in Kyoto, trip to nara and trip to USJ. You can use this to take Kyoto city bus but you may add Kyoto city bus pass to save your fund in Kansai one pass.
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 also if you don’t have much fund left in your Kansai one pass on day 7 and/or 8, you may add other deal in 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-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
Hi Takeshi San,
We able to purchase Limited Express Haruka from Osaka to Kansai Airport under discounted price if we have Kansai one pass? As I know we able to get discounted price for limited express Haruka if have Icoca card.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Xin Xin
Hi Xin Xin san,
You can get it at discount price by Kansai one pass. Kansai one pass is a sort of ICOCA.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Is the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya not covered by this pass? We plan to go to Takayama from Kyoto and it is recommended to take this route:
Kyoto-Nagoya-Takayama (via Hida limited express)
Hi Jen,
Unfortunately not. If you use this route, you have to pay for Kyoto to Nagoya. If you want to the route which is covered by the pass, you have to take the following route:
Kyoto-Kanazawa-(bus)-Takayama or Kyoto-Kanazawa-Toyama-Takayama
But a part of Toyama-Takayama segment is closed now. It will be open in late November.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi
I am planning my Japan trip in early December.
Please kindly guide me with my 7~8 days itinerary as I wish to use the Takayama-Hokuriku area pass or which best pass for my trip?
Day 1 Arrival at Chubu/Nagoya airport – Takayama (Okuhida onsen)
Day 2 Takayama – Kanazawa (day trip)
Day 3 Takayama – Shirakawago (day trip)
Day 4 Takayama – Kyoto
Day 5 Kyoto – Osaka (day trip)
Day 6 ~ 7 – Kyoto
Day 8 – Kyoto – Kansai airport (departure)
Q1. Can I use the Takayama-Hokuriku area pass if I select to arrive at Komatsu airport?
Q2. Which pass to use during my 3~4 days visit in Kyoto?
Q3. Which pass is best departure Kyoto – Kansai airport?
Q4. Which pass is best departure Osaka – Kansai airport if I stay in Osaka on day 7/8?
Thank you so much for your advice.
Best,
Lin
Hi Lin,
1. Yes, you can. You can exchange a pass at Komatsu or Kanazawa.
http://touristpass.jp/common/pdf/locations/locations_en.pdf
2. Please see the link 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
NO deals is available for Kyoto-Osaka-Kyoto. Just use a regular fare ticket for Kyoto to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto, and add a deal in Osaka as you need.
3. If you leave from Kyoto, use Limousine bus by a regular fare ticket:
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/KY
4. If you leave from Osaka, 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi
Thank you so much for your kind reply.
I choose to fly into Chubu Centrair international airport on Day 1 to reach Takayama – Okuhida.
Q. To get to Takayama, is Nagoya railroad u-sky & JR Ltd express “wide view Hida” both are covered by the Takayama-Hokuriku area pass?
Thank you.
Best,
Lin
Hi Lin,
Nagoya Railroad is not covered by Takayama Hokuriku area pass. And you cannot exchange the pass until you get Nagoya station. You cannot get a pass at Chubu airport anyway.
http://touristpass.jp/common/pdf/locations/locations_en.pdf
Wide View Hida is covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
A very big Thank you! Takeshi-San
Best,
Lin :))
No worries, Lin san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi san
It’s me, Lin. My friend wish to come along with me to Okuhida but we are meeting at Kansai international airport, Osaka.
We plan to stay 1 night in Osaka.
Please kindly guide me again if we can use the Takayama-Hokuriku area pass.
Q1. From Kansai airport – Tennoji station?
Q2. Tennoji station – Kanazawa?
Q3. Should we go back to Kansai airport – Kanazawa – Toyama -Takayama?
Q4. Arrive in Kanazawa, should I take Nohi bus or JR Hokuriku Shinkansen via Toyama to Takayama?
Thank you so much.
Best,
Lin
Hi Lin,
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. You can take this route by this pass.
4. You can take either way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I am so glad to receive your kind reply on Sunday morning.
Thank you very much. Takeshi san
Best,
Lin
No worries, Lin san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi san
I am Lin.
I have an enquiry regarding transportation. Thank you.
Day 1 & 2 – Tennoji, Osaka
Day 3 – Takayama
Day 4 & 5 – Okuhida
Day 6 & 9 – Kyoto
Day 10 – Depart Kyoto to Kansai airport
Q1. Good to use ICOCA & Haruka discount set ticket arrival from Kansai airport – Tennoji on Day 1 and can be used on Day 10 depart from Kyoto – Kansai airport?
Q2. ICOCA can be used in Kyoto?
Q3. I will stay in Okuhida for 2 days, can I use Takayama-Hokuriku pass to take Nohi bus (Shin-hotaka line) to Kanazawa & Shirakawa-go via Takayama?
Q4. Please advice the best transportation package for sightseeing, 4 days stay in Kyoto?
Thank you very much.
Hi Lin san,
1. Yes. But you may add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
2. Yes.
3. Takayama Hokuriku area pass covers Nohi bus only between Kanazawa and Takayama via Shirakawago. You have to pay for Takayama-Okuhida.
4. You may use all day bus pass at 600 yen for one day. When you take a train or a subway, you can use Kansai one pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi san
Thank you very much for your kind reply.
To confirm I will get Kansai one pass + Haruka ticket set on arrival day 1 Kansai airport > Tennoji Osaka and departing day 10 Kyoto > Kansai airport.
Q1. I will buy these combined pass at the ticket machine or JR ticket office in Kansai airport?
Best regards,
Lin
Hi Lin san,
You cannot purchase this at the vending machine. You have to purchase at the ticket window in Kansai airport.
http://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/icoca-haruka/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi san
Thank you so much for taking your time to answer all my questions.
Thank you.
Best regards,
Lin
No worries, Lin san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi san
I am Lin. Please may I ask?
Is this “Kansai-hokuriku pass” suitable for stay in Osaka, Kyoto and Takayama trip?
Thank you.
Hi Lin san,
Takayama is not in the coverage area of Kansai Hokuriku area pass and it does not cover Nohi bus to Shirakawago. Takayama Hokuriku area pass is better choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, Takeshi san
Thank you once again for your patience and helpfulness.
Best regards,
Lin
No worries, Lin san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Good day.
I am making my 1st trip to japan from 23/Dec 2018 to 01/01 2019, and finally have confirmed our itinerary (except day 7 & day 8 still haven’t decide stay in Kanazawa or Takayama) as below:
Day 01 : Arrive in Osaka KIX airport-0845am (stay Osaka-Yodoyabashi area)
Day 02 : Osaka day trip (stay Osaka)
Day 03 : Osaka day trip (stay Osaka)
Day 04: Kyoto day tour (stay Kyoto)
Day 05: Kyoto day tour -Arashiyama (stay Kyoto)
Day 06: Kyoto day tour (stay Kyoto)
Day 07: Kyoto to Kanazawa or Takayama (stay Kanazawa/ Takayama)
Day 08: Shiragawa Go (stay Kanazawa/Takayama)
Day 09: Kanazawa to Nagoya (stay Nagoya)
Day 10: Depart rom Nagoya (morning flight: 1030am)
1) Which pass is recommend for day in Osaka & Kyoto, ICOCA and Haruka or Kansai one pass ?
2) Which pass is most saving to visit Shiragawa go ? Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass 7 days or Takayama Hokuriku area 5 days pass ?
Thank you.
Cheers,
Cass
Hi Cass san,
1. You can use subway and Nankai railway deal for arrival day.
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Please see the link below to find the deal in Osaka and Kyoto.
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
Please use a regular ticket for Osaka to Kyoto.
Takayama Hokuriku area pass is the best deals for day 6 to 10.
Day 7 (Dec 29) will be busy day.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/2018-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-busy-period.html
Once you get Japan, try to book a ticket right away. There is no online booking available for train seat. You have to book it after you arrive in Japan. And also you should book a seat on Nohi bus to Shirakawago in advance too. If you use Takayama Hokuriku area pass, you have to make a call.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you very much for your reply and advise.
It is very useful and helps me a lot to plan the itinerary.
Cheers,
Cass
No worries, Cass san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Please advise can I go to Nagoya directly from Kanazawa station using Takayama Hokuriku JR pass? or I need to take Kanazawa-Toyama-Takayama-Nagoya route.
Hi Cass san,
Kanazawa-Toyama-Takayama-Nagoya route or taking Nohi bus from Kanazawa to Takayama and train from Takayama to Nagoya are covered. There is a direct train which is Limited Express Shirasagi running from Kanazawa to Nagoya. But this is not covered fully.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/limited-express-shirasagi.html
If you take this train, you have to pay an extra fare and limited express surcharge for Tsuruga to Gifu which is around 3,500 yen. Though you have to pay extra, this route is direct and trip time is about 2 hours shorter than Kanazawa-Takayama-Nagoya route. You can purchase this extra fare ticket when you book a ticket for Kanazawa-Tsuruga and Gifu-Nagoya by Takayama Hokuriku area pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you for your reply.
So does it mean that, Takayama-Hokuriku pass doesn’t help me save a lot if I want to take LTD EXP Shirasagi train for shorter trip? Since I need to pay extra 3500yen.
Day 06: Kyoto day tour (Kyoto sighseeing pass)
Day 07: Kyoto to Kanazawa -6900 yen
Day 08: Kanazawa to Shiragawa Go -3700 yen ( 2 way)
Day 09: Kanazawa to Nagoya -around 7000 yen-LTD EXP Shirasagi
Day 10: Depart from Nagoya
Hi Cass san,
That’s right. You have to choose either time or money. If you want to save your fund, you have to spend more time to take Takayama route. If you want to save you time, you have to pay more to take Shirasagi route. The choice is yours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Noted, i understand the point.
Thank you for the useful information and advise, it really helps us alot for the trip planning.
No worries, Cass san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am hoping you are able to help me some advice on my itinerary and which is the best pass to use for our trip.
Day 1-9 Kyoto/Nara arriving Osaka airport
Day 10-14 Hiroshima from Kyoto
Day 14-20 Osaka from Hiroshima
Day 21 Osaka Airport
Thank you so much for your help!
Best regards,
Faith
Hi Faith,
You may use ICOCA and Haruka for airport to Kyoto. You can add Kansai one pass instead of ICOCA.
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
If you go to Nara directly, you can take Limousine bus. You can purchase Kansai one pass itself.
http://www.kate.co.jp/en/timetable/detail/NR
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/what-is-ic-card-suica-icoca-pasmo-how-to-use-these-cards.html
You may use Kansai one pass to travel in Kyoto and Nara but you can add city bus pass in Kyoto to save your fund in Kansai one pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Kansai Hiroshima area pass is your choice for day 10 to 14.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/kansai-hiroshima-area-pass-perfect-deal-for-the-traveller-who-wants-travel-both-kansai-and-hiroshima.html
For Osaka, you may find the deal in the link 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/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply. So you wouldn’t suggest a JR pass?
Kind regards,
Faith
Hi Faith,
You cannot get the worth of JR Pass by your trip plan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi ,
I will travel to japan on 13th to 21st October, so i plan to use takayama hokuriku area pass, my hotel at kanazawa, so i want to ask:
1) if i book this pass from my country (Malaysia), and they will send exchange order (MCO) via mail, how to i want to reserve a seat for nohi bus (for shiragawago/takayama) and ordinary JR train (from osaka-shin to kanazawa & return) using this exchange order (MCO) if i don’t have a pass yet (need to exchange MCO for the pass at KIX after arriving in Japan) ?
2) this pass will worth if i use this pass from KIX – Osaka – Kanazawa – Shiragawago – Takayama – (*Maybe go to Nagoya if still have some free time) – Toyama – Kanazawa – Osaka ? I stay nearby Kanazawa Station from 13th to 16th October before go back to Osaka.
3) last question, can you suggest attraction place nearest main Station from Fukui, Kanazawa, Toyama, Takayama, Shiragawago, Gokayama, Gifu and Nagoya that i can reach just with walk, maybe around 1km from station, thanks for your time.
*Sorry for my broken English
Hi Dean,
1. You have to make a call to book for Nohi bus. Please see the link below. You will find the phone number at the end.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
You cannot book a seat for trains before you exchange the pass. Please do so after arrival.
2. Yes, you can. All routes are covered. But a part of Takayama line between Takayama and Toyama is closed. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
3. Most of places in Takayama, Shirakawago, Gokayama are closed to the station and the bus stops.
You have to take a bus or a train to get all places in Kanazawa and Fukui.
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4208.html
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6603.html
In Toyama, the castle may be reached by walk but tram is more recommended:
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e7501.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We are planning to use this Takayama-Hokuriku area pass to travel from Kansai Airport to Takayama.
Can I clarify if this pass covers the below 3 routes?
1. From Kansai Airport to Osaka using the Kansai Airport Rapid Service
(JR Hanwa Line – Hanwa-Kansaikuko Line Kanku-Rapid train)
2. From Osaka to Kanazawa using the Limited Express Thunderbird
3. From Kanazawa to Takayama using the Nohi bus
I am confused for the route from Kansai Airport to Osaka as I understood that the pass also covers Limited Express Haruka which travels from Kansai Airport to Shin-Osaka but not on reserved seats. So can this pass be used on the Limited Express Haruka or can it be used only on the Kansai Airport Rapid Service?
Thank you.
Hi Kelly,
You can take either Kansai airport rapid or Haruka. Haruka has non reserved seat and reserved seat. This pass covers only non reserved seat on Haruka. Please see the link below to find more info about reserved seat and non reserved seat.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/reserved-seat-vs-non-reserved-seat-how-to-get-a-seat-on-non-reserved-car.html
Thunderbird and Nohi bus are covered by this pass fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Are we able to exchange for this pass at Kansai Airport JR West Ticket Office?
Thank you.
Kelly
Hi Kelly san,
Yes, you can. You can find the list of all sales office.
http://touristpass.jp/common/pdf/locations/locations_en.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com