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 a trip for my family end of the year on 11 Dec. We will arrive in Chubu International Airport early in the morning around 8am.
Below is our itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Chubu International Airport. Travel to Kanazawa.
Day 2: Day trip – Kanazawa to Fukui, back to Kanazawa
Day 3: Within Kanazawa
Day 4: Travel Kanazawa to Takayama.
Day 5: Day trip – Takayama to Magome, back to Takayama
Day 6: Day trip – Takayama to Shirakawago and Toyoma and back to Takayama
Day 7: Day trip – Takayama to a ski resort (haven’t planned which one yet), back to Takayama
Day 8: Travel Takayama to Nagoya
Day 9: Within Nagoya – City Science Museum
Day 10: Within Nagoya – Legoland
Day 11: Within Nagoya – Nagoya Castle
Day 12: Within Nagoya – Somewhere
Day 13: Depart Japan from Chubu International Airport
I was thinking of driving from the airport to Kanazawa when I arrive, and then using the Takayama-Horikoku pass for days 4-8. But I’m not sure if thats the best combination.
Kindly advise the best pass for our trip.
Many thanks!
Hi Vincent,
Can you visit Magome from Nagoya? Because there is no direct routes available from Takayama in winter season. Nohi bus operates the day trip to Magome and Tsumago from Takayama. But at this point, it will be operated until the end of November:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/route_bus/magome_tsumago_line_en/
In the winter season, it is not easy to get Magome from Takayama as the day trip. You have to go to Matsumoto by bus and then take a train to Nakatsugawa. And then take a local bus to get Magome. All these trips are not covered by Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. It is very far and not realistic as the day trip. But if you go there from Nagoya, you can get Nakatsugawa by the train. It is much closer than access from Takayama. I visited Magome from Nagoya a few years ago. You can find my trip report in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/trip-report/2016-winter-tohoku-chubu-chugoku/trip-to-tohoku-chubu-and-chugoku-in-2016-winter-part-4-nagoya-to-matsumoto-via-magome.html
If you can do this, you can go to Nagoya on day 7. As a result, you can start using the pass on day 3. You can go to Fukui on day 3 and it is covered by Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass for day 3 to 7. You can stay in Kanazawa on day 2.
I recommend you to stay in Kanazawa on day 3 and make a trip to Fuku i on day 3. And you can start using Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass on day 3. It covers the round trip between Kanazawa and Fukui.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi for the great advice. You are amazing. Let me think through my itinerary again. May come back and ask you more questions later.
Vincent
No worries, Vincent.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
Thank you so much for all the details given. Here’s my planned itinerary, i was wondering if it is worth and more economical to get a 7 JR Pass from the 4th days onwards 28th Dec (Osaka -> Kanazawa – Kyoto) instead of the Takayama Horuriku area pass?
24 Dec -> arrive Osaka
25 – 27 -> Osaka
28 Dec -> Depart to Kanazawa (via JR Shinkansen)
29 – Kanazawa
30 – Kanazawa to Takayama & Shirakawago (Day trip)
31 – Takayama – Kyoto
1 – 2 Jan – Kyoto
3 Jan -> Kyoto to KIX airport
Understandably, I need to get a separate bus pass to travel between kanazawa, takayama and shirakawago too.
Welcome your suggestion. Thank you.
Hi Suet san,
JR pass does not work for your trip. You cannot get the worth of it if you use it for 28th to the end of your trip. Takayama Hokuriku area pass is still better choice even if you take Takayama to Nagoya to Kyoto route with the extra charge for Nagoya to Kyoto. If you go back to Kyoto via Kanazawa, you can avoid paying the extra fare.
By the way, December 28th will be super busy day. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/2019-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-during-the-busy-period.html
If you can make an adjustment, please try to avoid traveling on 28th and 29th.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi-san. I will relook at my itinerary again.
No worries, Suet san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We will arrive in Japan on 15 Dec at Osaka and leaving on 27 Dec
Below is our itinerary:
Day 1 – Home – Osaka
Day 2 – Osaka
Day 3 – Osaka
Day 4: Kyoto
Day 5: kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto – Kanazawa – Takayama
Day 7: Takayama – Shirakawa-go
Day 8: Takayama – Hirayo Onsen
Day 9: Takayama – Hirayo Onsen – Shinhotaka Ropeway
Day 10: Takayama – Kanazawa – Osaka
Day 11: Osaka
Day 12: Osaka
Day 13: Osaka – Home
Kindly advise the best pass for our trip.
Many thanks!
Hi Mr Q,
Takayama Hokuriku area tourist pass is the best option for day 6 to 10. But this pass does not cover the bus to Hirayu Onsen and Shin-Hotaka. You have to pay extra.
For Osaka and Kyoto, please see the links 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
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
The regular fare ticket is required for Osaka to Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you very much for your information.
I would like to follow your suggestion as using a different way to return back to Osaka.
Day 6: Kyoto – Kanazawa – Takayama
Day 7: Takayama – Shinagawago
Day 8: Takayama – Hirayu Onsen
Day 9: Shin-Hotaka
Day 10: Hirayu Onsen – Takayama – Toyama – Kanazawa – Osaka
May I Know which are the four reserve seats if I’m using “Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass” for the above plan?
Many thanks!
Mr Q
Hi Mr Q,
You may reserve a seat for Kyoto to Kanazawa, Takayama to Toyama and Kanazawa to Osaka. You also have to make a reservation to take Nohi bus for Kanazawa to Takayama.
You can make a reservation for the train up to 4 times but you need to make 3 times only. Nohi bus is covered by this pass and you can make a reservation but this is not included in 4 times reservation.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Noted with many thanks!
Regards,
Mr Q
No worries, Mr. Q.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
By the way, when should I do all the seats reservation base on my itinerary?
Train
1) Kyoto – Kanazawa
2) Takayama – Toyama
3) Kanazawa – Osaka
Nohi Bus
1) Kanazawa – Takayama
Regards,
Mr Q
Hi Mr Q,
You cannot book a train ticket before you exchange the pass, The earliest chance to book is the time of exchange the pass.
You can book a seat on Nobi bus before you come to Japan but you have to make a call. You can find the phone number in the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your information.
As you mentioned, there will be No seats reservation needed between Toyama – Kanazawa. In this case, would it be difficult for us to grab 4 seats if we depart in the afternoon?
Regards,
Mr Q
Hi Mr Q,
You can take either Hakutaka or Tsurugi by this pass. Kagayaki does not have non reserved seat and you cannot take this train. Try to take Tsurugi. This train runs between Kanazawa and Toyama only and there are lots of non reserved seat. It is super easy to get it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Thank you very much for the information.
Regards,
Mr Q
No worries, Mr Q.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I would like to check.
Is *Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass* cover If we are taking the Nohi Express Bus from Takayama to Osaka?
Regards,
Mr Q
Hi Mr Q,
It’s not covered by this pass. This bus covers Nohi bus between Takayama, Shirakawago and Kanazawa, and Kaetsuno bus between Takaoka and Shirakawago only.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Noted with thanks!
Regards,
Mr Q
No worries, Mr Q.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi..
Does Takayama-Hokuriku pass cover Dentetsu Toyama Station to Unazuki Onsen Station (Toyama Chiho railway) for Kurobe Gorge? Thanks.
Hi Soo,
It does not cover Toyama Chiho Railway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi..
No worries, Soo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Planning to visiti Osaka(3 nights_, Kyoto(3 nights), Kanazawa,(One night) Shiragawa-go(day trip) and Takayama (2nights) in Mid Dec
Shall I go
1) KIX Airport -Kyoto – Kanazawa or Takayama
2) KIX Airport – Kanazawa or Takayama – Kyoto – Osaka
Is it worth to buy the Takayama Hokuruiku Pass?
I am very worried about the luggaged. Should I stay in osaka upon arrival and keep the luggage with the hotel and ck-in again as final destination/
Please advise.
Thank you
Hi Jesline san,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku area pass and Option 2 is better because you can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass right away. In Kansai airport, there are some luggage shipping services available. You can find it at the arrival level in Kansai airport terminal. If you don’t want to travel with the luggage, you can use it. It costs about 2,000 to 3,000 yen per luggage. You can receive it usually on next day. You can ship anywhere in Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Would the Tateyama Hokuriku pass be the best transport pass for the following itinerary in late June-early July?
I want to start my journey in kyoto and hit most of these spots as well as Kurobe Gorge, the kiso valley nakasendo and matsumoto.
The Itinerary is currently:
Day 1 – Kyoto to Toyama and visit Kurobe Gorge. Overnight in Toyama (I would start using the pass here)
Day 2 – Toyama to Takaoka and take a bus to Ainokura. Overnight in Ainokura
Day 3 – Take a bus to Shirakawago and transfer to another bus for Takayama
Day 4 – Takayama to Kiso Valley via Nagoya. Overnight in Magome (the pass would cover the trip from Takayama to Nagoya)
Day 5 – Travel from Nakatsugawa to Matsumoto. Then overnight in Kofu.
Day 6-8 – Multiday hike in the Southern Alps (Shirane Sanzan). Overnight bus from Kofu back to Kyoto/Osaka.
I’ve been to Kanazawa already in a previous trip so I don’t need to necessarily make a stop there. I know there’s also an option for the alpine-takayama-matsumoto area pass which also covers some areas but I’ve also been up and down the tateyama-kurobe alpine route so I don’t really need to make the trip again and it also doesn’t cover the Gokayama/Shirakawago section of the trip.
Thanks so much for your help!
Tim
Hi Tim san,
As you think, Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is the best choice. Even though you have to add the regular fare after Nagoya, there is no other better deals available.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for confirming this Takeshi-san!
Cheers,
Tim
Hi Takeshi san,
The information you have just shared is such of big help for our planned trip this coming Winter. As much as I want to go through each one of them, may I also seek for your expertise in suggesting the most convenient and economical way of doing the multi city tour?
We are planning to purchase the JR Pass (7 days) since our tour will be for 8 days (first day having to only be from 8:20 -12 midnight so I plan to limit the cost additional travel without activating the JR pass in Day1)
We have 2 Planned Routes being studied and need your advise on what is geographically correct:
Day 1: Arrival at 8:20pm via Chubu/Centrair (no JR pass to get out of the airport, JR is not covered here anyway)
Option 1.
Day 1: Centrair>Nagoya station (sleepover until JR activates in Day 2)
Day 2 >Tokyo>Ueno>
Day 3 Nagano>
Day 4,5 Kanazawa>( go to Takayama/Shirakawa-go/Tomaya/Alphine Route)>
Day 6,7,8 Stay in Shin-Osaka for accommodation (go to Kyoto/Osaka/Naga & Hiroshima if time permits) )>Kansai Airport
Option 2.
Day 1 Centrair>Takayama>
Day 2 Shirakawa-go>Tomaya (Do we need to go to Kanazawa for the Alpine Route?)>
Day 3 Nagano>
Day 4,5 Ueno>Tokyo>
Day 6,7,8 Stay in Shin Osaka for accommodation (Osaka/Kyoto/Naga & Hiroshima if time permits)>Kansai Airport
Day 8: Kansai departure is at 9pm
Question are:
1. Which is the correct route if we will not use JR pass on day 1 (waiting 4 hours before JR pass is activated
2. Do you suggest we get the 7 days JR pass or do you suggest a regional pass if some of the areas that we plan to go to are not covered by JR pass? What are those pass that you think is best to purchase as foreign visitor? (5 days/3 days/1 days option/busses/subway/one way tickets)
Thank you for your time in looking into our query.
Have a great day ahead.
Jonas
Hi Jonas,
Your choice is option 1 because you cannot reach Takayama on day 1. The arrival time is too late to catch the last train to get Takayama. Actually the last train to Takayama depart from Nagoya at 20:19. Your arrival time is way too late to catch this.
So as you think, you will stay in Nagoya and start using JR pass 7-day on day 2. This is the best option.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route should be squeezed between Nagano and Kanazawa. If you don’t want to travel there with luggage, you can use luggage transfer service.
https://www.alpen-route.com/en/transport_new/baggage.html
This segment is not covered by JR pass. You may add Tateyama Kurobe option ticket:
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
You have to take a bus to get Shirakawago. This is not covered by JR pass but there is no deals.
And also you may need to add some other deals, such as subway pass in Tokyo, Kyoto and/or Osaka. Please see the links below to find the coverage of JR Pass in the links below:
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/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/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you for sharing the link and the additional subway pass we need to purchase on top of our JR 7 days pass.
After going through Option 2 with all JR 7days whole japan pass, we are then trying to determine how we can realistically go to all the destinations with about 2 to 4 hours destination leaving us with a day per area.
Since this trip is already being booked for January – winter, I don’t see that Alpine Route being available. We may have to limit our tour to the places where we can spend Winter in Japan.
Option 2 is still our option, maximizing JR whole Japan pass so itinerary now is:
Day 1 Sleep in Nagoya until next day and activate JR pass in Day 2
Day 2 Nagoya – Ueno (accommodation) with day and night tour in Tokyo
Day 3 From Ueno to Nagano (accommodation in Yudanaka) visit snow monkey/ski resort
Day 4 From Yudanaka – go to Shirakawa go (Day tour) and go to Takayama (Sleep over)
Day 5 Takayama to Shin Osaka (Accommodation for the rest of the 3 days)
Day 6 Shin Osaka to Hiroshima and back to Shin Osaka
Day 7 Shin Osaka – Kyoto -Shin Osaka
Day 8 Shin Osaka (Check out) and spend the rest of the day in Osaka and depart via Kansai Airport
With the above itinerary, I do see the best option being JR 7 Day Whole Japan. Do you suggest that we stay in Ueno and Shin Osaka area for accommodation?
I plan to purchase 24 hour Tokyo subway. Would you be able to suggest what is the best pass to purchase to add for Osaka/Kyoto area during the last two days?
I have also reviewed 5 days Takayama-Hokuriku Pass and would cover most of the destinations I have planned out, except for Toyko/Nagano and Hiroshima. Unless you have any great suggestion that can be added for a Nagano and Hiroshima trip as I see these being to pricey on round trip without the JR pass?
Again, thank you so much for sharing your knowledge to us.
Sincerely, Jonas
Hi Jonas san,
Ueno and Shin-Osaka is okay to stay overnight. Those are very convenient locations.
You may use JR Pass for Osaka to Kyoto return. And also you may be okay with JR Pass to see in Osaka. I gave these following links in the previous reply but please read these again. You can find how much you can use JR pass in Osaka and Kyoto.
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/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-transfer-among-kyoto-osaka-and-kobe-compare-japan-railway-and-private-lines.html
If you need to access the location where JR Pass does not cover, please see the links below to find some deals:
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
JR Pass is the best choice for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello, I’m interested in taking this rail pass. We are going to Takahama in JR Obama Line (Higashimaizuru specifically). I’m just wondering if this will be covered because it is close to Fukui and Tsuruga. We are planning to start in Kanazawa then change in Tsuruga.
Thank you so much for your help
Hi Anne,
Obama line is not covered. So you have to pay extra for the trip after Tsuruga.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for putting up such an informative website! It’s really helpful in my planning for my trip. I’d like to ask, if it’s possible to travel from from Kyoto to Nagoya, then from Nagoya to Osaka using the Takayama-Hokuriku pass? My plan is as below:
Day 1-Day 6: Kyoto
Day 6: (Activate Takayama-Hokuriku pass) Kyoto to Takayama (Visit Kanazawa on the way). Overnight Takayama
Day 7: Visit Shirakawago, Gokayama & Shirokuma as day trip. Overnight Takayama
Day 8: Takayama to Nagoya. Overnight Nagoya
Day 9: Go to Kiso Valley (Nakasendo trail hiking) as day trip. Overnight Nagoya
Day 10: Nagoya to Osaka (Back track)
My question is, can I use the last day of the Takayama-Hokuriku pass to travel from Nagoya to Osaka? How long would it take, as I need to change several trains right? Is it better to back track like this or buy extra ticket to go to Osaka straight from Nagoya?
Many thanks in advance for your advice.
Regards,
SL
Hi Sher,
Unfortunately Nagoya to Osaka direct route is not covered. Please see the chapter of “Train which is not covered at all or partially” in the post above. You should add the extra fare for this segment because if you use the pass without extra charge, you have to go through Takayama and Kanazawa. It’s is a big big detour. If you pay about 6,000 yen to take Shinkansen, it’s one hour trip. But if you don’t pay and take Takayama and Kanazawa route, you will spend more than 5 hours and need to change trains at least twice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Need your advice on which pass should I get for my japan trip in coming April. Below is my itinerary:
Day 1: arrive KIX. Stay near nippombashi for 4 nights
Day 2: Osaka – Kaiyukan and surrounding
Day 3: Osaka >Kobe, Arima Onsen
Day 4: Osaka >Nara
Day 5: Kyoto- Kiyomizudera
Day 6: Kyoto- Fushimi-Inari-Taisha, Ginkakuji
Day 7: Kyoto- Arashiyama, Kinkakuji
Day 8: move to Nagoya or Kanazawa
Day 9: Takayama, Shirakawa-go day trip
Day 10: from Nagoya or Kanazawa, move to Tokyo. Stay near Komagome station for 4 nights
Day 11: Around Mt.Fuji
Day 12: Hakone
Day 13: DisneySea
Day 14: depart from Haneda
Please advise which pass should I take? And to get to Shirakawa-go, which place should I stay, Nagoya or Kanazawa or Takayama? I do not prefer to travel with luggage as we are in a group of 11 including children.
Thanks.
Hi YV Tan san,
Kanazawa is better location to visit Takayama and Shirakawago because it’s much closer than Nagoya.
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
Just use Nohi bus regular fare ticket for Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
And you may use the following deals:
Nankai Railway and subway deal for day 1.
https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/ticket/ticket/chikatoku.html
Please see the link below for day 2:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
Please see the link below for day 3:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/osaka-kyoto-kobe-and-nara/guide-to-take-trains-in-kobe-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Hokuriku Arch Pass is recommended for day 4 to 10. Bus to Shirakawago is not covered and you need to add the city bus in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-osaka-hokuriku-arch-pass-user-guide-clarify-valid-trains-coverage-area-and-compare-single-fare-and-pass.html
Express bus by a regular fare to Fuji, Hakone Free Pass for Hakone and a regular fare to Disney and Haneda.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-hakone-various-sample-itineraries-of-hakone.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1to3-days/how-to-build-the-trip-plan-to-fuji-area-various-sample-itineraries-of-fuji-five-lakes-and-5th-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thanks for your prompt reply. Regarding the horkuriku Arc Pass that you advised to activate from day4-10. I think I can only use for below route:
OsakaNara: 1600
Kyoto >Kanazawa: 6900
Kanazawa >komagome: 13910
The total value is around 22000.
Any other pass better for my itinerary?
Thanks
Hi Yy tan san,
You are right. I mis-calculated the cost. You still can use the pass from Osaka to Kyoto by limited express Haruka (Tennoji to Kyoto @ 1,890 yen) and take JR local train in Kyoto (to Fushimi, Arashiyama, less than 1,000 yen) . But total cost is still slightly less than Hokuriku arch pass price. But the difference is smaller.
There is no better deals available unfortunately. The regular fare ticket is cheaper and it is most affordable choice. But if you want a convenience, Hokuriku arch pass is easier to handle than purchase a regular ticket one by one.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com