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 planning to visit these places between 29Dec till 3jan 2016 and end up at Osaka
Can you pls advise which is the best routing to cover and which rail/bus/train is most economical ?
Day 1 -Osaka to Takayama
Day 2 – Takayama
Day 3 – Shirakawago -Kanazawa
Day 4 – Kanazawa
Day 5 kanazawa-Osaka
Hi Juliana san,
Takayama Hokuriku area pass is the best and only deal to cover your trip. But when you go to Takayama on day 1, you have to take the route via Kanazawa. You cannot take the route via Gifu or Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
If my route is Osaka-Takayama-Shirakawa-Kanazawa-Tokyo Airport, can i use Hokuriku Area Pass?
Or is the pass valid for Osaka-Takayama-Shirakawa-Kanazawa only, but then i still need to buy separately for Kanazawa-Tokyo?
Thanks for advise
Hi David,
It does not cover Tokyo. So you need to pay either Toyama-Tokyo or Nagoya-Tokyo. The best and most affordable route is Osaka – Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama – Nagoya – Tokyo. In this case, you need to purchase extra for Nagoya – Tokyo. This is faster and cheaper than Toyama (or Kanazawa) – Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
If I am going to Hokkaido after Takayama, would it be better if I buy the Jr pass 7 days?
Hi David,
Yes. Even if you use the pass for Takayama-Sapporo one way by train, 7 days pass will pay off.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi san,
I am travelling to Osaka-Kyoto-Takayama-Shirakawago-KIX in this coming November. Is this pass suitable for my itinerary as below?
Day 1 – KIX – Kyoto
Day 2 – Kyoto
Day 3 – Kyoto – Takayama
Day 4 – Takayama – Shirakawago
Day 5 – Takayama – Osaka
Day 6 – Osaka
Day 7 – Osaka – KIX
Q1 : Can I use this pass for the first 5 days of my itinerary.
Q2 : Is this pass cover the Limited Express Haruka from KIX to Kyoto?
Q3 : Can I go Takayama directly from Kyoto by Limited Express Hida using this pass
a) Limited Express Hida No.25 – Kyoto 0831 -> Takayama 12:16 on Day 3 &
b) Limited Express Hida No.36 – Takayama 15:36 -> Osaka 19:51 on Day 5
TQ
Hi Jeff san,
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
3. No. This pass does not cover this route. You have to pay full fare between Gifu and Kyoto. This pass covers only the route via Kanazawa or Toyama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San
Thank you for your reply, do you think this pass still worth and suit for my itinerary since I need to pay full fare in btw Gifu and Kyoto (both way)? What is your suggestion if I want to go Takamaya from Kyoto without via Kanazawa, because I have booked the hotel at Takayama?
TQ
Hi Jeff san,
If you intend to visit Shirakawago from Takayama, this pass is slightly cheaper than single fare even if you pay Kyoto-Gifu. If you just visit Takayama, single fare is only your choice.
You may try highway bus.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/kyoto_osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi
Good day!
I am interested on availing this plan but pls guide me how I can maximize my stay. I plan to use this on Nov 5-9 so far here is my plan:
Nov. 5 – Shin Osaka – Kanazawa
Nov 6 – Kanazawa – ? – Kanazawa
Nov 7 – Kanazawa – ? – Kanazawa
Nov. 8 – Kanazawa – ? – Kanazawa
Nov 9- Kanazawa – Shin Osaka
Pls help fill this up. I am going by myself so it wouldnt take me that long to one place to another. Pls send a quotation as well on other charges not included and how to reserve rapid train, shinkansen and buses.
Thank you very much!
Hi Ryan,
You may use one day each for Shirakawago, Takayaa and Kanazawa. All trains and bus services are covered by this pass.
You need to reserve the bus to Shirakawago and Takayama. You can find the phone number at Nohi bus website.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/shirakawago_kanazawa.html
For the train, you can book it at the reservation window that is called “Midori no Madoguchi”.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
TAkeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi-san
Kyoto – Gifu – Takayama
I wish to go via Gifu by Ltd. Exp (wide view) Hida. Is this covered in the Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass?
Thanks
Elizia
Hi Elizia san,
No, you can’t. You have to take the route via Kanazawa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi there,
I’m going to Osaka on next May 2016 for 11days and below is my I ternary
Day 1 to day 6 – I will go to Kyoto directly and is buying icoca + haruka 1 way KIX is a good deal since I can’t buy 1way from Kyoto to KIX.
Day 7 to day11 – is this route possible if I buy takayama hokuriku pass. From Kyoto to Kanazawa – shiragawa -takayama- KIX. Is takayama to KIX route is doable and how long does it takes? Between Kanazawa and takayama , which places is more Interesting so that I can stay for 2nights either one of them. Thanks
Hi Wyen,
You can use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass. It’s very hard to say which one is better, Takayama or Kanazawa. Both cities are very lovely and attractive. YOu can stay in 2 nights each and make Shirakawago between these cities.
It takes 6 hours at least from Takayama to KIX. You have to take same route as Kyoto to Takayama via Kanazawa. It takes 2 hr 15 mins from Takayama to Kanazzwa, 2.5 hrs for Kanazawa to Shin-Osaka and another one hour for Shin-Osaka to KIX.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
My iternary would be slightly as same as below u suggested earlier
Suggested itinerary
Day 1 Osaka – Kanazawa
Day 2 Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama
Day 3 Takayama – Toyama
Day 4 Toyama – Alpine route – Toyama or Kanazawa
Day 5 Toyama or Kanazawa – Osaka or KIX or Kyoto
My iternary would be like this
Suggested itinerary
Day 1 Kyoto-Kanazawa
Day 2 Kanazawa – Shirakawago – Takayama
Day 3 Takayama – Toyama
Day 4 Toyama – Alpine route – Kanazawa
Day 5 Toyama or Kanazawa – Osaka or KIX or Kyoto
As for day 3 and 4, can I replace it by skipping Toyama using bus from takayama to Kanazawa ? Which is one would be time consuming and more feasible? Thanks
Hi Wyen,
Trip time is not much different between train via Toyama and bus via Shirakawago. You can pick up whichever you like.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi san,
May I know if this pass is suitable for my itinerary as below?
Day 1- KIX – Osaka
Day 2 – Universal Studio, Osaka
Day 3 – Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto
Day 5 – Kyoto
Day 6 – Shirakawago
Day 7 – Takayama
Day 8 – Takayama – KIX
Regards,
Chloe
Hi Chloe,
You may use this pass for the last 5 days of your trip. And you can add ICOCA and Haruka one way ticket.
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
You can use ICOCA for trip to USJ and trip to Kyoto from Osaka. And add subway or bus pass in Kyoto as you need.
http://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-bus-train-subway-passes
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takashi San,
If I were to purchase this pass, basically I will only use it on the last 3 days of my itinerary, as this pass cannot be used to travel around Kyoto. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Do you think this is a good itinerary as I would like to make good use of the 5 days pass. If no, what would you suggest?
Thanks,
Chloe
Hi Chloe,
You are right. You cannot use this pass for sightseeing in Kyoto. On the other hand, it can be used in Osaka. You can use it for access to USJ. So if you can drop by Osaka at last, you can maximize to use this pass.
Suggested plan
Day 1- KIX – Kyoto
Day 2 – Kyoto
Day 3 – Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto (you may take late train to Kanazawa on this day)
Day 5 – Shirakawago (You can drop by Shirakawago on the way to Takayama from Kanazawa)
Day 6 – Takayama (You can leave Takayama and go to Osaka)
Day 7 – USJ
Day 8 – Osaka – KIX
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takashi san,
Thank you so much for your suggestion. I have revised my itinerary as I prefer not to visit USJ on weekend since Day 2 falls on Sunday.
Day 1 – KIX > Osaka
Day 2 – USJ
Day 3 – Osaka > Shirakawago
Day 4 – Takayama
Day 5 – Kanazawa > Kyoto
Day 6 – Kyoto
Day 7 – Kyoto
Day 8 – Kyoto > KIX
So I will use the pass for the first 5 days. May I know if this pass can be used to travel around the station in Osaka, as I will be staying near Shinsaibashi station?
Regards,
Chloe
Hi Chloe san,
You can take JR trains in Osaka, like trip to USJ.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html#JR_Pass_Kansai_Area_Pass_Kansai_WIDE_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hiroshima_Area_Pass_Sanyo_Sanin_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hokuriku_Aea_Pass_Takayama_Hokuriku_Area_Pass
But there is no JR stations around Shinsaibashi. You have to take subway to get Namba. If you have a time, you can walk to Namba from Shinsaibashi through shopping arcade and underground path.
But JR-Namba station is not located in the center of Namba. 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Does this pass cover the shuttle bus in Shirakawago to the observation deck and bus from Kanazawa station to Kenrokuen Garden?
Thanks!
Regards,
Chloe
Hi Chloe san,
No. This pass does not cover these bus services.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for all the info, Takeshi san! Deeply appreciated your help. 🙂
No problem, Chloe san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takashi San,
Can I check with you if this pass cover the Osaka Loop subway line and the Kanazawa loop bus? Thank you very much for your information.
Hi Jefferene san,
The pass covers Osaka loop line but not subway line and Kanazawa loop bus.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi,
Can I check whether I have to pay additional fee for reserve seat by the Nohi bus from Shirakawa-go to Gokayama and back using the Takayama Hokurika 5 day pass because these are all reserve seat ?
Secondly, I understand that I can have 3 reserve seat ticket using this pass. Can I check if I can exchange for my 5-day pass and confirm the reserve seat at Nagoya Airport. If yes, where can I do the booking and exchange.
My trip involves Nagoya-Takayama-Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa – Kyoto. Can you advise which is the situation route to make reservation for my 3 reserve seat.
Thank you for your advice.
Hi Dlimsh,
You don’t need to pay for Nohi bus reserved seat. It’s included and this in outside 4 times reserved seat. This “4 times” restriction applies to train reserved seat.
You cannot exchange and book at Chubu (Nagoya) airport. You have to get Nagoya station first. This pass does not include any transportation to Nagoya station from airport. Once you get Nagoya station, you can exchange and book. You can find the location to exchange at the link below:
http://touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/exchange/locations.html
You have 4 times to book for the train. So you can book for Nagoya-Takayama and Kanazawa-Kyoto. Actually you need only twice to use reserved seat.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takashi,
Thanks for your great website and information!
We will visit Osaka in November and stay in Kanazawa for day trip to Shirakawa-go and Takayama.
Can we reserve seats on the Nohi bus before arrival in Japan or can we only do so once we have exchanged the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Pass? I am concerned that if it is very popular then all the reserved seats may be unavailable by the time we arrive in Japan. Is reservation only by phone? Thanks.
Hi May,
You can reserve it before you arrive in Japan but you need to make a call.
In peak season, in case that bus is full, extra bus usually come up.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takashi,
Thanks for your reply. We will be staying in Kanazawa. Do you consider there is sufficient time allowed to visit both Shirakawago and Takayama if we went by the following timetable?
1. 8:10am – 9:25am Kanazawa – Shirakawago by Nohi bus
2. 13:15pm-14:05pm Shirakawago – Takayama by Nohi bus
3. 17:15pm-18:52pm Takayama to Toyoma by Shinkansen
4. 19:11pm-19:33pm Toyama to Kanazawa by Ltd Exp Thunderbird
Hi May,
Your plan is a good to go. But train names are wrong.
3. 17:15pm-18:52pm Takayama to Toyoma by Ltd Exp Wide View Hida
4. 19:11pm-19:33pm Toyama to Kanazawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen Tsurugi.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr. Takeshi San,
I am going to Nagoya, Takayama, Kanazawa and Shirkawago and departing at NGO airport. Do you think this pass is suitable for my itinerary?
Wing
Thank you!
Hi Wing,
Yes, it does. This is perfect deal for you.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com