
This pass covers Narita airport, Tokyo, Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Kansai airport. It suits the one way trip from Tokyo to Osaka via Hokuriku area, such as Kanazawa. This pass does not cover Tokyo – Osaka/Kyoto direct route by the Shinkansen. It is valid for 7 consecutive days. The valid period is same as JR Pass 7-day. The price is cheaper than JR Pass 7 days but coverage area is much smaller.
In this post, I would like to share the information of Hokuriku Arch Pass with you. And I show you some sample rate and compare the pass value and single fares. I also compare Hokuriku Arch Pass and JR Pass. You may find this suits your plan or not.
- Prices and valid period
- Coverage area
- Valid trains and lines
- Compare single fare and Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass
- Trip from Narita airport to Kansai airport with stopover at Tokyo, Kanazawa, Shin-Osaka
- Trip between Kanazawa and Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen
- Trip between Nagano and Tokyo by the Shinkansen
- Trip between Karuizawa and Tokyo by Shinkansen
- Trip between Kanazawa and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by the limited express Thunderbird
- Trip between Narita Airport and Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku or Yokohama by Narita Express
- Trip between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho by Tokyo Monorail
- Trip between Kyoto and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Special Rapid, Rapid or Local
- Trip between Kyoto and Nara by Rapid or Local
- Trip between Nara and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Rapid or Local
- Trip between Sannomiya (Kobe) and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Special Rapid, Rapid or Local
- Trip between Kyoto and Kansai airport by the limited express Haruka
- Trip between Shin-Osaka and Kansai airport by the limited express Haruka
- Fares in downtown Osaka and Kyoto
- Fares in downtown Tokyo
- Compare Hokuriku Arch Pass and JR Pass ordinary 7-day
- Assessment
Prices and valid period
Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass 7-day
Purchase outside Japan or online | Purchase inside Japan | |
---|---|---|
Adult | 25,500 yen | 25,500 yen |
Child (6-11 years old) | 12,750 yen | 12,750 yen |
*Any child who is 5 years old and/or younger is free but you have to share the seat with child. If you want to have a seat for your child too, you have to purchase a child pass for even younger than 5 years old.
This pass is valid for 7 days only. There is no Green pass choices.
One day means midnight to midnight, technically 0:00 to 23:59. Even if you start using the pass at 23:00. you will spend one full day for just one hour. So try to start in the morning. It does not make sense to start to use in the evening.
Coverage area
This pass covers the trip between Narita airport and Kansai airport via Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokuriku area. This pass covers the following major spots in the area.
- Tokyo
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Kanazawa
- Toyama
- Nagano
- Karuizawa
- Nara
- Kobe
The following places surrounding Tokyo, Osaka and Kanazawa are not located in the coverage area. You CANNOT use this pass to access these following places.
It seems to cover whole part of the trip between Tokyo side and Osaka side via Kanazawa and Toyama. But there are some restrictions. Please see next chapter about valid trains.
Valid trains and lines
The following JR trains are covered by this pass.
- Narita Express between Narita airport and Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro
You cannot get Yokohama because it is outside coverage area. - The Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kanazawa
- The limited express Thunderbird between Wakura Onsen, Kanazawa and Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Osaka
- The limited express Haruka between Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji and Kansai airport
But only non reserved seat is covered by this pass. - Local and Rapid train in downtown Tokyo area, and between Tokyo and Narita airport
- Local, Rapid and Special Rapid train in Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara)
- Etsumi-Hoku line between Fukui and Kuzuryuko
- Nanao line between Tsubata and Nanao
- Himi line between Takaoka and Himi
- Johana line between Takaoka and Johana
- Takayama line between Toyama and Inotani
- Oito line between Itoigawa and Minami-Otari
- Rapid Airport Narita between Narita airport and Kinshicho, Tokyo, Shinagawa
- The limited express Shirasagi between Kanazawa and Maibara
- The limited express Wide View Hida between Toyama and Inotani, and between Osaka and Maibara
- The limited express Noto-Kagaribi between Kanazawa and Wakura-Onsen
- The limited express Hanayome-Noren between Kanazawa and Wakura-Onsen
- The limited express Dinastar between Kanazawa and Fukui
There are some more limited express trains running in the coverage area. As long as you travel in the coverage area, you can ride these trains as well. But even though the limited express Shirasagi and the limited express Wide View Hida are covered, you cannot get Nagoya by Shirasagi and cannot get Takayama by Wide View Hida either. These places are not in coverage area.
JR deals covers basically JR trains only. But Hokuriku Arch Pass covers some “NON JR” railway trains. The following railways are NON JR companies but those are covered by this Pass.
- Tokyo Monorail (Haneda airport – Hamamatsucho)
- IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata
- Ainokaze-Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka
- Noto Railway between Nanao and Wakura-Onsen
If you arrive in or depart from Haneda airport, trip by Monorail is fully covered by this pass. But JR East Travel Service Center which is the exchange place of this pass does not open in early morning and late night. Please check the operation hours before you travel.
JR East Travel Service Center Haneda
You cannot make any stopover when you take IR Ishikawa Railway and Ainokaze-Toyama Railway. These coverage are connecting to Himi line, Johana line and Nanao line from Toyama and Kanazawa for your convenience.
In Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, subway and non JR railways are not covered by this pass. You have to add an extra fare or other city deal. Please find some more information in the following posts:
Compare single fare and Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass
When you think about purchasing this deal, you need to know this is paid off in your trip or not. I show you some sample.
*All rates are based on base fare and reserved seat limited express supplement in regular season.
Trip from Narita airport to Kansai airport with stopover at Tokyo, Kanazawa, Shin-Osaka
Actually if you purchase single fare ticket and limited express surcharge ticket for Narita Express (Narita airport to Tokyo), the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo to Kanazawa), the limited express Thunderbird (Kanazawa to Shin-Osaka) and the limited express Haruka (Shin-Osaka to Kansai airport), total fare is around 23,000 yen. In this case, you have to purchase surcharge ticket for each segments. But you can use one base fare ticket and make stopovers. The ticket is valid for 6 days.
If you use the pass, you can use JR trains when you are in Tokyo and Osaka. So even though single fare and express surcharge combination is cheaper, you may expect to get the worth of this pass by this trip plan. But this pass does not give you a big saving for this itinerary.
Trip between Kanazawa and Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen
Total fares is around 14,000 yen for one way. If you have a round trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa, you can get the worth.
Trip between Nagano and Tokyo by the Shinkansen
Total fare is around 8,500 yen for one way. You need to have some more trips if you want to use this pass.
Trip between Karuizawa and Tokyo by Shinkansen
Total fare is 6,000 yen for one way. This is not enough to use this pass by only this trip.
Trip between Kanazawa and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by the limited express Thunderbird
Total fare is around 8,000 yen for one way. If you have a round trip to Kanazawa from Osaka and do not visit Tokyo, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass is better choice.
You may think about using Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass if you intend to visit Shirakawago and Takayama too.
Trip between Narita Airport and Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shinjuku or Yokohama by Narita Express
The fare is around 3,000 to 3,500 yen.
Trip between Haneda Airport and Hamamatsucho by Tokyo Monorail
Single fare is around 500 yen for one way.
Trip between Kyoto and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Special Rapid, Rapid or Local
Single fare is around 600 yen for one way.
Trip between Kyoto and Nara by Rapid or Local
Single fare is around 700 yen for one way.
Trip between Nara and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Rapid or Local
Single fare is around 800 yen for one way.
Trip between Sannomiya (Kobe) and Osaka/Shin-Osaka by Special Rapid, Rapid or Local
Single fare is around 500 yen for one way.
Trip between Kyoto and Kansai airport by the limited express Haruka
Single fare is around 3,000 yen for one way. This fare is based on non reserved seat. Because this pass covers only non reserved seat on this train.
Trip between Shin-Osaka and Kansai airport by the limited express Haruka
Single fare is around 2,500 yen for one way. This fare is based on non reserved seat. Because this pass covers only non reserved seat on this train.
Fares in downtown Osaka and Kyoto
You can take any local trains, like Osaka Kanjo line (to Tennoji, Osakajo, JR-Namba), Yumesaki line (USJ), Sagano line (to Arashiyama) by this pass. The fare is varied by the distance. The fare range is 200 to 300 yen. The train ride in Osaka and Kyoto does help you to get the worth of the pass much.
Fares in downtown Tokyo
You can take any local trains, like Yamanote line, Chuo line by this pass. But the fares in downtown Tokyo is quite reasonable. If you take a local train from Tokyo to Shinjuku, the fare is around 200 yen. When you calculate the fares and compare this pass and single fare, you can ignore the fares in downtown Tokyo. It does not help to get worth very much.
Compare Hokuriku Arch Pass and JR Pass ordinary 7-day
If you have a round trip between Osaka and Tokyo, you may think to use Hokuriku Arch Pass. Because this pass covers both and the price is cheaper than JR Pass 7-day.
Hokuriku Arch Pass | JR Pass ordinary 7-day | |
Price | 24,400 yen (online) | 29,650 yen |
Hokuriku Arch Pass is about 5,000 yen cheaper. This seems to be very attractive. But on the other hand, the trip time between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka is so different too.
Hokuriku Arch Pass | JR Pass ordinary 7-day | |
Travel time | 5.5 to 6 hours | 3 hours |
Train | The limited express Thunderbird The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki) | The Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari) |
Transfer | Once at Kanazawa | Direct |
If you drop by Kanazawa, Hokuriku Arch Pass is a good choice. But if you are looking for the deal of Tokyo – Osaka round trip, JR pass is better in my opinion. But the choice is yours. You can use either one.
Assessment
This deal suits the following plan.
- Narita airport (or Haneda airport) – Tokyo – Kanazawa/Toyama – Tokyo – Narita airport (or Haneda airport)
- Round trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa
- Narita airport (or Haneda airport) – Tokyo – Kanazawa/Toyama – Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe – Kansai airport
- Narita airport (or Haneda airport) – Tokyo – Kanazawa – Toyama – (Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route) – Nagano – Tokyo
*Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and bus from Shinano-Omachi to Nagano are not covered by this pass. You have to add Tateyama Kurobe option ticket. - Kansai airport – Osaka/Kyoto/Nara/Kobe – Kanazawa/Toyama – Nagano – Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe/Nara – Kansai airport
I hope this post will help you to pick up the right deal for your trip!
Comments
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for all the helpful posts. I’ve read everything and I’m still struggling to figure out if the Hokuriku Arch Pass would make sense for me. Would greatly appreciate your guidance. During my trip I mostly will travel on my own, but there are two days that I travel with a friend who will not buy any pass.
This is my itinerary in February:
Day 1: Narita airport to Shibuya
Day 2: Shibuya to Teamlab Borderless and Tokyo exploration
Day 3: Tokyo exploration
Day 4: Shibuya to Fujikawaguchiko and back to Shibuya with friend who will not buy any pass
Day 5 (a Japan holiday): Shibuya to Nagano to Yamanouchi with friend who will not buy any pass
Day 6 (a Japan holiday): Yamanouchi to Nagano to Kanazawa
Day 7: Kanazawa to Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto exploration
Day 9: Kyoto exploration
Day 10: Kyoto to Mt Kurama to Kyoto
Day 11: Kyoto to Nara to Kyoto
Day 12: BUS from Kyoto to KIX airport
On the the two days that I travel with a friend on long train rides, will it be difficult to make reservations to sit together if only I have the Arch pass?
Does it make sense to get the pass for any 7 continuous days in the above itinerary?
If so, would it make sense to start the pass on arrival from Narita or on a different day?
Also, what is the most reliable website to buy the online arch pass?
Any other local Tokyo or Kyoto passes you recommend I purchase? Or just do it on the go? I’m not quite clear yet of what I will visit in Tokyo itself.
Thanks much,
Mani Q
Hi Mani Q,
You may use the Hokuriku arch pass for day 1 to 7. But you cannot use the pass for the trip to Kawaguchiko. It’s not covered. You may take an express bus.
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
You may book a seat online. Please see the link below:
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.4778995.1325107855.1421419524
You may click Hokuriku arch pass to book a seat. You can book a seat for your friend at same time even though your friend will not use Hokuriku Arch Pass. When you collect a ticket, you may tell one of the tickets for non Hokuriku Arch Pass user and pay there. But the seat fee may be charged to your credit card. In case of that, please collect money from your friend.
The link below is the official site of JR East and JR West. You can buy it here:
https://shop.westjapanrail.com/?lang=en#/pass/hokuriku_arch_pass/
You may use Hokuriku Arch Pass to take JR local train in Tokyo. The following link tells about the coverage of JR Pass in Tokyo but Hokuriku Arch Pass has same coverage.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/best-way-efficient-how-much-can-we-use-japan-rail-pass-in-downtown-tokyo.html
Please see te link below to find the info about the deal 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
There is no deals to cover the trip to Nara. Just pay as you go.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you again for all this information. I used the website you provided to purchase the arch pass, and after paying I got a white screen that only said “Exception adding payment info: 2”, but I did not receive any email confirmation (this was more than 2 hours ago, and I have also been checking the Junk Folder). When refreshing the webpage, it just said it had expired. However, my credit card did get charged. I can’t find any information on the websites of who I can talk to see what happened. I don’t have any confirmation to print so that I can show it at the JR office when I land in Narita. What is your recommendation?
Could I have just purchased this directly at Narita upon arrival for the same price?
Thanks,
Mani
Hi Mani Q,
Please try to contact ACP Rail which runs reservation site.
https://www.acprail.com/contact-us/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAyKrxBRDHARIsAKCzn8wI_X0JUxv59jh-zbAhR1ZhFAaSsRhNyKcy33t0fwGhLhYoNmXirxwaAnXhEALw_wcB
If you will not recieve any replies from ACP Rail, contact to JR East:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/customer_support/infoline.html
As long as you don’t have any proof, you cannot get a pass at Outside Japan price. Try to contact ACP Rail and then JR East if you need.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi – San,
I will be visiting Japan by the next 2 month. Below is my itinerary,
Date 9 : Narita – Tokyo – Osaka (Nishiyodogawa-ku)
Date 10: Osaka (Universal Studio Japan)
Date 11: Osaka (Dotonbori)
Date 12: Osaka – Kyoto (Arashiyama Bamboo Forest) – Osaka
Date 13: Osaka – Kyoto (Fushimi Inari, Yanaka Jinja Shrine) – Osaka
Date 14: Osaka – Tokyo (Ueno)
Date 15: Tokyo (Ginza, Nakamise Stree)
Date 16: Tokyo (Shibuya, Sensoji Temple)
Date 17: Tokyo – Narita
I would like to seek for your kind advice whether it is okay if I buy Hokuriku Arch Pass instead of JR Pass Nationwide? Thanks in advance
Hi Dela san,
If you use Hokuriku Arch Pass, you may take the route via Kanazawa.
e.g.
Tokyo to Kanazawa to Osaka by Hokuriku Arch Pass
Trip time 5.5 hours and one train change at Kanazawa
Tokyo to Shin-Osaka by JR Pass
Trip time 3 hours and direct
If you are okay with this above, you may use Hokuriku Arch Pass.
You may use other deal for day 16 and 17. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your helpful tips and information!
I am planning to travel to Japan on January 2020. Below is my tentative itinerary:
Day 1: Haneda –> Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo
Day 3: Asakusa
Day 4: Tokyo –> Kyoto
Day 5: Kyoto
Day 6: Gion
Day 7: Kyoto –> Osaka
Day 8: Osaka
Day 9: Osaka –> Tokyo
Day 10: Tokyo
Day 11: Tokyo –> Haneda
Would you recommend the Hokuriku Arch Pass or JR pass? If I get the pass, I would activate it from Day 4.
Thank you,
Ellie
Hi Ellie san,
I recommend you to use JR Pass more than Hokuriku Arch Pass. Because Hokuriku Arch Pass does not cover Tokyo-Kyoto/Osaka direct route. If you use Hokuriku Arch Pass, you have to take the route of Tokyo-Kanazawa-Kyoto/Osaka. The trip time is 2.5 hours longer than the direct route. And you have to change trains at Kanazawa.
JR Pass covers the Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kyoto/Shin-Osaka. It is direct and the trip time is much shorter.
You may start using JR Pass 7-day on day 4 as you think. There are several deals avabailable for Haneda-Tokyo and Tokyo sightseeing. Please find some more info in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/haneda/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your helpful tips and information!
I am planning to travel to Japan at the end of the year:
Dec 28th – Narita Airport to Tokyo
Dec 30th – Tokyo to Chiba
Jan 2nd – Tokyo to Toyama
Jan 3rd – Toyama to Osaka
Jan 4 – Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka
Jan 5 – Osaka to Kansai Airport
Would you recommend the Hokuriku Arch Pass? If I get the pass, I would activate it from 30th December.
Thank you,
Meg
Hi Meg san,
Hokuriku Arch Pass is the best choice. You may start using it on 30th.
You can find some deals from Narita to Tokyo in the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your tips and information!
My family of 5 is travellingl to Japan in March 2020
March 14 – Haneda Airport to Tokyo
March 16– Tokyo to Osaka
March 17 – 20 – Osaka – Kyoto – Osaka
March 21 – Osaka to Kansai Airport
Would you recommend the Hokuriku Arch Pass or the JR pass? We would be arriving Tokyo in the late afternoon. Also, can we use pass to pass by Mt Fuji?
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Christine
Hi Christine,
Actually both JR Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass are not recommended. You cannot get the worth of JR Pass. Hokuriku Arch Pass does not cover Tokyo-Osaka direct route. You have to take the route via Kanazawa. You must change trains at Kanazawa and the trip time is 2.5 hours longer than Tokyo-Osaka direct route.
I have a post which tells you how to manage Tokyo-Osaka one way trip in the link below. Please refer it.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/how-to-make-the-itinerary-of-tokyo-osaka-one-way-trip.html
For the trip to Mt. Fuji, please see the link below:
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
Dear Takeshi-san,
Thank you very much for the information. We will check on the links provided.
More power !
No worries, Christine.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
If my trip is only Haneda – Tokyo – Kanazawa & Shirakagawo – Tokyo – Haneda, should i just buy hokuriku arch pass instead of JR Pass ?
Most of my time will be spent inside Tokyo and Disney Land.
Your advice is really appreciated.
Thank You.
Hi Susan,
Hokuriku Arch Pass is the best choice. This pass does not cover the bus to Shirakawago from Kanazawa. You have to buy it separately. And the bus required the advanced reservation. You can find the online reservation link in the link below:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/highwaybus/kanazawa_en/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Awesome! Cheers Takeshi-san 🙂
No worries, Meg san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I have Hokuriku Arch Pass on my trip to Japan. Is this pass covered my trip if I would like to go to Fujikyu Highland? And if there is many recommended way to get there, please let me know the best way to reach there.
Best regards,
Hi Amul san,
Hokuriku Arch Pass does not cover the trip to Fujikyu highland at all. The express bus is most convenient way to get there. Please see the link below:
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much, Takeshi San
No worries, Amul san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I will be visiting Takayama from kanazawa station this coming Dec. I will be buying the 7 days Hokuriku Arch Pass travelling from Tokyo to Kanazawa.
I understand that Hokuriku Arch Pass is only valid for travel till Inotani station. I intend to take a shinkansen train to toyama and change to Wide View Hida at toyama to reach takayama via Inotani. How do I pay for my fare for my distance between Inotani to takayama (990 yen) if I sit through the journey without stopping at Inotani.
I will be taking an express bus back from Shirakawago to Kanazawa in the evening.
Your advice and suggestion is appreciated.
Best rgds,
Mike
Hi Mike san,
You can purchase the ticket for Inotani to Takayama in advance. You can purchase it at any major JR stations, such as Tokyo, Kanazawa. You may show your Hokuriku Arch Pass at the ticket window and tell that you want to travel to Takayama from Toyama and want to pay the extra fare for Inotani to Takayama. You will be able to receive a ticket in advance and you can get same seat from Toyama to Takayama. The easiest way is purchasing it when you exchange Hokuriku Arch Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi san.
No worries, Michael san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I would like to ask if my purchase will be worth the trip.
I will be visiting Japan alone from 8-14 December. From Tokyo to Osaka.
Day 1: Tokyo – Odaiba and Asakusa
Day 2-4: Tour around Kanazawa including Shirakawa-go
Day 4: Tour around Kyoto
Day 5-7: Tour around Osaka
Thank you so much if you would suggest.
Regards,
Mina C.
Hi Mina C.,
You can use Hokuriku Arch Pass and get the worth of it. But this pass does not covet the bus to Shirakawago. You have to add the fare and advance reservation is highly recommended.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takashi,
Thank you so much, but for transportation in Tokyo and Osaka, do they cover all the JR ? As example for Tokyo is I would like to go to Odaiba, is it cover the expenses ?
Regards,
Mina C.
Hi Mina C.,
Hokuriku Arch Pass covers JR lines only. It does not cover subway, city bus and other non JR railways. For the trip to Odaiba, you have to take Yurikamome or Rinkai line. You also have to add the fare to take subway for the trip to Asakusa. Those are not covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass. You also may have to add the fare in Kyoto and Osaka. Please see the links below to find more info:
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/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/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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I would like to enquire regards my itinerary suitable for this Hokuriku Arch Pass.
Day 1 – Narita Airport to Mount Fuji
Day 2 – Mount Fuji – Tokyo
Day 3 – Disney Sea
Day 4 – Tokyo City
Day 5 – From Ueno to Kanazawa
Day 6 – Takayama to Shirakawago
Day 7 – Kanazawa to Osaka
Day 8 – Osaka to Kyoto one day trip at Arashiyama
Day 9 – Osaka City
Day 10 – Osaka to Kansai Airport
Is it suitable to purchase this Hokuriku Arch Pass? This pass cover JR Local Line (which is osaka and kyoto and Tokyo Area), which is the best way and price for my itinerary?
Thank You.
Regards,
W.L
Hi Wendy,
You may use Hokuriku Arch Pass for the last 7 days in your trip, day 4 to 10. Because this pass does not cover Mt. Fuji. If your trip meets the express bus to Lake Kawaguchi from Narita airport, you can take it. Please see the link below:
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/39
If you cannot take this, take the limousine bus to Shinjuku bus terminal and then take the express bus to Lake Kawaguchi.
https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/areas/bus_stop/nrt/shinjuku/for/279/
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
You may take the express bus to go back to Shinjuku from Lake Kawaguchi.
Regular fare ticket is okay to visit Disney Sea.
Hokuriku Arch Pass covers JR local trains in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
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
Hi Takeshi san,
I hope you can assist me in choosing the right pass for my itinerary in Japan.
Day 1: Kansai Airport – Kyoto
Day 2-4: Tour around Kyoto
Day 5: Kyoto – Kanazawa
Day 6-7: Tour around Kanazawa and Shirakawago
Day 8: Kanazawa – Tokyo (Nippori Station)
Day 9: Tour around Tokyo city
Day 10: Nippori St. – Narita Airport
Is it alright if I purchase Hokuriku Arch Pass with this plan?
Thanking you in advance for your consideration and time.
Best regards,
Nor
Hi Nor san,
You may not be able to get the worth of Hokuriku Arch Pass. Because the total fare for Kyoto to Kanazawa and Kanazawa to Tokyo is less than 22,000 yen. Hokuriku Arch Pass is sold at 24,440 yen. You still need to make about 3,000 yen value. The local train ride in Kyoto and/or Tokyo do not help so much. Because the train fare is very low. One ride is around 150 to 250 yen in Kyoto and Tokyo. In Kyoto, you will get Arashiyama, Nijo and Fushimi Inari by JR train. But other places cannot be reached by JR trains. You have to take city bus, subway and non JR trains. These are not covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass. The bus to Shirakawago is not covered either.
If you include the trip to Narita, you can get the worth of it. But the coverage route by Hokuriku Arch Pass is Nippori (Yamanote line local train) Tokyo (Narita Express) Narita. You must change the trains at Tokyo.
On the other hand, Keisei railway connects Nippori and Narita directly. It’s easier and much faster. But this is not covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
So if you want to use Hokuriku Arch Pass and save your travel cost, you must use it for day 5 to day 10. Otherwise use a local deal at each cities and a regular ticket for Kyoto-Kanazawa-Tokyo.
For Kansai to Kyoto and staying in Kyoto, you may use Kansai One Pass + Haruka deal. You need this anyway:
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
Please decide how you want to get Narita from Nippori.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for the detailed explanation. I can certainly make a better decision now, with your help, for my upcoming trip.
Arigatou gozaimasu, Takeshi san!
Doitashimashite Nor san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com