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
Hi Takeshi,
Great website! If my trip as below, which pass is most suitable for me to use?
10Apr- Narita Airport to Tokyo to Toyama
11Apr- Toyama to Takayama (day trip) to Toyama
12Apr – Toyama to Shirakawa, Gifu (day trip) to Toyama
13Apr – Toyama to Kanazawa (over night in Kanazawa)
14Apr- Kanazawa to Tokyo or Shinagawa
15Apr- Tokyo to either day trip to Nikko or Yokohama
16Apr – Tokyo or Shinagawa to Narita Airport
What is the typical reserve or Green Car surcharge from Tokyo to Kanazawa? I am trying to see the difference between this pass and reserve or Green car surcharge vs just getting the 7 day green JR Rail Pass.
Thank you very much for your expertise and help
Hi Amy,
You can find Green car surcharge at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
But if you want to take Green car, you should use JR pass 7 days Green. Hokuriku arch pass does not cover it as you think. And also Hokuriku arch pass does not cover Nikko and Yokohama. JR pass is better choice obviously.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
All the information is very helpful but I still wondering if JR pass or single fare ticket is more value for the itinerary below:
7th Apr: Narita Airport to Shinjuku
8th Apr: Tokyo
9th Apr: Tokyo
10th Apr: Tokyo
11th Apr: Tokyo to Osaka (Stay in Namba)
12th Apr: Osaka
13th Apr: Osaka to Kyoto (Day trip)
14th Apr: Osaka to Kyoto (Day trip)
15th Apr: Namba to Kansai airport
Thank you in advance!
Hi Jeff,
JR pass is not recommended. Please see the link below to find moer info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7to9-days/how-to-make-the-itinerary-of-tokyo-osaka-one-way-trip.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
I’ll be going to Japan on April. My route are Osaka – Kyoto – Takayama – Tokyo.
Kyoto to Takayama (via GIFU)
Takayama to Tokyo (via Kanazawa or Toyama)
I’m planning to buy JR Hokuriku Arch Pass to cover all of my trains. But now i’m little confused about limited express wide view hida (from Kyoto to Takayama via Gifu).
are all limited express wide view hida covered by jr hokuriku arch pass? or should i but jr pass instead of hokuriku arch pass?
Many thanks for any advise given
Hi Cing san,
Wide View Hida from Kyoto to Takayama is not covered by Hokuriku arch pass at all. If you want to use Hokuriku arch pass, you need to go to Kanazawa or Toyama from Kyoto. And then take a bus to Takayama via Shirakawago. This bus is not covered by Hokuriku arch pass either.
Actually JR pass is not choice for your trip either. Because total fares for Kyoto-Takayama-Toyama-Tokyo are around 23,000 yen roughly. You cannot get the worth. If you add Kanazawa and make round trip between Kanazawa and Toyama, you will spend more but it’s not still enough to get the worth. If you make another trip when you are in Kyoto or Tokyo, you may be able to get the worth.
At this point, regular ticket is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
My apologies to add to my previous post….There seems to be a Costco above Osaka in Amagasaki. Maybe that one is better? Thank you again.
Hi Terry,
You can get Amagasaki station by JR train and take a bus to get there.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
Thank you for posting all this information. I will be going to Japan for 9 days, 8 nights to the following:
Day 1-2 Land in KIX, head to Osaka
Day 3 Osaka to Kyoto
Day 4-5 Kyoto
Day 6 Kyoto to Kanazawa/Shirakawago
Day 7 Kanazawa to Tokyo
Day 8-9 Tokyo , then fly out NRT
I plan to buy the Hokuriku pass and use it on Day 3 so I can also use it to get to NRT on the last day. I also plan to get an IC card for other transportation not covered by the pass. Do you think this is a good idea?
Also I have a random request. I want to go visit a Costco in Japan and found one between Osaka and Kyoto, near Yawata, http://www.costco.co.jp/p/locations/kyotoyawata?lang=en , but I am unable to find if the Hokuriku pass will let me get there. I plan to go on Day 3 or 4 so I can get make use of the pass if possible. Do you know if the Keihan Main Line, Kintetsu-Limited Express, Kintetsu-Kyoto Line, or any lines are covered by this pass? Or am I better off taking the bus? There is also a Costco in Kanawaza that is more convenient but I don’t think I have enough time there to go. Thank you for your time. Appreciate your thoughts.
Hi Terry,
You can use Hokuriku arch pass from day 3 to the end of you trip as you think.
You may find some deals for KIX to Osaka and sightseeing in Osaka in the link below. It will be better than using IC card. Of course you can have IC card too if you want.
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
This pass covers only JR line. You cannot take Kintetsu, Keihan or any other Non JR trains. If you want to get Costco, you should take JR Gakken-Toshi line to Matsui-Yamate station. It is covered but you need to pay for the bus from Matsui-Yamate.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for the response. I appreciate it. I also came across another pass, TAKAYAMA HOKURIKU PASS, https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_takayama_hokuriku.html. It is cheaper and covers the Nohi bus to Shirakawago however it does not cover the shinkansen to Tokyo. What do you think is better?
Thank you for your links. I took a look and have narrowed the best choices to the Yokoso Osaka Ticket or the Kansai One Pass. The Yokoso Osaka Ticket covers the Nankai Limited Express Rapit, which is what I will be taking, and also a 1 day unlimited pass. Would this one be better? I plan to spend one day in Osaka to go to the Momofuku Ramen Museum, Osaka Castle, and Dotonburi. I’m not sure if the Kansai One Pass has any advantages. Thanks for your feedback.
Hi Terry,
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tokyo costs around 14,000 yen. It’s much bigger additional than Nohi bus. And also if you pay regular fare to take Nohi bus, you can book online. If you use Takayama Hokuriku area pass, you need to make a call. I believe Hokuriku arch pass + single fare to take Nohi bus is better solution.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Momofuku is not covered by Yokoso Osaka ticket because you need to take Hankyu railway which is not covered. However Yosoko Osaka ticket is still best choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Arigato Gozaimashita! I will go with your suggestion. Have a great day 🙂
No worries, Terry.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hey Takeshi,
Can you please help me determine which pass will be best suited for my trip?
14/6 – Osaka Airport
15/6 – Osaka
16/6 – Nara
17/6 – Osaka
18/6 – Kyoto
19/6 – Kyoto
20/6 – Kyoto
21/6- Tokyo
22/6- Tokyo
23/6- Tokyo
24/6- Fly out from Haneda Airport
Thank you!
Hi Zhi,
Please see the link below. You will find the info which you need.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
All the information has been helpful but I was wondering if JR pass is the most value based on the itinerary below:
7th Apr – Arrived in Narita Airport, staying in Tokyo
8th Apr – Tokyo
9th Apr – Tokyo
10th Apr – Tokyo (Mt Fuji/Hakone Day trip)
11th Apr – Kyoto/Osaka
12th Apr – Kyoto/Osaka
13th Apr – Osaka
14th Apr – Osaka
15th Apr – Fly out from Osaka Kansai Airport
For 11th/12th Apr, I’m thinking of staying in Osaka and do day trips to Kyoto instead. Or staying in Kyoto will be better?
Hi Jeff,
JR pass is not recommended. You cannot get the worth of it. Please see the link below. You may find the info which you need:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/how-to-make-the-itinerary-of-tokyo-osaka-one-way-trip.html
Kyoto has totally different atmosphere from Osaka. If you want to have it, try to stay in Kyoto. But if you stay in Osaka and make a day trip, you don’t need to move from Kyoto to Osaka with luggage. That is a benefit. You can choose whichever you like.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We will be travelling to the following areas in March:
March 23- Narita Airport to Tokyo to Kanazawa
March 25- Kanazawa to Kyoto to Osaka (day trip, stopover in Kyoto only)
March 26- Osaka to Nara (round trip)
March 27- local Osaka trains
March 28- Osaka to Kansai Airport
Will we be covered by this pass? Also, are there other Shinkansen trains from Tokyo to Kanazawa aside from the Hokuriku Shinkansen? We will be travelling with a group that might not want to get this pass and we would like to travel to Kanazawa together from Tokyo.
Thank you very much! Happy new year!
Hi Victoria,
Hokuriku Arch Pass is the best choice. It covers most part of your trip. You may need to add some fares to take bus or subway in Osaka and Kyoto. Please see the links below to find more info:
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
If my trip as below, which pass is most suitable for me to use?
13Jan- Airport to Kyoto
14Jan- Kyoto
15Jan- Kyoto
16Jan- Osaka
17Jan- Osaka
18Jan- Shirakawago
19Jan- Kanazawa
20Jan- Takayama
21Jan- 28Jan Tokyo
Thanks.
Hi Cindy,
JR pass is recommended because of Takayama. As I mentioned, if you take Wide View Hida by Hokuriku Arch Pass, you need to pay extra on top of the pass. As a result, JR pass is cheaper. I recommend you to use 7 days pass from 15th to 21st.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
You may use other pass before/after using JR pass.
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-kyoto.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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I want to ask, is this pass cover the JR conventional line from Toyama to Takayama? Thanks
Hi Cindy,
No, it doesn’t. This pass covers only between Toyama and Inotani. Inotani is located on the way to Takayama. If you pay regular fare for Inotani to Takayama, it costs around 1000 yen for one way. If you take limited express Wide View Hida reserved seat, it costs around 2500 yen for one way.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com