Hokuriku Arch Pass user guide. Clarify valid trains, coverage area and compare single fare and pass

Kanazawa castleRail pass for visitors
2015.12.26
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka are covered by this deal. (C) ©Sue Ann Simon (upper left), Osaka Government Tourism Bureau (lower left), Yasufumi Nish (upper right), Kanazawa City (lower right) and JNTO (all photos)
Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Osaka are covered by this deal. (C) ©Sue Ann Simon (upper left), Osaka Government Tourism Bureau (lower left), Yasufumi Nish (upper right), Kanazawa City (lower right) and JNTO (all photos)

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

Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass 7-day

 Purchase outside Japan or onlinePurchase inside Japan
Adult25,500 yen25,500 yen
Child
(6-11 years old)		12,750 yen12,750 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

Coverage map of Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass (Click to view large)
Coverage map of Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass (Click to view large)

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:

Guide to take trains in Tokyo. How to choose the best deal and the best route by the train.
There are so many train lines and subway lines in downtown Tokyo. It is hard to find the route and the coverage of many deals. This guide shows you the train system, how to find the route and how to choose the deals.
jprail.com
2016.01.24
Kyoto train route guide. How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots?
There are lots of the train lines and subway lines in Kyoto. This post shows you the train network in Kyoto. You can learn how to get the major places in Kyoto.
jprail.com
2013.09.22
Osaka train route guide. How much can we use JR Pass in Osaka? How to choose the best route by train to get the major spots in Osaka?
There are lots of the train lines and subway lines in Osaka. This post shows you the train network in Osaka. You can learn how to get the major places in Osaka.
jprail.com
2013.10.30

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.

Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass user guide. Perfect deal for the traveler who wants travel to Kansai, Kanazawa and Toyama.
If you travel Kansai area and Hokuriku region, this deal, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass may suit your trip plan. Please find more information about this deal in this post.
jprail.com
2015.02.08

You may think about using Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass if you intend to visit Shirakawago and Takayama too.

Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass user guide. Perfect deal to travel Takayama, Kanazawa, Toyama, Shirakawago from Nagoya or Osaka
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is very popular and convenient to travel Kanazawa, Takayama and Shirakawago. This post explains you how to use this pass.
jprail.com
2015.05.31

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 PassJR Pass ordinary 7-day
Price24,400 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 PassJR Pass ordinary 7-day
Travel time5.5 to 6 hours3 hours
TrainThe limited express Thunderbird
The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki)		The Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari)
TransferOnce at KanazawaDirect

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

  1. Joseph says:
    March 16, 2019 at 2:35 am

    Hi Takeshi San

    I like to take trains from Fuji station to Tokyo station. Does the Hokuriku Arch Pass cover this trip? or should I use the JR pass?

    Thank you

  2. Stef says:
    February 12, 2019 at 6:30 am

    Hi Takeshi san,

    I want like to give you a thumb up. I have started reading on the Passes since December and nothing is comfirmed.

    These are the main places I wanted to visit
    – 1 of the Railway/subway/train museums (not sure which fit my itinerary best)
    – Shiragawago, Takayama and Kanazawa.
    – Kurobe Gorge, Kurobe alpine and Kurobe Dam
    – Osaka and Kyoto.

    17/3/19 — arrive Narita Airport (will take bus to Tokyo Station)
    18/3/19 (activate Pass) — Tokyo to Takayama
    24/3/19 (7th day of the pass) — Osaka or Kyoto to Tokyo
    26/3/19 — Narita Airport
    I would think JR pass is the best for my plan but need your advise how can I travel without wasting too much time on rail. I am not sure if i under utilize the pass.

    Thank you in advance

  3. vivian says:
    February 11, 2019 at 4:23 am

    Hi Takeshi -san

    i have bought Tokyo-osaka hokuriku arch pass
    i need your advise since this pass not covered kanazawa to Shirakawago
    should i buy other jr pass like Hokuriku arch pass ?
    and could you please tell me how can i get from kanazawa to Shirakawago ?

  4. CK says:
    January 4, 2019 at 8:38 am

    Hello!

    i am going to kyoto and stopping over at karuizawa for 3 days before going to tokyo.

    this is a good ticket for me to purchase if im leaving in less than 7 days right?

    Thank you!

  5. Reynaldi says:
    January 1, 2019 at 8:53 am

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I will go to Japan for 12 Days from 18 to 29 Mar 2019. I would like to purchase Hokuriku Arch Pass and use it from 20 to 26 Mar 2019.
    I need your advices if the following itinerary does makes sense for you and if the pass is suitable with my destinations:
    18 Mar: arrive from Narita
    19 Mar: Asakusa – Odaiba using SUICA card
    20 Mar: Leave Tokyo to Kyoto in the morning
    21 Mar: Amanohashidate
    22 Mar: Explore Kyoto and leave to Osaka in the evening
    23 Mar: Kobe
    24 Mar: Explore Osaka using Osaka Amazing Pass
    25 Mar: Leave Osaka in the early morning to Kanazawa then take the bus to Shirakawago via Nohi Bus (I understand that this pass does not cover the bus fare)
    26 Mar: Leave Kanazawa in the evening to Tokyo
    27 Mar: Mt Fuji
    28 Mar: Tokyo
    29 Mar: leave from Narita in the evening

    To summarise, 2 nights in Tokyo, 2 nights in Kyoto, 3 nights in Osaka, 1 night in Kanazawa and 3 nights in Tokyo.

    Aside from that I also have several questions:
    1. Does the Hashidate Ltd Exp is covered by this pass? I found that this route is the best choice if I leave from Kyoto station.
    2. Do you have any suggestions what pass/cards should I purchase to save my transportation budget for my last 3 days in Tokyo?

    Your response is much appreciated! Thanks a lot.

  6. Mabel khoi says:
    December 28, 2018 at 4:18 am

    Hi,,takeshi,
    May I know is there only 3 Jr line in Tokyo covered by hokuriku Arch pass?

  7. John Go says:
    December 27, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    Hi, I want to go from Shinjuku Station to Chino Station via JR Chuo Main Line. Does the Hokuriku Arch Pass cover this line/route?

  8. khoo poh gek says:
    December 14, 2018 at 8:29 am

    may i know does Hokuriku arch pass cover JR shinano from Nagano station to matsumoto station

  9. Harto says:
    November 8, 2018 at 6:40 pm

    Hi Takhesi….

    I will visit Japan in December 2018.

    I will arrive in Narita in the morning. And I want to ask you if I start from Narita and go to Osaka, and stay for 4 nights in Osaka and also go around in Osaka and Kyoto. And after 4 days I will go back to Tokyo for another few days. Do you think Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass is good for me?

    Is the Pass cover most of the Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo city area?

    Thanks

  10. Adel says:
    October 8, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    Need your advice please, whether we need JRpass and which pass is suitable.

    This is our plan:
    29 Jan: Kansai Airport to Osaka (morning)
    30 Jan: Osaka (Universal Studio)
    31 Jan: Osaka to Kyoto
    1 Feb: Kyoto
    2 Feb: Kyoto to Tokyo
    3 Feb: Tokyo
    4 Feb: Mount Fuji (Hakone)
    5 Feb: Disneysea
    6 Feb: Tokyo and to Haneda Airport at night

    Thank you in advance.
    Cheers.

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