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-San,
I hope you can advise me what is the best route and lowest tranasportation fee for my Nov 2016 japan trip.
My route for my 11day trip as following:
Day 1 : Narita Airport – Shinjuku (1 night)
Day 2 : Shinjuku – Nagoya – Takayama (1 night)
Day 3 : Takayama – Shirawakago (1 night)
Day 4 & 5: Shirawakago – kyoto (2 night)
Day 6: Kyoto – Tokyo (5 night)
Appreciated for your kind assistance and your time.
Regards,
Amy Thean
Hi Amy,
JR Pass 7 days is the best choice for the first 7 days.
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
Even if you use JR Pass, you need to add some fare in Shirakawago.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
You also may need to add some fare in Kyoto on top of JR pass because it does not cover subway and local bus.
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
In Tokyo, you can use JR pass for day 6 and 7 but you can add subway pass after JR pass expired.
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
For back to Narita, budget bus is most affordable.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html#The_Access_Narita
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeashi,
Thanks for your advise before. But now we decide to change plan.
Day 1: Narita Airport – Mt. Fuji
Day 2: Mt Fuji – Nagoya – Takayama
Day 3: Takayama – shirawakago
Day 4 Shirawakago – Shinjuku
Day 5 – 10 at tokyo
Do you think is right route and more save time and transportation fee ?
Thank you in advance for your kind assistant.
Regards,
Amy Thean
Hi Amy,
You can spend more time in Tokyo but cost is not much different. Your choice is still JR pass 7 days for the fist 7 days of your trip. The only difference is extra fare in Kyoto. But it’s about 1000 to 2000 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Can we use Tokyo-Osaka Hokuiriku Arch Pass for subways in kyoto and osaka?
Thanks & Regards,
Shy
Hi Shy,
No, it does not cover any subway lines.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr Takeshi,
Want to check with you, with this pass can we opt for reserve seat on those Shikansen, Limited Express, Rapid Train, Nex .. Etc?
My itinerary is Osaka – Nara – Kyoto – Kanazawa – Tokyo.
Where shall we check the accurate time table for all these train if we can reserve the ticket?
Thanks!
Hi KT,
You may reserve your seat on trains except Haruka between Kansai airport and Tennoji, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto. You can take Haruka but you need to be on non reserved seat car.
You can find the train timetable at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Mr. Takeshi,
Thank you for your reply. I have a few question, hope you can give me a reply on it:
1. All the reserved seat is free of charge? Do we need to paid extra money for the reservation?
2. Have check the timetable at Hyperdia just now. But, from Kanazawa to Tokyo on 20 May 2016, I couldn’t find the Hokuriku Shikansen on the schedule. I only able to see Hakutaka Shikansen. Is both of this Shikansen the same?
3. With this Pass purchase, can I reserve the seat of Hakutaka Shikansen?
Thanks in advance for clearing my doubts! 🙂
Hi KT,
1. Yes. Only Haruka’s reserved seat is not covered.
2. Yes. Kagayaki and Hakutaka are Hokuriku Shinkansen’s train.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-departure-arrival-stations/stations-in-kanto/tokyo/ueno/hokuriku-shinkansen-direct-access-to-kanazawa-nagano-and-toyama-from-tokyo.html
3. Yes. But Kagayaki is faster than Hakutaka. Both are covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
My itinerary for 8 days in Japan is:
Fly in,out Narita.
Tokyo(3 nights) –> Toyama (1 night)–> Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route –> Nagano –> Tokyo (3 nights)
Will make a day trip from tokyo to Mount Fuji for Fuji Shibazakura Festival
Will i save more from buying the 7 days jr pass, this hokuriku arch pass or just single passes?
It seems to me that I will save only a little by buying single passes for my trips considering that i have to make return trips from tokyo and narita.
Please advice the best pass for my itinerary. Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Jan san,
Single fare is slightly cheaper than Tokyo Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass. But in my estimation, the difference is a few hundred yen. When you stay in Tokyo, you may take local train. If you take JR local train, like Yamanote line a few times, the pass is cheaper.
My recommendation is using Hokuriku Arch Pass for the last 7 days. You will stay there for 8 days. So you need single fare or other deal for either arrival or departure day. There are several deals available but mostly it’s valid for incoming only. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
Express bus is the best option to get Fuji Lake Kawaguchi area.
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
You also need to add Tateyama Kurobe option ticket.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good morning Takeshi-San, I hope you can help me decide. My route for my trip is:
Haneda airport -> Nagano (stop for maybe an hour or 2 for sight seeing) -> Kanazawa (stop for maybe an hour or 2 for sight seeing) -> Osaka (to stay 2 nights) -> Kyoto (day trip) -> Osaka -> Kansai airport
Is this pass worth it?
Thank you!
Mike
Hi Mike,
You can use this pass for your trip.
But 1 hour for Nagano is too short. I tried to visit Zenko-ji temple in one hour but I couldn’t make it. 2 hours is minimum.
In Kanazawa, even 2 hours is very tight. If you spend 3 hours, it’s much better.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much for the immediate response!
No problem, Mike.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hello,
i need the help in choosing Hokuriku Arch Pass or 7 days JR pass?
2. Hokuriku Arch Pass can reach to JR Bishoen in osaka?
3.if using Hokuriku Arch Pas, can use what apps to sort out the route we able to use if using that selected pass?
4. or do you have any other suggestions on the pass?
I will traveling in earlier of May
Day 1: arrive at kansai airport
day 2: osaka (1 day osaka amazing pass)
day 3: osaka to tokyo
day 4: tokyo
day 5: tokyo-disneyland
day 6: tokyo-mount fuji
day 7: from mt fuji to kyoto
day 8: osaka-Universal studio
day 9: departure from kansai airport
Hi Judy,
JR pass is your choice. Hokuriku Arch Pass does not cover Mt. Fuji area at all. Even JR pass covers Fuji / Hakone area partially. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/fuji-hakone-access-guide-by-train-and-bus-from-both-tokyo-and-osaka-kyoto-nagoya.html
Anyway you can use 7 days JR pass from day 3 to the end. If you just need to move from KIX to Bishoen station on arrival day, just purchase single ticket to Bishoen by rapid or local train. You can use amazing pass on next day.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
It’s me, Nuj.
I’m planning a trip for November visit. My hotel will be in Kuramae. Followings are the first draft of my itenerary:
Day 1: Haneda – Kuramae by Toei Asakusa line, which I think it’s more convenient and faster than taking the Monorail to Hamamatsucho.
Day 2: Ueno – Unazuki Onsen via Kurobe-Unazukionsen
Day 3: Unazuki Onsen – Kanazawa
Day 4: Kanazawa – Karuizawa – Ueno
Day 5: Tokyo
Total travelling cost for Day2-Day4 is Y34,910 (according to Hyperdia). Is it worth to buy Hokuriku Arch Pass? If not, which pass would you recommend?
Thank you in advance for your kind assistant.
Regards,
Nuj
Hi Nuj,
What’s up?
I have checked your trip plan. You have chosen the right route. Asakusa line connects Keihin Kyuko. Most of trains go through from Haneda to Kuramae without changing trains. This is the best route.
Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass is cheaper than single fare as you calculated. If you want save your cost, you can use Monorail and JR line because those are covered by this pass. But as you know, it’s inconvenient than Keikyu-subway connection.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi san
Thank you for your prompt reply.
I will stick to this plan and arrange necessary reservations accordingly.
FYI, your review on facebook is so much fun. I love it.
Bye for now,
Nuj
No problem, Nuj san.
Enjoy your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for helping last time about using the correct travel pass for my trip. My itenary is:
Osaka 2 nights
Kyoto 2 nights
Kanazawa 3 nights – visit Shirakawago
Toyama 4 nights-visit Alpine route and Kurobe Gorge
Tokyo 5 nights.
Fly out of Haneda Airport
as suggested, Tokyo Osaka Hokuriku Arch Pass is the preferred choice for Kanazawa and Toyama but it is only valid for 7 days. We are there 8 days. What should I do?
Thanks,
Faith
Hi Faith,
Unfortunately single ticket is only choice for you. As you think, Tokyo-Osaka Hokuriku Arch pass is valid for only 7 days. JR pass is available for 14 days but it’s too expensive. Single fare ticket is inconvenient but it’s most affordable choice.
But you may use local deals, such as subway pass in each cities. And Takayama Kurobe option ticket is available for the trip to alpine route.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your reply. It is such a relief to have help with this. I will be buying single tickets for Kanazawa and Toyama,, as suggested by yourself since we are there for 8 days.
For train tickets and Alpine route tickets, do I need to pre book then online or it is okay to buy the tickets on the day itself. I actually prefer to organise all the tickets early since we are travelling with children and it is best to be prepared earlier.
We are planning to visit Alpine route on May 17th and I have read that it can be very busy during that time of the year.
Thanks,
Faith
Hi Faith san,
You cannot purchase both train ticket and alpine route ticket online. You have to purchase it on the spot. If you arrive in Kansai airport, you may pick one of the deals to get Osaka from KIX.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
You can purchase long distance ticket, such as Kyoto to Kanazawa at major JR station in Osaka. You can purchase Tateyama Kurobe option ticket at JR Osaka station or JR Kyoto station. Please make sure the location to purchase Tateyama Kurobe option ticket at the link below again.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
May 17th is busy but not the busiest actually.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san ,
The following are my Japan trip itinerary ( 9days )
Day 1 – Narita Airport > Osaka ( Stay first night )
Day 2 – Osaka
Day 3 – Osaka > Kyoto ( 1 day trip only but night will be back to Osaka )
Day 4 – Osaka > Tokyo
Day 5 to Day 9 – Tokyo
I’m still confuse to purchase this new Hokuriku Arch Pass ( 24000Yen ) or purchase JR 7days pass ( 29110Yen ) to travel around with minimum cost ?
As I compared both Hokuriku Arch Pass and JR 7 days pass travel by different railway route from Tokyo to Osaka ?
Hope to hear from you soon , kindly need your advise and assistance for my upcoming July 9days trip .
Thanks and Best Regards ,
Jason Tan
Hi Jason,
Hokuriku Arch Pass is cheaper bus you have to take the route via Kanazawa. You have to take two trains between Tokyo and Osaka if you use this pass, those are Hokuriku Shinkansen and Limited Express Thunderbird.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/takayama-kanazawa-and-shirakawago/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
Trip time to take this route is around 5 hours.
If you use JR pass, you can take Shinkansen to get Osaka directly. Trip time is 2.5 hours.
So Hokuriku Arch pass is cheaper but you will spend 5 extra hours to move between Tokyo and Osaka. You have to choose either cost or time.
If you go for Hokuriku Arch pass, I recommend you to drop by Kanazawa. It’s very lovely city and worth visiting.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2167.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Please help me too. I’m flying into Narita mid April 2016 and this is my (ideal) itinerary:
1: Narita – Terminal 2 -> Shinjuku (Shinjuku overnight)
2: Tokyo (Shinjuku overnight)
3: Shinjuku JR pass to Kawaguchiko station for Shibazakura festival (Shinkuku overnight)
4: Shinjuku -> Hirosaki castle (Hirosaki overnight)
5: Hirosaki -> Kanazawa for Toyama Tulip festival (Kanazawa overnight)
6: Kanazawa Alpine Route (Kanazawa overnight)
7: Kanazawa -> Kyoto (Kyoto overnight)
8: Kyoto (Kyoto overnight)
9: Kyoto -> Osaka (Osaka overnight)
10: Osaka (Osaka overnight)
11: Osaka Himeji Castle (Osaka overnight)
12: Osaka -> Hiroshima & Miyajima island (Hiroshima overnight)
12: Hiroshima -> Fukuoka Wisetria gardens (Hakata overnight)
13: Fukuoka (Hakata overnight)
14: Fukuoka -> Fukuoka airport
What do you think would be the best combination of rail passes for this itinerary. Any other recommendations/ideas would be greatly appreciated too.
Thank you so much for your time!
Mimi
Hi Mimi san,
You may use JR Pass 14 days.
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
And also you need to add Tateyama Kurobe option ticket.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
You may go through all part of alpine route to Nagano. You can take Hokuriku Shikansen to get Kanazawa from Nagano by JR Pass.
Your trip will be very busy but it’s feasible. But on day 5, it will take 5.5 – 6 hours to get Kanazawa from Hirosaki. You will spend 1 hour to get Toyama from Kanazawa. So you have to leave early in Hirosaki.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi san for your quick and helpful response.
We might be too tired so we won’t do the alpine route anymore. We’ll catch the Kurobe Gorge Railway from kurobe-unazukionsen station instead. Looking forward to beautiful views while relaxing in a hot spring.
For the Hirosaki visit, is it true that we need to make a reservation for the shinkansen from Tokyo to Hirosaki? It might be too late if we book on our first day in Tokyo. My sister is there on holiday. Could I give my sister my JR pass information to book for me?
Hi Mimi san,
You need to book to take Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori. Train has only reserved seat and you cannot take Shinkansen without booking.
Nobody can book a ticket for JR pass user. You can book it after you exchange the pass. But you may book it online by yourself.
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.213635028.1325107855.1421419524
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com