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,
I already purchase Hokuriku Arch Pass?
1. May I know is this pass cover the station between Kyoto and Kanazawa such as Shiga station and Hira station?
2. Does it cover Kitesenju & Senjuohashi station in Tokyo?
Thank you
Hi Nurul,
1. Yes.
2. Kitasenju is in coverage area. Senju-Ohashi station is not JR station and not covered. This pass covers JR trains only. Non JR train, such as Keisei, and subway are not covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi there,
For Hokuriku Arc Pass, It didnt cover osaka subway (Universal city station , umeda station and etc)and tokyo subway (shibuya station, Akihabara station, shinkuju station and etc) ?
Hi Nurul,
That’s right. This pass covers only JR trains and does not cover any subways.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-Shan, we are travelling to Japan in November. We arrive at Narita airport and will be staying 3 nights in Ikebukoro, then travelling to Kyoto for 2 nights and then travelling back to Ikebukoro for the remainder of our holiday, then depart Narita for Australia. Would you be able to recommend the best way for us to travel, time efficient and economical. Thanking you in advance..Debra
Hi Debra,
JR Pass 7 days is the best choice.
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
It’s more expensive than Hokuriku Arch Pass. But you can take Shinkansen that connects Tokyo and Kyoto directly in 2.5 hours. If you use Hokuriku Arch Pass, you have to change the trains at Kanazawa and trip time is at least 4.5 hours.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi for your detailed report, I was planning to get this pass but now I have some questions and hoping that you could help out:
My plan is to stay in Tokyo for a day then travel to Osaka for 2 days then from there to Kobe – Arima and from Kobe to Kyoto and back to Tokyo and maybe to go to Mt Fuji; I am flying in and out from Narita Airport
Since this pass does not offer express train between Tokyo and Osaka, does not include Tokyo subway and Mt Fuji, I am wondering if I should still get this pass. A few questions – a) how long does it take for the train to travel from Tokyo to Osaka on the train that can use this pass b) is there a day/ week pass for Tokyo subway c) how to get to Mt Fuji and what is the train type and fare? d) is there a day/ week pass for Osaka subway d) is it necessary to reserve a seat for long haul travel? e) which is the best site to check train times and reserve seat?
Thank you a lot in advance, you help is much appreciated.
Hi Polly,
a) You have to take two trains, Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tokyo-Kanazawa) and Limited Express Thunderbird (Kanazawa-Osaka). It takes at least 5 hours. If you pay a few thousand yen more to buy JR Pass 7 days, it covers direct Shinkansen between Tokyo and Osaka. And it takes less than 3 hours.
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
b) Please see the link below:
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
c) 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
d) Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html#Osaka_area
e) There is no way to book online basically. But you can find the timetable at Hyperida:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-San,
Could you please tell me how do I go to Gujohachimon by using the All JR pass and the other transportation ?Is it on the way to Shirakawa from Takayama? Can I visit both in one day?
Cheese.
Hi Joe san,
You need to change Nagaragawa railway at Mino-Ota. Mino-Ota is located between Takayama and Nagoya. It’s not on the way to Shirakawago.
You can get Mino-Ota by JR pass but JR pass does not cover Nagaragawa railway. Single fare to Gujo-Hachiman from Mino-Ota is about 1400 yen and takes 1 hr 15 mins.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
thanks Takedhi-san
No problem, Joe san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Good Day! I will be travelling to Japan with my girlfriend in October.
– We will be in Tokyo for 5 days
– Then travel to kawaguchiko and stay for 1 night.
– The next morning we will travel to Kyoto and do some sightseeing and stay the night in Kyoto.
– The next day we will be travelling to Osaka to visit Universal studios.
– The following day, we will be departing from Kansai airport.
Could you kindly advise me on the following:
1) Which train/bus pass would be best to buy and its fare?
2) Fastest route to travel from Tokyo (Shibuya) to Kawaguchiko station including the timings and fare?
3) Fastest route to travel from Kawaguchiko to Kyoto station including the timings and fare?
4) Fastest route to travel from Kyoto station to Kansai airport including timings and fare?
5) Is there a train route that takes you around kawaguchiko just for sightseeing? What is the cost for this and approximately how long would it take?
Thank you with regards,
Vikram
Hi Vikram,
Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/sample-itinerary-of-tokyo-hakone-kyoto-and-osaka-classic-route-in-7-days.html
This sample itinerary includes Hakone and not Kawaguchiko. But basic idea is same. You need to use local deal at both end, Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto. And you need to use single fare trip from Mishima to Kyoto.
Now let’s see the route to get Kawaguchiko. 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
You can take express bus from Shinjuku. Shinjuku is a few stations away from Shibuya by local train. You also can take another express bus from Kawaguchiko to Mishima. After arriving Mishima, you can take Shinkansen to get Kyoto. You can find the link of these express bus timetable and fare in the link above. About train schedule and fare, please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
You can take Haruka from Kyoto to KIX. The discount fare is available.
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
About Kawaguchiko, there are many spots and hard to explain. Please see the links below to find more info:
http://mtfuji-jp.com/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6900.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
My family is visiting Japan this summer. We will be arriving and departing at Narita airport. Our total travel in Japan is 9 days.
We will be staying in Tokyo for 3 nights, then to Nagano and Kanazawa, and end up in Yokohama. Since the Hokuriku pass is only good for 7 days, would you recommend buying N’EX Tokyo tickets or the Skyliner tickets for our trips to and from the airport? Thank you very much for your time.
Peishan
Hi Peishan san,
How many days do you spend for Kanazawa and Nagano? If you stay there one night each, you may use Hokuriku Arch Pass for the first 7 days. Or you may use the pass for the last 7 days in your trip even though this pass does not cover Yokohama. Because you can use subway pass or subway+airport access deal. Anyway you need to add airport access deal at least for one way. You can get some more info at the links below:
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/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Thank you very much for your prompt response. I will look into the airport access deal on the links you provide. In terms of the rail pass, does the Hokuriku Arch pass cover the same area in Tokyo as the Japan Rail Pass? Thanks again.
Hi Peishan san,
JR Pass covers whole part of Tokyo. But Hokuriku Arch Pass covers JR Lines in Tokyo 23 wards only. As long as you travel in downtown Tokyo, it’s okay. But if you travel outside downtown. Hokuriku arch pass may not cover.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Great site and post. Thank you for all your help in advance. I will be traveling to Japan with my husband this summer and want to get your advice on what the best rail pass to get with our itinerary.
Debating between JRail pass and the new Hokuriku Arch pass to buy for our trip. We will be originating our trip from Tokyo. The following is our day to day schedule;
1. Tokyo to Yudanaka (Nagano)
2. Yudanaka to Kyoto.
3. Kyoto to Osaka.
4. Osaka to Tokyo (Haneda Int’l Airport)
Will we be able to take the Shinkansen train from Osaka direct to Haneda airport on the Hokuriku Pass? or do we have to through the route of the train through Kanazawa? Do you have an idea how long the train ride will be? What time should we start going back from Osaka or Kyoto if my flight from Haneda Int’l airport is at 1 AM ?
Sorry for the questions and thank you for all your trouble in giving me some good suggestions for this trip.
Cheers,
Maryceline
Hi Maryceline,
You cannot take Shinkansen from Osaka to Tokyo directly by Hokuriku arch pass. That is a reason why it’s cheaper than JR Pass. You have to take a route via Kanazawa by Hokuriku arch pass.
If you use JR pass, it take 3.5 hours to get Haneda from Osaka or Kyoto. If you use Hokuriku arch pass, it takes about 5.5 to 6 hours and it’s not direct train. If you want to maximize your stay in Kyoto or Osaka, go for JR pass. You may get 2-3 hours extra by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I am planning to go on a 10-day trip during the end of November, and will be arriving to Japan at HND and will be departing Japan at KIX.
Trip itinerary are as follows:
3 days in Tokyo (staying in Ikebukuro)
1 day in Yokohama
Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka
2 days in Osaka
1 day each for Kobe, Kyoto, and Nara
I’m still not sure if the Japan Rail Pass or the Hokuriku Pass will be better, or if I just buy different passes (like Tokyo Tour Ticket, Yokohama-Minatomirai, a shinkansen ticket, Kansai Pass Thru and Osaka Amazing Pass) altogether.
What would you suggest? Highly appreciate your answer.
Hi Marie san,
I usually recommend single ticket and local deals combo for Tokyo-Osaka one way trip. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-tokyo-kyoto-and-osaka-in-7-days.html
Actually both JR Pass and Hokuriku Pass are too expensive.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-San,
May you kindly advise me what is the best route and lowest tranasportation fee for my upcoming trip next week to Japan.
Day 1 – Kaisan airport to shin-Osaka
Day 2 – stay in Osaka
Day 3 – Osaka to Kyoto
Day 4 – Kyoto to Tokyo
Day 5 – stay in Tokyo
Day 6 – Tokyo to Narita
One point to note is that I will be travelling with some friends who have been travelling all over Japan before I join them hence they will have a JR pass (the one that can be used all over Japan) on hand. Therefore, I would be taking the same train as my friends. Not sure if this makes a difference.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Best regards,
Winnie
Hi Winnie san,
Please see the link below. It shows you my sample itinerary. It’s same as your plan.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/7days/basic-itinerary-of-osaka-kyoto-and-tokyo-in-7-days.html
JR Pass is too expensive for your trip as I explained in the link above. But you can take same train as your friend. When you book a ticket, please do it with your friend and all of you take same train and have a seat side by side.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I just wanted to thank you for your prompt response. You are very helpful; I basically took your advice. I am now finishing up my trip in HK.
Thanks again!!
Winnie
No problem, Winnie.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com