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

Kanazawa castleRail pass for visitors
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:

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 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. Dan Weiss says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    Thank you for taking the time with all of these comments and answering questions. I am headed to Japan from December 29th-January 5th. We are landing in Narita and staying in Tokyo until January 1st. Our trip is currently open after that, looking for recommendations on what rail pass to purchase and where to go- we were looking at the Hokuriku Arch Pass and possibly staying in Kanazawa and Kyoto? Thank you for any suggestions!

  2. Puay Hoon says:

    Hi Takeshi-san,

    I have a general itinerary/JR pass enquiry and I was hoping you’d be able to advise. My trip plan (in November) is as follows;-

    Day 1 – 4: Osaka/Kobe/Nara/Kyoto
    Day 5 – 6: Kanazawa area/Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
    Day 7 – 10: Tokyo/Mt Fuji/Hakone/Yokohama

    For days 5 – 6, I’m actually open to any location between Osaka and Tokyo – except Nagoya (or should I visit Nagoya?)
    Does this seem like a feasible itinerary, and if so – should I opt for a

    A)
    Osaka Amazing pass (2 days) + JR pass (7 days) + other single tickets

    B)
    Osaka Amazing pass (2 days) + Kansai Thru pass (3 days) + Tokyo subway pass + and for the rest of the trip, purchase single tickets.

    My concern is that I’m not sure if the savings would be significant, and also I don’t want to limit my trips to only JR services. Do correct me if my understanding of the transport system is wrong though, it is quite complicated!

    Thank you!!

    Regards,
    Puay Hoon

  3. kc says:

    Dear Takeshi
    So sorry I missed out the earlier part of my itinerary – Dec 18 Tokyo Haneda => Sapporo ( will be using the new Hokkaido Pass => Tokyo, then to Osaka from Dec 25. The reason I am back in Narita is where I split with the group who will return to home, and then to Osaka on my own. Thank you.

  4. kc says:

    Dear Takeshi
    I am travelling from Tokyo Narita from December 25=>Osaka (3days) => Kyushu (6days)=>Yamanouchi Nagano (2days)=>Kyoto (4days)=>Tokyo . What passes should I get please? Thank you. Cheers, kc

  5. Ginny says:

    Hi Takeshi,
    I’ll travelling to japan from 22Dec-06jan 2018 and i plan to visit kanazawa , takayama, shiragawa-go, kyoto , osaka during 30dec – 4 jan 2018 .

    30 dec – tokyo – kanazawa
    31 dec – kyoto
    01 jan – nara- osaka
    02 jan – osaka
    03 jan – kanazawa
    04 jan – takayama-shiragawa-go
    ( stay at takayama)
    05 jan – Kanazawa – tokyo .

    my main place that i want to visit are takayama , shiragawago, kanazawa and kyoto. But i am confuse how to arrange my itinerary.
    1) is it any problem with my itinerary ?
    2) the hokuriku arch pass suitable for me ?
    3) takayama and shiragawago will open during the public holiday ?
    4) there still have bus transit between kanazawa to takayama and shiragawago during public holiday ?

    Thank you for your help in advance.

    • Hi Ginny,

      1. 30 Dec is expected to be the busiest day in the year. Train will be very very crowded. If you can leave one or two days earlier, you should do it. You may not be able to book a seat if you travel on 30th.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/2017-busiest-period-to-travel-by-train-tips-to-book-your-seat-in-even-busy-period.html

      Your itinerary is okay but you will get Kyoto directly from Tokyo. Please see next.

      2. I recommend you to use JR pass 7 days. You can get Kyoto from Tokyo directly. Trip time is 2.5 hours faster than Tokyo-Kanazawa-Kyoto route. And also you can go back to Tokyo from Takayama via Toyama or Nagoya. If you use Hokuriku Arch Pass, you need to take a bus to go back to Kanazawa. it costs 3390 yen. Even though Hokuriku arch pass is cheaper than JR pass, this extra cost will be added on Hokuriku arch pass. If you use JR pass, you can take train from Takayama. JR Pass is cheaper in the result.

      3. Yes.

      4. Yes. You have to make reservation in advance. It’s busy season and you cannot get a seat there if you don’t make a booking.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  6. Yatie says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I’m planning to travel 9 days to Japan during winter, jan 2018.

    Start from Osaka – Kyoto – Kanazawa – Shirakawa – Tokyo

    Is it affordable to use Hokuriku Arch Pass??

    Do i need such amazing osaka pass or kyoto pass there.

    I plan to use tokyo subway pass for the balance days that i have in tokyo.

    Is it possible??

    Im really confuse and dont understand which pass is the great choice and im not wasting my money.

    Thank you.

    • Hi Yatie,

      Hokuriku arch pass is a right choice. You can take a local train in Osaka and Kyoto but these are not enough to cover the places in these cities. Please see the link below to find the coverage.
      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

      You also need to add a bus fare for Kanazawa to Shirakawago. This is not covered either.
      https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf

      However Hokuriku arch pass is the best choice for your trip anyway.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Yat says:

        Hi Takeshi,

        This is my itinerary without adding Kanazawa and Shirakawa.

        Day 1 (KUL – KANSAI) 6 JAN 2018
        Depart from KLIA 2 to Osaka at 1415 pm and arrive at Kansai International Airport at 2145 pm
        Stay and overnight at the airport.

        Day 2 (KIX – KYOTO) 7 JAN 2018
        Depart from KIX to Kyoto station early in da morning. After arrive at left our bag in da locker at the station n start our journey.
        1) Arashiyama Bamboo Grove – From Kyoto Stn, Take the JR Sagano/San-in Line to Saga-Arashiyama Station and walk for about 10 minutes.
        2) Tenryuji Temple – near to Arashiyama Bamboo Groove
        3) Kiyomizudera Temple – JR Sagano – Nijo (Tozai Subway) – Higashiyama Stn – Walk
        4) Ninen Zaka Sannen Zaka
        Depart back to Kyoto station n take all the bag n go to Hostel at Osaka by Shinkansen. Take rest.

        Day 3 (OSAKA + KYOTO) 8 JAN 2018
        Early depart to Mount Kongo, for snow. Stay until lunch and depart to Kyoto.
        – Walk from Nagahoribashi stn – Namba Stn (Nankai Railway) – Kawachinagano stn

        1) Fushimi Inari – Fushimi Inari Stn (Keihan Line) from Kyoto Stn.
        – 3-minute walk from JR Inari Station on the JR Nara Line
        – 5-minute walk from Keihan Railway Fushimiinari Station

        Day 4 (OSAKA) 9 JAN 2018
        Day trip to Osaka.
        1) Umeda Sky Building – 10 / 15 minutes from Umeda Station / Osaka Station
        2) Tempozan giant Ferris Wheel – Nagahoribashi stn – Sakaisujihommachi (Osaka Subway Chuo Line) – Osakako Stn
        3) Osaka Castel – Osakako Stn (Osaka Subway Chou) – Morinomiya Stn – walk 1.1 km – Osakajokoen stn
        4) Osaka Museum of House & Living – Osakajokoen Stn (Osaka Loop) – Tennoji Stn (Osaka Subway Tanimachi) – Tenjimbashisujirokuchome (Exit 3)
        5) Dotonbori – Tenjimbashisujirokuchome (Osaka Subway Sakaisuji) – Nippombashi Stn (Exit 2)
        6) Shinsaibashi – suji – walk from Dotonbori – Namba Stn – walk straight to shopping street

        Day 5 (OSAKA – TOKYO) 10 JAN 2018
        Full day at Universal Studio Japan,
        Depart to Osaka Stn for midnight bus to Shinjuku, Tokyo.
        Day 6 (TOKYO) 11 JAN 2018
        Arrive at Shinjuku, Tokyo and left our bag at locker and start our journey at Tokyo.
        1) Shinjuku
        – Explore Shinjuku for breakfast
        2) Harajuku (2-3 hrs)
        – Explore iconic “Takeshita Street” & try Japanese Crepe
        – Explore Daiso – almost 100 ¥
        – Lunch at “Hanada Rosso” (vege rest)
        – Stroll “Meiji Shrine”
        3) Shibuya (2-3 hrs)
        – Shopping at Shibuya area
        – Scramble “SHIBUYA CROSSING” – Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit
        – Dinner at Gyumon / Hanasaka-jisan
        Day 7 (LAKE KAWAGUCHI / MOUNT FUJI) 12 JAN 2018
        Depart early in the morning to take a bus bound for Lake Kawaguchi.

        Day 8 (TOKYO) 13 JAN 2018
        Breakfast n start journey.
        1) ASAKUSA (2-3 hrs)
        – Shop at stalls along Nakimise + “Ningyo-yuki” (tiny baked doll cakes stuffed with red beans)
        – Buy Japanese halal snacks
        – Explore “Sensoji Temple”
        – Lunch at “Naritaya (ramen) / sushi ken / Sekai cafe / Ippin (ramen)
        2) AKIHABARA (1-2 hrs)
        – Electronic Stores
        – Manga Fans
        3) OMOTESANDO
        – Omotesando Hills
        – Visit Flagship Kiddy Land (Japanese Character)
        By train:3-min. walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Meiji-jingumae Station Exit 4

        Day 9 (TOKYO – KUL) 14 JAN 2018
        Checkout and left our bag at station n start last day journey.
        1) GINZA (1-2hrs)
        – Shopping at Uniglo Store
        – Shop along Ginza Road
        – Visit “Ito-ya” famous n larges stationary shop

        2) SHINJUKU
        – Lunch at “Menya Kaijin” seafood based Ramen
        – Shopping 4 last b4 depart
        3) SHIBUYA
        – Last walk around b4 depart to airport.
        – Dinner at Shinjuku Gyoen Ramen Ouka
        Depart to Haneda International Airport from Shinjuku Station to Kuala Lumpur

        This is our place to stay in Osaka and Tokyo:

        1) YOKOHA COZY PLACE NEAR IKEBUKURO
        2) AZIKERO APARTMENT C-705, Osaka

  7. Siska says:

    Hi, can i use this jr hokoriku to travel to disney sea and disney land ? As i aware only few station that covered by this jr. Tks

    • Hi Siska,

      You need to add 140 yen. Maihama is the nearest station to Disneyland but it’s outside coverage area. Kasai Rinkai Koen station is on the way to Maihama and this is border station. Actually Maihama is just one station away from Kasai Rinkai Koen. 140 yen is required for this one station move.

      You can pay this fare when you exit at Maihama. You can show the pass and pay this fare.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  8. Gaston says:

    Hi, i’m planning to go from Tokio to Kyoto and then to Osaka , and finally i will return to tokyo 2 days before head to Narita to take my flight back.
    The itinerary would be
    day 1 tokio to kioto
    day 2 kioto
    day 3 kioto to Osaka and return to Kioto at the end of the day
    Day 4 Kioto
    Day 5 Kioto to Tokio
    Day 6 Tokio
    Day 7 Tokio to Narita

    Can i do that with the 7 day hokuriku pass?
    It allows to do this hop on hop off? 🙂
    Thanks?

  9. Jaclyn Leong says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    I am planning 11 days trip flying in and out Narita. In between will visit Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe. This Hokuriku Arch pass should be most suitable. But does this pass also covers NEX to Tokyo? I plan to start to activate the card on Day 2 from Tokyo and ends on Day 8 midnight so that I can spend just 2 days in Tokyo when I return before flying back home. What is your comment or suggestion to fully utilize the Arch pass? Any change around of dates require?
    My itinerary is:-
    Day 1 – Arrive Narita at 2.30pm
    Day 2 & 3 – Kanazawa
    Day 3 & 4 – Kyoto
    Day 5 – Osaka
    Day 6 – Osaka to Kobe
    Day 7 – Osaka back to Tokyo (late at night)
    Day 8-10 – Tokyo
    Day 11 – Narita airport and flight back

    Thank you,
    Jaclyn

  10. cindy says:

    Hello,

    I am travelling to Japan in upcoming Nov

    Nov 29 arrive at Narita airport 5pm
    Nov30 Toyko,
    Dec1-3 Osaka/Kyoto/Nara
    Dec 4 Leave Osaka to Toyko for flight for 3:15

    Would you recommend JR pass or Hokurkiu Arch Pass. I know you probably would recommend the JR pass because of the time saved. But does the JR pass include the train from Narita airport to Toyko and train within Tokyo and Osaka/Kyoto/Nara like the Arch pass does. Mind you I won’t stay in Toyko for too long, just one day. probably want to visit Tsukiji fish market. and do some nearby shopping. so for Toyko, I just more concern about the transportation between the airport and Toyko. thanks

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