Headed for Hokuriku? Get One of Three Train Passes
The Hokuriku region is where various tourist destinations and delicious local cuisines can be enjoyed to the max. The Niigata Prefecture (which is noted for hot springs and ski resorts), the Ishikawa Prefecture (well known for Kanazawa City’s samurai and geisha districts and stunning Noto Peninsula), and the Fukui Prefecture (famous for its Echizen Gani or snow crab) are all located in Hokuriku region.
Here are three transportation passes packed with benefits for those who plan to start their trip from Tokyo or Osaka and want to go sightseeing mainly in the Hokuriku region. Travel smart and affordably with these passes.
1) Osaka - Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass
Osaka-Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass is a rail pass that allows travelers to go around the Hokuriku area from Osaka and Tokyo at an affordable price. It can be used from Kansai Airport, Narita Airport, and Haneda Airport, and also includes Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) between Tokyo and Kanazawa, and the Limited Express Thunderbird between Osaka and Kanazawa. It is also possible to use the Narita Express between Narita Airport and Tokyo, as well as the Limited Express Haruka between Kansai Airport and Shin-Osaka, and between Kansai Airport and Kyoto.
Ticket Fare：
● Purchasing from Outside Japan
【Adult】 ¥24,500【Child】 ¥12,220
● Purchasing in Japan
【Adult】 ¥25,500【Child】 ¥12,750
※Child: 6 - 11 years old
Usage Area:
JR EAST Lines
JR WEST Lines*
Tokyo Monorail
IR Ishikawa Railway**
Ainokaze Toyama Railway***
Noto Railway (between Nanao and Wakura Onsen stations)
*You can only use non-reserved seats on the Haruka Limited Express Train to/from Kansai International Airport with this pass.
**The pass may only be used to pass through the section of the IR Ishikawa Railway line between Kanazawa and Tsubata stations (you can use special express trains)
***The pass may only be used to pass through the section of the Ainokaze Toyama Railway line between Takaoka and Toyama stations (an additional charge is applicable if you wish to use the Ainokaze Liner rapid train)
2） Kansai - Hokuriku Area Pass
The Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass is a pass that covers a range of trains and buses in the Hokuriku area, including Shinkansen in the Hokuriku and Kansai areas. The pass is recommended for those who would like to tour the Hokuriku region starting from the Kansai region, and those who would like to tour a wider range of areas in western Japan such as Kansai, Hokuriku, and Okayama. Up to six seat reservations can be made at no additional cost. Sightseeing trains such as the Hanayome Noren that runs from Kanazawa to Wakura Onsen can be used at no additional cost.
Ticket Fare:
●Purchasing from a travel agent overseas
【Adult】¥17,000【Child】¥8,500
●Purchasing from JR WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION
【Adult】¥18,500【Child】¥9,250
●Purchasing from a JR West station (Ticket counter)
【Adult】¥19,000【Child】¥9,500
※Child: 6 - 11 years old
Usage Area:
Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kanazawa - Joetsu Myoko) and limited express trains, rapid and ordinary trains in the Kansai and Hokuriku area
※May not be used on the Tokaido Shinkansen (Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Kyoto)
※May not be used on the IR Ishikawa Railway ・ Ainokaze, Yama Railway
※When utilizing the Himi Line, Jobata Line, or Nanao Line, this pass allows passing through the IR Ishikawa Railway (Kanazawa - Tsuhata) and Ainokaze Toyama Railway without getting off the train between Takaoka - Toyama.
May be used on the limited express trains between Kanazawa and Tsubata on the IR Ishikawa Railway. An additional liner fee applies to utilize the Ainofu Toyama Railway rapid train "Ainokaze Liner”.
3）JR-WEST All Area Pass
Like Japan’s other bullet trains, San-yo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka-Hakata) is a fast and efficient way to travel to tourist sights.
JR West All Area Pass offers seven days of unlimited rides on all JR West lines covering not only the Kansai / Hokuriku area, but also Sanyo / Sanin, and Kyushu / Hakata. Please check the official website for more information.
Ticket Fare:
●Purchasing from a travel agent overseas
【Adult】¥23,000【Child】¥11,500
●Purchasing from JR WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION
【Adult】¥25,000【Child】¥12,500
※Child: 6 - 11 years old
Usage Area:
All JR West lines
※May not be used on the Shinkansen between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka
An App that supports you when you need help
JR West has the travel support app Travel Support by JR WEST for foreign travelers in Japan. The app is not only for those that plan to use one of the three aforementioned passes, but also for customers who use JR West products such as ICOCA and regular tickets as well as other JR WEST RAIL PASS types. Languages available on the app are English, Chinese (traditional / simplified), Korean, and Thai. Introduction of medical institutions if sudden illness strikes, translation of symptoms at hospitals and pharmacies (16 languages including Malay), requests for meal information at restaurants (for halal, allergies, etc.), locations of prayer rooms along JR West stations, and disaster information if disaster strikes etc. are available. The app is loaded with information such as evacuation site locations, JR West information (train schedule search, operation hours), and more.
What exactly are the differences between the 3 passes?
Compare information regarding usage areas, days, prices, and benefits of the three passes. In addition, these passes are for foreign nationals (short-term visitors in Japan for 90 days or less) who have a non-Japanese passport. Show your passport when redeeming or purchasing a pass.
Refer to the following for more information on the facilities mentioned in this article
Hokuriku Shinetsu
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/hokuriku-shinetsu/
Kanto
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kanto/
Kansai
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kansai/
Kyushu
https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kyushu/
Must-go places in winter! A treasury of spectacular views in the Ishikawa・Gifu・Toyama area
https://www.japan.travel/en/my/solo-japan/must-go-places-winter-treasury-spectacular-views-ishikawa-gifu-t/
Pass Information
Osaka・Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass
https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/pass/hokurikuarch.html
Kansai-Hokuriku Area Pass
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/kansai_hokuriku/
JR-WEST All Area Pass Benefits
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/benefits/
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/all/
Travel Support at JR-WEST special website
https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/travel_support/ (English)
Travel Support at JR-WEST main public URL (web app access)
https://www.tsjw.jp/
