Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass
Experience the best of the Takayama and Hokuriku regions seamlessly with one comprehensive travel pass.
If you’re planning to travel between and explore bustling cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya, and cultural gems like Kanazawa and Toyama, then the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass could be ideal for your trip to Japan.
This regional rail pass offers unlimited travel on JR services in this region, with the exceptions of the Tokaido Shinkansen and sleeping car trains.
This includes unlimited travel on the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train, the Osaka Loop Line, and bus lines to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama World Heritage sites.
Below, we outline who is eligible for the pass and how to easily get it online. We also break down all the services it covers, and alternative travel passes that may better suit your travel plans.
How it works
What is included
When is it good for?
The Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass is valid for 5 consecutive days. It's perfect for:
- Traveling around the Hokuriku region, from Kansai Airport to Kanazawa, Shirakawago, Takayama, and Nagoya.
- Extensively exploring cities such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya.
- Those planning short trips to locations such as Gero Onsen and Kaga Onsen.
- Travelers who wish to combine cultural experiences with scenic train journeys.
The price of the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass varies based on the age of the traveler. Those between 6-11 years qualify for the Child Pass, while anyone aged 12 and above needs an Adult Pass.
Two infants, aged between 1-5 years, can travel without any charge under the umbrella of an adult or child's Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. However, a third infant would necessitate its own child's rail pass.
Babies under the age of 1 can journey at no cost. If an infant needs a reserved seat or is traveling solo, they would require their own Takayama-Hokuriku Area Child Rail Pass.
If you’re planning on exclusively traveling on bus services within this area, be aware that the Shoryudo Bus Pass has a comparable coverage area as the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. However, the Kanazawa-Osaka section is not covered.
Eligibility and validity requirements
This pass is exclusively available for foreign tourists with a "Temporary Visitor" visa for Japan. You must have a passport issued outside of Japan to qualify.
You need to present the same passport you used to apply to exchange the pass. Additionally, you should always carry your passport while traveling and present it to JR officials upon request.
The pass has a validity period of 5 consecutive days and permits unlimited use of the aforementioned services in the area indicated on the map above. It is not permitted for one consumer to buy or exchange multiple tickets with the same validity term.
The pass's validity is determined in days, from midnight to midnight, rather than 24-hour increments. No matter when you first used it, the first day is considered to be a complete day.
Additionally, please bear in mind the following:
- You must produce your pass at a gate with a conductor in order to enter or exit the railway station area. It cannot be utilized at an automatic ticket barrier.
- The pass can be returned in Japan at any station that accepts it for exchange. However, there will be a 10% processing fee.
- A stolen, misplaced, or destroyed rail pass cannot be restored or reissued.
- Your pass must be carried at all times and shown to JR staff members upon request.
Exchange Your Pass
After purchasing online, you can collect the physical pass at major stations in the service region.
Find below a complete list of JR Pass exchange offices for the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass:
Why a Regional Pass?
Regional rail passes for Japan offer the following advantages:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Save on travel costs within the specific region.
- Flexibility: Choose from various validity periods.
- Detailed Exploration: Dive deeper into the region's attractions, culture, and history.
For those looking to explore the entirety of Japan, consider the benefits of the Whole Japan Rail Pass.
Whole Japan Rail Pass
Planning to visit more than one region during your stay in Japan? Find out if a JR Pass for the whole country is a better investment.
Unlimited Access: Roam freely across Japan's regions without restrictions.
Covers all of Japan: The JR Pass covers all JR trains. From the north to the south, it’s the ultimate explorer's ticket.
Full Shinkansen Network: Experience Japan's iconic bullet trains across their extensive routes.
Main Airport Transfers: Easily navigate between cities and major airports, ensuring a smooth journey.