Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass
Matthew Baxter
The Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass provides unlimited travel on JR lines in northern Chubu, plus use of the bus network to World Heritage sites in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. It is over a 5 day period and also includes tourist spots such as Takayama, Kaga Onsen and Kanazawa, connecting to Osaka, Kansai Airport and Nagoya in the south.
What does it cost?
5 Day Pass: Adults 13500 yen (about $110/€100), Children 6750 yen (about $55/€50).
When can I use it?
Anytime.
Is it worth it?
The pass includes the use of Shinkansen and Limited express trains, so if you also go to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama then you can really save some money. 5 days is a nice amount of time to do many of the best places in the pass area, so if you have never been here before and want to see everything, it is highly recommended. If you just want to check some cities on the coast then buses and conventional train tickets would be better.
What are the rules?
- For foreign tourists only.
- Cannot be used on the Shinkansen between Osaka and Kyoto.
Where can I buy it?
You cannot purchase in Japan. You must purchase at a travel agent in your home country such as JTB, H.I.S or Nippon Travel Agency.
How do I use it?
On buses, you will sometimes need to reserve with your pass.
For trains, just show station staff as you enter and exit trains or larger stations.
