Want to travel between Japan’s two major hubs, Tokyo and Osaka, without rushing through the highlights? Designed exclusively for international visitors, the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass offers a smart alternative. With the Hokuriku Shinkansen extended to Tsuruga in 2024 and further digital upgrades to travel services in 2026, how you use this pass has evolved.

One of its biggest advantages is that it avoids the crowded and costly Tokaido Shinkansen, instead guiding you along the scenic Hokuriku route filled with nostalgic townscapes and dramatic natural views. From Kanazawa’s refined historic charm and Toyama’s mountain panoramas to Fukui’s dinosaur discoveries, this 7-day pass lets you move gracefully through the heart of Japan. Here’s a detailed look at the latest fares, transfer tips, and how to get the most value from your pass.

Before mapping out your itinerary, it’s important to understand the latest pricing and purchase rules for this pass. Created exclusively for international travelers, the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is valid for 7 consecutive days, making it ideal for a one-week journey across eastern and western Japan. Pricing differs depending on where you buy it. When purchased in advance overseas through designated travel agencies, booking platforms, or JR’s official reservation site, the cost is 30,000 yen for adults and 15,000 yen for children ages 6 to 11.

If you wait until arriving in Japan and purchase at a JR ticket counter, the price increases to 31,000 yen for adults and 15,500 yen for children. While the 1,000 yen difference may seem minor, buying on site often means longer lines at airports and major stations. Booking online before departure not only saves money but also reduces waiting time.

The process is simple. After completing your online purchase, you’ll receive a QR code voucher. Once in Japan, present your passport and voucher at designated JR East or JR West ticket machines or ticket offices to exchange it for the physical pass. Many machines support multiple languages and passport scanning, making the redemption process smooth and efficient.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass covers an impressively wide area. In addition to JR local trains throughout central Tokyo and the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara, its true highlight is unlimited rides on the Hokuriku Shinkansen and key limited express trains linking Hokuriku with Kansai. For travelers looking to cross Japan from east to west, this route offers a balanced mix of urban energy and nostalgic townscapes framed by nature.

Route Map
Narita / Haneda Airport → Tokyo / Ueno → (Hokuriku Shinkansen) → Nagano → Toyama → Kanazawa → Tsuruga → (Limited Express Thunderbird) → Kyoto → Osaka → Kansai Airport

Beyond the main backbone route, the pass also includes many convenient regional lines. In the Kanto area, you can use the Narita Express N’EX to and from Narita Airport and the Tokyo Monorail to and from Haneda Airport. In Kansai, JR lines to Universal Studios Japan, the Yamatoji Line to Nara, and the Kobe Line are all covered. Select third-sector railways in Hokuriku are also included on specific sections, giving you greater flexibility when planning side trips.

One important point: the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka is not covered. To follow the Arch route, be sure to board the Hokuriku Shinkansen departing from Tokyo Station.

With this pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides on the following railways and designated sections:

Hokuriku Shinkansen:
Between Tokyo Station and Tsuruga Station, including Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama, and Tsurugi services.

JR Limited Express & Local Lines:
Limited Express Thunderbird between Tsuruga and the Kansai region, as well as other JR lines in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe.

JR Lines within Tokyo:
All JR lines within central Tokyo, including the Yamanote Line and Chuo Line.

Airport Access:
・Narita Express N’EX between Narita Airport and central Tokyo.
・Tokyo Monorail between Haneda Airport and central Tokyo.
・Limited Express Haruka between Kansai Airport and Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, including ordinary reserved seats.

Hokuriku Third-Sector Railways:
・IR Ishikawa Railway: Kanazawa to Tsubata.
・Ainokaze Toyama Railway: Takaoka to Toyama (AINOKAZE LINER requires an additional fee).
・Noto Railway: Nanao to Wakura Onsen.
・HAPI-LINE FUKUI: Fukui to Echizen-Hanando.

Please note that the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is not included. Travel between eastern and western Japan must be via the Hokuriku route.

If you are planning to travel from Tokyo to Osaka or Kyoto, the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is ideal for those who value depth over speed. Rather than taking the fastest route, this pass is designed for repeat visitors who want to add new discoveries to a classic itinerary. Traveling along the Sea of Japan side, you can connect Tokyo and Kansai while exploring distinctive regional cities along the way.

Hokuriku is especially appealing in winter. Known as one of Japan’s premier snow regions, it offers excellent powder conditions and easy access to ski resorts. The pass also provides convenient connections toward Nagano’s internationally known resorts, including areas around Hakuba, making it simple to combine historic towns with winter sports.

It is also highly practical for airport transfers and travelers with large luggage. Because it covers JR access to Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and Kansai Airport, it is a cost-effective option for open-jaw itineraries, such as flying into Narita and departing from Kansai.

If you’re relying on an older guidebook, you might expect to take the Limited Express Thunderbird directly from Kanazawa to Kyoto or Osaka. However, since the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Tsuruga Station in March 2024, the travel flow has changed significantly. Shinkansen trains from Tokyo now run as far as Tsuruga, while Limited Express services from Kansai also terminate there, making Tsuruga the new connection point.

Tsuruga Station is now the key hub of this Arch route. After arriving on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you’ll make a vertical transfer within the station:

Shinkansen platforms: 3rd floor
Limited Express platforms (Thunderbird): 1st floor

Although this involves changing floors, Tsuruga Station was designed specifically for smooth transfers. Escalators and elevators are conveniently placed, and transfer gates are located directly along the route. Connections typically allow 10 to 15 minutes, which is more than sufficient even for families traveling with large luggage. Simply follow the signs downstairs to continue your journey toward Kansai.

When booking reserved seats at a ticket machine, it’s best to select both the Shinkansen and Limited Express segments at the same time. Your ticket or QR code will then cover both portions of the trip, allowing you to pass through the transfer gate at Tsuruga with a single scan. It saves time and ensures comfortable seating for the entire long-distance journey.

In the past, collecting your pass and reserving seats often meant waiting in long lines at the Midori no Madoguchi ticket counters. Today, you can simply use a green ticket machine equipped with a passport reader and complete everything in minutes.

1. Select your language: Tap “English” or another preferred language in the top corner of the screen.

2. Collect your pass: Choose “Receive reserved ticket,” then select “EXCHANGE ORDER (E-TICKET).” Scan your QR code and place your IC-chip passport on the reader.

3. Reserve a seat: After receiving your physical pass, return to the main menu and select “Reserved Seat,” then choose the option for pass holders.

4. Scan and search: Insert or scan your pass, enter your passport number, and search for your desired train, such as Tokyo to Kanazawa or Tsuruga to Osaka.

5. Choose your seat: Select your preferred seat from the on-screen seat map. Once confirmed, the machine will issue your reserved seat ticket.

Reserve multiple segments at once:
When traveling from Tokyo to Kansai, the system will usually suggest both the Shinkansen and Limited Express segments via Tsuruga. You can reserve both at the same time and receive two seat tickets in one process.

Unlimited free reservations:
One major advantage of this pass is unlimited reserved seat bookings within the covered area. During peak seasons such as cherry blossom or autumn foliage, it’s wise to reserve popular time slots at least a day in advance.

Entering the gates:
When passing through ticket gates, always insert your rail pass. The reserved seat ticket only confirms your seat assignment, while the pass itself is your official travel document.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass can significantly reduce transportation costs, provided you make full use of it across multiple cities. In fact, the price of the pass is roughly equivalent to a round-trip Shinkansen ticket between Tokyo and Kanazawa. That means if your itinerary includes Tokyo and Kanazawa, most onward travel toward Kansai is effectively added value.

Beyond cost savings, the pass also saves time. With unlimited travel covered, you won’t need to purchase individual tickets at each station, allowing you to spend more of your trip enjoying scenery and regional cuisine instead of waiting in line.

This pass is not all-inclusive, and understanding its limits helps avoid unnecessary expenses. It does not cover the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, which is the fastest direct route. Within Kansai, you must use JR conventional lines such as the JR Kyoto Line or JR Kobe Line rather than the Shinkansen.

Most importantly, if your goal is simply to travel quickly between Tokyo and Kansai without stopping, this pass may not be the most economical choice. To truly maximize its value, plan to visit at least two or three destinations in the Hokuriku region along the way.

Because the pass is valid for 7 consecutive days, trying to cover Tokyo, Hokuriku, and Kansai all at once can feel rushed. The Arch route spans a wide area, so it’s best to prioritize the destinations that interest you most.

Keep in mind that some popular side trips fall outside the pass coverage. From Nagano, travel to Matsumoto, Nozawa Onsen, or the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park requires additional fares. Likewise, destinations such as Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route involve buses or private railways not included in the pass. Even so, the Arch Pass still helps offset expensive long-distance travel between major cities, leaving more room in your budget for regional excursions.

This pass is more than just a transportation ticket. It’s a gateway to experiencing Japan’s many distinct faces. Here are some classic and trending highlights you can easily explore along the route.

Tokyo Station (Marunouchi): More than a transit hub, this red-brick landmark blends historic architecture with modern shopping and dining at Tokyo Station Ichibangai below ground.

Asakusa Kaminarimon: One of the best places to experience old Edo atmosphere. After visiting Senso-ji Temple, take a stroll along the Sumida River promenade toward Tokyo Skytree.

Shinjuku Gyoen: A peaceful escape in the heart of the city, this spacious garden combines Japanese and French landscaping styles. It’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and foliage season in autumn.

Karuizawa (Nagano): Just about one hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen, this stylish mountain resort is known for cool summer weather and relaxed shopping. Browse at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, rent a bicycle around Kumoba Pond, or visit the forest chapel for a refined getaway atmosphere.

Zenko-ji Temple (Nagano): A revered temple with over 1,000 years of history. The nostalgic shopping street leading up to the main hall is perfect for a slow stroll and local snacks.

Echigo-Yuzawa Onsen (Niigata): A popular winter ski destination, and home to a sake tasting museum inside the station where you can sample more than 100 regional varieties.

Toyama Kansui Park: Home to what is often called one of the world’s most beautiful Starbucks, this waterfront park is the perfect place to relax by the canal and take in Hokuriku’s serene atmosphere.

Kenrokuen Garden (Kanazawa): Recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, this masterpiece of landscape design is worth visiting in any season, from cherry blossoms to snow-covered pines.

Higashi Chaya District (Kanazawa): Stroll through preserved wooden teahouse streets and experience a refined old-town ambiance beyond Kyoto. Don’t miss trying gold leaf soft-serve ice cream.

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa: Famous for its immersive installations such as the “Swimming Pool,” this museum is a must for modern art fans and photography lovers.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum: One of the world’s leading dinosaur research museums, known for its striking dome-shaped exterior and impressive fossil displays. It’s just as fascinating for adults as it is for children.

Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins: A remarkably preserved Sengoku-period castle town site where you can step back in time and imagine life in Japan 500 years ago.

Kiyomizu-dera (Kyoto): Standing on the famous wooden stage and overlooking the city is one of the most iconic views in Japan.

Umeda Sky Building (Osaka): After taking in panoramic night views from the Floating Garden Observatory, you can easily continue by JR to Namba or even Kobe using your pass.

Nara Park: Travel by JR to Nara to meet the city’s friendly deer and visit the awe-inspiring Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple.

Eligibility
Available only to overseas visitors entering Japan under “Temporary Visitor” status for tourism purposes. You must present your original passport with the appropriate entry stamp at the time of exchange. Residents of Japan with long-term visas are not eligible.

Validity Period
The pass is available year-round. It is valid for 7 consecutive days starting from the activation date and cannot be used on non-consecutive days.

How to Redeem
1. Online booking: After purchase, you will receive an exchange order by email in the form of an e-ticket or QR code.
2. Physical exchange: Upon arrival in Japan, present your exchange order and passport to receive the physical pass.
3. Exchange locations: Major JR stations such as Tokyo, Ueno, Shinjuku, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka, and airports including Kansai, Narita, and Haneda. You can use either JR ticket offices (Midori no Madoguchi) or ticket machines equipped with passport readers.

How to Use
・Entering and exiting stations: Insert the physical pass into the automatic ticket gate after collection.
・Proof of travel: Always carry your rail pass when onboard or passing through gates. Reserved seat tickets are for seat assignment only and are not valid as standalone travel documents.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is designed for travelers who want more than a quick dash between Tokyo and Kansai. If you’re looking to weave nature, history, and regional culture into your journey between Japan’s two major hubs, the flexibility and value this pass offers can make your trip far more rewarding.

While it comes with a 7-day limit and specific route rules, thoughtful planning of your stopovers can turn this Golden Arch route into one of the most memorable highlights of your time in Japan.