The majority of visitors to Japan who travel between Tokyo and the Kansai region do so on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

However, with the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass, you can travel between Tokyo and Kansai through Hokuriku, an area that lies along the northeast coast of Japan’s main island of Honshu, facing the Sea of Japan.

Hokuriku consists of four prefectures—Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui—all of which are famous for their gorgeous natural scenery, unique culture, and incredible food.

With the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass, visitors can take unlimited journeys on specific JR trains from Tokyo through Hokuriku to popular destinations in the Kansai region, such as Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe.

There is much to discover in the Hokuriku region, from ski resorts thick with snow each winter to fascinating cities such as Kanazawa and Fukui.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is a 7-Day travel pass that allows unlimited travel on specific trains operated by Japan Railways (JR) that run between Tokyo and Kansai via the Hokuriku region of Japan.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass can be used on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which runs from Tokyo Station to Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture.

The pass can then be used on Limited Express trains and all local train lines operated by JR between Tsuruga and many of the most popular destinations in Japan’s Kansai region, including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe.

The pass can also be used on all JR lines within the Tokyo Metropolitan District, such as the Yamanote Line.

You can also use the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass on JR lines to Narita International Airport as well as on the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda International Airport.

As well as the Hokuriku Shinkansen and local JR lines, the pass can also be used on a handful of regional train lines operated by other train companies.

These are the Ainokaze Toyama Railway, the Hapi-Line Fukui, the IR Ishikawa Railway, and the Noto Railway, all of which are located within the Hokuriku region.

A major benefit of the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is that it can also be used to travel to destinations on the Hokuriku Shinkansen route that sit in between Tokyo and Hokuriku.

For example, you could use the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass to travel to any of the destinations served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen in Saitama, Gunma, and Nagano prefectures.

However, the Hokuriku Shinkansen is the only bullet train service that can be used with the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.

This means that it is not possible to travel between Kyoto, Osaka or Kobe on the Tokaido Shinkansen.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass costs 30,000 yen for adults and 15,000 yen for children. Adults are classified as anyone aged 12 and over, while children are deemed to be those between 6-11 years old. Up to two children aged between 1 and 5 years old can travel for free when accompanied by an adult. Children under 1 year old also travel for free.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is most suited to those looking to get off the beaten path and explore another side of Japan in between spending time in Tokyo and Kyoto.

If you’re making your second or third visit to Japan and want to visit somewhere new in between visiting Tokyo and Kansai, the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass would be the perfect travel pass.

With this pass you could visit new destinations along the Sea of Japan whilst also taking in major cities such as Kyoto or Osaka in Kansai.

If you’re traveling to Japan in winter and want to hit the ski slopes, then the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass would also be a great option.

Hokuriku is part of what is known as Japan’s snow country, and you could use the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass to travel to the area’s many ski resorts, or even to famous resort areas like Hakuba in nearby Nagano Prefecture.

As you can also use the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass to get to Narita International Airport, Haneda International Airport, and Kansai International Airport, the pass is also convenient for arriving in and departing from Japan.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass can be bought online before arriving in Japan from travel agents such as Klook.

With the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass, you can visit many wonderful parts of the country that are often overlooked by many tourists in Japan.

Traveling via Hokuriku and the Sea of Japan between Tokyo and Kansai not only lets you explore some of the most scenic areas of the country, you can also discover cities that are rich in history and culture, such as Kanazawa, Fukui and Tsuruga.

You can also see some of Japan’s most spectacular scenery, traveling through the mountains of the Japanese Alps as well as the region’s mesmerizing countryside.

If you’re traveling to Japan in the winter and would like to spend a few days on the slopes, then the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass will certainly be an option worth exploring.

Each winter, much of Hokuriku and the surrounding area is covered in snow, and there are plenty of ski resorts that can be reached from destinations served by the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. This is particularly true of Nagano Prefecture - in 1998, the city of Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics.

While it wouldn’t be cost-effective to buy the pass just to visit a ski resort or two, you could easily fit in a couple of days or so on the ski slopes as part of a longer trip between Tokyo and Kansai with the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is a great way to save money on train travel, providing that you use it to visit multiple destinations along the route that it is intended for.

On its own, the pass costs around the same price as a return journey by Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa. Therefore, the more stops you add to your itinerary within the area covered by the Hokuriku Pass, the more money you will save.

Only needing a single ticket to access so many train lines over such a wide area means that by buying the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass, you won’t need to spend time in long queues buying several tickets for multiple journeys. This will save you huge amounts of time, which can be better spent traveling and enjoying your holiday instead.

The capital of Japan is one of the world’s most popular travel destinations and has something for everyone.

From historic sites of worship, such as Sensoji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine, to modern attractions like teamLab Borderless and the Tokyo Disney Resort.

In Tokyo, you can take in spellbinding city views from world-famous observation decks, admire beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, or shop till you drop in the bustling entertainment districts of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza.

Karuizawa is a picturesque resort town located just inside Nagano Prefecture that is less than an hour from Tokyo by Shinkansen.

Karuizawa is a popular destination in the summer, as its relatively high altitude means that it is less hot and humid than urban areas.

In winter, the hills and mountains surrounding Karuizawa are thick with snow, making this a good place for skiing and snowboarding.

Near Karuizawa is Shiraito Falls, a stunning 70-meter-wide waterfall within a dense forest, and Onioshidashi Park, a unique landscape caused by a volcanic eruption on Mount Asama.

Surrounded by mountains and forests, the city of Nagano developed as a temple town when Zenkoji Temple was established here in the 7th century.

Still considered to be one of the most sacred temples in Japan, the sprawling Zenkoji Temple complex features historically significant buildings and artifacts, including the oldest Buddha statue in Japan.

The Togakure Ninpo Museum documents the history and techniques used by local ninja warriors in Japan’s feudal era, while on the outskirts of the city is Togakushi Shrine, a series of three shrines located inside a mountain forest connected by a hiking trail.

The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa was the seat of a powerful samurai clan in Japan’s Edo Period.

During that time, Kanazawa flourished as a cultural center, the fruits of which can still be enjoyed today.

Amongst the city’s many highlights are the beautiful Kenrokuen Gardens, considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan, and the restored Kanazawa Castle.

The atmospheric streets of Higashi Chaya and Nishi Chaya are still lined with traditional tea houses where tea ceremonies are performed by geisha.

Kanazawa’s 21st Century Museum is one of the best modern art museums in Japan, and you can tuck into a wonderful range of locally caught seafood at Omicho Market.

In 2024 the Hokuriku Shinkansen line was extended and there is now a direct bullet train service between Tokyo and Fukui.

Fukui and the surrounding area is famous for the large number of dinosaur fossils that have been discovered here.

Today, giant animatronic dinosaurs greet visitors outside Fukui Station, and there is a huge collection of ancient fossils, bones and other artifacts on display at the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.

Near Fukui is the Daihonzan Eiheiji, a grand temple complex founded in the 13th century that is nestled amongst a gorgeous forest.

Also nearby is the picturesque Maruoka Castle, one of only 12 original castles in Japan that was built in the 17th century.

Tsuruga is a port city located in Fukui Prefecture, about an hour north of Kyoto by Limited Express train.

The city has a rich and fascinating history. The Kehi Jingu Shrine was established in the 8th century and features one of the tallest wooden torii gates in Japan.

The Port of Humanity Tsuruga Museum tells the incredible story of the city’s role in helping thousands of Jews escape persecution during the Second World War, while inside the Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse is a wonderful diorama that depicts the city as it looked in the early 20th century.

The capital of Japan for over 1000 years, Kyoto is rich in culture and heritage.

Many of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan can be found in Kyoto, from the torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, the elevated city views from Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the dazzling Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji Temple.

You can also visit the former homes of one of Japan’s most important samurai at Nijo Castle and the Imperial Family at Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Whilst in Kyoto you can wander the historic neighborhoods of Higashiyama and Gion, where you can spot geisha, and amongst the bamboo trees at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

The ancient city of Nara is one of the most popular day trips in Japan, thanks mostly to the around thousand adorable deer that wander freely around Nara Park.

The deer have lived in Nara Park for centuries and are officially designated as natural treasures and can be fed special deer crackers that can be bought from vendors inside the park.

Elsewhere in Nara Park is the giant Tōdai-ji and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, both of which form part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Osaka is a fast-paced and vibrant city. Often described as Japan’s kitchen, Osaka is a foodies’ dream destination.

Many Japanese classics, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki originated in Osaka and you’ll find the best places to eat in the downtown districts of Namba, Shinsekai and Dotonbori, which is also home to the city’s famous Glico Man.

Osaka Castle and the Tsūtenkaku Tower are Osaka’s most famous landmarks, while Shitennoji Temple is one of the oldest in the city, founded in the 6th century.

Meanwhile, located in Osaka Bay is Universal Studios Japan, one of the most popular theme parks in Japan.

Kobe is a historic port city that lies between the Rokko mountain range and the Seto Inland Sea.

Kobe has a fascinating history shaped by its role as one of Japan's first ports to open to foreign trade in the 19th century.

The Kitano Ijinkan district is lined with beautifully preserved Western-style houses built by merchants who settled in Kobe during that era.

The Kobe Port Tower is the symbol of Kobe and offers wonderful views of the city, especially at night.

Whilst visiting Kobe, make sure you try the city’s most famous cuisine, delicious Kobe beef.

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass can only be used by overseas tourists visiting Japan with a Temporary Visitor visa status.

The Hokuriku Pass is available to buy all year round and can be used at any time after purchase. The pass is valid for seven days from the day it is activated, and has to be used over seven consecutive days.

When you order the pass you will be sent what is called an Exchange Order by email.

When you arrive in Japan, you will need to swap this Exchange Order for the actual pass, which is a physical ticket that you’ll need to use to enter and exit train stations.

You can do this at a number of major JR train stations in Japan, including Tokyo Station, Kyoto Station, and Osaka Station. A full list of JR stations where you can collect the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass can be found on the on JR West Ticket Reservation website.

When you exchange your JR Hokuriku Arch Pass you will need to bring your passport to show that you are a foreign national and visiting Japan on a Temporary Visitor visa.

Once you have collected your JR Hokuriku Arch Pass, simply pass the ticket through the ticket barriers to enter or exit the stations you wish to visit on your trip.

There aren’t many obvious alternatives to the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass thanks to the fairly unique area it encompasses.

If you’re interested in exploring the Hokuriku region then you might be interested in the Hokuriku Area Pass. This pass covers the Hokuriku Shinkansen and several train lines exclusively within the Hokuriku region.

Alternatively, you might want to consider the Japan Rail Pass. Though the Japan Rail Pass is more expensive than the Hokuriku Pass, it might prove to be more convenient, as it covers all of the same JR lines as the Hokuriku Arch Pass and allows you to travel between Tokyo and Kansai without having to go back via Hokuriku.

Hokuriku is a fascinating area of Japan rich in history and culture, known for its spectacular natural beauty and delicious local cuisine. The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is a great option for those looking to explore Hokuriku while traveling between Tokyo and Kansai over the course of seven days. It offers great savings on train travel to many of the region’s best destinations.

For complete details on the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass, see the official website.