Traveling by train in Japan is an experience unto itself, and the country’s high-speed shinkansen are perhaps its most renowned.
One such railway is the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo to a collection of scenic destinations located northwest of the metropolis. Recently extended to Tsuruga Station in March 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen brings popular spots, like Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, and Fukui within reach. While the Hokuriku Shinkansen line services numerous trains, its fastest is the Kagayaki train, which reaches a top speed of 260 km/h (160 mph).
An economical way to explore destinations along the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line is the Hokuriku Arch Pass! This pass allows seven consecutive days of unlimited travel on a variety of trains on and around the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, including ones in the Kansai region.
In this article, we will provide an in-depth look into the Hokuriku Arch Pass, popular tourist spots within or near the free usage area, what it is like to travel via the Hokuriku Shinkansen, and sightseeing trains covered by the pass. Let’s embark!
What is the Hokuriku Arch Pass?
The Hokuriku Arch Pass is your train pass to Japan’s Kanto, Chubu, Hokuriku, and Kansai regions. This train pass is only available to foreign tourists visiting Japan with a “Temporary Visitor” entry status and offers seven consecutive days of unlimited travel on the below trains and lines:
- Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Tsuruga (reserved or unreserved seats in ordinary cars)
- JR Limited Express, Special Rapid, Rapid, and Local trains within the free usage area, which includes places along the Hokuriku Shinkansen and select lines in Kansai (i.e. Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Nara). Valid for reserved or unreserved seats in ordinary cars
- JR Lines within the Tokyo Metropolitan District and Tokyo Metropolitan District to Narita Airport
- Tokyo Monorail between Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport Terminal 2
- Noto Railway (Nanao to Wakura Onsen)
- Hapi-Line Fukui (Echizen-Hanando to Fukui), IR Ishikawa Railway (Kanazawa to Tsubata), and Ainokaze Toyama Railway (Toyama to Takaoka) when passing through to JR Lines
For specific details about eligible train lines and restrictions please refer to the Hokuriku Arch Pass’ official websites:
The Hokuriku Arch Pass costs ¥30,000 for adults and ¥15,000 for children (6–11 years old). Children aged one to five years old can travel for free as long as they share a seat with an adult ticket holder.
You can purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass through travel agencies outside of Japan (max. three months in advance), JR West’s Online Train Reservation service (max. one month in advance), JR-EAST Train Reservation site (max. one month in advance), and select travel agencies in Japan (max. one month in advance).
Important notes:
- You must carry your passport with you whenever you use the Hokuriku Arch Pass
- The pass is only valid for the pass holder
- The pass is only available in physical form. There is no digital form
- The pass is valid from 0:00 on the first day and expires at 24:00 on the last day
- For reserved seating, you must reserve your seat prior to boarding the train at a ticket vending machine or station ticket office. Please note that some trains only have reserved seating
Hokuriku Arch Pass Updates as of 2024
In March 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended from Kanazawa to Tsuruga, opening convenient access to six additional stations, including four in Fukui Prefecture. This extension makes access from Tokyo to Fukui more convenient and streamlines travel from the Hokuriku region to Kansai, which includes popular destinations like Kyoto and Osaka.
Given the extension, the Hokuriku Arch Pass now covers Hokuriku Shinkansen travel between Kanazawa and Tsuruga.
As of the article’s publication date, the Hanayome Noren service—a sightseeing train between Kanazawa and Wakura Onsen Station—is suspended due to the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake.
The New Golden Route: Enriching destinations from Tokyo to Osaka
The well trodden-path between Tokyo and Kyoto via the Tokaido Shinkansen has earned the nickname, Japan’s “Golden Route” and follows the country’s Pacific coastline.
However, a new path has emerged called the “New Golden Route.” This route follows the Hokuriku Shinkansen line northwards and then coasts along the Sea of Japan. From Tsuruga Station, it switches to JR Lines to reach Kyoto and Osaka. This less traveled path showcases Japan’s nature, quaint countryside, history, culture, food, and hospitality—making it an ideal route to discover the country’s diverse wonders. Armed with the Hokuriku Arch Pass, you can explore this inspiring path to your heart’s content.
If you are not sure where to start, we recommend the below destinations, all of which are fully or partially accessible with the Hokuriku Arch Pass:
| Destination | Appeal points | Location | Covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass | Not Covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass |
| Matsumoto Castle | One of Japan’s 12 remaining original castles. Designated as a National Treasure | Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture | Access to Nagano Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen | Access from Nagano Station to Matsumoto Castle (1h via the JR Limited Express Shinano) |
| Takayama | Famous for its immaculately preserved old town | Takayama, Gifu Prefecture | Access to Toyama Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen | Access from Toyama Station to Takayama Station (1.5h via the JR Limited Express Hida) |
| Gero Onsen | One of Japan’s three best hot springs | Gero, Gifu Prefecture | Access to Toyama Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen | Access from Toyama Station to Gero Station (2h & 15m via the JR Limited Express Hida) |
| Shirakawa-go | A village of Gassho-zukuri buildings. Registered as a World Heritage Site | Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture | Access to Kanazawa Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen | Access from Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go (1.5h via highway bus) |
| Gokayama | Gokayama is the collective name for five charming regions along the Shogawa River. The villages of Ainokura and Suganuma are best known for their Gassho-zukuri buildings and are registered as World Heritage Sites | Nanto, Toyama Prefecture | Access to Johana Station. Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka Station. Then, take the JR Johana Line to Johana Station. | Access from Johana Station to Ainokura-guchi bus stop or Suganuma bus stop (23m or 38m via World Heritage Bus) |
| Kanazawa | Hokuriku’s most populated city. Home to preserved samurai and chaya entertainment districts, modern museums, and Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens | Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture | Access to Kanazawa Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen | Travel within Kanazawa |
| Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum | Recognized as one of the best dinosaur museums in the world and the largest of its kind in Japan | Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture | Access to Fukui Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen | Access from Fukui Station to Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (1h & 15m – Echizen Railway Eiheiji Katsuyama Line to Katsuyama Station. From there, take a taxi or community bus to the museum) |
| Arashiyama | A scenic sightseeing district in western Kyoto known for Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsu-kyo Bridge, and Tenryu-ji Temple | Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture | Access to Kyoto Station and then Saga-Arashiyama via JR Lines | Fully covered (unless you opt to travel by bus in Arashiyama) |
| Universal Studios Japan (USJ) | One of the five Universal Studios theme parks worldwide. Notable points include the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World | Konohana Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture | Access to Osaka Station and then Universal City Station via JR Lines | Fully covered |
| Nara Park | A large park most famous for its wild deer that visitors can feed. The grounds are also home to Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and the Nara National Museum | Nara, Nara Prefecture | Access to Nara Station via JR Lines | Fully covered |
| Kobe | A city renowned for its Kobe Beef, a world famous brand of wagyu | Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture | Access to Kobe Station via JR Lines | Travel within Kobe |
A journey as special as the destination
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is more than just a means of travel; it is a sightseeing experience! As the train clears Tokyo’s urban sprawl and crosses over Gunma, Nagano, and Niigata, you are granted picturesque views of Japan’s rural delights. Endless rice fields and quaint communities sit encircled by mountains. Then, once you reach Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui, you are treated to glimpses of the Sea of Japan. Inside the train, the reclinable chairs, spacious leg room, restrooms, and outlets at every seat ensure a comfortable ride.
The major stations along the Hokuriku Shinkansen also serve as exciting side adventures, featuring robust souvenir shops and restaurants! Listed below are some noteworthy stations.
Tokyo Station
A starting point for many travelers, Tokyo Station is an exciting hub for shopping and eating. One of its most notable facilities is Gransta Tokyo—a massive in-station complex with nearly 180 shops, cafes, restaurants, and general stores. Here, you can try delicious eats, such as ramen and sushi, and purchase Tokyo Station exclusive goods. Ekibenya Matsuri at Gransta Tokyo is the perfect place to buy a premade boxed lunch (bento) for your journey ahead as it offers around 150 different types of bento that showcase regional Japanese flavors.
Toyama Station
Toyama Station’s numerous commercial facilities are collectively called Toyama Station City and include four shopping malls: MAROOT, Marier Toyama, Toyamarche, and Ushijima Park Front. These complexes feature a host of shopping opportunities with products ranging from clothing and shoes to miscellaneous goods. For an extra special station experience, we recommend visiting Toyamarche. This facility primarily focuses on food and is home to cafes, restaurants, sweets shops, and souvenirs in an upscale, market-like setting.
Kanazawa Station
Kanazawa Station itself has become a tourist destination and is best recognized by its iconic Tsuzumi-mon gate. Inside the station, the Hyakubangai shopping area, which spans the entire station, houses both shopping and dining options. On the southern end is a souvenir market filled with Kanazawa-specific handicrafts and food items—offering insight into Kanazawa’s cultural heritage before you even leave the station. The northern end has primarily fashion and clothing stores, and the western side is home to a convenience store, cafes, and restaurants.
Fukui Station
Fukui Station is a celebration of the prefecture’s love for dinosaurs—featuring a playful design that integrates dinosaur motifs and statues. In fact, there are 23 dinosaur monuments around the station. Fukui Station’s in-station shopping mall, CURU-F, houses an assortment of restaurants, cafes, bento stores, sweets shops, and souvenir shops.
Sightseeing trains that are covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass
As mentioned earlier, the Hokuriku Arch Pass covers more than just the Hokuriku Shinkansen; it also covers a web of JR Lines, including some sightseeing trains! These scenic trains provide one-of-a-kind travel experiences with special interiors and spectacular outside views.
Belles montagnes et mer
Located in Toyama Prefecture, Belles montagnes et mer is a one-carriage sightseeing train that primarily operates on weekends. The train’s name is French for “beautiful mountains and sea,” which perfectly summarizes the visual delights you can admire onboard. Belles montagnes et mer follows two train lines:
- Saturday: Johana Line (Takaoka and Shin-Takaoka Station ↔ Johana Station)
- Sunday: Himi Line (Tonami, Shin-Takaoka, and Takaoka Station ↔ Himi Station)
The Johana Line captures Toyama’s mountains and countryside, while the Himi Line offers stunning coastal views of Toyama Bay. Design-wise, the train’s retro exterior seamlessly complements the quaint landscapes, while the interior features displays of Inami wood carvings (a traditional craft from the area) and decorations inspired by Takaoka copperware. To complete the memorable train ride, you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes, such as sushi, prepared by sushi chefs onboard and even treat yourself to local sake (*advance reservation required). Together, the views, train aesthetic, and gastronomic offerings create a remarkable experience.
Important notes
- Reserved seat ticket price: ¥530 (adult); ¥260 (child)
- In addition to a reserved seat ticket, a separate ticket is required for train travel
- The food and drink offerings are not included in the reserved seat ticket
- You must reserve a reserved seat ticket and onboard meals in advance
- Capacity: 39 seats
- Please check the following site for meal ticket reservations: VISIT Toyama Prefecture Belmonta Special Website
Hanayome Noren
The Hanayome Noren sightseeing train is located in Ishikawa Prefecture and travels between Kanazawa and Wakura Onsen Station. The train’s crimson facade is decorated in motifs that reflect the Hokuriku region’s traditional crafts, such as Wajima lacquerware, Kaga-Yuzen silk dyeing, and Kanazawa gold leaf. The train’s interior continues the theme with artful designs, like carpets inspired by the stepping stones of a Japanese garden, traditional patterns, and a luxurious color palette of red and gold.
There are two cars with 52 seats total. The first car has eight semi-private compartments, as well as a traditional craftwork exhibition and merchandise space. The second car features rotating seats and a spacious event area. To bring your journey to the next level, you can enjoy meals that showcase regional cuisine and seasonal ingredients (*advance reservation required). The train effortlessly intertwines Japanese hospitality and cultural heritage.
Important notes
- As of the article’s publication date, Hanayome Noren is suspended due to the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake
- Ticket price: [Reserved seat express ticket] ¥1,490 (adult), ¥740 (child) (Price for the regular season between Kanazawa Station and Nanao Station/Wakuraonsen Station).
- In addition to a reserved seat ticket, a separate ticket is required for train travel
- The food and drink offerings are not included in the ticket price. You need to purchase separate Food Tickets. The menu offered may vary depending on the train (please purchase the food ticket for the train you will be riding).
- You must reserve a reserved seat ticket and onboard meals in advance
- Capacity: 52 seats
- For full coverage via the Hokuriku Arch Pass, you can only disembark at or embark from the following stations: Kanazawa, Nanao, and Wakura Onsen
Explore the New Golden Route with the Hokuriku Arch Pass
All in all, the Hokuriku Arch Pass is an excellent option to discover some of Japan’s most popular destinations, as well as some of its less traveled paths. With its unlimited travel options between parts of Kanto, Chubu, Hokuriku, and Kansai, the train pass guarantees a diverse and immersive Japanese experience—acting as a gateway to spectacular nature, history, culture, food, and hospitality.
To learn more about the New Golden Route’s breadth of offerings and activities, check out our New Golden Route feature page.
