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HOKURIKU ARCH PASS: Tokyo to Osaka Itinerary + Budget

There’s nothing quite like Japan, it’s the kind of place that will beckon you and make you visit over and over again. Everywhere you go, there’s something unforgettable and unique, riddled with its own charming character, rich culture, jaw-dropping landscape, and interesting history. If you plan to travel to Japan and get a glimpse of some of its best tourist attractions from North to South (or vice versa), there’s a New Golden Route that might interest you – Tokyo to Hokuriku Region and then Osaka. This route will take you to some of Japan’s most gorgeous destinations sans the crowd. I recommend getting a Hokuriku Arch Pass to save you a couple of bucks on your transportation.

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WHAT IS THE HOKURIKU ARCH PASS?

The Hokuriku Arch Pass entitles pass holders unlimited use of the ordinary car reserved seating on limited express trains (Hokuriku Shinkansen included), limited express trains (ordinary car, non-reserved seats), and local trains between Narita and Haneda Airports, the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, the Hokuriku Area (Karuizawa, Niigata, Toyama, Kanazawa), Kansai Airport and Kansai Area (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Wakayama, etc.).

HOKURIKU ARCH PASS ELIGIBILITY

Valid for foreign tourists visiting Japan on a “temporary visitor visa” for tourism purposes. Japan residents are not eligible. Always carry your passport as passport will be checked at the time or purchase and exchange.

HOKURIKU ARCH PASS VALIDITY

The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is valid for 7 consecutive days from the date of first use. The pass will be valid based on calendar days (midnight to midnight), meaning, from 12:00 AM from the start date to 12:00 AM on the last day (Japan Standard Time).

HOKURIKU ARCH PASS SERVICE ZONES

The 7 day JR Hokuriku Arch Pass covers Tokyo, the Hokuriku Region (Karuizawa, Niigata, Toyama, Kanazawa), and Kansai Region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Himeji, Wakayama). For more details, see the covered shinkansen and regular trains below.

Image by Hokuriku Arch Pass (JR Lines)

JR HOKURIKU ARCH PASS COVERED TRAINS

Here are the shinkansen and regular trains that’s fully covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass. When in doubt, always ask the staff at the train station. Remember that the pass is only valid for the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa. So, if you plan to go directly to Osaka from Tokyo, you need to change train at JR Kanazawa Station to Osaka. Also, if you’re boarding the limited express trains, it will only cover the non-reserved seats, if you want to secure a seat, you have to pay additional for a reserved-seat.

Shinkansen

Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Kanazawa (Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asma, Tsurugi trains) – unlimited use of ordinary car reserved seat. You must reserve a seat (for FREE) at the JR ticket office before boarding this shinkansen.
Tohoku/Yamagata Shinkansen between Tokyo and Omiya only* (Hayate, Yamabiko, Nasuno, Tsubasa trains)
Joetsu Shinkansen between Tokyo and Takasaki only (Toki and Tanigawa trains)

* A separate limited express ticket is required for Tohoku/Hokkaido Shinkansen “HAYABUSA” and Akita Shinkansen “KOMACHI”.

Regular Trains

(Tokyo Area)

Tokyo Monorail between Hamamatsucho and Haneda Airport Terminal 2
JR lines in the Tokyo Metropolitan District and Narita and Haneda Airports
Narita Express Limited Express in the pass area
Haruka Limited Express Train of Narita and Haneda Airport – ordinary car non-reserved seats
Local trains of Hokuriku area

(Hokuriku Area)

JR Lines – Etsumi-Hoku Line, Nanao Line, Himi Line, Johana Line, Takayama Main Line (between Toyama and Inotani)
Thunderbird limited expresas train between Osaka and Kanazawa
JR Lines – Oito Line between Itoigawa and Minami-Otari
The Non-JR Lines – IR Ishikawa Railway, Ainokaze Toyama Railway, and Noto Railway

(Kansai Area)

JR limited express trains of Kansai Airport and Kansai Area (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Hiroshima, Wakayama, etc.) – non-reserved seats
Haruka Limited Express between Kansai Airport and Shin-Osaka/Kyoto – non-reserved seats
Local trains of Kansai Airport and Kansai area (Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, Wakayama, etc.)
JR lines in the Keihanshin region (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara)

IMPORTANT: Remember that there are a small number of JR trains that run partly on the tracks of other railways companies. So, when taking the non-JR owned section trains, Hokuriku Arch Pass holders need to pay the fare for the train fare on board or at the station, except for the following non-JR trains lines that you pass holders can ride for FREE:

IR Ishikawa Railways between Kanazawa and Tsubata (to access the JR Nanao Line)
Ainokaze Toyama Railways between Toyama and Takaoka
Tokyo Monorail between central Tokyo and Haneda Airport.

HOW MUCH IS THE HOKURIKU ARCH PASS?

Here’s the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass Price. Best to purchase it online before visiting Japan to save you a few bucks.

	ADULT	CHILD
Purchasing Outside Japan	¥24,440 – ₱11,538 (SGD 307, MYR 942, AUD 330, $225)	¥12,220 – ₱5,769 (SGD 153, MYR 471, AUD 112, $165)
Purchasing Inside Japan	¥25,460 – ₱12,019 (SGD 320, MYR 982, AUD 344, $ 234)	¥12,730 – ₱16,10 (SGD 160, MYR 491, AUD 172, $117)

HOKURIKU ARCH PASS VS. JR PASS : WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

1.The 7 Day JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is cheaper.

The JR Pass is priced at ¥29, 650, that is roughly ₱13,721 ($271, SGD 369, MYR 1,122, AUD 396). Meanwhile the 7 day JR Hokuriu Arch Pass is valued at ¥24,440 – ₱11,538 (SGD 307, MYR 942, AUD 330, $225) when purchased outside Japan.

2.With the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass, you have to go to Kanazawa Station first before heading to Osaka.

You can’t use the Hokuriku Arch Pass to go directly from Tokyo to Osaka and vice versa. You have to pass by Kanazawa Station or Hokuriku Arch Pass before riding the train to Osaka. But with the JR Pass, you can board the shinkansen directly to Osaka from Tokyo.

3.The Hokuriku Arch Pass only covers Tokyo, Osaka, and the Hokuriku region.

The Hokuriku Arch Pass is limited to Tokyo, Osaka, and the Hokuriku region, whereas, the JR Pass covers different cities and prefectures in Japan.

HOW TO PURCHASE THE HOKURIKU ARCH PASS

Take note that is more expensive to purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass in Japan. But in case you really need to, bring your passport and proceed to the JR ticket center mentioned on the table above.

1.BUYING HOKURIKU ARCH PASS OUTSIDE JAPAN (ONLINE)

You may purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass online through selected travel agents. Purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass at least 2 weeks in advance before your departure date to Japan. Ensure that you type all the information correctly when purchasing online.

RESERVE HERE

You will receive the Exchange Order (voucher) in the mail (so make sure you type the correct mailing address).

You need to exchange your Exchange Order to the actual Hokuriku Arch Pass when you’re already in Japan. Bring your passport and Exchange order, and go to any of the following JR service/information centers below to claim your pass.

Once you have your actual Hokuriku Arch Pass, you may start using it. You don’t need to use it right away though, but you must use it within 1 month from the date of issue. The JR staff will ask you when you will start using the Hokuriku Pass, provide the date so they can put the validity period on the pass, which is 7 days from the date you provided.

IMPORTANT: The Exchange Order will be valid for 3 months from the date it was issued. So for example, your trip was cancelled. You will still be able to use the voucher up to 3 months from the date of issue. But once you exchanged it for the actual, the Hokuriku Arch Pass must be used within 1 month from the date it’s issued.

East Japan Exchange Locations

Look for the JR ticket office at the following locations to redeem your Hokuriku Arch Pass:

JR TICKET OFFICE	OPEN HOURS
JR EAST Travel Service Center Narita Airport Terminal 1	Daily 8:15 AM – 7:00 PM
JR Ticket Office Narita Airport Terminal 1	Daily 6:30 AM – 8:15 AM, 8:00 PM – 9:45 PM
JR East Travel Service Center Narita Airport Terminal 2*3 Station	Daily 8:15 AM – 8:00 PM
JR Ticket Office Narita Airport Terminal 2*3 Station	Daily 6:30 AM – 8:15 AM, 8:00 PM – 9:45 PM
(Tokyo Monorail 2F Ticket Gate/Arrival Lobby) Haneda Airport International Terminal	Daily 7:45 AM – 6:30 PM
Tokyo Station (Marunouchi North Exit)	Daily 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Shinjuku Station
Yokohama Station (Travel Service Center View Plaza)	Mon-Fri 10:00 AM- 8:00 PM, Sat-Sun & Holidays 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Nagano Station (Travel Service Center View Plaza)	Mon-Fri 10:00 AM- 7:00 PM
Shinagawa Station (Central)	Daily 9:00 AM -7:00 PM
Shibuya Station (South)	Daily 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Shinjuku Station (New South Exit)	Daily 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Shinjuku Station (East Exit)	Daily 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ikebukuro Station (Central)	Daily 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Ueno Station (Central Exit)	Daily 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

West Japan Exchange Locations

Look for the JR ticket office at the following locations redeem your Hokuriku Arch Pass:

JR TICKET OFFICE	OPEN HOURS
Kansai Airport Station (Midori-no-Madoguchi)	Daily 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Osaka Station (Midori-no-Madoguchi)	Daily 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Shin-Osaka Station (Midori-no-Madoguchi)	Daily 5:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Kyoto Station (Midori-no-Madoguchi)	Daily 5:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Kanazawa Station (Midori-no-Madoguchi)	Daily 4:40 AM – 11:30 PM
Toyama Station (Midori-no-Madoguchi)	Daily 5:40 AM – 11:30 PM

JR HOKURIKU ARCH PASS, IS IT WORT IT?

It depends on your itinerary. If you’re traveling to Hokuriku region (Karuizawa Nagano, Niigata, Hida-Takayama,Toyama, Itoigawa, Kanazawa) before heading to Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara. The JR Hokuriku Pass is worth it. You can refer to the sample Tokyo to Osaka itineraries below to be able to maximise your pass.

Take note that this pass won’t cover the direct shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka, the Hokuriku Shinkansen that this pass covers will only take you from Tokyo to Kanazawa. Then at JR Kanazawa Station, you will have to change train to Osaka. Hence, it is recommended to include the Hokuriku Region in your itinerary, to be able to maximise the pass.

7 Day JR HOKURIKU ARCH PASS SAMPLE ITINERARY

Here’s a sample Japan itinerary, pretty similar to our actual itinerary, I just made a few changes. This route includes Tokyo – Karuizawa – Nagano – Niigata – Kanazawa – Shirikawa-go – Osaka. I will write more detailed Japan itineraries using Hokuriku Arch Pass for different seasons. But in the meantime, the Japan itinerary below should give you an idea of what to visit using the Hokuriku Arch Pass. So, feel free to modify it depending on your budget, schedule, and preferences.

HOKURIKU ARCH PASS JAPAN ITINERARY (Tokyo – Nagano – Niigata – Kanazawa – Shirikawa-go – Osaka – Nara)

ALSO READ: JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS + APPLICATION FOR FILIPINOS

SAMPLE TOKYO TO OSAKA ITINERARY (7 DAY JR HOKURIKU ARCH PASS)

TOKYO TO OSAKA HOKURIKU ARCH PASS ITINERARY

Here’s a sample Japan itinerary, pretty similar to our actual itinerary, I just made a few changes. This route includes Tokyo – Karuizawa – Nagano – Niigata – Kanazawa – Shirikawa-go – Osaka. I will write more detailed Japan itineraries using Hokuriku Arch Pass for different seasons. But in the meantime, the Japan itinerary below should give you an idea of what to visit using the Hokuriku Arch Pass. So, feel free to modify it depending on your budget, schedule, and preferences.

Important:

If you already have an IC Card such as Pasmo, ICOCA, Manaca, Kitaca, Hayakaken, Pitapa, etc. no need to buy a Suica card (IC Card), you can use and recharge other IC Cards in Japan since they are compatible with each other.
The Hokuriku Arch Pass can be used for the train to Narita Airport (Tokyo) and Kansai Airport so long as it’s within the 7 days validity period, I just didn’t use it in the sample itinerary below because it’ll be outside the validity period.
In the sample Japan itinerary below, I started using the Hokuriku Arch Pass on the 3^rd day. So, the 7 day validity period starts on the 3^rd day and ends on the 10^th day. *Sample trip expenses below doesn’t include airfare, hotels, shopping, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.

For hotel, CHECK PRICES HERE.

DAY 1	ARRIVAL	EXPENSES
08:10 PM	ETA Narita Airport
09:00 PM	Redeem Hokuriku Pass at JR Ticket
	Office.
	BUY HERE	¥24,440 – ₱11,313
	Claim Pocket Wi-Fi. RENT HERE
	Or Sim Card BUY HERE	¥ 1,067 – ₱494 ($9.79, SGD 13.29, MYR 41, AUD 14.20)
	Claim Suica Card (IC Card).	¥2,300 – ₱1,065 ($21.10, SGD 27.50, MYR 88, AUD 30.65)
	PURCHASE HERE
09:30 PM	Bus to Tokyo Station. RESERVE HERE	¥1,250 – ₱579 ($11.49, SGD 15.59, MYR 48, AUD 16.55)
10:45 PM	Walk or take Metro (subway) to hotel	¥ 140 (Use IC Card)
	Hotel Check-in. Freshen up. BOOK HERE
11:30 PM	Sleep.
DAY 1 EXPENSES	¥29,057 – PHP 13,451 ($255.08, SGD 345.44, MYR 1,107, AUD 386.75)

DAY 2	TOKYO
07:00 AM	ETD Odaiba Statue of Liberty	¥ 470 (Use IC Card)
	1.Walk to the nearest JR train station.
	2.Take Yamanote Line to
	3.Alight at Shimbashi Station. 2^nd stop. 2 min.
	4.Transfer to Yurikamome Local to Toyuso
	5.Alight at Daiba Station. 6^th stop. 3 min
	6.Take Exit 2
	7.Walk to Odaiba Statue of Liberty. 3min
07:30 AM	Odaiba Statue of Liberty	FREE
08:00 AM	Walk to Gundam Statue Odaiba. 7 mins.
08:10 AM	Unicorn Gundam Statue	FREE
	Gundam Base Tokyo
	Diver City Tokyo Plaza
09:10 AM	Walk to Palette Town. 15 min
	Palette Town
	Megaweb Toyota City Showcase
	Daikanransha Ferris Wheel	FREE
10:00 AM	Team Lab Borderless. TICKET HERE	¥ 3,200 – ₱1, 485 ($29.35, SGD 39.90, MYR 121, AUD 42.60)
11:30 PM	Venus Fort	FREE
12:00 PM	Lunch at Venus Fort Mall	¥ 1,500 – ₱696 ($14, SGD 19, MYR 57, AUD 20)
01:00 PM	ETD Ueno
	1.Walk to Aoimi Station. 3 mins.	¥530 (Use IC Card)
	2.Take the Yurikamome Local to Shimbashi. Platform 2
	3.Alight at Shimbashi Station. 9^th stop. 21 min.
	4.Walk to Shimbashi Metro Station.
	5.Take the Tokaido Line to Takasaki.3 min
	6.At Takasaki Station, remain on the train.
	7.Get off at Ueno Station. 3^rd stop. 5 min.
	4.Walk to Ueno Park. 4 mins
02:00 PM	Ueno Park	FREE
	Walk to Ameyoko. 10 mins.
03:00 PM	Ameyoko (shopping)
03:30 PM	ETD Asakusa
	1.Walk to Ueno Station (for Metro/subway)
	2.Take the Ginza Line to Asakusa
	3.Get off at Asakusa Station. 3^rd stop. 5 min.
	4.Walk to Sensoji Temple. 2 mins.
04:00 PM	Sensoji Temple	FREE
	Nakamise shopping street
05:00 PM	ETD Tokyo Skytree
	1.Walk to Asakusa Station. 260 m. 3 min.
	2.Take the Tobu Skytree Line to Kita-Senju. Platform 1.
	3.Get off at Tokyo Skytree Station. 1stop. 2 min

	4.Walk to Tokyo Solamachi. 1 min.
05:15 PM	Tokyo Solamachi (Shops +Restaurants)
	Walk to Tokyo Skytree. 2 mins.
06:00 PM	Tokyo Skytree. DISCOUNTED HERE (Skip-the-line) RESERVE HERE (Regular Ticket)	¥ 2,100 – ₱1,439 ($19.29, SGD 26.19, MYR 80, AUD 28)
08:00 PM	Dinner	¥ 1,500 – ₱696 ($14, SGD 19, MYR 57, AUD 20)
09:00 PM	ETD Hotel	¥ 200 (Use IC Card)
	1.Take Metro or train
10:00 PM	Sleep.
DAY 2 EXPENSES	¥8,300 – PHP 4,316 ($62.64, SGD 104.09 , MYR 315, AUD 110.6 )

DAY 3	KARUIZAWA
	*1^st day of using the Hokuriku Arch Pass
07:00 AM	Hotel check-out
07:30 AM	ETD Karuizawa
	1.Metro or subway to Tokyo Station.	¥200 (Use IC Card)
	2.Take Hokuriku Shinkansen (Asama) to Nagano or Kanazawa	¥5,280 (Covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass)
	3.Alight at Karuizawa Station.7^th stop.1hr 18min
09:00 AM	ETA KARUIZAWA STATION
	Store luggage in coin locker.	¥500 – ₱233 ($4.60, SGD 6, MYR 19, AUD 8)
	Go to JR ticket office. Show your Hokuriku Arch Pass and reserve seat for FREE for the Hokuriku shinkansen to Nagano Station for your trip later on. You must provide a time for your departure. e.g. 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM
	Note: If you want a hassle-free tour of Karauizawa and Nagano, you may also rent a car (recommended for a group of 4 -7 persons). RESERVE HERE
09:30 AM	ETD Shiraito Falls
	1.Follow the exit sign for Bus at North Exit (one floor down the shinkansen)
	2. Board the Kusakarukotsu bus at Line #2 to Kutsatsu onsen bus terminal.	¥710 – ₱330 ($6, SGD 9, MYR 27, AUD 9)
	3.Upon boarding, take a ticket from the machine near the bus driver before you take your seat.
	4.Pay cash at the cash box near the drive before you get off.
	5.Alight at “Shiraito no Taki” (Shiraito Waterfall) Bus stop. 5^th stop. 23 mins.
	6.Walk to Shiraito Falls. 5 mins.
10:00 AM	Shiraito Waterfalls	FREE
10:30 AM	ETD Karuizawa Station
	1.Walk back to the main road. Turn right.
	2. Head to the bus stop with a sign “Karuizawa Station” and wait for the bus.
	3.Take the Kusakarukotsu bus Line #7 to Karuizawa Station.
	4.Get off at Karuizawa Station. 5^th stop (last stop). 23 min.
11:00 AM	ETD Kumoba Pond
	Walk to Kumoba Pond. 26 mins.
	1.Or, at Karuizawa Station, take the Karuizawa Shako Sen (Seibi Bus): Kyu Karuizawa Eigyosho	¥220 – ₱102 ($2, SGD 3, MYR 8, AUD 3)
	2.Alight at Roppontsuji-Kumobaike.4^thstop.5 min.
	3.Walk to Kumoba Pond. 6 min.
11:40 AM	Kumoba Pond	FREE
12:30 PM	ETD Old Ginza Shopping Street
	1.Walk to Nozawara. See direction HERE. 6min.
	2. Take the Karuizawa Shako Sen (Seibi Bus): Kyu Karuizawa Hoshino Onsen.	¥160 – ₱74 ($1.47, SGD 2, MYR 6, AUD 2)
	3.Get off at Kyu Karuizawa. 2^nd stop. 2 min.
	4.Walk to Old Karuizawa Ginza Street. 1 min.
01:00 PM	Lunch at Old Karuizawa Ginza Street	¥1000 – ₱462 ($9,SGD 12, MYR 38, AUD 13)
02:00 PM	Old Karuizawa Ginza Street	FREE
	*Karuizawa St. Paul’s Catholic Church. 4 min.	FREE
	DIRECTION HERE.
	*Historic Karuizawa Tennis Club where	FREE
	Emperor Emeritus Akihito and
	Empress Emerita Michiko first met.
	Shaw Memorial Church. CLICK HERE.* 9min	FREE
04:30 PM	ETD Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
	1.Walk back to Kyu Karuizawa Station.
	2.Take the Karuizawa Shako Sen (Seibi Bus): Kyu Karuizawa Hoshino Onsen.
	3.Alight at Karuizawa Station. 3^rd stop.6min
	4.Walk to Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza.5min
05:00 PM	Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (Outlet Mall)
06:30 PM	ETD Nagano Station	¥3,740 (Covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass)
	1.Walk back to Karuizawa Station. 3 mins.
	2.Get luggage from coin locker.
	3.Go to the JR Shinkansen platform.
	4.Board the Hokuriku shinkansen to Nagano Station. Make sure you have your reserved seat ticket (FREE) from JR Ticket office before boarding the train.
	5.Get off at Nagano Station.3^rd stop. 31 mins.
	6.Walk or taxi to hotel.
07:30 PM	Hotel check-in. BOOK HERE
08:00 PM	Dinner at Monzen Terrace Enya	¥1000 – ₱462
	1.Head back to Nagano Station	($9,SGD 12, MYR 38, AUD 13)
	2.Take the Nagano Dentetsu-Nagano Line Local towards Shinsu-Nakano	¥170 – ₱79 ($2, SGD 2, MYR 6, AUD 2)
	3. Alight at Gondo Station. 2^nd stop.3 min.
	4.Walk to Monzen Terrace Enya. DIRECTION HERE. 7 min.
09:00 PM	ETD Hotel
	1.Walk back to Gondo Station.
	2.Take the Nagano-Dentetsu Nagano Line to Nagano	¥170 – ₱79 ($2, SGD 2, MYR 6, AUD 2)
	3.Get off at Nagano Station. 2^nd stop. 5 min.
	4.Walk or taxi to hotel.
10:00 PM	Sleep.
DAY 3 EXPENSES	¥3,930 – ₱1,821 ($37.07, SGD 48, MYR 148, AUD 2)

DAY 4	NAGANO + NIIGATA
06:00 AM	ETD Zenkoji Temple
	1.Head to Nagano Station.
	2.Ride Bus # 10, 11,16,or 17 at Bus Stop 1 at Nagano Station Zenkoji Exit. (weekday’s 1st trip is 6:15 AM, next trip 6:50 AM)	¥150 – ₱69 ($1.37, SGD 2, MYR 6, AUD 2)
	3.Alight at Daimon Bus Stop.
	4.Walk to Zenkoji Temple. 10 mins.
	Note: During weekends, the 1^st trip of the bus to Zenkoji is at 7:10 AM. If that’s the case, take the train instead to be able to catch the Buddhist morning prayer ritual.
06:32 AM	Zenkoji Temple	FREE
	Morning prayer ritual. (If you want to sit in the main hall near the monks. There’s a ¥500 fee. Pay at the ticket machine in the temple.)	¥500– ₱79 ($5, SGD 6, MYR 19, AUD 7)
	Binzuru Sonja Statue
	Pilgrimage of the Ordination Statue
	Daihongan Temple
	Pilgrim lodgings
	The Niomon Gate
	Nakamise Dori (Temple Shopping Street)
	Enmei Jizo Son
	Seson-in Shakado Temple
	Roku Jizo (6 Jizo) and Nure Botoke
	Daikanjin Temple
08:30 AM	ETD Nagano Station	¥150 – ₱69 ($1.37, SGD 2, MYR 6, AUD 2)
	1.Walk to Daimon Bus Stop. 10 mins
	2.Ride bus # 10, 11,16,or 17 to Nagano Station at Daimon Bus Stop.
	3.Get off at Nagano Station. 7 mins.
	4.Walk or taxi to hotel.
09:00 AM	Hotel check-out.
09:15 AM	ETD Joetsu Myoko Station	¥3,390 (Covered by JR Hokuriku Arch Pass)
	1.Head to Nagano Station
	2.Go to JR Ticket Office and get reserve seat ticket (FREE) for Hokuriku Shinkansen to Joetsu Myoko Station
	3.Go to shinkansen platform
09:32 AM	4.Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka) to Kanazawa.
	5.Alight at Joetsumyoko Station.2^nd stop.23 mins.
09:54 AM	ETA Joetsu Myoko Station (Myoko,Niigata)
10:10 AM	ETD Lotte Arai Resort
	1.At Joetsu Myoko Station (West Exit), take the shuttle bus to Lotte Arai Resort. 2^nd stop.40 mins.	FREE
	Note: Reserve online in advance (required). RESERVE HERE.
	To reserve online. Click the link above and click translate to English.
	Then pick the date from the calendar on the webpage and click it.
	You need to reserve separately for each way (going and returning)
	For the question, “Where would you stay?”, just pick the Arai Building if you will be doing the zipline.
10:50 AM	ETA Lotte Arai Resort
	Leave luggage at concierge.
	There are many sports activities in Lotte Arai Resort, you can try the zipline tour (longest zipline in Japan, which we tried), the adventure park (many activities included),or skiing/snowboarding (winter).
	Lotte Adventure Park RESERVE HERE or BOOK HERE
	Lotte Zipline. RESERVE HERE	¥4,800 -₱2,212 ($44, SGD 59, MYR 181, AUD 63)
	Lotte Lift (winter) RESERVE HERE
01:40 PM	ETD Joetsu Myoko Station
	1.Take the shuttle bus back to Joetsu Myoko Station	FREE
02:20 PM	ETA Joetsu Myoko Station
	Go to JR Ticket and get reserved seat for Hokuriku Shinkansen to Itoigawa for the next day at 8:31 AM.
02:30 PM	Late lunch	¥1000 – ₱462 ($9,SGD 12, MYR 38, AUD 13)
03:00 PM	ETD Hotel. RESERVE HERE
04:00 PM	ETD APA Hotel and Resort Joetsu Myoko
	1.At Joetsu Myoko Station, take the Myoko-Haneuma Line Local to Myokokogen.
	2.Get off at Sekiyama Station. 4^th stop. 24 min.	¥420 – ₱194 ($4,SGD 5, MYR 16, AUD 6)
	3.At Sekiyama Station, take the shuttle to APA Hotel and Resort Joetsu Myoko.20 min.	FREE
04:30 PM	APA Hotel and Resort Joetsu Myoko.
	Check-in.
	Sunflower and Kochia Kingdom (¥800)	FREE (for hotel guests and foreigners)
06:00 PM	Apallusion 2019 (Illumination Show) (¥1,500)	FREE (for hotel guests and foreigners)
	Sunflower/Kochia Kingdom +Apallusion Schedule:
	June 22nd – August 31st 2019 6pm-11pm
	September 1st – November 17th 2019 5pm-10pm
	Note: For foreigners, show your passport.
07:30 PM	Dinner Buffet at APA Hotel and Resort Joetsu Myoko	¥4,000 – ₱1,849 ($37,SGD 50, MYR 151, AUD 53)
09:00 PM	Sleep.
DAY 4 EXPENSES	¥14,410 – ₱4,934 ($101.74,SGD 136, MYR 417, AUD 146)

DAY 5	ITOIGAWA, NIIGATA + KANAZAWA
06:00 AM	Breakfast	FREE
06:30 AM	ETD Itoigawa, Niigata (Home to UNESCO Global Geo Park)
	1.Hotel check out.
	2.Shuttle to Sekiyama Station. 24 mins.	FREE
07:19 AM	3.Take the Myoko-Haneuma Line Local to Naoetsu.	¥420 – ₱194 ($4,SGD 5, MYR 16, AUD 6)
07:43 AM	4.Get off at Joetsumyoko Station.4^th stop.27min.
08:31 AM	5.At Joetsumyoko Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka) to Kanazawa.	¥3,280 (Covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass)
	6.Get off at Itoigawa Station. 1^st stop. 13 mins.
	7.Store luggage at baggage counter in Itoigawa City Tourism office at Itoigawa Station.	¥500 – ₱233 ($4.60, SGD 6, MYR 19, AUD 8)
	8.Go to JR ticket office and reserve seat for Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa at 10:59 AM. Keep ticket.
08:44 AM	Walk to Tanimura Art Museum. 26 min
	Note: 1.The Itoigawa City Loop Bus (West Loop Bus) leaves at Itoigawa Station (South Exit) at 10:00 AM (1^st trip). ¥100 2.Alight at for Kyogamine 2-chome. 2^nd stop.2 mins. To go back. Walk to Kyogamine 2-chome stop and take the East Loop Bus back to Itoigawa Station.
09:10 AM	Tanimura Art Museum + Gyokusien Garden	¥500 – ₱233 ($4.60, SGD 6, MYR 19, AUD 8)
	Jade bracelet making (optional)
10:00 AM	Walk back to Itoigawa Station. 26 mins
	Check out the Train Gallery at Itoigawa Station
	Claim luggage at baggage counter.
	Walk to shinkansen platform.
10:59 AM	ETD Kanazawa	¥5,480 (Covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass)
	1.Ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka) to Kanazawa
11:49 AM	2.Get off at Kanazawa Station.4^th stop.50min.
	3.Walk to hotel.
12:00 PM	Hotel check-in. RESERVE HERE
12:30 PM	Lunch	¥1000 – ₱462 ($9,SGD 12, MYR 38, AUD 13)
	Hyakuman-san (Kanazawa popular mascot) at Rinto (north side of Kanazawa Station)
	Tsudumi-mon Gate (main gate of Kanazawa Station)
02:00 PM	ETD Higashi Chaya District
	1.From Kanazawa Station, walk to Kanezawaeki Bus Stop. 5 mins.
	2. Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus (Right Loop/Clockwise Loop)	¥200 – ₱92 ($2, SGD 2, MYR 8, AUD 3)
	3.Alight at Haschibacho Bus Stop.4^th stop.10min
02:30 PM	4.Walk to Kanazawa Bikasaro Asano.3min.
	Gold leaf making at Kanazawa Bikasari Asano in Higashi Chayagai. 20 min. DIRECTION HERE	¥1000 – ₱462 ($9,SGD 12, MYR 38, AUD 13)
	RESERVE HERE
3:00 PM	Higashi Chaya District	FREE
	Note: There are geisha at some tea houses here.
03:30 PM	ETD Nomura Clan Samurai House
	1.Walk to Tenjinbashi Kanazawashi Bus Stop. 7min.
	2.Take the 90 Karuzuyama Line (via Tenjinbashi) to Kanazawa Station.	¥250 – ₱116 ($2, SGD 3, MYR 9, AUD 3)
	3.Alight at Korinbo Stop. 4 stops. 7mins.
	4.Walk to Nomura Clan House.5mins.
	Note: There are different buses that will pass by Korinbo Bus stop, depending on the schedule. This route is just 1 of the many routes to the Nomura Clan Samurai House. If you’re confused, just return to Kanazawa Station and take the Counterclockwise Loop Bus.
03:50 PM	Nomura Clan Samurai House	¥550 – ₱254 ($5, SGD 7, MYR 21, AUD 7)
05:00 PM	ETD Kanazawa Station
	1.Walk to Korinbo Bus Stop. 7min.
	2.Take the 21 Noda Line to Kanazawa Station.	¥200 – ₱92 ($2, SGD 2, MYR 8, AUD 3)
05:27 PM	3.Alight at Kanezawaeki Koshaba Bus Stop (Kanazawa Station). 5^th stop.20 min.
	Go to JR ticket office (bring your Passport and Hokuriku Arch Pass) and reserve a seat (FREE) for Hokuriko Shinkansen (Tsurugi) to Toyama for next day (12:30 PM).
06:00 PM	Back to hotel. Freshen up. Rest.
07:00 PM	Dinner.	¥1000 – ₱462 ($9,SGD 12, MYR 38, AUD 13)
08:30 PM	Back to hotel. Lights out.
DAY 5 EXPENSES	¥5,620 – ₱2,600 ($51.2,SGD 67, MYR 214, AUD 61)

DAY 6	KANAZAWA
06:30 AM	ETD Kenrokuen Garden
	1.From Kanazawa Station, walk to Kanezawaeki Bus Stop.4 min
06:36 AM	2.Take Bus 11 Nishikicho Line B to Kanazawa Gakuin University.	¥200 – ₱92 ($2, SGD 2, MYR 8, AUD 3)
06:44 AM	3.Alight at Kenrokuenshita Kanazawajo 2-3 bus stop.6^th stop. 8 min.
	4.Walk to Kenrokuen Garden. 9 min.
07:00 AM	Kenrokuen Garden	¥320 – ₱148.32 ($3, SGD 4, MYR 12, AUD 4)
08:00 AM	Kanazawa Castle	¥320 – ₱148.32 ($3, SGD 4, MYR 12, AUD 4)
10:00 AM	Walk to Omicho Market. 12min.
	Lunch.	¥800 – ₱371 ($7, SGD 10, MYR 30, AUD 11)
10:30 AM	ETD Kanazawa Station
	1.Walk to Musashigatsuji Omicha Ichiba Bus Stop.2 min
	2.Take Bus 95 Hokuriku University Line to Kanazawa Station.	¥200 – ₱ 92 ($2, SGD 2, MYR 8, AUD 3)
	3.Get off at Rifarezen Bus Stop. 1^st stop.1min
	4.Walk to Kanazawa Station. 5 min.
	6.Walk to hotel.
11:30 AM	Hotel check-out.
12:00 PM	ETD Toyama Station
	1.Head to Kanazawa Station, shinkansen.
12:31 PM	2.Ride the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Tsurugi) to Toyama. (Platform 12 usually)	¥4,570 (Covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass)
12:54 PM	3.Get off at Toyama Station. 2^nd stop 2 min.
01:02 PM	4.At Toyama Station, take the Hida Limited
	Express Nagoya.
	4.Alight at Hida-Furukawa Station. 4^th stop. 1 hour 16 min.
02:18 PM	Hida-Furukawa Station (Kimi No Nawa location)	FREE
	Kumihimo braid experience at Oobora Kimono Shop	¥500 – ₱231 ($5, SGD 6, MYR 19, AUD 7)
	Hida-Furukawa walking tour
	Hida City Library (Kimi No Nawa)	FREE
	Hida-Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall	FREE
	Setogawa Canal with carps	FREE
	White-walled storehouses Street	FREE
	Enkouji Temple	FREE
	Traditional houses and shops	FREE
	Keta Wakamiya Shrine	FREE
04:40 PM	ETD Takayama Station
	1.Walk to JR Hida-Furukawa Station
05:08 PM	2.Take the Takayama Line Local to Takayama.	¥240 (Covered by JR Hokuriku Arch Pass)
05:29 PM	3.Alight at Takayama Station. 3^rd stop. 20 min
	4. Walk or taxi to hotel.
05:45 PM	Hotel check-in.
06:30 PM	Dinner at Ajino Yohei (Hida Beef)	¥2,500 – ₱1,180 ($23, SGD 31, MYR 96, AUD 34)
07:30 PM	Watch Japanese cultural show at Dekonaru-za.	¥3,000 – ₱1,146 ($38, SGD 115, MYR 40, AUD 28)
08:15 PM	ETD Hotel
09:00 PM	Lights out.
DAY 6 EXPENSES	¥7,840 – ₱3,408.64 ($83, SGD 174, MYR 225, AUD94)

DAY 7	HIDA-TAKAYAMA
07:00 AM	Sanmachi Suji (Takayama Old Town)	FREE
	Takayama Municipal Government Memorial	FREE
	Takayama Jinya	¥440 – ₱207 ($4, SGD 6, MYR 17, AUD 6)
	Takayama Morning Market
10:00 AM	ETD Hotel
	Hotel check-out
10:20 AM	ETD Shirakawa-go	¥2,600 – ₱1,203 ($24, SGD 32, MYR 98, AUD 35)
	1.Head to Takayamanohi Bus Stop
10:50 AM	2.Ride the Takayama-Shirakawa-go Kanazawa Shirakawa-go Bus Line
	3.Alight at Shirakawa-go
	4.Leave luggage at locker.	¥500 – ₱231 ($5, SGD 6, MYR 19, AUD 7)
11:40 AM	Shiroyama Viewpoint
12:00 PM	Take shuttle to Ogimachi Village	¥200 – ₱92 ($2, SGD 2, MYR 8, AUD 3)
	Lunch at Inori	¥1,620 – ₱750 ($15, SGD 20, MYR 61, AUD 22)
12:45 PM	Explore Shirakawa-go
	Wada House	¥300 – ₱139 ($3, SGD 4, MYR 8, AUD 4)
	Deai-bashi Suspension Bridge	FREE
	Souvenir Shops
03:00 PM	ETD Osaka Station
	1.Take bus back to Shirakawa-go Station	¥200 – ₱92 ($2, SGD 2, MYR 8, AUD 3)
	2.Get luggage from locker
	3.Walk back to Shirakawa-go Station
	4.Ride bus Takayama Shirakawago Kanazawa towards Kanazawa Station	¥2,000 – ₱926 ($18, SGD 25, MYR 76, AUD 25)
05:20 PM	5.Get off at Kanazawa Station.2nd stop. 1 hour 25 min.
	6.Go to JR ticket office and get a ticket for reserved seat (FREE) on next Thunderbird train to Osaka.
05:31 PM	6.At Kanazawa Station, take the Thunderbird Limited Express train to Osaka	¥7,590 (covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass)
	7.Alight at Osaka Station (It will also pass by Kyoto Station and Shin-Osaka Station). 4^th stop. 2 hrs 30 min.
08:09 PM	Osaka Station
	Dinner	¥800 – ₱371 ($7, SGD 10, MYR 30, AUD 11)
08:50 PM	Walk or take subway or train to hotel.	¥ 180 (Use IC Card)
09:00 PM	Hotel check-in
10:00 PM	Lights out.
DAY 7 EXPENSES	¥8,860– ₱4,011 ($80, SGD 107, MYR 325, AUD 116)

DAY 8	OSAKA
08:00 AM	ETD Osaka Castle
	1.Subway to Tanimachi-4-chome Station
	2.Take Exit 9
	3.Walk to Osaka Castle. 19 mins.
09:00 AM	Osaka Castle	¥600 – ₱278 ($5, SGD 7, MYR 23, AUD 8)
10:30 AM	ETD Hep Five Ferris Wheel	¥230 (Use IC card)
	1.From Osaka Castle walk to Tanimachiyonchome Station. 19 min
10:50 AM	2.Take the Tanimachi Line to Dainichi. Platform 2.
10:57 AM	3.Get off at Higashi-Umeda Station. 3^rd stop. 7 min.
	4.Walk to HEP 5 Ferris Wheel. 6 min.
11:03 PM	HEP 5 Ferris Wheel. RESERVE HERE	¥600 – ₱278 ($5, SGD 7, MYR 23, AUD 8)
12:00 PM	Lunch	¥800 – ₱371 ($7, SGD 10, MYR 30, AUD 11)
01:00 PM	Explore Umeda Station and surroundings
02:00 PM	ETD Shinsaibashi
	1.Walk back to Umeda Station. 8 min.
	2.Take the Midosuji Line to Nakamozu.Platform 1	¥230 (Use IC card)
	3.Alight at Shinsaibashi Station.3^rd stop. 6min
	4.Walk to Shinsaibashisuji.4 min
02:20 PM	Shopping at Shinsaibashisuji
05:00 PM	Walk to Dotonbori. 8 min.
05:20 PM	Explore, food trip, and watch sunset in Dotonbori.
07:00 PM	ETD Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower.
	1.Walk to Namba Station. 5 min.
07:05 PM	2.Take the Midosuji Line to Nakamozu. (Platform 1)	¥180 (Use IC card)
07:09 PM	3.Get off at Dobutsuen-Mae Station.2^nd stop.4 min.
	4.Walk to Tsutenkaku Tower. 7 min
07:16 PM	Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku Tower, and Tsutenkaku Tower Shopping Street
08:00 PM	Dinner	¥1000 – ₱ 462 ($9,SGD 12, MYR 38, AUD 13)
09:00 PM	ETD Hotel	¥180 (Use IC card)
10:00 PM	Lights out.
DAY 8 EXPENSES	¥3000 – PHP 1,389 ($26,SGD 12, MYR 114, AUD 40)

DAY 9 EXPENSES	¥180 – ₱83 ($2,SGD 2.23, MYR 16, AUD 2.40)

TOTAL EXPENSES	¥81,197 – ₱36, 013.64 ($698.73,SGD 995.76, MYR 2881, AUD 961.15)

Here’s the estimated savings if you follow the above itinerary and you use the Hokuriku Arch Pass.

Price of Hokuriku Arch Pass	¥24,440 – ₱11,313 ($224.19, SGD 304.65, MYR 930, AUD 325.35)
Train rides covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass	¥34,670 – ₱16,044.55 ($317.34, SGD 431.37, MYR 1,311.55, AUD 462.69)
Total savings with Hokuriku Arch Pass	¥10,230 – ₱4,731.55 ($93.15, SGD 126.72, MYR 381.55, AUD 137.34)

*Subways and trains not covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass aren’t included in the calculation of savings.

JR HOKURIKU ARCH PASS REMINDERS

Purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass online at least 2 weeks in advance before your departure date to Japan to ensure that you will receive the Exchange Order on time.
Never lose your JR Hokuriku Arch Pass, as it can’t be replaced.
The JR Hokuriku Arch Pass is not transferrable.
Pass holders are eligible to various discounts and gifts in the Hokuriku Arch pass coverage.
Hokuriku Arch Pass holder can can make seat reservations for FREE except for the Haruka Limited Express to and from Kansai Airport, which is only allowed for non-reserved seats for pass holders.
Seat reservations cannot be made for the Hayabusa and Komachi Trains (Tohoku Shinkansen) between Tokyo and Omiya.
For seat reservation, you will have to approach the JR staff at the Ticket Office in Japan to make the arrangement.
The Exchange Order for the Hokuriku Arch Pass will be valid for 3 months from the date it was issued. So for example, your trip was cancelled. You will still be able to use the voucher up to 3 months from the date of issue.
Take note that the Hokuriku Arch Pass is NOT VALID for the Sanyo Shinkansen and the Tokaido Shinkansen.
The Exchange Order is valid for 3 months from the date of purchase. Please redeem your JR Pass within 3 months of its issuance.
The Hokuriku Arch Pass must be used within one month after redemption.

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