JR Hokuriku Area Pass

The Hokuriku Area Pass is a rail pass for exclusive use by foreign tourists. It provides pass holders with four consecutive days of unlimited travel on designated JR train and bus lines (including unreserved seats on limited express trains) in the Hokuriku Region. It can be a good pass for exploring the area around Kanazawa, Kaga Onsen, Fukui and surroundings.

Purchase the Hokuriku Area Pass

Validity

1. Unlimited use of JR trains along the lines shown on the map above, including non-reserved seats on shinkansen and limited express trains.
2. Unlimited use of the IR Ishikawa Railway between Kanazawa and Tsubata to access the JR Nanao Line and on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway between Toyama and Takaoka to access the JR Himi and Johana Lines; however, it is not allowed to get on and off at any stations in between. The liner surcharge for Ainokaze Liner trains is not covered.
3. Reserved seats are not covered by the pass. If pass holders wish to use a reserved seat, nevertheless, the pass will cover only the base fare, while the limited express fee will have to be paid separately. Note that Kagayaki trains along the Hokuriku Shinkansen carry only reserved seating and cannot be used free of charge by pass holders.
4. Unlimited use of local JR buses around Kanazawa.
5. The pass is valid on four consecutive calendar days (midnight to midnight).
6. The pass provides discounts on various non-JR trains and buses, including the following:
   • Toyama Chiho Railway between Toyama and Tateyama (no stop-overs allowed)
   • Selected bus passes for travel from Takaoka to Gokayama and Shirakawago
   • 1-day pass of the Kanazawa Loop Bus
7. The pass provides discounts on admission to some tourist attractions in the area.
8. Only foreign visitors to Japan (with temporary visitor status) can use the JR Hokuriku Area Pass. It cannot be used by residents of Japan.
9. The pass can only be used by a single person. It cannot be transferred between multiple persons. The pass holder has to carry his/her passport at all times.

Points of sale

The Hokuriku Area Pass can be purchased online and at selected travel agents outside of Japan. The actual pass has to be picked up at a major station in the area covered before use.

Purchase the Hokuriku Area Pass

Assessment

The JR Hokuriku Area Pass is an excellent value for exploring the Hokuriku Region. It already almost pays off for a one way trip by limited express from Tsuruga to Kanazawa alone. Use in combination with a JR Kansai Wide Area Pass could be worth considering.