In wintertime, Takayama and Hokuriku regions such as: Gero Onsen (hot springs), Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Gokayama World Heritage Sites, Toyama, Kanazawa, and Fukui are full of a unique and different charm, more so than in the other seasons. Along with beautiful landscapes that look even more gorgeous with snow, there are also many delicious foods to be enjoyed during the wintertime.
For example, there are dishes like: Keichan (a chicken signature dish of the Gifu prefecture) and Hida beef served on a sizzling teppan iron plate, sweet red-bean soup served inside a traditional thatched roof house at Shirakawa-go, and fresh seafood like crabs and yellowtail fish from Nanao and Toyama Bays. These are all winter specialties of this region.
Takayama and Hokuriku regions are highly recommended destinations for winter travel. If you plan on buying a value pass, the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, presented by the Central Japan Railway Company and West Japan Railway Company, is the best way to go. It offers unlimited rides on JR Express Trains, and on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (between Toyama and Kanazawa) and buses, making it easy for visitors to get around the area. You can fully enjoy your winter trip in a convenient and economical way.
Period of use/sales
Now on sale at participating overseas travel agents.
Validity period
Five consecutive days
Price
| Adults | Children* |
|---|---|
| 13,500 yen | 6,750 yen |
* between the ages of 6-11 years
Eligibility
Customers must have a passport issued by a nation other than Japan and whose visa status in Japan is “Short-term Stay”.
Exchange tickets (MCO) must be purchased outside Japan from participating companies: JTB, Nippon Travel Agency, Kintetsu International, Japan Airlines etc.
Exchange locations
Exchange ticket (MCO) can be exchanged for the tourist pass at the following locations:
- JR Central: Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka
- JR West: Kyoto, Shin-Osaka (including the Travel Corners), Osaka, Kansai-Airport, Komatsu, Kanazawa, Toyama
- JR Tokai Tours: Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shin-Yokohama
*Reservations for reserved seats can be made at JR Central and JR West service counters in addition to the locations mentioned above.
Available transportation
- Unlimited use of the non-reserved seats in ordinary cars on JR limited express, rapid and local trains (excluding the Tokaido shinkansen and sleeper trains) between Nagoya and Toyama (via the Tokaido/Takayama lines), Toyama and Kanazawa (via Hokuriku shinkansen), Kanazawa and Osaka city area (via Hokuriku/Kosei/Tokaido lines), Osaka city area and Kansai International Airport (via Hanwa line/Kansai International Airport line).
- Reserved seats on ordinary cars can be used up to four times with the exception of the Hokuriku shinkansen and the limited express Haruka.
- Unlimited use of highway buses Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa line (Takayama Nohi Bus Centre – Shirawaka-go – Kanazawa station) by Nohi Bus, Hokuriku Rail Road and the World Heritage Bus (Shin-Takaoka station – Gokayama- Shirakawa-go) by Kaetsunou Bus. The highway bus Shirakawago/Kanazawa requires prior booking by phone.
Further information
- Visit the official site: http://touristpass.jp/en/