Reaching Kanazawa from Tokyo or Kyoto
You want Kanazawa on your route and wonder whether to come from Tokyo or from Kyoto.
Trains, roads and flights
Hokuriku Arch Pass for a Tokyo-Osaka route
You want to cross central Japan the scenic way, and doubt a pass beats separate tickets.
The Hokuriku Arch Pass suits a one-way crossing between Tokyo and Osaka by way of Kanazawa, when you want the scenic route more than speed. If you only need to get from Tokyo to Osaka, the Tokaido route is faster.
What does the Hokuriku Arch Pass cover?
The pass includes reserved seats on the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tsuruga and Tokyo, and on limited express trains such as Haruka and Thunderbird 1. It is valid for 7 consecutive days 2.
It does not cover the Tokaido Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo, or the Sanyo Shinkansen 1. That matters if you plan to return by the standard route.
How much does it cost in ringgit?
An adult pass costs 35,000 yen, and a child pass 17,500 yen 2. At RM 2.603 per 100 yen on 19 October 2026, that is about RM 911 and RM 456 2 3.
The nationwide 7-day Japan Rail Pass costs 53,000 yen, about RM 1,380 4 3. Read whether the nationwide pass is still worth it and regional passes versus the nationwide pass.
How does it compare with the Tokaido route?
The fastest Nozomi between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka takes 2 hours 21 minutes 5. The Hokuriku route runs through Nagano, Kanazawa and Tsuruga, so it is longer and meant for sightseeing.
Choose Hokuriku for Kanazawa, the coast and a different Japan. Choose Tokaido for speed. See Tokyo to Kanazawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen or via Kyoto.
Who is it best for?
It suits return visitors and rail fans who want a one-way crossing with a stop in Kanazawa. It suits travellers who can use many of the 7 days on trains and sights.
If you only ride a few times, individual tickets may cost less. Use our rail pass breakeven tool and read whether a pass is worth it for your route.
How do you buy and reserve?
Reserved-seat trains need a seat reservation before boarding. Passes can be bought at travel agencies in Japan up to one month before first use, and overseas exchange orders must be exchanged within 3 months of issue 6.
Check the current rules before you book. Send us your route and dates, and we compare the pass with separate tickets for your trip. For a Kanazawa add-on, see Kanazawa add-on or skip.
Tell us your start and end cities and how many nights you want in Kanazawa, and we will compare the Hokuriku Arch Pass with individual tickets and the Tokaido route for your dates.
Keep planning
Kanazawa, planned around your family
You want a calm, beautiful stop between the big cities, without a hard journey.
Kanazawa: add it or skip it
You like the idea of gardens and old streets, but your days are already full.
Kanazawa and Kyoto in four days
You want gardens and crafts at a gentle pace, in two cities that suit that mood.
Regional JR passes versus the nationwide pass
You are planning Tokyo plus Kansai, and every pass seems to cover a different slice of the map.
Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass
You are tracing Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa and wonder if one pass covers the lot.
Questions travellers ask
How much is the Hokuriku Arch Pass in ringgit?
The adult pass is 35,000 yen, about RM 911 at RM 2.603 per 100 yen, and the child pass is 17,500 yen, about RM 456. It is valid for 7 consecutive days. Prices can change, so we confirm the current figure before you buy.
Does the pass cover the Tokaido Shinkansen?
No. The Tokaido Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Tokyo cannot be used with this pass. It covers the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tsuruga and Tokyo, and limited express trains such as Haruka and Thunderbird.
Is it faster than the standard Tokyo to Osaka route?
No. The fastest Nozomi on the Tokaido line takes 2 hours 21 minutes between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka. The Hokuriku route is a scenic way across with stops, not a faster one. Choose it for Kanazawa and the coast, not for speed.
Do we need to reserve seats?
Yes, on reserved-seat trains you need a seat reservation before boarding. Reserve early for busy dates. We list each ride and its reservation step in your plan.
Sources
Figures are checked against these sources and dated so you can see how current they are.
- JR-West, Hokuriku Arch Passaccessed 2026-10-20
- JR-West, Hokuriku Arch Passaccessed 2026-10-20
- Bank Negara Malaysia exchange rates (JPY)accessed 2026-10-20
- JNTO, citing the JR Group press release of 9 April 2026accessed 2026-10-20
- JR Central Annual Report 2025accessed 2026-10-20
- JR-West, Hokuriku Arch Passaccessed 2026-10-20
Ready to shape your Japan trip?
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you hope to see. We will reply with ideas and a tailored quote.