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JR Hokuriku Arch Pass - 7 Days Unlimited Rides (Tokyo - Hokuriku - Osaka Area) ¥25500 (~A$265) @ JR West / A$255.79 @ Klook

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JR Hokuriku Arch Pass - 7 Days Unlimited Rides (Tokyo - Hokuriku - Osaka Area) ¥25500 (~A$265) @ JR West / A$255.79 @ Klook
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pioneerjhem on 10/03/2024 - 09:03 klook.com (1896 clicks)
Last edited 11/03/2024 - 10:10 by 1 other user

Not sure if this pass is widely known.

Those planning to travel to Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara area) may want to consider this alternative. This pass is much cheaper than JR whole Pass after the price hike (About half the price). Price of this pass will also increase from March 16 (¥30000). I recommend to purchase from Klook as it is cheaper. Be mindful that it will take longer to travel from Tokyo to Osaka compare to using JR whole pass. But I personally don’t mind, especially if you like to visit other regions such as Nagano or Kanazawa. This pass can also be used for local JR trains, travel to and from Narita airport, Haneda Airport & Kansai Airport. Hope this helps some people.

Link to JR West Arch Pass:

https://www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/hokuriku-arch-pass…

More info about the pass:

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_arch.html

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closed Comments

  • n0mad on 10/03/2024 - 09:24
    +1

    anyone know the most economical way for a family of 4 to travel Tokyo-Osaka return? no other inter-city travel expected?

    • aal04 on 10/03/2024 - 09:29

      my limited research last week was jetstar for $350 including luggage. Thats with minimal time, you can probably catch a bus for less than half of that if you have the time.

      • aal04 on 10/03/2024 - 09:44

        i just checked rail, and its also $350. $142/adult $71/(6-11)/free (0-5) for my family

        • Nalar on 10/03/2024 - 12:24
          +1

          If it's a toss up between rail and Fly, I usually Rail if its 4 hours or less, much less hassle.

        • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 10/03/2024 - 13:36

          Yeah, the Shinkansen isn't that expensive, at least unless you plan on going from one side of the country to the other (e.g. Tokyo to Fukuoka or Sapporo). And it's just the most Japanese travel experience.

          • Nalar on 10/03/2024 - 18:59

            @JohnHowardsEyebrows: I think the limit is prob Aomori, it's exactly the same price and time (including travel time to HND and mucking around) to do either, so Train it is.

            • Hangryuman on 15/03/2024 - 16:29

              @Nalar: 'I think the limit is prob Aomori'

              I believe that was the northern end of the shinkansen line when we first used a Shinkansen Green Pass in 1991 and stayed overnight in Aomori in winter (it was freezing)

              now I believe the shinkansen goes further - undersea to Hakodate in Hokkaido - where if you want to continue to Sapporo you need to change to something else.

    • Mandalorians on 10/03/2024 - 09:30
      +2

      if you booked JAL or ANA, one good choice would be their promoted domestic fare, it was $69 one way for me

      • spast1ka on 10/03/2024 - 14:36
        +1

        which dates? i couldn't find anything for JAL or ANA for under $150 in March or April

        • Mandalorians on 10/03/2024 - 19:18
          +2

          I booked 19-26 march return tokyo to osaka, $69 for each way via JAL explore

    • koakun on 10/03/2024 - 09:30

      jetstar fly NRT and KIX. cost will be $50 oneway each per person.

      • spast1ka on 10/03/2024 - 14:36

        what about if you need checked luggage?

        • Davo1111 on 10/03/2024 - 15:10
          -2

          Buy? Or take advantage of a baggage service

    • yasui on 10/03/2024 - 09:33
      +1

      Highway bus is slow but the most economical.

    • beneb on 10/03/2024 - 10:19
      +1

      depends on your comfort requirements. Overnight bus is the way if you don't mind sitting/sleeping in a bus for 7-8hrs. Prices generally start around $35~ per person if you book early

      • Alzori on 10/03/2024 - 10:46
        +1

        Overnight bus also means skipping a night of accommodation, could be net free 🙃

        • Hangryuman on 15/03/2024 - 16:31

          'could be net free 🙃'

          with free internet - or free of internet, i.e. no internet ?

          • Alzori on 15/03/2024 - 17:34

            @Hangryuman: Net as in total overall cost, not talking about internet haha. No idea of the wifi situation on the overnight buses.

    • Heybargain on 10/03/2024 - 11:39
      +1

      Have you taken a look at one of these? https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2364.html
      Haven’t compared costs but would be worth checking out.

    • 31mop on 10/03/2024 - 14:25
      -2

      Walking

    • Cheapsize on 15/03/2024 - 18:28

      Probably fly but there's discount shinkansen tickets in the places that look like a lotto/newsagent near the major stations. Such as Shinjuku/Shibuya

  • Farrba on 10/03/2024 - 09:29

    can this be used tokyo station to kawaguchi in mt fuji? also all trains around tokyo?

    • pioneerjhem on 10/03/2024 - 09:38
      +1

      You can definitely use this pass for JR local trains in Tokyo. But I don’t think it will get you to Kawaguchi, maybe someone else with more experience can confirm.

      • Joaby on 10/03/2024 - 09:54
        +3

        It'll get you halfway to Kawaguchi and then you have to pay the fare for the other half. You can pay that fare upon exit at Kawaguchi (so stay on the train) but the line is looooonnnnnnnnggg. Still a bunch cheaper than paying the full fare the entire way. Was there December 23 and that's how it worked.

    • mikokik5 on 10/03/2024 - 09:39
      +4

      Most trains around tokyo is 200 yen, $2 train ride. If you plan, 5000 yen suica is all you need for 1 week.

      • Farrba on 10/03/2024 - 12:19

        how does suica work if you have minors? do they also need individual phones with this virtual suica? or one parent can do the whole family?

        • dtc on 10/03/2024 - 13:27

          If you want them to pay the concession price then they will need their own physical card.

        • Russ on 10/03/2024 - 16:17
          +1

          Note that physical Suica cards ran out of stock at the end of last year, I don't know if they're available again. Buy the physical cards before you go, to ensure you've got them.

          • markis10 on 10/03/2024 - 18:37
            +3

            @Russ: Welcome Suica is available, got one last week

          • Kambo_Rambo on 11/03/2024 - 12:04
            +1

            @Russ: you can get ones that are reserved (?) for visitors from the airport

            • Russ on 11/03/2024 - 19:56

              @Kambo_Rambo:

              that are reserved (?) for visitors

              They are for tourists, called "Welcome Suica", and have both advantages and limitations:

              • The red Suica card “Welcome Suica” has a validity period of 28 days from the first swipe and will be automatically invalidated on the 28th day.

              • The Welcome Suica does not require a 500 yen advance deposit, but it also does not refund the remaining balance. In other words, the balance of the card will not be refunded either before or after the expiration of the Red Suica Card.

              • maximum balance of 20,000 Yen

              For the "ordinary" green Suica, you have to pay a deposit of 500 yen for the card, plus any amount you want to load onto the card. You can get this deposit back at major train stations, if you return the card.

              The main advantages of the green Suica are:

              • the regular Suica card generally has no expiration date and can be used for as long as it is in use. Unless the card is not used for ten years, the card will not be invalidated.

              • When the card is returned, the deposit of 500 yen is returned along with any remaining amount, less a 220 yen fee.

              So you can use it on your next holiday, no need to get one at the airport or worry they have run out.

              More differences listed here: https://www.getaroundjapan.jp/archives/9146

          • donga100 on 11/03/2024 - 14:15
            +1

            @Russ: You can get Pasmo Passport from the airport too. Does the same thing as Suica but looks cooler because it has Hello Kitty.

        • countmein on 11/03/2024 - 13:04

          They will need your minors id/passports and the date of birth and name will be printed on the physical card. Pretty handy but you need to line up at their ticket lockets which could be pretty long. There are certain age that eligible for this card. And its basically half price/fare of adult's

    • sydboy007 on 10/03/2024 - 09:56

      The train line to kawaguchi is private so there's an added cost

      https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_06.html - The tokyo wide pass does include the far on the private line.

    • Mandalorians on 10/03/2024 - 11:23

      Fuji excursions reserved seats are not easy to book during popular seasons. Because Mt Fuji is only visible around 95 days a year morning and 60 days after midday, so need to check which day you could see it by below forecast.
      By the time forecast is ready, most of good timing has gone.
      So easier option is express bus which has many different timing available and it's much cheaper ad well, 2200 Yen

    • Russ on 10/03/2024 - 15:38
      +1

      also all trains around tokyo?

      Not ALL trains. JR passes are only valid on JR lines, and in Tokyo the JR lines don't go into the city centre, they form a ring that goes through Shinjuku and maintains a similar sort of distance from the centre of the city. If your accommodation is on that ring, you can use JR pass to go to/from Haneda airport. Or go to/from the Shinkansen stations to Haneda airport.

      In inner-city Tokyo, all the train lines are subways, and you can't use JR pass with those, as those lines aren't owned by JR. You need a Suica card for those, or one of the other compatible cards like PASMO. Or you can buy individual tickets from the ticket machines.

      Also, you'd have to make LOTS of journeys each day in Tokyo to make the JR pass better value than a Suica card. In October last year, when I was being a first-time tourist in Tokyo, I think there was only one occasion where I spent more than 1000 yen (=~10AUD) on train fares in one day. And Suica can be used on JR lines too, and on many buses, and works in other cities too. For comparison, the JR pass in this deal is about $38 per day.

      • Russ on 11/03/2024 - 21:06

        in Tokyo the JR lines don't go into the city centre

        However, the JR pass can be used economically on Tokyo local trains in some instances.

        For example, if you're holidaying in Kyoto, and have managed to pre-book a ticket to the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo, which isn't in the city centre.

        Catch the Shinkansen to Tokyo, then catch a local train on the Chuo line (owned by JR), then a short bus ride (which needs Suica). Travel time about 4hrs each direction if you have a JR pass that allows the direct Shinkansen journey (not the JR pass in this deal).

        Also Hiroshima is quite possible as a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto, via Shinkansen, and the ferry trip from Hiroshima to Miyajima Island is also covered by the JR pass (but again, not the JR pass in this deal).

        • Hangryuman on 15/03/2024 - 16:36

          'Ghibli Museum in Tokyo'

          from Shinjuku, I'm seeing 230Y for the train, maybe 450Y for the train+bus (one way) - not something I'd spend a lot of time trying to save another way - https://maps.app.goo.gl/1gnpY5ZsDNVnK9vr5

          • Russ on 17/03/2024 - 14:56
            +1

            @Hangryuman:

            not something I'd spend a lot of time trying to save another way

            You have to use your JR pass to catch the Shinkansen, so it's no extra effort to use it for other transport on the same day.

            The point I was trying to make is that although the JR pass can be used on local transport, that should only be considered as a bonus feature. JR pass is primarily for long-distance travel.

            Perhaps a better example: if you were using JR pass to do a day trip from Osaka or Kyoto to Hiroshima and Miyajima island, the JR pass will save you the price of the ferry tickets, 2100 Yen each way. But note the JR pass in this deal doesn't cover that trip.

            If I did the Tokyo-Osaka-Kyoto trip again, with day trips to Himeji Castle, Nara and Hiroshima+Miyajima, the Kansai-Hiroshima Area JR pass makes it quite economical, plus a separate ticket for the Tokyo leg of the journey. That pass is 17,000 Yen at the moment, for a five-day pass, which is cheaper than the Osaka-Hiroshima return journey alone (10,420 Yen each way)!

  • Darkscythe on 10/03/2024 - 09:55
    +3

    Just used this pass on a recent trip that I just got back from - was excellent value. Did Tokyo-Kanazawa-Osaka-Nagano-Tokyo over 7 days. Only thing I would have changed was doing Osaka to Nagano in a day was 4 hrs on a train so probably should have done Nagano on the way to Osaka and just paid for a bullet train from Osaka to Tokyo but oh well. Kanazawa is nice plus you can get a trip into Shirakawago which was worth every cent.

    • FlyingMiffy on 10/03/2024 - 15:45

      Im about to do this exact trip. Im assuming you might have gone to Shirakawa Go. Was the Bus ticket included in the JR pass?

      • Darkscythe on 10/03/2024 - 21:32

        No, had to pay for them separately - about $26 each way but like I said, worth every cent.

    • everydayimbargaining on 15/03/2024 - 12:01

      What did you do specifically in Shirakawa go besides seeing the houses that made it worth every cent?

      • Darkscythe on 15/03/2024 - 13:28
        +1

        It's probably because I went in winter and generally don't see snow so to see somewhere with interesting architecture covered in snow, surrounded by mountains, was impressive. Had a meal inside one of the farmhouses which was good too - likely enhanced by the fact it was so cold outside. I probably would have found it less interesting in warm weather.

        • everydayimbargaining on 15/03/2024 - 14:04

          Thank you! Will probably go next time when it's snowing to see that contrast!

  • maybeamacy on 10/03/2024 - 09:58

    How come the trip from Osak-Tokyo is longer? Do you need to change trains midway? Cheers

    • spamus on 10/03/2024 - 10:06
      +2

      This pass does not allow direct Shinkansen from Tokyo to Osaka. You need to take a Shinkansen from Tokyo to Tsuruga (from next week) then change for a limited express (regular) train to Osaka.

      • Alzori on 10/03/2024 - 10:57

        Note that the train from Kanazawa/Tsuruga is still quite a fast train. Thunderbird or something it was called when I took it in 2020, still went over 130km/h.

        Very cool that the Shinkansen is being extended!

      • tellu2 on 10/03/2024 - 22:02

        Any idea on total travel time for that?

        • homersyd on 11/03/2024 - 01:25

          I looked into this a bit…I think it's about 6 hrs

  • shane23 on 10/03/2024 - 10:52

    Can I use this pass to get to Hiroshima or Nagoya ? I’m landing in Nagoya and going to Osaka Hiroshima and Tokyo

    • INFIDEL on 10/03/2024 - 14:43
      +1

      For Nagoya to Osaka, there is a 5 day rail pass for 3700¥ ($38), also to Kyoto, Nara, etc

      Uses the private Kintetsu lines, so may not be as convenient as JR.
      Includes minor discounts at some attractions.

      Found it great value. Used the pass on many trips in Kansai / Nagoya / Mie region.

      Great to visit Mt Yoshino to connect to cableway up the mountain for Cherry blossoms (30,000 Sakura bloom at different stages due to altitude).
      The ancient mountain trails are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. Well worth exploring - if you have the time.

      Took a trip to the beaches & pearl cultivation centre near Toba. Also goes to the old Ninja area of Iga.

      • blitzpaladin on 10/03/2024 - 21:53

        Thanks for sharing! Initially I was thinking of using the Shinkansen to get from Nagoya to Kyoto and then use the Kansai Wide Area Pass to explore the region (but having read what the Kintetsu pass offers, I think I might change my traveling plan a little). I do have a couple of questions that I am hoping you might be able shed some lights on, thank you!

        1. Based on what I have seen, would it be correct that to get from Chubu Central Airport to Nagoya CBD via train, a different ticket would be required as it is the Meitetsu Line?
        2. With the Kintetsu Rail Pass, there is the 5day normal vs 5 day Plus version (with local buses being included in the plus version) based on your previous usage, which pass would you recommend?

        Ta

        • INFIDEL on 10/03/2024 - 23:52
          +1

          Have used both Kintetsu passes for different uses.
          But haven't used it for a few years - so there will have been changes. But the price seems the same, unlike JR passes.

          Shinkansen of course is faster & more direct.
          As I have plenty of time, I rarely use Shinkansen… only when raced to catch up with the Sakura Blossom Front - to be at locations as the cherry blossom was at its peak.

          1 Airport connections
          Used my passes from KIA airport (Osaka) so unsure of Nagoya connections. (Didn't know about it when flew into Nagoya.)

          2 Added value (Free Buses) of Pass Plus
          "Unlimited rides on all the Kintetsu lines, Iga Tetsudo line, Nara Kotsu bus, Mie Kotsu bus, and Toba 'Kamome' (seagull) Bus services in the Ise-Shima area."

          Mie Kotsu bus, and Toba 'Kamome' (seagull) Bus services in the Ise-Shima area:
          When I used it, think those free buses were only ones offered. As I traveled around Ise-Shima, Toba, beautiful bays & beaches - the Wide pass was worthwhile.
          Japanese visit, not so much Foreigners. And that region is not on your route!

          Nara Kotsu bus: Nara Park, Nishinokyo, Horyuji Temple, Asuka, Muro and Yamanobe-no-Michi areas
          (pdf map link in plus pass page)
          Kintetsu line station is more central than JR, near Tourist Information Centre (TIC) & attractions.

          Nara is small & most attractions walkable. Nara-koen (park with friendly deer) is a nice walk from station. Major Temples are a short stroll further. A good place for a relaxing day

          Nara is a favourite place for me - much quieter & friendlier than Kyoto. But Kyoto is a must see. Popped into the TIC in Nara - a volunteer remembered me from 4 years before!

          The region from Asuka (South of Nara), Nara, North to Kyoto are the ancient capitals of Japan. I've spent time at the archaeological sites there. New sites are being discovered around Asuka, although there's not much for tourists.

          So the additional 1000¥ price just for maybe a day of short bus rides in Nara may not be worth it. But check what else is offered.

          Send Kintetsu an email with any questions. Japanese are usually very helpful. Price is dearer if bought in Japan.

          • blitzpaladin on 11/03/2024 - 23:28

            @INFIDEL: Thank you so much for the detailed reply!

            • INFIDEL on 11/03/2024 - 23:43

              @blitzpaladin: I like sharing my experiences of Japan🎏

              Travelled to islands North of Hokkaido down to islands off Okinawa. And a lot in between. Mainly away from the tourist spots - in remote & traditional areas. Sometimes did not see another Foreigner for weeks!

              Well over a year of just exploring Japan. Usually a different region each time, over many years & trips.
              Always more to see & experience there.

              If you book (a week) ahead, some Tourist Information Centres may arrange a free English speaking volunteer guide to show you around. They usually have their own free admission, but it's usual to buy them a meal.

              Interesting if you have the time.
              Learnt a lot about Nara that way. Gives a local person's perspective.

              Enjoy your next visit.

    • INFIDEL on 10/03/2024 - 16:08
      +1

      South of Nagoya is Japan's most sacred shrine - beautiful, tranquil Ise Jingu.
      On the Kintetsu line to Osaka, so a stop off on way to Osaka with the Pass.

      Have visited 3 times, including its last rebuild in 2013 (rebuilt every 20 years, highlighting the impermanence of life).
      So its an ancient wooden building possibly dating back 2500 years on the same site, but less than 20 years old!

      Further South, Mie Prefecture contains part of the UNESCO listed 1000 year old stone walking paths - the Kumano Kodo. Paths stretch up to Mt Yoshino & to the West. Highly recommended. But requires time to appreciate.

      • Hangryuman on 15/03/2024 - 16:40

        'an ancient wooden building possibly dating back 2500 years on the same site, but less than 20 years old!'

        wow - a bit like Osaka Castle - started in 1583 - 'restored' in 1997 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osaka_Castle

        • INFIDEL on 15/03/2024 - 17:59

          wow - a bit like Osaka Castle

          Wow - that's pretty ignorant!

          The Emperor's sacred SHRINE - Ise Jingu, is nothing like the fake Osaka Castle tourist attraction!!
          Neither is the Shine's rebuilding every 20 years for sacred purposes, anything like building a fake Osaka Castle!

          'restored' in 1997

          Osaka Castle tourist attraction was Reconstructed (in concrete) NOT RESTORED in 1931 & again after the destruction of WW2 to look like a caste that hadn't stood in Osaka for a very long time.

          Only the stone walls remain of the original castle. Was rebuilt many times after sieges - hundreds of years before that.
          Now it's mainly a tourist site. I've visited for the gardens many times.

          The Emperor's sacred SHRINE - Ise Jingu has been rebuilt 62 times. It's been in continual use as the most sacred Shrine in Japan. Based on design dating back to rice warehouses on that site, 2500 years ago. The site is believed to be used for Shinto worship before the continual reconstruction began.

          No nails, no paint is used. But beautiful wood from trees grown for that particular purpose. You can't even enter or see much more than the roof. Its so sacred. Very different to Osaka Castle!!

          Timber from the old Shrine is used to repair Shrines around Japan. So all Shrines contain some of the sacred Shrine.

          A new Shrine building is completely built beside the old Shrine every 20 years. Then the old Shrine is dismantled.

          By tradition, old wooden rice warehouses were replaced every 20 years. Beyond that they were ineffective in controlling conditions inside necessary to preserve the contents. It is thought that is the reason for the replacement of the Shrine (on land next door) every 20 years.

  • Skky on 10/03/2024 - 11:05
    +1

    booked. thanks for posting - really good time and better than I planned option for my upcoming trip

  • vee_el on 10/03/2024 - 11:17

    Can anyone advise if this is a better option for a Tokyo, Nara, Osaka, Kyoto itinerary with a trip to Fukuoka as well? Cheaper to pay for this and just pay for the round trip shinkansen between Osaka and Fukuoka?

    • dtc on 10/03/2024 - 13:38

      Are you finishing at Fukuoka, if yes, then cheapest is standard Tokkaido Shinkansen Tokyo to Kyoto, just pay for local train tickets to Nara and Osaka; then get one of these to Fukuoka (Hakata) https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2361_jrwest.html

      If you are doing a return to Osaka or Tokyo then different story

  • Pcoder on 10/03/2024 - 11:23

    JR West does offer some of the best value regional passes. Still on my Japan trip, but we got the Kansai Wide Pass which retails for 12,000 Yen, it allowed for us to travel to a wide range of locations including on the Shinkansen in between Shin Osaka and Okayama (All Shinkansens, including the Nozomi which the JR passes doesn't cover), a few private railways (including the cat stationmaster railway one) and free bike rental (which we used).

    The regular JR pass doesnt have a lot of these inclusions almost costs 5x for the 7 days (Kansai wide is 5 days)

  • 2superblue on 10/03/2024 - 11:25

    We (family of 4 including 2 teenagers) will be at osaka for 8 days. We've been to Tokyo so won't be heading there this time round. Can the seasoned travellers provide suggestions if it's worthwhile getting this (plus other short day trips fr Osaka as it's our base). TIA

    • dtc on 10/03/2024 - 13:33

      No, this pass is only worth it for long distance travel. If you are just staying around Kansai area then see if any of these passes help https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2357_kansai.html

      For short day trips eg to Nara, you might be best off just paying the fare. However to Himeji then there maybe a small saving

    • INFIDEL on 10/03/2024 - 14:54
      +1

      Around Osaka area - the $38 5 day Kintetsu rail pass may be an option
      Mentioned in comment above.

      Used it many times. Great if want to also see other areas nearby. Doesn't cover Himeji, but Nara, Kyoto, Mt Yoshino, beaches, & as far East as Nagoya.

      Over many trips, found Osaka a cheap handy base with good transport links for Kansai region & beyond. And great food - It's known as the "kitchen of Japan".

      Once booked my own basic room in a budget ($13/n) hotel room for a month there. At that price could afford to stay at other places as I explored the Kansai region, returning "home" between multiday journeys.

      • Russ on 10/03/2024 - 21:47

        budget ($13/n) hotel room

        I like that price, can you please describe what it was like? Were there downsides? Tube hotel? Tatami mats only? Shared bathroom?

        And was the hotel in a major city, or more like a room in an outback (Australia) pub?

        • INFIDEL on 11/03/2024 - 01:12
          +1

          BASIC! Cheap for longer stays. Just a safe, quiet room to sleep.

          Never tried a Capsule hotel - I think I might find it claustrophobic. Besides the room to myself with lock on the door was cheaper💰

          But things (like price) may have changed after COVID closures.

          There are many old business hotels like it near the slum (backpacker) areas of Osaka (South of Shin-Imamiya, & Tennōji Stations - both on on JR Osaka Loop line). Very close to transport!

          Safe & interesting area with cheap food. The bright lights of Den-Den Town are walkable, & central Osaka a cheap subway ride.
          Even the homeless are friendly! Got to share interesting tales with a few.

          3.5 Tatami mat room (small)
          Futon on mat, pillow & bedding
          Window, power point & fan
          Small space to hang clothes etc
          Toilets down hall
          Showers on 1st (ground) floor
          (I was only one there who used huge free communal bath in building across road - I like Japanese baths)

          Communal area with free WIFI & kitchen (fridges, induction cookers, hot water, etc) on 1st (ground) floor, cheap super(markets) nearby
          No lift & 4th floor is cheapest for long stay discount (mainly overseas English teachers on 2 year Work Visa)
          Access to roof with coin washers
          Staff there spoke English (most cheaper places don't)

          People stayed there for 2 years in tiny rooms with all their work clothes, etc!
          Was fine for 1 person for stays of up to 10 days between other travel over the month.

          Negotiated 1month min price discount (by email) as staff knew me from previous stays.

          Met some great people there.
          Staff remember & call out my name every time I return, even after years away.
          It's my "home" in Osaka.

          • INFIDEL on 11/03/2024 - 02:44
            +1

            @INFIDEL: 3.5 Tatami mat room =
            3 Tatami mats (~1.8m x ~2.7m) for sleeping etc
            + room for entrance, shoe storage, & wardrobe space.

  • bailbondsh on 10/03/2024 - 11:27

    Why does it take longer than the JR whole pass?

    • pioneerjhem on 10/03/2024 - 12:35

      You will need to change train at Kanazawa to final destination to Osaka or Tokyo. Basically moving from one platform to another platform. The helpful staff in JR office will help you book the train seats with the time that suits you. So you won’t miss the next train, unless you are really taking your time.

      • NoApostrophePlurals on 10/03/2024 - 12:37
        +1

        Kanazawa is great city and if utilising this pass, I highly recommend planning a few days there. The hotels are cheap and the city is easy to explore on foot. Our hotel had bicycles to borrow, but we couldn't use them with a baby with us.

    • gudplr on 10/03/2024 - 14:14

      because it doesn't include the direct Tokyo-Osaka Tokaido shinkansen, only the Tokyo-Tsuruga (from next week) Hokuriku shinkansen then the JR Thunderbird the rest of the way to Osaka

  • NoApostrophePlurals on 10/03/2024 - 12:14
    +3

    This isn't really a deal, as it's the normal price.

    Also, if you buy this, keep in mind that you don't get the actual pass, just a voucher to redeem at a physical location, usually either the airport or train station. The train station pick up times vary, so time your trip right. Pick up from airport if possible, which wasn't an option for us when we went to Japan recently. Also, the lines can be extremely long at Tokyo Station. I waited over one hour and nearly missed the last train.

    • seug123 on 10/03/2024 - 12:45
      +1

      This is the standard price- agreed. It varies depending on the currency exchange rate. I got the Hokuriku Arch Pass last weekend at $249 or so, it seems to have gone up in price since.

    • JohnHowardsEyebrows on 10/03/2024 - 13:38

      Yes, I believe you have to buy direct from the relevant JR company to be able to reserve ahead of time.

      • NoApostrophePlurals on 10/03/2024 - 13:45

        Which tourists can't do online. Only if you buy in person I believe. With the online purchase, you can lock in your price 3 months in advance. Will help to beat the price rise in March if you're going to Japan after this date.

    • yowiebear on 10/03/2024 - 21:12
      +1

      I have to disagree. They have announced that the prices are going to go up very soon. Normally we'd get no warning, but because we do get a warning, it kind of acts as a promotional price. No matter how you look at it, ¥25500 (prior to 16th March) is cheaper than ¥30000 (16th March onwards).

  • k15866 on 10/03/2024 - 13:52
    +2

    Seems like the arch pass might be marginally cheaper here
    https://nta-sachitours.company.site/Tokyo-Osaka-Hokuriku-Arc…

    I used these guys many years ago, not sure how they are now

    • azm on 10/03/2024 - 14:56

      Very good and fast shipping. I used to pick up from their office but later when I move back interstate they used fast shipping. 2-3 days IMHO.

  • chadleyshe on 10/03/2024 - 14:36

    Does anyone know where I buy nozomi tickets?

    • dtc on 10/03/2024 - 15:25

      Same place you buy hikari tickets?

      You can buy online for JR central, east and west, just google up - depends which train you are taking. Or through a service such as Shinkansen-ticket . Com (which adds some handling fees) or Klook for some journeys.

    • Pcoder on 10/03/2024 - 15:27

      Try the smart ex website: https://smart-ex.jp/en/index.php

      This is the official booking website for the Tokiado (Tokyo-Shin Osaka), Sanyo (Shin Osaka- Hakata/Fukuoka) and Kyushu (Hakata/Fukuoka, Kagoshima-Chuo) railways.

      They do offer discounts for early purchase, with 28 days out getting max discount. I used them to book Nozomi on Tokiado Shinkansen and it all worked fine.

      • Sambino on 10/03/2024 - 17:03

        You need an account for Smart-ex, and as part of registration you need to authenticate your credit card information. I've tried registering with several different cards without success and this appears to be an unresolved issue for many others (there have been reddit posts on this) so YMMV. The main cards that seem to work are AMEX ones.

        I ended up booking a shinkansen trip through Klook, and even with the added ~10% fee, it was still cheaper than the 'shinkansen-ticket' website.

        • Pcoder on 10/03/2024 - 18:15

          Yeah I did use my amex for it. I think Amex usually works better in a lot of foreign transactions like this as they don't do the complicated procedure of converting from yen to usd then to aud.

        • chadleyshe on 10/03/2024 - 22:44

          Thanks for this, I was wandering why it wasn’t working!

          I’ll try klook to avoid the headache.

  • Lovemybargains on 10/03/2024 - 14:57

    Does this include the Frankston line?

    • azm on 10/03/2024 - 14:58

      You just need one-way ticket .

  • Spets on 10/03/2024 - 15:37
    +4

    Anyone else confused by the different Japan train services and ticket options?

    • snivy on 11/03/2024 - 15:30

      They're confusing, complicated and they keep changing too. I had a "pleasant" surprise discovering they no longer had the train service I used to take like three days before my arrival there.

      Most people I've met are too proud to admit it though.

      • regenade on 11/03/2024 - 16:54

        Made in Japan - proud ?

  • 26aian on 10/03/2024 - 16:10

    Is there a similar ticket type for the eastern side of Japan, between Tokyo and Osaka?

    • Saku-kurata on 10/03/2024 - 18:13

      not that I know. Tokyo - Osaka is the most popular route (Tokaido Shinkansen) and for that reason there is no pass that cater this one.

  • altomic on 10/03/2024 - 17:22

    A very ozbargain travel option is Over night sleeper buses.

    I've used them often.

    Tickets are available via rakutan

  • digitalane on 10/03/2024 - 21:07

    We have 3 nights Osaka, 2 in Kyoto then 5 Tokyo. Is it worth using this for first week of trip to explore Kyoto and Osaka and then to get us to Tokyo on day 5? We might do a day trip out of Tokyo with it in day 6 or 7. But probably no further than say Nagano.

    Otherwise we will just pay as we go and get the quicker bullet train to Tokyo from Kyoto

  • nSuns531 on 10/03/2024 - 23:17

    Is it a further 5% off if I get it from the Klook app?

  • homersyd on 11/03/2024 - 00:25
    +1

    Can I purchase a ticket today for use in Apr? ie. After the price hike?

    • countmein on 12/03/2024 - 13:12

      Keen to know this as well. Am pretty sure we can but just to be double sure

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