Hokuriku Arch Pass is the pass that you can travel between Tokyo and Osaka for 7 days. You cannot get on Tokaido Shinkansen that connects two regions directly, but you can use Hokuriku Shinkansen and other limited express that connects Tokyo and Osaka via Kanzawa. It seems the pass is a popular option since the price hike of JR Pass. But the change is coming to this Hokuriku Arch Pass too.
What will change
The price increase from 30,000 to 35,000 Yen from March 14, 2026. With this new pass, the are you can use expand. In Tokyo side, you can use for Chuo line route using Limited Express Azusa going to Matsumoto, Hakuba direction. So there are two routes to leave Tokyo towards west now. To continue to Osaka, you can take the route from Matsumoto to Nagano, or local train line from Hakuba to Itoigawa. This Itoigawa route is often talked as a vanishing route in near future, and the frequency is very limited. In Osaka side, you can use Obama line and part of San’in line to get to Kyoto. This is very minor route but it’s a great option if you like to drop by Maizuru and Amanohashidate area, often called “Kyoto by the sea”
Something to be considered
The pass is only one selection of 7 days maximum for ordinary cars. No longer pass or a pass for Green car available. In case your base of travel is in Tokyo and make 7 days journey to the West including Kyoto, it might be a great option. If your goal is just to get to Kyoto and Osaka, it might not worth as the Tokaido Shinkansen is available for less than 30,000 round trip. It takes about 2 hours 15 minutes from Tokyo to Kyoto by Tokaido Shinkansen, while it takes about 4 hours via Hokuriku route that you can use this pass.
| Tokyo to Kyoto | Round-Trip Price | Time |
| Tokaido Shinkansen Regular Fare | 27,940 Yen | 2 horus 15 min |
| Hokuriku Shinkansen + Limited Express | 37,140 Yen | about 4 hours |
| Hokuriku Arch Pass | 35,000 Yen (after March 14, 2026) |
As it cost a lot more of fares if you get off on the way, you still save a lot with this Hokuriku Arch Pass. If you like to travel for 7 days away from Tokyo, it’s a good idea to start using the pass on the day you leave. The major destination you can drop by along this route are, Karuizawa, Nagano, Matsumoto, Hakuba, Toyama, Kanazawa, Fukui, Maizuru, Kyoto, Osaka. 7 Days are not enough to travel all areas, but adding some spots on the way is a good start to introduce yourself to off the golden route of Japan.
My thought
I think pass can be a good choice in two cases. (1) Where you like to visit are in the area covered by the pass. It will be a great saving for your trip. (2) You have not much idea where to go, so maybe you can explore within the covered area. It gives you new idea of trip you haven’t thought of. It’s not the best idea if you have to give up visitng somewhere you wanted to visit due to the limit of the pass.
Where to Purchase the Pass
You can purchase the pass either at JR East Reservation or JR WEST Reservation from 30 days prior to the travel date. These official sites allow you to book trains in advance online. You can also use agancy Klook but you need to receive the pass and book trains after you arrive in Japan.
