Hi Guys,

Anyone used the Hokuriku Takayama pass before? From the routes mentioned here http://touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/ it says I can use it from Osaka to Kanazawa to toyama to takayama. I checked with Hyperdia this is possible now but for my trip in January it does not seem like Hyperdia plans for me to use this route at all and at toyama it will go to some other 2 stations then takayama (and takes waay longer). So I am not sure its because of winter, I havent found anywhere that says the route is closed for winter. Anyone have any idea or experience with this?

Thanks but that does not take me to Takayama though right?

I see. Ok. I am staying 2 nights in Takayama then doing day trip to Shirakawa. I was wondering if I can use pass from Toyama to Takayama as I heard the views are nice compared to bus. But the bus from Kanazawa to Takayama might be faster.

Wow.. what did you do for that much?

Used it for my trip in HK. But then for Japan since my flight reaches around 945pm and counter closes at 10pm I cant use most of the services. Only thing i can is USJ tickets.

Yeah just check terms. Be careful what you need ie printed or not and then when it can be done. I asked them what happens if I arrive after and 3 times I asked separately all couldnt give me answer. But when the system works it works well.

So long as no delays should be ok. Though now school holidays checking in might be difficult. But ask if you can arrange for your baggage to be directly connected to your flight to Kuantan might work. Not sure if you have to exit international terminal and get into domestic or just use the connecting pathway which means your bags are connected.

I have a question. Tried to google it but not really getting the answer. In Kyoto its recommended to use the bus pass but for places like arashiyama i read you have to add on. Does this mean I use bus pass + add on and for add on can I use the Icoca card or I cant use any and have to pay by cash?

The kyoto bus pass. Its 500yen but then its unlimited rides within central. https://www.insidekyoto.com/special-kyoto-b...n-subway-passes says to pay extra amount so I am not sure if its cash or i can use the touch and go card. Or entirely I cant use pass and have to pay cash entirely.

Depends on how you wana get to all those places. With that pass your method of transport is fixed for train and you can take the shinkansen if I am not wrong which can be quite pricey.

Yeah its for bus only. Because the pass is unlimited for central Kyoto only and does not cover to arashiyama. So means I can use the pass and top up whatever amount thats extra if I am heading to arashiyama?

Ok. Mayb can consider that.

So were there any additional payments for out of sentral kyoto? Did you use pass with money or just pay money?

Ok. After much tinkering this is how my itinerary going to look like for now:

Day 1:
Fly to KIX reach at 945pm leave airport by airport bus to Kyoto Station

Day 2:
Kiyomizu-dera temple
Sannen-Zaka and Ninen Zaka Street
Chion In Temple
Shore in Temple
Nishiki Market
Fushimi Inari
Mayb gion for dinner

Day 3 :
Arashiyama
Tenryuji Temple
Bamboo Forest
Okochi Sanso Villa
Kinkakuji Temple
Daitokuji Temple


Day 4:
Ginkakuji Temple
Honen In Temple
Path of Philosophy
Eikando Temple
Head to Osaka

Day 5:
Hiroshima + Miyajima Day Trip

Day 6:
USJ

Day 7
Spend day in Osaka (Not sure yet what to do)

Day 8:
Take train to Kanazawa
Take bus to Takayama
Chill out in Takayama
Hida Folk Village Illumination

Day 9:
Shirakawa Half Day Tour (Package)
Shirakawa Light Up Tour (Package)

Day 10:
Takayama Walk Around
Head back to Osaka

Day 11:
Last minute sightseeing/Shopping
Fly back to KL.

Any comments on the above and any idea where to go in Osaka.. Nothing really popping out at me to go see so far except the aquarium.. mayb the castle.. More like makan place i think.

Yup. Kansai Hiroshima Pass and Takayama Hokuriku Pass

The Kansai Hiroshima is for first 5 days and the last 5 days is covered by the Takayama Hokuriku Pass which covers all of the trip there. Thats based on my discussion with HIS and JTB.

Yeah true. Just need to calculate my costs for the first pass and see if it covers. The train to Hiroshima is expensive I guess might cover with that and can use it for train to Kyoto from airport I guess?..

Yup2 considering that. But since if I dont use it the subsequent date is USJ which i dont think i can utilize the cards too so may not have any difference. haha I am more worried i screw up usage of passes.

Nah. Cant really put on day 10. The ride back to Osaka will reach around 6pm. But Hiroshima and back is worth it already I think. Seems pretty packed as it is already.

The shirakawago is going to be difficult unless you can book your bus/tour etc now. They restrict number of people so unless you have those tours with permits its going to be tough. I tried booking the accomodation since August but also full.. lol. But you can still go see during the day. Try it out.

I managed to get a booking for two weeks after that. Eurgh..

I am planning to go to Takayama and my tours all depart from there. I booked a morning tour (to see during the day) and also the light up tour (from another company that got permits so i get to see at night). Try reserving as much as you can early on, even your bus/train out of Takayama. Apparently most of the transports day after light up get snapped up quickly. This part of the trip the logistics were a nightmare to prepare. My trip is 2 weeks after yours hehe.