Kansai & Hokuriku Area Rail Pass

Although the Hokuriku region is closer to Gifu and Nagoya, the rail lines in the Hokuriku area are operated by JR West (including the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Joetsu-Myoko Station and Tsuruga Station). If you plan to travel around the Hokuriku region, it is recommended to purchase the "Kansai & Hokuriku Area Rail Pass." Traveling from Osaka to Tsuruga (a Hokuriku Shinkansen station) takes only about 1 hour and 20 minutes, and even with the lower-tier Rapid Service, it only takes 2 hours. The journey is relatively short, and the pass is valid for 7 days (19,000 yen), providing ample time to explore Hokuriku before returning to the Kansai area. On the other hand, while JR Central offers the "Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass," the travel time to the Hokuriku region is longer and less convenient. Additionally, this pass is only valid for 5 days (19,800 yen), making it less cost-effective and straightforward compared to the "Kansai & Hokuriku Area Rail Pass."