Unfiltered Hokuriku Arch Pass Itinerary for 7 Epic Days
Itinerary for a 7-Day Journey with the Hokuriku Arch Pass, Traveling from Tokyo to Osaka
Craving to explore Japan's captivating attractions in a short span? Look no further! With the Hokuriku Arch Pass, you can embark on an incredible 7-day journey across Honshu, traversing Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Osaka while hitting renowned cultural and natural landmarks, such as the Tateyama Alpine Route, Zenko-ji Temple, and Kanazawa Castle, all covered under one ticket!
Day 1: Touchdown Tokyo and Its Wonders
- Arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport
- Hop onto the train with your Hokuriku Arch Pass for a stress-free transfer.
- Delve into Tokyo highlights
- Tackle Asakusa's Senso-ji Temple and Akihabara's sizzling pop culture scene.
- For ekstra kicks, strut through Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Harajuku for shopping and culinary inspirations.
Day 2: Tokyo - Nagano - Zenkaiji Temple
- Morning: Tokyo to Nagano (Hokuriku Shinkansen and local JR lines)
- Travel toe-taling ~1.5 hours.
- Wander Nagano
- Zenkaiji Temple: One of Japan's most influential Buddhist sites.
- Nighty-night: Snooze in Nagano or Tokyo
- Pro Tip: If you fancy an overnight in Nagano, plan for an early start to Kanazawa the next morning.
Day 3: Nagano (or Tokyo) - Kanazawa
- Morning: Via local JR trains to Kanazawa (~2–3 hours if returning from Tokyo, or a quick ride if already in Nagano)
- Afternoon: Discover Kanazawa
- Kenrokuen Garden: Embrace the splendor of one Japan's prestigious gardens.
- Kanazawa Castle: Stepping stones away from Kenrokuen, immerse yourself in this historic castle's restored grandeur.
- Higashi Chaya District: Wander the enchanting lanes of Kanazawa's traditional teahouse quarter.
- Crash Pad: Kanazawa Hostel
Day 4: Kanazawa - Toyama - Tateyama Alpine Route
- Morning: Trot to Toyama (~30 minutes)
- unwrap the Tateyama Alpine Route secrets
- Please note: The Tateyama Alpine Route passes require a separate fee, but you can hop on the Toyama train using your Hokuriku Arch Pass. The Alpine Route offers an extensive array of mountain sightseeing experiences, including
- Murodo Station: Bask in snow walls (seasonal) and breathtaking alpine panoramas.
- *Trolley bus, ropeway, cable car, cuh-tut!
- Zzz: Rest your weary head in Kanazawa or Toyama
- Pro Tip: This day could be lengthy; opt for lodging in Toyama or Kanazawa.
Day 5: Kanazawa - Osaka
- Morning: Off to Osaka via Hokuriku Shinkansen and Thunderbird limited express (~2.5-3 hours)
- Afternoon: Osaka's treasure trove
- Osaka Castle: Stand in awe of this architectural marvel.
- Dotonbori: Snack on finger-licking street food and join the bustling nightlife.
- Digs: Osaka Guesthouse
Day 6: Day Trip to Kyoto (from Osaka)
- Rug-rat: to Kyoto (covered by the Hokuriku Arch Pass)
- Kyoto unicorns
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Stride up ancient torii-adorned hillside paths.
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Admire the shimmering pinnacle of Japanese perfection.
- Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Traipse under towering bamboo stalks, feeling as small as a speck.
- Nighty-night: Osaka or Kyoto
Day 7: Osaka - Farewell to Japan
- Morning: Leisure in Osaka
- Check out Umeda or Shinsekai, or dive into another yummy food market.
- Afternoon: Off to Kansai International Airport
- Alternatively, if you depart from Tokyo, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen or Tokaido Shinkansen (Hokuriku Shinkansen covered by the pass).
- Start your Japan adventure with a journey on the bullet train via the Hokuriku Arch Pass, traveling from Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo for a day filled with savoring food at vibrant local restaurants, shopping at distinctive places, and immersing in its rich culture and history.
- On Day 2, venture to Nagano on the Hokuriku Shinkansen and local JR lines, visiting the influential Zenkaiji Temple and spending the night in Nagano or Tokyo.
- Day 3 comes with a trip to Kanazawa, exploring historic places such as Kanazawa Castle, the prestigious Kenrokuen Garden, and the traditional Higashi Chaya District before resting at the Kanazawa Hostel.
- The fourth day invites you to uncover the Tateyama Alpine Route secrets, with its snow walls, alpine panoramas, and unique transportation methods, while spending the night in Kanazawa or Toyama.
- On Day 5, travel to Osakaand discover its notable attractions, like Osaka Castle and the bustling Dotonbori, and rest at the Osaka Guesthouse.
- Day 6 takes you on a day trip to Kyoto, featuring Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, before retiring in Osaka or Kyoto for the night.
- End your 7-day epic journey with leisure in Osaka before departing from Kansai International Airport, or opt to travel to Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen or Tokaido Shinkansen, with the Hokuriku Arch Pass covering your train ride. Don't forget to indulge in souvenirs and local drinks before you bid farewell to Japan.
