JR CENTRAL PASS
Model Course
Day 1
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Arrive at Kansai International Airport
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| Staying in Osaka |
Day 2
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9:12-11:09 |
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| Staying in Awara Onsen |
Day 3
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9:26-10:05 |
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| Staying in Takaoka |
Day 4
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9:35-10:38 |
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| Staying in Takayama |
Day 5
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Freetime at Takayama Historic District, Morning Market
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| Staying in Nagoya |
Day 6
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Move to Chubu Airport by Meitetsu Train(48mins 890yen pp)
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SIGHTSEEING INFORMATION
Cormorant Fishing on the Nagara River (May 11th - October 15th Every Year)
"Ukai” is an ancient fishing method that has been performed in Gifu for 1,300 years in which the fishing master uses cormorants to catch sweetfish. With Gifu Castle looming in the background in the dark of night, the fishing masters and cormorants set about their work, guided by the flaming torchlights at the helms of their boats. Though short in duration, this ceremony transports you back in time with its subtle yet profound beauty. Charlie Chaplin himself came to watch ukai, and he loved it so much that he came back again a second time to see the spectacle. Ukai is performed every night from May 11th to October 15th, except on days of high water and on the night of the Harvest Moon in autumn. Along the river there is a famous hot spring area, the Nagaragawa Hot Spring, which you should take advantage of if you come to watch ukai!
Access
10-minute taxi ride from JR Gifu Station to the viewing boat loading area
Takayama Historic District
"Located at the center of the castle town, the three main streets that make up the most popular part of Takayama's Historic District served as a bustling merchant town in times past. This area is referred to as ""Sanmachi-dori,"" and it is distinguishable by the distinctive, old architecture and shops that remain to this day. These streets, brimming with shops and stalls of all kinds, are the heart of Takayama and are not to be missed! Among these stores are old-fashioned Japanese sweet shops, stores selling traditional crafts, and shops selling local specialties such as mitarashi dango rice ball snacks and skewered Hida beef etc. You can buy a popular ""sarubobo"" amulet or--especially recommended during the winter--taste some sake at one of the many breweries in town! "
Time
Access
12-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
UNESCO World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go
"Hidden away deep in the mountains is this quaint settlement in Shirakawa Village that is famous for its ”gassho-zukuri” houses whose grand roofs resemble hands clasped in prayer. Many of these houses are still inhabited to this day, and together with their adjacent rice paddies, they paint an incredibly picturesque landscape that is a joy to behold and to take a stroll through. The Shiroyama Viewpoint offers a great panoramic view of the settlement in its entirety. The oldest and largest remaining gassho-zukuri house in the village, the Wada Residence, is still used as a private residence, but part of it is also open to the public for viewing. There, you will find many tools used in everyday life a long time ago displayed throughout the house."
Access
Accessible by Nohi Bus and Hokuriku Railway Bus either from JR Takayama Station on the Takayama Line (about 60 minutes away) or from JR Kanazawa Station on the Hokuriku Main Line (around 75 minutes away).
UNESCO World Heritage Site Gokayama
Gokayama consists of small villages set in mountain valleys. There are 23 Gassho-style (steep thatched roof) houses in the largest Ainokura village, and nine more houses in Suganuma village, where the local residents live. In 1995, Gokayama was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site along with Shirakawa-go as “Gassho-style houses in the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama”. You can see fields of rice and other crops, stone walls and Yukimochirin (forest for defense against avalanches) as well as the Gassho-style houses that tell us about the traditional lifestyle in Ainokura village.
Time
Access
Ride to the Kaetsuno Bus for Shirakawa-go (2 hours). This approach is recommended to tourists visiting Gokayama, as the bus also stops at Ainokura and Suganuma villages along the way.
Kanazawa Station Tsuzumimon Gate
"Kanazawa Station is the city’s main gateway and rail station. The station underwent massive renovations in 2005 and is an important transport and shopping hub. The wooden Tsuzumimon Gate outside the east exit is modeled after traditional Japanese drums called tsuzumi. The gate’s unique style has become a contemporary symbol of Kanazawa. The gate is connected to a large, contemporary-style glass structure called the Motenashi Dome."
Access
Kanazawa Station (Kenrokuen Gate(East Gate))
Kenrokuen Garden
Along with Kairakuen in Mito City and Korakuen in Okayama City, Kenrokuen is one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, where the characteristics of the "Kaiyurinsen" Style from the Edo Period still remains inside the garden today. Kenrokuen was built by the 5th lord of the Kaga Clan Tsunanori in 1676 (Enbo 3), and it took about 170 years to finish. Kenrokuen, meaning "having six factors", was given the name because of the 6 attributes that bring out the perfect landscape of the garden: spacious, tranquility, artificial, antiquity, water fountains and magnificent view from the mountain. It has many attractions such as the lanterns, Gankobashi Bridge and the Kasumigaike Pond. One can also enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the four seasons such as Cherry blossoms, Iris fields, autumn foliage and Yukitsuri.
Time
Access
About 15-min bus ride from JR Kanazawa Station.
Ishiura Shrine
"Ishiura Shrine is the oldest shrine in Kanazawa founded in 547. This shrine is known to bring good luck especially matchmaking, and the good-luck charms with cute dots are very popular. In 2019, 101 of red Torii-gates are placed along Sando(the path to the Shrine). These are very beatiful, and became new attractive spots in Kanazawa."
Access
About 10-min bus ride from JR Kanazawa Station.
Higashi Chaya District
Near the Asanogawa Ohashi Bridge, this area shows the picturesque atmosphere of the wooden lattice fronts of old geisha houses and restaurants, and was designated as an Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Historic Buildings. One can still hear the sounds of Shamisen and Taiko from teahouses echoing through the streets in the evenings.Inside the Higashi Chaya Teahouse District, there are buildings such as the Shima and the Kaikaro teahouses that were constructed 200 years ago. Visitors can enjoy a cup of green tea and Japanese sweets while drowning oneself in the unique atmosphere inside one of these old geisha houses.
Time
Access
About 10-min bus ride from JR Kanazawa Station.
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
"Come face-to-face with fearsome beasts! Located in Katsuyama City, Fukui, the site of more dinosaur fossil discoveries than anywhere else in Japan. One of the world's three biggest dinosaur museums. This vast museum features displays of dinosaur skeletons and fossil specimens, as well as life-sized dioramas, making it a great destination for both kids and adults. While you're there, why not get on a shuttle bus from the museum and join a tour? Near the excavation site where dinosaur fossils have found, you can try a hands-on ""fossil excavation"" experience. When dig out a fossil, the reseacher will explain the fossil. ( reservation required )"
Access
Board Echizen Railway Eiheiji Katsuyama Line, bound for Katsuyama at Fukui Station. A community bus is available from Katsuyama Station to the Museum.
Tojinbo Cliffs
"Ranked among the world's finest scenery! Carved out by the rough waves of the Sea of Japan, this 1.5km stretch of coastline features breathtaking views that led to its being nationally designated as both a place of scenic beauty and a natural monument, as well as magnificent sunsets worthy of recognition as one of Japan's 100 most beautiful sunsets. Visitors can walk around freely and reach the edge of the rocks but please be careful! You can also enjoy a 30-minute long ride on a pleasure boat cruise.Walking up to the cliffs, you’ll encounter many shops and restaurants selling souvenirs and local products such as the infamous Fukui specialty Echizen Crab as well as other seafood! "
Time
Access
Board Echizen Railway Mikuni Awara Line, bound for Mikuni-minato at Fukui Station. A bus is available from Mikuni-minato Station to Tojinbo Cliffs.
JR CENTRAL PASS
Price
Adult 14,260Yen
Child 7,130Yen
Validity Period
5 Consecutive Days
Seats Reservation
Use of reserved seats on ordinary trains of JR conventional lines are free of charge up to 4 times! (Excluding Limited Express “HARUKA”)
Excluding Limited Express “HARUKA”
Unlimited rides
Unlimited rides on Hokuriku Shinkansen (non-reserved seats) between Kanazawa-Toyama
Transport services and routes covered by this pass
・Non-reserved seats of ordinary cars of JR limited express, express, rapid, and ordinary trains between Nagoya － Toyama station (via Tokaido/Takayama lines), between Kanazawa － Kyoto station － stations within Osaka City area (via Hokuriku/Kosei/Tokaido lines), between stations within Osaka City area － Kansai-airport station (via Hanwa/Kansai-airport lines)
・Non-reserved seats of ordinary cars of the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Toyama － Kanazawa station
・Nohi Bus/Toyama Chitetsu Bus/Hokutetsu Bus: Shirakawa-go/Kanazawa line and Takayama/Toyama line between Takayama Nohi Bus Center – Shirakawa-go – Kanazawa (with some exceptions; reservations required)
・Kaetsuno Bus: World Heritage Bus between Shirakawa-go － Shin-Takaoka station
*This pass does not allow you to travel on the Tokaido Shinkansen between Kyoto － Shin-Osaka station. Please be aware that to travel on the Tokaido Shinkansen, you will need to pay the required basic fare and any additional fees separately. Be aware that additional fees will also be required for reserved seats of the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Toyama － Kanazawa station.
Day 1
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Arrive at Chubu International Airport
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| Staying in Nagoya |
Day 2
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7:45-10:16 |
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| Staying in Takayama |
Day 3
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Freetime at Takayama Historic District, Morning Market
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| Staying in Toyama |
Day 4
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9:15-10:20 |
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| Staying in Matsumoto |
Day 5
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Free Time at Matsumoto (Matsumoto Castle)
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| Staying in Nagoya |
Day 6
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Move to Chubu Airport by Meitetsu Train(48mins 890yen pp)
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SIGHTSEEING INFORMATION
Takayama Historic District
"Located at the center of the castle town, the three main streets that make up the most popular part of Takayama's Historic District served as a bustling merchant town in times past. This area is referred to as ""Sanmachi-dori,"" and it is distinguishable by the distinctive, old architecture and shops that remain to this day. These streets, brimming with shops and stalls of all kinds, are the heart of Takayama and are not to be missed! Among these stores are old-fashioned Japanese sweet shops, stores selling traditional crafts, and shops selling local specialties such as mitarashi dango rice ball snacks and skewered Hida beef etc. You can buy a popular ""sarubobo"" amulet or--especially recommended during the winter--taste some sake at one of the many breweries in town! "
Access
12-minute walk from JR Takayama Station
Fugan Canal Kansui Park
A waterside park surrounding a canal just a 9-minute walk from the North Gate of JR Toyama Station. The vast lawns of the park create a pleasing space for people of all ages, from children to the elderly. In addition to a square with a spring and waterfall, a playground and Tenmon-kyo Bridge, the symbol of the park, you can enjoy a cruise along the canal. You can also stop for refreshments at the most beautiful Starbucks coffee shop in the world, and enjoy a meal at La Chance, a French restaurant. Events such as fireworks displays are held here throughout the year, and the park is lit up at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
Access
On foot 9minutes from JR Toyama Station
Mikurigaike (Summer-Autumn: late June～ November)
Mikuriga-ike is a floating sky lake surrounded by 3000m mountains. With the beautiful three peaks of Tateyama reflected on the clear blue lake, Mikuriga-ike can heal anyone. It begins to show its true face from the last ten-day of June when the snow and ice melt, making it possible to enjoy various beautiful sceneries that you could not see before. It's one of the most picturesque sopts for a stroll at Murodo.This pond was called "a kitchen pond for god"and its water was used to cook meals for the god residing on the mountain. This area is home to many rare alpine plants and ptarmigan can be seen hiding in the pine bushes.
Access
10 minute walk from Murodo Terminal
Muroo
"Murodo is the best tourist area on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. It is very cool and the temperature is 15 ℃ lower than in the city. During the summer of Murodo, snow remains until mid-July, and cute alpine plants bloom from late July to August. Light hiking is also possible, and you can relax in the nature. The Murodo Terminal has facilities such as hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops. The scenery that can only be seen if you stay overnight is wonderful. The night sky is very beautiful because the stars are very close due to the high altitude, and there is no light around."
Access
Murodo Station on the Alpine Route
©Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
©Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
Daikanbo (Autumn leaves: late September ～ mid October)
"Daikanbo is one of the most spectacular scenic spots on the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. You should definitely see the beautiful scenery of the panoramic autumn leaves and the emerald green Kurobe lake, especially during the autumn leaves. The Tateyama Ropeway, which departs from Daikanbo Station, is an attraction that can be enjoyed as a moving observatory."
Access
Daikanbo Station on the Alpine Route
Matsumoto Castle
"Matsumoto's namesake castle is the oldest existing castle in Japan and is recognized as a National Treasure. The contrasting black and white plaster of the exterior stands out boldly against the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps. Built with many unique architectural elements, Matsumoto Castle also features a moon viewing pavilion, indicative of the lifestyle of the feudal lords. The grounds of the castle come alive in color in the spring with cherry blossoms. In between the castle and Matsumoto Station are two shopping streets not to be missed, Nawate-dori (aka “Frog Street”) with small specialty shops and eateries, and Nakamachi, lined with picturesque Kura (earthen-walled store-house) –type buildings."
Access
On foot 15minute from JR Matsumoto Station.
Narai-juku Historic Post Town
At the northern exit of the valley, Narai was one of the longest and most prosperous post towns, with shops, restaurants and inns extending over a length of one kilometer. It is well known for its wood and lacquerware products. For a look at the inside of Narai’s beautiful houses, visit the Nakamura Residence, a former comb merchant’s house, or Kamidonya Shiryokan, the house of a wholesaler. The Kiso Ohashi Bridge, a shining example of the area’s wood craftsmanship, can be found just outside of town.
Access
On foot 5 minutes from JR Narai Station.
Tsumago-juku Historic Post Town
Tsumago, in the heart of Southern Kiso, looks just as it did during the Edo period: the road is lined with single-story wooden inns whose roofs are weighted with heavy stones. In the evening, the street and buildings are bathed in the glow of hanging paper lanterns. You can stop by the Rekishi Shiryokan museum to learn more about the history of the area (has information in English), or take a short walk up to the ruins of Tsumago Castle, which has excellent views of the post town below.
Access
About 10-min bus ride from JR Nagiso Station.
Magome-juku Historic Post Town
"The Nakasendo is an old highway between Tokyo and Kyoto along which there used to be many post towns, places where travelers could spend the night. Among these is Magome, awarded a one-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Magome is relatively unique among the post towns throughout the country for being located on very precipitous terrain. It is said that the name Magome (written with ""horse"" and ""basket"") derives from the fact that travelers were forced to leave their horses at the inns because the road was too steep for horses to climb. The cobblestone streets are lined with old, lattice-windowed residential houses, museums, tea houses, and souvenir shops on both sides, a scene that very much resembles how the post town looked in the Edo period hundreds of years ago."
Access
"20-minute taxi ride from JR Nakatsugawa Station/ From Nakatsugawa Station, board the Kita Ena Bus on the Magome Line and get off at the ""Magome"" bus stop"
JR CENTRAL PASS
Price
Adult 17,830Yen
Child 8,910Yen
Validity Period
5 Consecutive Days
Seats Reservation
Reserved seats on ordinary trains of JR conventional lines are usable up to 4 times
Seasonal Pass
* The duration of sales in Japan is the same as the exchange period mentioned above.
* During busy periods (from Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route’s opening day to the beginning of May, the middle of August, and the beginning of October) Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is expected to be extremely congested.
At these times, you may not be able to use the service at your desired time, so please make sure to allow plenty of time to reach your travel destination.
This pass covers the following transport services and routes
・Non-reserved seating on JR limited express, express, rapid, and local trains between Nagoya station – Toyama station (via Tokaido/Takayama lines) and between Shinano-Omachi station and Nagoya station (via Oito/Shinonoi/Chuo Main lines)
*Use of Home Liner excluded
・Between Dentetsu-Toyama and Shinano-Omachi within Alpine Route. Non-reserved seating on Toyama Chiho Railway limited express trains between Dentetsu-Toyama station and Tateyama station included.
HOW TO PURCHASE
STEP 1 : Before leaving for Japan, purchase an Exchange Order (e-ticket) at H.I.S. Manila.
Only for foreign travelers with a passport issued outside of Japan that are also able to show a passport with a “Temporary Visitor” stamp/seal (received during immigration) at the time of ticket issuance. *When using the automated gate at the airport, please request for a stamp or seal from the staff. - This ticket can only be used by the person it is issued to, and cannot be transferred nor lent to anyone else. In addition, this ticket must be kept on hand at all times when in use, along with a passport, and be presented if requested by the staff.
STEP 2 : After you arrive in Japan, take your Exchange Order (e-ticket) to an exchange location.
Your passport is required. You will receive your JR RAIL PASS for Central Japan (Takayama-Hokuriku Area/Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area/Ise-Kumano-Wakayama Area/Mt.Fuji-Shizuoka Area) after confirmation of eligibility. When exchanging an MCO, the person specified on the MCO should : (1) be present; (2) present their MCO and passport; (3) provide all relevant information (passport number, etc.) at the station counter, etc.; and (4) specify the starting date of use, which must be within 1 month from the date of issue of the ticket (includes. date issued). *You cannot board trains on the JR line, etc. with an MCO. It must be exchanged.
IMPORTANT NOTES ON USE
- The period of validity for each product will start on the specified starting date of use (includes. the starting date of use). - For customers using the “Takayama - Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass” The following bus routes require a reservation in advance: a portion of the routes between Takayama and Shirakawa-go, all routes between Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go, and all routes between Toyama and Shirakawa-go. (Reservations can be made up to a month before the date of travel at the following reservation centers.) *Bus routes between Shin-Takaoka and Shirakawa-go do not require a reservation. [Reservations for Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Kanazawa]* (JPN/ENG: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) - Nohi Bus: (+81) 577-32-1688 - Hokutetsu Bus: (+81) 76-234-0123 [Reservations for Takayama - Shirakawa-go - Toyama]* - Nohi Bus: (+81) 577-32-1688 (JPN/ENG: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM) - Toyama Chitetsu Bus: (+81) 76-433-4890 (JPN: 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM) * For routes where more than one bus company operates, you can make a reservation with any of the bus operators. - For customers using the “Alpine - Takayama - Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass” When taking any form of transport between Tateyama and Kurobeko, take this ticket to the counter at Tateyama or Kurobeko Station and receive a “boarding pass” to use the transport on that route. (Although you cannot use this pass to make a ticket reservation online for the Tateyama Cable Car departing from Tateyama Station. you can use it to ride the Tateyama Cable Car without any reservation.) - For customers using the “Mt. Fuji - Shizuoka Area Tourist Pass Mini” Always visit the reception counter before boarding the ferry. (Regarding the ferry, aside from suspensions due to severe weather conditions, operations will be suspended once a year for docking and inspection. Please confirm the ferry schedule on the website, etc. in advance. In addition, the “Mt. Fuji Shimizu Minato Cruise can only be boarded from Hinode Terminal to Hinode Terminal” and it is not possible to disembark at Miho-Sanbashi on the way.) For the latest news and details, please refer to the following websites: Tourist Pass; JR Central; JR West; and all other websites for the different forms of transportation. The contents described here are up to date as of March 2020 and may change without prior notice. (Please understand that we shall not be responsible for any refunds due to such changes.)
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