1. We are currently exploring which pass to buy, the Kintetsu Railway pass or the Takayama Hokuriku Pass.
Our itinerary will be Osaka - Kyoto - Gero - Takayama - Shirakawago - Osaka. We will be staying over at Gero and Takayama.
My concerns would particularly be the time and cost factor for these two railway passes:
For Kintetsu Pass: we will need to buy individual trips from Nagoya to Takayama and the buses to Shirakawago.
For the Takayama Hokuriku Pass: As we have no plans to go to Kanazawa and it seems like a longer route to Shirawakago. We are considering of buying a separate ticket from Kyoto to Nagoya (it is not covered under the pass?).
Also, Can the Takayama pass be used on reverse route, i.e. instead from Kyoto - Kanazawa - Shirakawago - Takayama - Gero, we would like to used this from Nagoya - Gero - Takayama - Shirakawago.
Which would you think is a more time and cost efficient option?
2. Are we required to pay more for reserve seat / limited express/ express / rapid if we have the Takayama Hokuriku pass?
3. seat reservation compulsory for the Shinkansen Nozomi line (from Nagoya to Gero/Takayama)?
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Comments
The line between Nagoya and Kyoto isn't included in the Takayama Hokuriku Pass. Sometimes buying separate tickets can work out more expensive. All the lines shown on the map here: https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/pass-regional/central/takayama-hokuriku-tourist-pass are covered and can be used in any order.
With the Pass, no additional fee is required when reserving seats.
Reserved Seats in Ordinary car can be used up to 4 times (no reservation possible on Hokuriku Shinkansen and Limited express train Haruka).
With the Takayama Hokuriku Pass you are not able to use the Nozomi Shinkansen. Here are the lines that you can use with the pass:
JR Limited Express, Express and local trains between Kansai Airport, Osaka, Kyoto and Kanazawa
JR Limited Express, Express and local trains between Nagoya, Takayama and Toyama
Hokuriku Shinkansen line between Toyama and Kanazawa
Nohi Buses and Hokutetsu buses between Kanazawa - Shirakawa-go - Takayama
Kaetsuno buses between Shirakawa-go - Gokayama - Shin Takaoka
The best thing would be to work out your itinerary and then work out the costs of the individual fares using this website www.hyperdia.com. And see which pass would best fit your trip for the time that you are there.
Hope that helps.
Best regards
Japan Experience