Kanazawa Station
Located in Ishikawa Prefecture in Central Japan, Kanazawa Station sits at the border of eastern and western Japan. A lovely city in its own right, Kanazawa has become a favourite on the tourist route from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka. A city known for its beautiful gardens, historic districts and streetscapes and fantastic seafood, Kanazawa has a lot to offer and its station is a convenient hub connecting visitors to many regions of Japan. On this page you will find the following information:
— Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa
— Other Train Lines / Services to Kanazawa
— Rail Passes Covering Travel to Kanazawa
— Purchasing & Activating a JR Pass
— Getting to / from Komatsu Airport
— Bus Services to / from the Station
— Private Charters to / from Kanazawa
— Kanazawa Tourist Information Center
— Accommodation In & Around the Station
— 25 Things to Do Around Kanazawa & Where to Stay
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
The station is relatively new and pleasant to spend time in. While large, it is nowhere near the size of stations in Tokyo and Osaka. It is easy to navigate yourself from one point to the next, and with lots of good shops and restaurants inside the station, it’s an excellent place to spend a few hours if transferring from one train line to another.
The following page provides information to assist with moving to and from Kanazawa Station as you travel to Nagano and through Central Japan. It is not intended to provide complete information about the station or its many facilities, but instead, provide some helpful information for travellers enroute to other destinations.
HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN TO KANAZAWA
Running from Tsuruga Station, through Kanazawa Station to Tokyo Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen runs along the Sea of Japan Coast toward the capital and stops at stations including:
Tsuruga / Echizen-Takefu / Fukui / Awara Onsen / Kaga Onsen / Komatsu / Kanazawa / Shin-Takaoka / Toyama / Kurobe-Unazukionsen / Itoigawa / Joetsu-Myoko / Iiyama / Nagano / Ueda / Sakudaira / Karuizawa / Annaka-Haruna / Takasaki / Honjo-Waseda / Kumagaya / Omiya / Ueno / Tokyo
Our ‘Hokuriku Timetable‘ page provides a list of services from Kanazawa to Tokyo including Nagano. Two services operate directly from Kanazawa to Tokyo via Nagano – the Kagayaki and the Hakutaka. The Kagayaki is reservation-only and runs between Tsuruga, Fukui and Kanazawa followed by stops at Toyama, Nagano, Omiya and Ueno before terminating at Tokyo. The journey from Kanazawa to Tokyo takes 150 minutes and Kanazawa to Nagano takes approximately 65 minutes. The journey the other direction between Kanazawa and Tsuruga takes 42 minutes. The Hakutaka includes both reserved and non-reserved carriages and stops at a greater number of stations. Kanazawa to Tokyo takes between 180 to 200 minutes (depending on the stations included in the specific service) while a journey from Kanazawa to Nagano takes 85 to 90 minutes to travel from Kanazawa to Nagano. Expect to pay approximately JPY14,000-15,000 for a one-way ticket from Kanazawa to Tokyo and around JPY9,000 for a one-way ticket from Kanazawa to Nagano. The train to Tsuruga costs between JPY4950-5480. A third service – Tsurugi – is only available between Tsuruga and Toyama, and runs through Kanazawa about once an hour; while a fourth service – Asama – is only available from Tokyo to Nagano and therefore cannot be used from Kanazawa.
Visitors wanting to head from Kanazawa to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, including its amazing Snow Walls in spring, can do so via Toyama Station. The easiest option is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama and then transfer to the Dentetsu-Toyama Line. Depending on which service you use, the total travel time is between 125 to 125-minutes and costs around JPY4600.
Lying to the south, the historic town of Takayama can be reached by bus from Kanazawa Station (see below) or train. Visitors wanting to use the train should proceed to Toyama Station using the Hokuriku Shinkansen and then switch to the Limited Express Hida service from Toyama to Takayama. This is the fastest option by train, taking around 115 minutes and JPY6770 one-way.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is covered by the Japan Rail (JR Pass), JR East Pass and JR Hokuriku Pass – for further details, please see below – however JR Passes do not however cover transport on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route.
OTHER TRAIN LINES / SERVICES TO KANAZAWA
Several other train lines and services also operate to and from Kanazawa Station including a JR line that runs north to the Noto Peninsula, and local lines that can bring you to close to interesting temples, beautiful beaches and various unique experiences.
LIMITED EXPRESS THUNDERBIRD
For visitors transiting the station on their way to or from Fukui, Kyoto and Osaka, the Limited Express Thunderbird runs on the Hokuriku Main Line and other connecting lines. Services depart from Platforms No. 1 and 2 at Kanazawa Station and stop at the following:
Wakura Onsen / Kanazawa / Matto / Komatsu / Kaga Onsen /. Awara Onsen / Fukui / Sabae / Takefu / Tsuruga / Omi-Imazu / Katata / Kyoto / Shin-Osaka / Osaka
*Please note, stations marked in bold / red on the map are stops on all Thunderbird Services. Most Thunderbird services use Kanazawa as their northern terminus however there is also one service each day which begins or ends a little further north at Wakura Onsen. Depending on which Thunderbird service you use, the total travel time from Kanazawa to Osaka is between 160 to 170-minutes and costs just under JPY8000. Refer to our ‘Limited Express Thunderbird Timetable’ page for the daily schedule.
RAIL PASSES COVERING TRAVEL TO KANAZAWA
There is no escaping the fact that travel using the shinkansen and other rapid services is expensive. Given the speed and distances covered by these trains, travelers should think of them much like taking a flight, with tickets accordingly priced. International visitors to Japan have the option of purchasing one of several passes which allow for unlimited use of the Hokuriku along with other services:
JAPAN RAIL (JR) PASS
Covering all 9 shinkansen lines in Japan and many other train services, the JR Pass is a great option for visitors planning to use the shinkansen more than a handful of times and/or travel large distances. Travelers have the option of 7, 14 and 21-day passes covering either Ordinary or Ordinary and Green Cars. The JR Pass allows for use of any service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost). This pass also covers the Thunderbird.
JAPAN RAIL (JR) EAST PASS / NAGANO & NIIGATA
This pass covers the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines serving Nagano and Niigata, along with other regional services. There is only one option of pass, covering 5 days of use within a 14-day period from its date of activation. Notably cheaper than the JR Pass, this is a great option for visitors staying within Nagano and Niigata. Much like the JR Pass, it allows for use of any service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost). Please note, this pass does not cover services to the west of Kanazawa such as those connecting to Kyoto and Osaka. As such, it does not cover the Thunderbird.
HOKURIKU ARCH PASS
Valid for 7 consecutive days from date of activation, the Hokuriku Arch Pass covers train services from Tokyo – including trains from both Narita and Haneda Airports – to Nagano and Kanazawa and then onto Kyoto, Osaka and Kansai Airport. For many international visitors, this pass covers the majority of their intended destinations as the they follow the most popular tourist route from Tokyo to Kanazawa and onto Kyoto and Osaka. Notably cheaper than the full JR Pass, the Hokuriku Arch Pass offers fantastic convenience and savings. This pass covers the Thunderbird. This pass also covers the Thunderbird.
PURCHASING & ACTIVATING A JR PASS
Passes can be purchased via the official website or via a JR-affiliated overseas sales office. Once you have completed payment, you will receive an exchange order. This is a proof of payment and looks almost like a flight ticket with your personal details, type of pass, and validity (three months from the date of issue). It is important to note that the exchange order is not your actual pass and will need to be exchanged for your pass once in Japan. Whatever you do, do not lose the exchange order and prioritise exchanging it for your pass when you arrive.
Prior to using your pass, you must actually get your hands on it by exchanging the order/proof of purchase you received online. This can be done a numerous JR Pass Exchange Offices found at any major train station or airport including Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport and Kansai International Airport. If you have time to do so before leaving the airport, you can use the pass immediately. Tokyo Station is another popular place to exchange/obtain your pass at either of these offices:
— JR East Travel Service Center (Marunouchi North Exit): 07:30 to 20:00
— JR Central Ticket Office (Yaesu North Exit): 07:30 to 20:00
If you need to exchange your pass while at Kanazawa Station, you can do so at either of these offices:
— Central Ticket Office: 04:40 to 23:30
— Nippon Travel Agency TiS: 11:00 to 19:00 (Weekdays) / 10:30 to 18:30 (Weekends)
To exchange/activate your pass you will need your exchange order and passport. Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date). Once you have your activated pass you are free to ride however you can’t insert your pass into the ticket gates. Simply walk through the side booth (permanently attended by station staff) and show your pass. You will be waved through and you can make your way to the platform.
GETTING TO / FROM KOMATSU AIRPORT
Passengers flying in or out of Komatsu Airport have a range of transport options. JR Komatsu Station is the nearest train station, from where regular buses run to and from the airport – taking only 12 minutes. Komatsu Station can be reached from Kanazawa Station using the JR Hokuriku Line – 30 minutes / JPY510 – or Limited Express Thunderbird – 30 minutes / JPY1620. Airport shuttle buses also operate from Kanazawa Station , taking 40 minutes / JPY1150. For further information, please refer to the bus timetable from/to Kanazawa.
BUS SERVICES TO / FROM THE STATION
When visiting Kanazawa, it is worth taking the time to head south to the World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, and from there, onto the historic old town of Takayama. Daily bus services to those destinations operate to and from Kanazawa Station.
TO SHIRAKAWA-GO & TAKAYAMA
The Hokuetsu Bus company operates regular services between Kanazawa Station and Ogimachi (with some additional services to Suganuma from March until November). The bus departs from the East Exit of Kanazawa and takes between 75 to 85 minutes to reach Ogimachi – depending on the service you use – and costs around JPY1850. Please see the following page for information including timetables and fares to and from Kanazawa. The full journey from Kanazawa to Takayama by bus takes around 2 hours and costs JPY3600 one-way while a return ticket will cost around JPY6400.
PRIVATE CHARTERS TO & FROM KANAZAWA
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Operating all year round, we can provide charters to any destination in Central Japan, with customised itineraries to suit your travel needs and interests including pick-up or drop-off at Kanazawa Station. We have the expertise and experience to help you get the most out of your time in the region, including transport to and from any regional destination. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
Got a question about visiting Central Japan from Kanazawa? Head to our ‘Charters’ main page or click on the INQUIRY button below, let us know what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
KANAZAWA TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
The station’s Tourist Information Center is easy to find, located on the northern side of the station, just inside the entrance. Directly across from the ticket gates leading to the train platforms, you literally can’t miss it. Open daily from 08:00 until 20:00, staff can assist with general enquiries, transport enquiries, timetables and maps, accommodation bookings and luggage delivery.
ACCOMMODATION IN & AROUND THE STATION
There is no shortage of accommodation in the city ranging from luxury hotels, mid-range to budget, and extending to traditional ‘ryokan’ (guesthouses) and youth hostels. A large number of hotels can be found in and around the station while the areas around Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Castle Park along with the Higashi Chaya and Asano River has some excellent traditional guesthouses and restaurants. For accommodation listings, see our pages for: Kanazawa Station Area / Kenrokuen Garden & Kanazawa Castle Park Area / Higashi Chaya District & Asano River Area.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND KANAZAWA & WHERE TO STAY
One of the most historic and enjoyable cities in Japan, Kanazawa is well-suited to a multi-day visit combining the many attractions of the city with nearby regional highlights. From it’s historic attractions and districts to its excellent galleries, museums, shopping and dining, visitors tend to fall in love with Kanazawa and wish they’d allowed more time in their schedule to explore all it has to offer. For tips and suggestions of what to do in the city, including accommodation listings, along with other great destinations nearby, see our ’25 Things To Do Around Kanazawa & Where To Stay’ page.
HOW TO GET TO KANAZAWA
Kanazawa Station is the gateway to both the city and northern reaches of Central Japan. Readily accessible using services from Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, visitors can move to and from Kanazawa quickly and in comfort. For information on how to get there, see our ‘How To Get To Kanazawa’ page.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
Kanazawa Station is just one part of Japan’s fantastic rail network. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train is easy and comfortable opening-up all regions of Japan for exploration. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
Want to experience Kanazawa’s unique culture for yourself?
Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer a highly entertaining group-tour of Kanazawa that is sure to please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and will take you around all of the must-see sights in Kanazawa, as well as some lesser known gems. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Kanazawa: Samurai, Matcha, Gardens and Geisha | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Kanazawa Area, and other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Got a question about visiting Kanazawa? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Kanazawa and Central Japan? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
