Takaoka Station serves as a central transportation hub in Toyama Prefecture, offering excellent access to both local attractions and wider regional connections. While the Hokuriku Shinkansen trains only stop at Shin-Takaoka Station (a few kilometers south), Takaoka Station itself is a major interchange for several local and regional lines, making it convenient for exploring the city center and beyond.
Once at Takaoka Station, you can easily connect to local attractions via the Manyo Line tram that runs through the city center, or local JR lines, that can bring you to attractions such as Amaharashi, Johana or Fukumitsu. If you are just walking from the station you can easily get to the Great Buddha of Takaoka and Zuiryuji Temple! See below for more information about access to Takaoka Station.
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka
**The shinkansen does not stop at Takaoka Station, only Shin-Takaoka Station.**
Running from Tokyo Station to Tsuruga Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen stops at the following stations:
Tokyo / Ueno / Omiya / Kumagaya / Honjo-Waseda / Takasaki / Annaka-Haruna / Karuizawa / Sakudaira / Ueda / Nagano / Iiyama / Joetsu-Myoko / Itoigawa / Kurobe-Unazukionsen / Toyama / Shin-Takaoka / Kanazawa / Komatsu / Kaga Onsen / Awara Onsen / Fukui / Echizen Takefu / Tsuruga
Only one service – the Hakutaka – operate from Tsuruga to Tokyo via Shin-Takaoka with a second service – the Tsurugi – only connecting Tsuruga and Toyama with a stop at Shin-Takaoka. The Kagayaki service is a limited stop shinkansen service and DOES NOT STOP at Takaoka Station.
The Kagayaki is reservation-only service that originates at Tsuruga and stops at Fukui, Kanazawa, Toyama, Nagano, Omiya and Ueno before terminating at Tokyo and does not stop at Shin-Takaoka. The Hakutaka includes both reserved and non-reserved carriages and stops at a greater number of stations, including Shin-Takaoka. A third service – Tsurugi - is only available between Tsuruga and Toyama. A fourth service on the Hokuriku line – the Asama - is only available from Tokyo to Nagano and therefore cannot be used from Shin-Takaoka. If you want to get from Tokyo to Shin-Takaoka, the fastest way to transfer at Toyama and hop on the Kagayaki from there.
For visitors bound for Unazuki Onsen and/or the Kurobe Gorge, the Hakutaka service bound for Tokyo stops at Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station at which you can transfer to the Toyama Chiho Railway Main for the onward journey on the Toyama Chiho Railway Main Line (as detailed below). For the train schedule, please refer to our 'Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable' page.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is covered by the Japan Rail.
Getting to Takaoka Station & Local Lines
The shinkansen runs into Shin-Takaoka Station but that is not the main station for Takaoka City. The central station is called Takaoka Station. To reach it you can either take a short taxi, walk about 25 minutes or take a local train on the JR Johana Line for one stop.
The JR Johana Line usually runs about once an hour and runs from Takaoka to Johana. For the most part it is quite a rural line with a couple of interesting stops including Johana and Fukumitsu. There is a Tulip festival in Tonami that is also accessible from the line that runs from the end of April to the beginning of May.
The JR Himi Line can help bring you to Shokoji Temple and the stunning Amaharashi Coast. These typically run twice an hour and can be crowded on days when visibility of the Tateyama Mountains is good. The end of the line is Himi, famed for its seafood which you can taste at the Himi Banyagai!
The trains going to Kanazawa generally run once or twice an hour on the IR Ishikawa Railways trains or the Ainokaze Railways trains. The same trains also go to Toyama or even Tomari, the very edge of civilization (or at least Toyama prefecture). It takes about 40 minutes and JPY 870 to Kanazawa Station. The train to Toyama Station is 20 minutes and JPY 390.
Recommended Destinations Near Takaoka
Often overshadowed by its bigger neighbors, Takaoka itself has many interesting things to do. Once you're done here you can explore further afield in Kanazawa, Toyama and the greater Hokuriku region. If you are interested, check out our "Top Things to do in Takaoka" page!
TAKAOKA
Takaoka, a city with over 350 years of diverse history next to Toyama Bay, was once known as the "Kitchen of Kanazawa" for its production of food, metalworking, and pottery, with significant wealth invested in grand temples like Zuiryuji and Shokoji, both designated National Treasures. If you want to visit to these historic temples, a hands-on metalworking activity, see a Big Buddha and scenic views of the snow-capped Tateyama mountains from the Amaharashi Coast, join us! The tour starts and ends at Kanazawa but is all in Takaoka. Check it out below!
If you are looking more for nature than temples, we have another version of the tour for you! At Kanazawa Station you'll hop on one of our buses and head to the Amaharashi Coast, the Great Buddha and then the beautiful Shogawa River Cruise. Check it out below!
KANAZAWA
Often called the jewel of Japan, Kanazawa is one of the most underrated cities in the country. A city steeped in history, but preserving those traditions as it moves towards modernity, Kanazawa has nature strolls, street food, ancient shrines and world-class museums - many of which are within walking distance of each other. To get more information, check out our guide "30 Things to Do Around Kanazawa and Where to Stay." You can see all of Kanazawa's main sights on our highly-rated walking tour of the city.
If you are looking to go a bit deeper in to the Higashichaya Teahouse district, Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle and Oyama Shrine, we have another day in Kanazawa that may scratch that itch. This tour doesn't go to the Nagamachi Samurai district, but instead will have you go inside the Seisonkaku Villa in Kenrokuen. Check it out below!
TOYAMA CITY
In Toyama, visitors can experience a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, starting with panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from the Toyama City Hall Observatory. The city's samurai past can be explored at Toyama Castle, while its legacy in traditional medicine is highlighted at the historic Ikedaya Medicine Shop and the nearby Glass Museum. Additionally, the tour extends to Ecchu Yatsuo, a picturesque town renowned for its cobblestone streets and the famous Owara Kaze no Bon festival, offering insights into local traditions and festivals. Sources
Toyama Prefecture also has a amazingly beautiful trolley train through the Kurobe Gorge, the wood carving village of Inami, hiking on Tateyama and some of Japan's tallest mountains and more. If you’re planning a trip to Toyama, be sure to check out our ‘25 Things to Do Around Toyama & Where to Stay’ guide, or risk missing something amazing!
Why Choose Us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognized 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 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!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Takaoka Station big?
Not compared to stations in large cities but there a few different ways to exit so be careful to double check which side to exit.
Is it difficult to transfer at Takaoka Station?
It can be. There a few different lines that run in multiple directions, sometimes leaving at the same time. Check the departure information board before going to your platform.
Is there food at the station?
Yes. There are a few restaurants and a convenience store inside of the station. There is an underground arcade and also many places around the station. Be aware that many of the eateries near the station are dinner only so the ones in the station are your best bet.
There is no food once you go inside the station gates.
Do you have any other information about Toyama (Prefecture) and its surroundings?
Yes! We also have a "Famous Foods in Toyama" as well as a "Best Souvenirs from Toyama" for more specific interests. If you like exploring the more spiritual side of Japan check out the "Best Shrines and Temples in Toyama" as well as "Best Goshuin near Toyama" which covers the popular red stamp you can get at those locations! Looking for ski information? "Best Ski Resorts in Toyama." How about museums? "Best Museums in Toyama." Finally we have a "Best Onsen Hot Springs in Toyama," "Best Museums in Toyama" and "Pokemon Manhole Covers - Kanazawa, Toyama and Fukui." There really is something for everyone!
