Everything you need to know about your transfer
Transferring at Tsuruga Station can be an intimidating prospect. Even for seasoned veterans travelling across Japan, stations are often some of the most frustrating places to navigate, especially if you're coming from the likes of Shinjuku Station, Tokyo Station or Kyoto Station which are all notorious for their tight transfer times and confusing connections.
Well, fear not! Tsuruga might seem like a stressful transfer, as the most common transfer time is just 8 short minutes, but the station is actually frighteningly simple to get around. On this page, we'll give you all the information on how to transfer at Tsuruga Station as quickly and painlessly as possible!
What is Tsuruga Station?
Tsuruga Station is one of the newest shinkansen stops in Japan. The JR Hokuriku Line was extended to the port town of Tsuruga in 2023. One day, it will run all the way to Kyoto and Osaka but we've still got a short 25 years before that convenience!
Tsuruga Station is an important stop on the route through what is known as the Hokuriku Arch, as it connects the route between Tokyo via Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa to Kyoto and Osaka. It is considered the gateway to the Hokuriku Region. Thanks to the shinkansen, the city of Fukui is becoming more and more popular with travellers. If you are looking for off-the-beaten path places to add to your trip, why not check out our "Things to Do In Fukui" page for some ideas?
How to Transfer at Tsuruga
Tsuruga's platforms are built basically on top of one-another, so really all you have to do is follow the route up or down, depending on which way you're going. Let's assume you're going from Kanazawa to Kyoto for the time being.
If you're coming from Kanazawa, your train will arrive on the Third Floor, marked in blue on the map above. Simply exit your train and head down the escalators. While you have plenty of time, it's best to be quite brisk to give yourself the most wiggle room. On the second floor, head through the transfer ticket gates. They will look like this:
If you have multiple tickets, put them in at the same time. They will go through the machine and come back out, so don't forget to pick them up again! The barrier won't let you through until you collect your tickets, so you will be fine.
Once through the Transfer Gate, head down the escalator again to the First Floor. There are multiple screens displaying the correct train, so check which platform your train will leave from. The train information is displayed in both Japanese and English. If you get stuck, though, English-speaking staff are working at the station and will be able to help. You can always just match the time on your ticket to the display information if the English is taking too long to come up!
If you're transferring from Kyoto to Kanazawa, simply make the journey described above in reverse: head upstairs, go through the ticket barrier (if you have multiple tickets, put them in at the same time!), then head up the escalator again.
The JR Rail Pass and the Hokuriku Arch Pass
Many people who visit Japan opt to purchase the JR Rail Pass, which offers unlimited travel on shinkansen lines across the country. The price is quite steep, however, at JPY 50,000 for an adults' seven-day pass. The real benefit of the JR Rail Pass is the convenience. For unreserved seating, you don't even need a ticket (some shinkansen lines only take reserved seats, so be sure to check before you board!)
A cheaper alternative that is becoming more and more popular with travellers is the Hokuriku Arch Pass. The pass lasts for seven days and costs only JPY 30,000 and covers all of the regions shown on the map below. If you're thinking of going on what is considered the "New Golden Route" of Japan, why not consider taking a look at our "14-Day Japan New Golden Route Itinerary with Tokyo, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima from Tokyo All Year" travel plan, taking you to all of the main stops on the Hokuriku Arch, then down to historic Hiroshima.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Tsuruga Station big?
Tsuruga Station is one of the smaller Shinkansen stations in Japan, making it very easy to get around.
Is it difficult to transfer at Tsuruga Station?
Not at all. The station is designed to make the transfer easy.
I only have 8/12/15 minutes for my transfer, is that enough time?
Because Tsuruga Station is small, it is very easy to get to your train transfer in time. If you're coming from Kyoto, simply follow the signs to the Shinkansen Platform on the third floor (3F). If you're coming from Fukui, Kanazawa or Toyama, head down to the first floor (1F).
Is it even worth going through Tsuruga? What is there to do in the area?
Tsuruga is a gateway to some of Central Japan's best and most-hidden gems. The coastal route offers travellers sights across Fukui, Ishikawa and Toyama Prefectures, home to temples nestled in the forest like Hakusan Heisenji, Eihei-ji and Natadera; panoramic ocean views at unique rock formations like Tojinbo; and a deep dive into the mountains at the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine route.
Of course, it's not all sightseeing all the time. The region's main city, Kanazawa, has a host of other things to offer those willing to take a chance to see it. The area is known for its food, which you can learn more about on our "Kanazawa's Famous Foods" page. Visiting in the summer season? Check out our "Best Beaches Near Kanazawa and Fukui" page to take the opportunity to relax at one of the area's stunning beaches. The Hokuriku region is known for the craftsmanship of its traditional artisans, so check out our "Best Souvenirs to Get from Kanazawa" page if you're looking to do a bit of shopping!
Finally, if cultural experiences are more your style, Kanazawa is home to a veritable buffet of great museums. You can learn more about those with our "Best Museums in Kanazawa" page. For the current- and future stamp collectors out there, you can start planning your trip by using our "Best Goshuin Near Kanazawa" and "Best Goshuin Near Fukui" pages to get the insight into the best shrine and temple stamps in the region!