The coastal route between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo travelling along the Sea of Japan, known as the Hokuriku Arch, opens up opportunities for seeing some of the most stunning sights and breath-taking views that Japan has to offer. Along the way, take the chance to visit some of the quieter cityscapes and historical sites in cities like Kanazawa, Fukui and Toyama.
Most people take trains that skip over many of the stations along the shinkansen lines that run from Tokyo to Kanazawa/Tsuruga and Shin-Takaoka is one of those stations. Between Kanazawa and Toyama, it gives you access to the city of Takaoka with its many beautiful temples and traditional crafts. Learn more about the station and its surrounding below!
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka
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.
What is the Green Car?
The area functions as a First Class area, with larger and more comfortable chairs, more legroom and assorted features including a reading lamp and a footrest. These carriages are typically quiet and can be compared to business class on an airline.
Ticketing and Travel Passes
Tickets can be purchased at any major station using the Shinkansen or Limited Express ticket machines or the Japan Rail office (all of which will be clearly marked). Most stations have English-speaking staff on-hand to help, but the machines can easily be switched to English by using the “Languages” button on the top right of the screen. Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days before your intended date of travel.
Japan Rail (JR) Pass
Many who come to Japan and plan on travelling extensively choose to buy the JR Pass. Those who opt for the full pass or the Hokuriku Arch pass can travel as much as they like on the lines between Tokyo and Osaka via Kanazawa, including the Limited Express Thunderbird between Osaka and Tsuruga. The Hokuriku Arch pass is notably cheaper than the full JR Pass and so is a great option for people looking to get a taste of the many sights along the road less travelled. If you'd like more information, please read our guide on the JR Pass.
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. Once you reach Takaoka Station you can catch a more local lines that can help you get to Kanazawa, Toyama and the Amaharashi Coast. The trains going to Kanazawa and Toyama generally run twice an hour while the ones going to Amaharashi (the JR Himi Line) run once or twice and hour depending on the time of day. See our Takaoka Station page for more information.
Recommended Destinations Near Shin-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!
Plan Your Visit to Japan
While it may be easier to just take the direct train from Osaka to Tokyo, taking just a step off the beaten path will reveal so many parts of Japan that most people will never see. Like the rest of Japan’s rail network, the Hokuriku Shinkansen is easy to use and comfortable. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan - from tips on the best time to travel, entering and exiting the country, finding the best accommodation and more - to make the most of your time here.
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 Shin-Takaoka Station big?
No, it is quite small.
Is it difficult to transfer at Shin-Takaoka Station?
No. Just follow the signs to the JR Johana line.
Is there food at the station?
There is a convenience store inside the station along with bathrooms and vending machines.
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!
