The Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki service covers the route from Tokyo to Kanazawa in 2 hours and 30 minutes. JR Pass is fully valid. Here is everything you need to plan the journey.
Kanazawa opened to Shinkansen service in 2015 when the Hokuriku line extension was completed, transforming the Japan Sea coast city from a remote destination requiring 4+ hours from Tokyo into a 2.5-hour journey. The connection has made Kanazawa one of Japan’s fastest-growing travel destinations. See the Kanazawa travel guide for what to do once you arrive.
Quick answer: Kagayaki Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station. 2 hours 28 minutes, 14,120 yen, JR Pass valid. Multiple daily services. Book through JR-East website or reserve seats free at any JR green window with JR Pass.
The Train Service
Kagayaki (Fastest – All Reserved Seating)
- Journey time: 2 hours 28 minutes
- Stops: Omiya, Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa only
- Seating: Fully reserved. No unreserved cars.
- JR Pass: Valid. Reserve seats at any JR counter, free for JR Pass holders.
Hakutaka (Slower, More Stops, Has Unreserved Cars)
- Journey time: About 3 hours
- Stops: More intermediate stops, including Karuizawa and smaller Hokuriku stations
- Seating: Has both reserved and unreserved cars
- JR Pass: Valid. Unreserved cars can be used without reservation.
For most travellers, the Kagayaki is the right choice, as the time-saving over Hakutaka is 30 minutes, and seat reservation is free with a JR Pass.
Booking
Book Shinkansen reservations at any JR green window (みどりの窓口) at major stations, through the JR-East or JR-West online reservation systems, or at JR ticket machines. JR Pass holders reserve free seats at the counter. Bring your pass and passport.
Kanazawa as Part of a Wider Route
Kanazawa fits naturally into a Japan Sea coast extension on a longer Japan itinerary. From Kanazawa, the Thunderbird Limited Express connects south to Kyoto (2 hours 15 minutes, JR Pass valid) and Osaka (2 hours 30 minutes). Day trips from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go (1 hour 15 minutes by highway bus) are also well-served. See the 3-week Japan itinerary to see how Kanazawa fits into a longer route.
