With the introduction of the Hokuriku Shinkansen’s Tokyo-Kanazawa route in 2015, there has been a noticeable increase in tourist interest, making Kanazawa an increasingly popular travel destination.
While taking the high-speed bullet train is undoubtedly convenient and efficient for traveling between these two captivating cities, it may be worth considering alternative options such as bus or plane journeys depending on individual circumstances.
The Hokuriku Shinkansen: A Tranquil Ride Between Tokyo and Kanazawa
The Hokuriku Shinkansen line offers a quick and comfortable mode of transportation for travelers venturing between Tokyo and Kanazawa.
With the added bonus of being covered by the Japan Rail Pass, both reserved and non-reserved seats on this route provide an economical choice for explorers.
Departing frequently from Tokyo Station, these trains will get you to Kanazawa Station in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. Along this picturesque journey lie two standout train options: Kagayaki and Hakutaka trains
The Fastest Option: The Kagayaki
The Kagayaki train is renowned for its speed and efficiency, making it the top choice for travelers in a hurry. With fewer stops along its route, this bullet train ensures you reach your destination swiftly.
To secure seats on the Kagayaki, advance reservations are essential. Keep in mind that reserving tickets often incur an extra fee of around 500 yen per person. It’s advisable to book well ahead of time as availability can be limited during peak travel periods.
Please note that ticket prices may vary depending on whether you’re traveling during peak or off-peak times.
The Hakutaka
The Hakutaka train service is also a great way to go with a few extra stops making the full trip approximately three hours. This train can be riden with a non-reserved ticket priced at 13,600 yen.
The Shinkansen Options
The Hokuriku Shinkansen provides travelers with various options. With three distinct classes of seating available, passengers can choose from Ordinary Car seats for regular travel, Green Car seats offering first-class accommodations that elevate comfort levels, and Gran Class seats when simply nothing but the best will do.
For easy access in searching desired train schedules and planning your personalized itinerary effortlessly, JR West Timetable & Fare Finder tool allows you to conveniently explore these possibilities.
The Tokyo To Kanazawa Overnight Bus
Experience something different while traveling between Tokyo and Kanazawa by taking an overnight bus, your most economical option. Save on one night’s accommodation at a hotel with JR Bus or Willer Express.
The Grand Dream Kanazawa:
Departing from Ueno Station at 22:10 or from Tokyo Station at 22:40, this service arrives in Kanazawa around 7:10 AM. Enjoy a comfortable journey that takes approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.
The Grand Dream service offers a standard seat at the price of 8,400 yen.
The Seishun Dream Kanazawa:
This nighttime departure leaves Ueno Station promptly at exactly 22:40, while its departure time is slightly later if originating from Tokyo station (around midnight -23:10). It reaches kanawazaatapproximartley300 mienutes() early next morning without fail.
Opting for the Seishun Dream service grants you a standard seat priced at 5,800 yen. Additionally, the Seishun Dream service presents an exclusive option of women-only seats at the same price.
To book any of these services online, visit Kousokubus.net website or refer to the JR Bus Kanto website for further details and information.
Willer Express Bus From Tokyo To Kanazawa
Willer Express operates several night bus services that originate from Tokyo Disneyland, Narita Airport, and Shinjuku Station. The prices for these services vary depending on factors like seasonality, type of service offered, and preferred seating arrangements – with more comfortable seats commanding higher costs (typically ranging between 4,000 to 7,600 yen per journey).
Traveling to Kanazawa via Air
If you plan on going from Tokyo to Kanazawa, traveling by air is an option worth considering. Komatsu Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture offers daily flights from two airports in Tokyo. Once you arrive at Komatsu Airport, a 40-minute bus ride will take you directly to Kanazawa Station. The fare for adults is 1,130 yen and children only need to pay 620 yen.
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport and Komatsu Airport have ten flights per day operated by ANA and JAL airlines respectively. These short flights last just one hour and five minutes with ticket prices starting at around 10,000 yen.
If Narita Airport better suits your travel plans, there is one flight available each day jointly managed by Ibex Airlines and ANA departing at 18:30. This particular flight takes approximately one hour and twenty minutes depending on external factors like the season or weather conditions. Ticket costs range from 6,500 yen to as high as 15,000 yen based on the time of year.
Crossing Central Japan by Car
Traveling from Tokyo to Kanazawa by car offers convenience and adventure, with the opportunity to explore unique sites along the way. However, keep in mind that toll fees are applicable for using expressways on this route.
A total of about 10,000 yen will cover your toll expenses. This option will take roughly 7 hours and 30 minutes without breaks but provides more flexibility with stops along the way.
If time is crucial for you, opting for the easiest route will trim down travel time to approximately 6 hours. However, this choice comes at a slightly higher price tag of 11,700 yen due to the increased usage of expressways.
