Tokyo to Kanazawa train with JR East

Tokyo to Kanazawa by Shinkansen

If you are planning to travel from the bustling capital to the beautifully preserved streets of the Hokuriku region, the Tokyo to Kanazawa Shinkansen is your best option. You can rest assured that this is a fully direct connection serviced by the high-speed Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train). Taking the Tokyo to Kanazawa bullet train guarantees a smooth, scenic, and exceptionally fast journey across Japan.

Whether you want to ride the rails or prefer taking overnight coaches in Japan, booking your tickets is straightforward with Omio.

Book your Tokyo ↔ Kanazawa journey:

• By Train: Train from Tokyo to Kanazawa | Train from Kanazawa to Tokyo
• By Coach: Coach from Tokyo to Kanazawa | Coach from Kanazawa to Tokyo
• By Flight: Japan domestic flights

Kagayaki or Hakutaka?

When booking your trains in Japan for this route, you will primarily choose between two train services. When comparing the Kagayaki vs Hakutaka, here is what you need to know:

• Kagayaki: The Kagayaki Tokyo Kanazawa train is the absolute fastest service available. It makes very few stops and requires all passengers to reserve a seat in advance.
• Hakutaka: The Hakutaka Tokyo Kanazawa train is slightly slower because it makes more regional stops. However, it usually offers non-reserved seating carriages for spontaneous travel.

If you are travelling with a Japan Rail Pass, both the Kagayaki and the Hakutaka are fully covered without any additional supplement fees! Unsure if you need a rail pass? Check out our JR Pass Calculator to see if it will save you money on your holiday.

Seat Classes and Reservations

The Hokuriku Shinkansen offers standard Ordinary carriages, the spacious Green Car (first class), and the ultra-luxurious Tokyo Kanazawa Gran Class, which features premium reclining seats and complimentary service.

Because the fastest Kagayaki reserved seat policy is strictly enforced (meaning there are no unreserved carriages), it is highly recommended to book your tickets well in advance—especially during the Japan travel cherry blossom season, autumn foliage, or the winter ski season!

Luggage on the Hokuriku Shinkansen

The Tokyo Kanazawa train luggage rules differ slightly from the Tokaido line. JR East allows passengers to bring up to two items of baggage, with a maximum weight of 30 kg per item and total dimensions (height + width + depth) not exceeding 250 cm. Crucially, dedicated oversized luggage-space reservations are not required on the Hokuriku Shinkansen luggage racks, making it much easier for UK tourists travelling with large suitcases.

Boarding From Tokyo or Ueno

When taking the Tokyo Station to Kanazawa bullet train, Tokyo Station is the primary departure point and offers the most connections. However, you can also easily catch the Ueno to Kanazawa Shinkansen. Boarding at Ueno Station is often much easier and less crowded if your hotel is located in the north or east of the capital (such as Asakusa or Akihabara).

Arriving in Kanazawa

Once you arrive at the stunning, glass-domed Kanazawa Station, onward travel is a breeze. Taking a local bus from Kanazawa Station to Kenrokuen (one of Japan's top three landscape gardens), the bustling Omicho Market, the Higashi Chaya geisha district, or the Nagamachi samurai district takes just a few minutes. If you are venturing further into the Alps, you will also find the direct bus terminal for the Kanazawa Station to Shirakawa-go coach services right outside the exit.

For onward travel back to the capital or the airports, don't forget you can book trusted airport Japan transfers or services like Willer Express directly through Omio.

Watch & Learn Before You Go

Getting your head around the Japanese rail network might feel slightly intimidating at first. Take a look at our helpful video guides before you travel:

Navigate Train Networks in Japan: A visual breakdown to help you make perfect sense of the country's magnificent rail layout, enabling you to master major transit hubs like a local.

Train Etiquette in Japan: Discover exactly why taking a phone call on a carriage is considered a major faux pas, and learn how to travel politely alongside the locals.

Top Tips for Travelling Tokyo to Kanazawa