Tokyo to Kanazawa train with JR East

Mon 21 Sept
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Discover the Japan Rail Pass

The cheapest and fastest trains from Tokyo to Kanazawa

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 21 Sept

Cheapest price on 21 Sept

£73

Average ticket price on 21 Sept

£76

Fastest journey on 21 Sept

2 h 27 m

Average journey duration on 21 Sept

2 h 47 m

Trains on 21 Sept

5

Distance

299 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Tokyo to Kanazawa is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Tokyo to Kanazawa will cost around £76 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £73.

Fast trains

On Mon 21 Sept, we found 5 trains from Tokyo to Kanazawa, including 5 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 299 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 27 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 3 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • JR East
    4:242h53
    Tokyo
    7:17Kanazawa
    £731One-way
    0 changes
  • JR East
    9:242h27
    Tokyo
    11:51Kanazawa
    £761One-way
    0 changes
  • JR East
    12:042h28
    Tokyo
    14:32Kanazawa
    £761One-way
    0 changes
  • JR East
    7:323h03
    Tokyo
    10:35Kanazawa
    £771One-way
    0 changes
  • JR East
    11:123h03
    Tokyo
    14:15Kanazawa
    £771One-way
    0 changes

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Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Tokyo to Kanazawa

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Tokyo to Kanazawa among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £38, while a flight costs an average of £367.

Distance: 299 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Coach
Driving

£73

Average Price

£367

Average Price

£38

Average Price

Cheapest

£96

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 16m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 49m

Average total duration

2h 49m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

9h 59m

Average total duration

9h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 59m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Tokyo to Kanazawa is a coach with an average price of £37.

This is compared to other travel options from Tokyo to Kanazawa:

A coach is £39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Tokyo to Kanazawa costing on average £76.

A coach is £134 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Tokyo to Kanazawa costing on average £171.

The fastest way to travel from Tokyo to Kanazawa is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 7m.

Other travel options to Kanazawa take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 40m.

Coach takes on average 8h 57m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Tokyo and Kanazawa including taking a coach, train and flight.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 3h 19m faster (2h 40m by train vs 5h 59m by car) and roughly £19 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£76 vs £96). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with JR East.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Tokyo to Kanazawa train times

The table below shows live departures for Tokyo to Kanazawa trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
JR East4:24 Tokyo
2h53
7:17 Kanazawa0 changesdirect
JR East7:32 Tokyo
3h03
10:35 Kanazawa0 changesdirect
JR East9:24 Tokyo
2h27
11:51 Kanazawa0 changesdirect
JR East11:12 Tokyo
3h03
14:15 Kanazawa0 changesdirect
JR East12:04 Tokyo
2h28
14:32 Kanazawa0 changesdirect
JR East4:24 Tokyo
2h53
7:17 Kanazawa0 changesdirect
JR East7:32 Tokyo
3h03
10:35 Kanazawa0 changesdirect
JR East11:12 Tokyo
3h03
14:15 Kanazawa0 changesdirect
JR East12:04 Tokyo
2h28
14:32 Kanazawa0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Tokyo to Kanazawa by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Mon
21 Sept
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Tokyo to Kanazawa

JapanJapan
JapanJapan
Icon of train

Trains from Tokyo to Kanazawa run on average 23 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £73 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.

There are 23 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:02, the last at 21:04. The fastest train covers the 299 km distance in 2h 26m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Distance
299 km
Average train duration
2h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
£73
Trains per day
23
Direct trains
23
Fastest train
2h 26m
First train
6:02
Last train
21:04
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
7 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25

Train companies: JR East from Tokyo to Kanazawa trainsJR East trains will get you between Tokyo and Kanazawa from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

JR East

About
East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is the largest passenger railway company in Japan, operating a network of 7,418.7 kilometers across the eastern half of Honshu, including Tokyo. Serving approximately 16 million passengers daily, JR East manages 1,682 stations and operates 11,863 trains per day. Beyond transportation, the company engages in various lifestyle services, including retail, real estate development, and hotel management, aiming to be a "Trusted Life-Style Service Creating Group."
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average JR East Duration
2h 24m
Cheapest JR East Price
£70
JR East frequency
48 a day
Luggage included
Standard luggage is allowed on JR East trains without additional charges.
Additional luggage
Additional luggage may be subject to space availability and may incur extra fees.
Luggage storage
Luggage storage areas are available on certain trains, such as the Shinkansen.
Cancellation Policy
Full refunds are provided for unused tickets; refunds for used tickets are subject to handling charges.
Refund
Full refunds are provided if a train is canceled.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors aged 6 to 11 can travel on JR East trains with a consent form from a guardian.
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Meals and snacks are available for purchase on Shinkansen trains.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations on Shinkansen trains require an additional fee.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
JR East trains are equipped with facilities for passengers with disabilities, including priority seating and accessible restrooms.
Bikes
Bicycles are permitted on JR East trains if they are folded and placed in a carrying case.
Pets
Pets are allowed on JR East trains if they are in a carrier not exceeding 70 cm in total dimensions.

Complete guide to Kanazawa

Things to do in Kanazawa

Discover the best of Kanazawa — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kanazawa trip today.

  • Must visit

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

A leading contemporary art museum with changing exhibitions and accessible installations, popular with both first-time and repeat visitors.

  • Recommended

Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Art

Set in Kenrokuen Garden, this museum presents regional fine art and crafts in a calm modern building beside historic surroundings.

  • Recommended

Ishikawa Prefectural Museum of Traditional Arts and Crafts

Housed near the castle park, it explores local crafts, folk materials and the cultural traditions that shaped everyday life in Kaga.

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:

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.

Seamless Station Arrival

Stepping off the high-speed Hokuriku bullet train, you will immediately find yourself inside the architectural marvel that is Kanazawa Station. Famous for its towering wooden Tsuzumi Gate and the massive glass Tsuzumi-mon dome, it seamlessly blends cutting-edge modern design with deep-rooted traditional aesthetics. From this central transport hub, navigating to the city's historic districts or catching onward connections to explore the spectacular Japanese Alps is incredibly straightforward and highly efficient for British holidaymakers.
Kanazawa
Kanazawa
Station
Explore

Historic Kenrokuen Garden

No visit to this magnificent region is complete without spending a few tranquil hours strolling through Kenrokuen, which is officially celebrated as one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in the entire country. Originally serving as the outer garden of the local castle, it features painstakingly maintained plum groves, winding streams, and historic teahouses. The scenery here is utterly breathtaking year-round, but it truly comes alive during the autumn months when the surrounding foliage transforms into a vibrant, fiery canvas of red and gold.
Kenrokuen
Kenrokuen
Garden
Explore

Exploring the Geisha Districts

Kanazawa boasts some of the most beautifully preserved historical neighbourhoods in Japan, having largely escaped destruction during the Second World War. The Higashi Chaya district is a spectacular labyrinth of narrow streets lined with traditional timber-framed teahouses and artisanal craft shops. Hopping on a local bus to explore these charming, lantern-lit streets feels exactly like stepping back in time. You can easily spend an entire afternoon here savouring premium matcha tea and admiring the intricate local gold leaf crafts that the city is so famous for.
Historic
Historic
Streets
Explore

Shirakawa-go Side Trips

Because you are perfectly positioned near the dramatic Japanese Alps, taking a coach ride out from the station to the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go is highly recommended. Nestled deep within a remote river valley, this remarkable settlement is famous for its traditional thatched-roof farmhouses built specifically to withstand heavy snowfall. Visiting during the winter transforms the landscape into a mesmerising wonderland, complete with spectacular evening illumination events that bathe the snow-covered historic village in a warm, welcoming glow.
Alpine
Alpine
Villages
Explore

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

Yes. The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs directly from Tokyo and Ueno stations straight to Kanazawa.

The Kagayaki is the fastest service and is fully reserved (you must book a seat). The Hakutaka makes slightly more stops and usually offers unreserved carriages.

No. Unlike the trains heading to Kyoto or Osaka, the Hokuriku Shinkansen does not require mandatory oversized luggage reservations.

Yes, the nationwide JR Pass fully covers both the Kagayaki and Hakutaka bullet trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line.

Yes. Most Hokuriku Shinkansen trains feature a luxurious Gran Class carriage, though an additional premium fee applies even if you hold a standard JR Pass.

FAQs: Tokyo to Kanazawa train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tokyo to Kanazawa by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kanazawa, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Tokyo to Kanazawa can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £73, while the average price tends to be around £76.
The train journey from Tokyo to Kanazawa covers a distance of 299 km and takes approximately 2h 26m. Trains run 23 per day.
The train distance from Tokyo to Kanazawa is 299 km.
The first train from Tokyo to Kanazawa leaves at 6:02.
The last train from Tokyo to Kanazawa departs at 21:04.
Trains from Tokyo to Kanazawa run approximately 23 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Tokyo to Kanazawa.
Yes, there is a direct train between Tokyo and Kanazawa. The service operates 23 times per day, provided by JR East.
To get from Tokyo to Kanazawa, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Tokyo to Kanazawa.
The train station in Tokyo that goes to Kanazawa is Tokyo Station, and it arrives at Kanazawa Station.
The cheapest way to get from Tokyo to Kanazawa is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Tokyo to Kanazawa in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Tokyo to Kanazawa.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Tokyo and Kanazawa

Most Tokyo to Kanazawa trains use the Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Tokyo and Kanazawa train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Tokyo
Arrival train stations in Kanazawa

Which Tokyo station do trains to Kanazawa leave from?

Trains from Tokyo to Kanazawa leave from Tokyo Station. The station is from Tokyo city centre at 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
Tokyo Station1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, JapanWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Tokyo Station from Tokyo city centre

true

Tokyo Station train station facilities and services

Tokyo Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC and Ticket Office.

Food and drink

Food options include: Numerous dining options, including Tokyo Ramen Street, Tokyo Sweets Land, and various cafes and restaurants.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi available in certain areas; some cafes and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. ATMs are multiple ATMs available, including Japan Post Bank ATMs and other major banks.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Tokyo Station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Tokyo Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Tokyo Station: Elevators, escalators, and accessible restrooms available; nursing rooms and baby changing facilities provided.

More options for your journey from Tokyo to Kanazawa

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in JapanTrain Times to Kanazawa TOKYO to KANAZAWA train from £70 with JR East - Omio

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