basic information

How to travel between Kanazawa and Tokyo

By daytime trains:

Take the JR Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Echigo-Yuzawa Station and transfer to the JR Hakutaka limited express to Kanazawa. The one way trip takes about four hours and costs about 13,000 Yen.

Caution: Japan Rail Pass holders have to pay a supplement fee of 1,450 Yen on board of the Hakutaka limited express trains, because the train partially runs on non-JR railway tracks.

The alternative route recommended to Japan Rail Pass holders is taking the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Maibara and transfer to a limited express to Kanazawa. The one way journey via this route also takes about four hours, but it is completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass. (It costs about 16,000 Yen without Japan Rail Pass.)

The Hokuriku Free Kippu is a rail pass available to both tourists and residents of Japan, consisting of 1) a round trip from Tokyo into the Hokuriku region (around Kanazawa and Toyama) and 2) four consecutive days of unlimited travel on JR trains inside the Hokuriku region. The Hokuriku Free Kippu costs only 21,400 Yen, compared to around 26,000 Yen for a regular round trip ticket to Kanazawa.

By night train:

Two night trains operate between Tokyo's Ueno Station and Kanazawa each night, the Hokuriku Limited Express with berths only and the Noto Express with seats only. A one way journey costs about 17,000 Yen (9,000 Yen for Japan Rail Pass holders) by Hokuriku Limited Express, and about 9000 Yen (free for Japan Rail Pass holders) by Noto Express.

Visit our night train page for more details.

By bus:

The one way trip from Tokyo to Kanazawa by highway bus takes about 7-8 hours and costs about 8000 Yen. There are daytime and overnight buses. Buses are operated by Seibu, Hokuriku Tetsudo, JR Kanto Bus and Nishinihon JR Bus. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these buses.

Please visit our highway bus page for more details.

By airplane:

Kanazawa's airport is located in the city of Komatsu, a 40 minute bus ride (1100 Yen) from central Kanazawa. JAL and ANA operate several flights between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Kanazawa's Komatsu Airport each day. Flight time is one hour. The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Kanazawa is about 19,000 Yen, however, discount tickets for around 14,000 Yen are usually available.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current Yen exchange rate, click here.
 

Orientation

Kanazawa is covered by a dense network of buses. It takes about 10-15 minutes from Kanazawa Station to the city center, Kenrokuen and the samurai district by bus.

The tourist oriented "Kanazawa Loop Bus" connects Kanazawa Station with many of the city's main tourist attractions. One ride costs 200 Yen regardless of how far you travel, while a one day pass is available for 500 Yen. Buses depart every 15 minutes.

A flat fare of 230 Yen per ride applies on board of conventional buses in central Kanazawa. A one day pass called "Kanazawa Free Ticket" for 900 Yen, which also provides discounted admission to selected tourist attractions, is available.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

hotels & ryokan

Kanazawa Hakuchoro Hotel Perfect location for sightseeing in Kanazawa. Easy access to Kanazawa Castle and Kenrokuen.

japanese links