Tokyo and Kanazawa are directly connected with each other by the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen. The one way ride takes 2.5 to 3 hours, costs around 14,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass. Note that the latter will almost pay off for a round trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa.
The one way trip between Tokyo and Kanazawa by highway bus takes about 7-8 hours and costs around 6000 to 8000 yen depending on the bus and date of travel. There are daytime and overnight buses. Discount bus operators, such as Willer Express, offer one way fares from around 4500 yen. If used effectively, the Japan Bus Pass can reduce the cost for the bus trip to around 3000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online.
Kanazawa's airport is located in the city of Komatsu, a 40 minute bus ride (1300 yen) from central Kanazawa. JAL and ANA operate several flights per day between Tokyo's Haneda Airport and Komatsu Airport. Flight time is one hour. The regular one way fare from Tokyo to Kanazawa is about 25,000 yen, however, discount tickets for around 10,000 to 13,500 yen are usually available.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Kanazawa's city center is defined by Kanazawa Castle Park. All of the city's main attractions are located within a two kilometer radius of the castle park, making it possible for good walkers to explore most of the city on foot. Buses and taxis are also readily available.
Kanazawa Station is not located centrally, about two kilometers or a ten minute bus ride northwest of the city center. A dense network of buses, operated by the local Hokutetsu train and bus company, connects the station with the city center and all of Kanazawa's main tourist attractions. Regular city buses cost 210 yen per ride in central Kanazawa.
A useful bus line for tourists is the Kanazawa Loop Bus, which connects Kanazawa Station with most sights of interests. Buses travel the loop every 15 minutes in both directions (on weekdays they temporarily operate only in the clockwise direction until further notice) and cost 210 yen per ride (cash is not accepted for payments on the loop buses; use IC cards and previously purchased day passes instead). A 1-day bus pass for 800 yen allows for unlimited use of the loop buses as well as most other local buses in central Kanazawa. In addition, the day pass also provides discounted admission to several designated local tourist attractions. It can be purchased at the Hokutetsu ticket offices on both sides of Kanazawa Station.
Furthermore, there are some JR buses, which connect Kanazawa Station with Kenrokuen and the Higashi Chaya District. The buses are covered by the Japan Rail Pass, JR Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass and JR Hokuriku Area Pass, as well as by the above-mentioned 1-day bus pass. There are 1-3 buses per hour, and the ride costs 210 yen without a rail pass.
The Machi Bus is another bus line for tourists and shoppers, which connects Kanazawa Station via the city center with Kenrokuen every 20 minutes; however, it operates only on weekends and national holidays. The fare is 100 yen per ride, and it is not covered by the above-mentioned 1-day bus pass.
IC cards, including Suica, Pasmo and Icoca, can be used on the Kanazawa Loop Bus, JR buses and the Machi Bus, but they cannot be used on other city buses.
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