Take a JR Thunderbird limited express from Kyoto to Tsuruga and transfer to the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa. The one way journey takes just under two hours, costs around 7500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. International tourists can do the trip for only 6500 yen by purchasing a Hokuriku One-Way Ticket. Note that seat reservations are mandatory on Thunderbird limited express trains.
The one way ride between Kyoto and Kanazawa by highway bus takes about four hours and costs around 3000 to 5000 yen depending on the bus and date of travel. There are daytime and overnight buses, operated by multiple companies. The Japan Rail Pass is not valid on these buses.
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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