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Tokyo to Kanazawa by Shinkansen

The Tokyo to Kanazawa Shinkansen runs along the Hokuriku line on the Kagayaki, reaching the castle town and its famous Kenrokuen garden in about two and a half hours. Reserve from Australia, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code.

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Fastest

2h 25m (Kagayaki)

Typical

2h 55m (Hakutaka)

Transfers

Direct, no transfers

Distance

about 450 km

Daily services

frequent through the day

JR Pass

All Hokuriku Shinkansen trains covered; no Nozomi style supplement

Tokyo to Kanazawa ticket prices

One-way fares by seat class. Return simply doubles the fare.

Seat class	Price (AUD)	Good to know
Non-reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 132	Cheapest, on the Hakutaka only
Reserved, Ordinary Car	from AUD 138	Required on the Kagayaki, best in peak season
Reserved, Green Car	from AUD 185	Business class 2 by 2 seating, more room

Fares are indicative from prices and vary by date, train and season. The live fare is shown when you search. As a guide, an Ordinary reserved seat is around ¥14,380.

Which train: Nozomi, Hikari or Kodama?

All three run the Tokyo–Kanazawa route direct — they differ in how many stations they skip.

Train	Journey time	Stops	Japan Rail Pass
Kagayaki	2h 25m	Fastest, all seats reserved	Covered by JR Pass
Hakutaka	2h 55m	More stops, has non reserved cars	Covered by JR Pass
Asama plus change	3h 10m	Change at Nagano	Covered by JR Pass

Timetable & departures

A sample of daily Tokyo → Kanazawa departures.

Depart Tokyo	Arrive Kanazawa	Train	Duration
06:16	08:44	Kagayaki	2h 28m
08:24	10:53	Kagayaki	2h 29m
10:52	13:20	Kagayaki	2h 28m
14:04	16:33	Kagayaki	2h 29m
18:00	20:29	Kagayaki	2h 29m

Indicative departures. Kagayaki and Hakutaka services run through the day. Search your date for live times.

Tips for the journey

The Kagayaki is all reserved

Every seat on the fast Kagayaki is reserved, so book ahead. Pass holders travel at no extra cost but still need the free reservation.

Hakutaka for non reserved seats

The slightly slower Hakutaka has non reserved cars you can walk onto if you have not booked.

Straight to Kenrokuen

Kanazawa Station is a short bus ride from Kenrokuen garden, the Higashi Chaya geisha district and the gold leaf workshops.

Great with the Hokuriku Arch Pass

If you are looping Tokyo to Osaka through Hokuriku, the Hokuriku Arch Pass can cover this leg and more.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Tokyo to Kanazawa bullet train?

From about AUD 132 one way for a non reserved seat on the Hakutaka, with a reserved seat from around AUD 138 and Green Car from about AUD 185.

How long does the Tokyo to Kanazawa Shinkansen take?

About 2 hours 25 minutes on the fastest Kagayaki, and around 2 hours 55 minutes on the Hakutaka which makes more stops.

Is it covered by the Japan Rail Pass?

Yes. The whole Hokuriku Shinkansen is covered by the standard pass with no Nozomi style supplement. The Kagayaki still needs a free seat reservation.

Do I need to reserve a seat?

On the Kagayaki yes, since every seat is reserved. On the Hakutaka you can ride a non reserved car without booking.

What is there to see in Kanazawa?

Kanazawa is famous for the Kenrokuen garden, the preserved Higashi Chaya geisha district, Kanazawa Castle and its gold leaf crafts.

Related routes

Planning more of Japan by rail?

Hokuriku Arch Pass Tokyo → Kyoto Tokyo → Nagoya All train tickets →

Ready to book Tokyo to Kanazawa?

Reserve your seat, pay in AUD, and board with a QR code.

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