How long does the local train journey take?

The Shinkansen journey between Kanazawa and Toyama takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes. In contrast, a local train journey on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway line takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. This travel time often includes more frequent stops and sometimes a wait for a connection, although the line is generally direct.

Ticket - Train - Kanazawa - Toyama

Q: How to get from Kanazawa to Toyama?

The fastest and most comfortable way to get from Kanazawa to Toyama is by Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train). The Kagayaki, Hakutaka, and Tsurugi services operate on this line. The Tsurugi service is particularly frequent for this short connection. It is also possible to take local trains. This option requires using the Ainokaze Toyama Railway line, which was formerly the JR Hokuriku Main Line. This option is slower and may involve a transfer, but it is more economical.

Q: How much does the Hokuriku Shinkansen cost?

The cost of a Shinkansen ticket between Kanazawa and Toyama varies depending on the seat type. An unreserved seat typically costs around 2,860 yen (basic fare + Shinkansen surcharge). For a reserved seat, the price is approximately 3,390 to 3,620 yen. A Green Car (first class) seat is more expensive. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on all Hokuriku Shinkansen services (Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Tsurugi). Travelers with a Japan Rail Pass can use it at no extra cost, but it is advisable to reserve a seat, especially during peak hours.

Q: Can IC cards be used between the two cities?

Yes, IC cards (such as Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) can be used for local train journeys between Kanazawa and Toyama on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway line. Simply tap your card at the ticket gates upon entry and exit. However, IC cards are not directly usable for the Shinkansen. To ride the Shinkansen, it is necessary to purchase a separate Shinkansen ticket (consisting of a basic fare and a Shinkansen surcharge) before boarding. Some mobile apps or specific purchasing systems allow linking IC cards to Shinkansen tickets, but the standard approach for foreign travelers is to purchase a dedicated paper or electronic Shinkansen ticket.

Adults (+12yo)

Children* (< 12yo)

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

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0h20

First/last departure

06:00 / 23:38

Distance

999.00 km

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The journey between Kanazawa and Toyama on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line traverses a region rich in unique characteristics. Before the Shinkansen's arrival in 2015, this connection was longer and more complex. Toyama Bay is renowned for its fresh seafood, notably "shiro-ebi" (white shrimp) and "hotaru-ika" (firefly squid). These local delicacies are often featured in "ekiben" (station bento boxes), available at Toyama Station, offering travelers a taste of regional specialties during their journey. The Tsurugi Shinkansen service was specifically designed to facilitate rapid travel between these two key cities in the Hokuriku region.

Frequently asked questions

The fastest and most comfortable way to get from Kanazawa to Toyama is by Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train). The Kagayaki, Hakutaka, and Tsurugi services operate on this line. The Tsurugi service is particularly frequent for this short connection.
It is also possible to take local trains. This option requires using the Ainokaze Toyama Railway line, which was formerly the JR Hokuriku Main Line. This option is slower and may involve a transfer, but it is more economical.

The cost of a Shinkansen ticket between Kanazawa and Toyama varies depending on the seat type. An unreserved seat typically costs around 2,860 yen (basic fare + Shinkansen surcharge). For a reserved seat, the price is approximately 3,390 to 3,620 yen. A Green Car (first class) seat is more expensive.
The Japan Rail Pass is valid on all Hokuriku Shinkansen services (Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Tsurugi). Travelers with a Japan Rail Pass can use it at no extra cost, but it is advisable to reserve a seat, especially during peak hours.

Yes, IC cards (such as Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) can be used for local train journeys between Kanazawa and Toyama on the Ainokaze Toyama Railway line. Simply tap your card at the ticket gates upon entry and exit.
However, IC cards are not directly usable for the Shinkansen. To ride the Shinkansen, it is necessary to purchase a separate Shinkansen ticket (consisting of a basic fare and a Shinkansen surcharge) before boarding. Some mobile apps or specific purchasing systems allow linking IC cards to Shinkansen tickets, but the standard approach for foreign travelers is to purchase a dedicated paper or electronic Shinkansen ticket.