Train Tickets from Kanazawa to Tokyo

The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa, is smaller than Tokyo but yet quite walkable and rich in history; it feels very different from Tokyo even though it is a city. Since Kanazawa was largely spared damage during World War II, both locals and tourists can enjoy the city's well-preserved historic neighborhoods and traditional art culture. Foodies should seize the chance to sample the fresh fish offered in the city, the most well-known of which is the luxurious nodoguro, or black throat perch. Notably, Kenroku-en, one of the other three great gardens of Japan, is located nearby the 21st Century Contemporary Art Museum and Kanazawa Castle.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the storied Higashi-chaya neighborhood, where quaint stores and eateries await exploration and history comes to life. Kanazawa's central location on Honshu Island makes it a crucial stop for people traveling around the country. It is approximately 2-3 hours away from Kanto via the Shinkansen bullet train and approximately the same amount of time out to Kansai via the Thunderbird train.

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world, offers a wealth of sights and activities for tourists. Whether in the more laid-back and elegant neighborhoods of Yoyogi Uehara or Kagurazaka, or in the bustling urban districts of Shinjuku or Shibuya, there is something for everyone, especially those who like soaking in the city's diverse culture. With about 14 million residents, Tokyo offers a wide variety of sights and activities that are all conveniently accessible via the well-known and practical train and bus system!

See what makes Japan such a special destination for travelers at both Kanazawa and Tokyo, easily traveled between with the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train!

Tickets booked with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator that will take you from Kanazawa to Tokyo. 

Types of Shinkansen

This route is served by the Kagayaki Shinkansen and Hakutaka Shinkansen, traversing around 450 kilometers (280 miles). On board amenities include reclinable seats, overhead storage, electrical outlets, and more! Rest assured, your ride on the Shinkansen will be comfortable and efficient. Shinkansen trains available on this journey are the Kagayaki and Hakutaka trains. 

How to get to Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa Station is located right in the city center, essentially bisecting the capital of Ishikawa into a northern and southern section. While most trains going to and from Kanazawa Station go out to other towns in the prefecture and to neighboring prefectures like Toyama and Fukui, Kanazawa has a rather extensive bus network that centers around the station. While waiting for a Shinkansen departure, feel free to shop within the station and the neighboring Forus department store.

Where to go from Tokyo Station

The elegant and bustling Tokyo Station is an attraction for those who travel to the capital all on its own. As a major stop on a number of train lines throughout the city, as well as being the terminal station for many Shinkansen bullet trains, Tokyo Station as a travel hub is almost unparalleled. The surroundings include great spots for nice shopping as well as high-end restaurants and the nearby imperial park, however, nearly every corner of Tokyo is reachable from the station, with its servicing of basically every JR Train Line, Marunouchi Subway Line, Hanzomon Subway Line, and more. 

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on region

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Kanazawa Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Tokyo, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Tokyo Station, and the city is now yours to explore.

You can find the conditions of modification and cancellation of our train tickets in our “Frequently Asked Questions” section at the bottom of the page.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions on residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking and are to be used only on the Kanazawa to Tokyo route.