Train Tickets from Kanazawa to Kyoto

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

25 Number
of daily departures
1h40 Shortest
travel duration
$53 Our best
available price
06:00 / 20:56 Earliest / Latest
departure time

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO KYOTO!


Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture in Hokuriku, and it is often referred to as a “Mini-Kyoto.” The city was practically untouched during the last World War, with its historic districts like Higashicha-ya standing as they did in the past. But Kanazawa is by no means a “watered-down alternative” to Kyoto, as its distinct cuisine, artisanal crafts, and charming atmosphere make it a worthy destination all its own. 

Travelers to Japan should not miss Kyoto, which is located along the well-known "golden route" and is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are very few places in the world that can astound travelers as much as this historic former capital. Some streets appear to be stuck in the past when contrasted with the more contemporary buildings located just down the street. Moreover, Kyoto Prefecture as a whole has a lot to offer, so Kyoto is much more than just its capital city. Take a day excursion to the coastal Ine Fishing Village and the breathtaking Amanohashidate, one of the three definitive scenes of Japan. Explore a part of Kyoto that many travelers may not see!

As the former capital of Japan, Kyoto is a city full of stories, the location of 17 distinct UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the core of Kansai culture. The site, which combines modernism with centuries' worth of history, is essential to the Japan Golden Route experience. Few visit Kyoto without something amazing to say. 

Advantages of taking the train from Kanazawa to Kyoto

thunderbird express train japan
Efficiency

Covering the distance of 210km between Kanazawa and Kyoto in a little under 2 hours, Shinkansen bullet trains are one of the fastest ways to reach your destination relaxed and worry-free.

shinkansen 700s interior seat seating japan train nozomi jr central
Comfort

Comfortable seats, plenty of space to relax your legs, regularly cleaned carriages and peace and quiet for a relaxing journey. 

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Reliability

With hundreds of departures per day and an average delay per train estimated at 24 seconds, the Shinkansen is very reliable. 

shinkansen 700s nozomi eco friendly green
Eco-friendly

Your Kanazawa to Kyoto itinerary corresponds to 7kg of CO2 emissions by Shinkansen, compared to 53kg by plane on the same journey. Traveling by train is 7 times more eco-responsible than flying!

How to book your Kanazawa to Kyoto train tickets

Pick your time, date, and seat

You can book up to 9 months prior to your travel date.

Confirm and purchase

Order your train ticket securely online.

Receive your QR code

Get your QR code by email 1 month before departure.

Exchange and enjoy

Follow the instructions received on how to exchange your QR code and enjoy your ride.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KANAZAWA STATION AND KYOTO STATION

How to get to Kanazawa Station

Ishikawa's capital is divided into two parts by Kanazawa Station, which is situated directly in the middle of the city. Although the majority of trains to and from Kanazawa Station travel to nearby prefectures such as Toyama and Fukui, as well as other towns within the prefecture, Kanazawa boasts a rather substantial bus network that focuses around the station. Enjoy shopping at the station and the nearby department store, Forus, while you wait for a Shinkansen departure.

Where to go from Kyoto Station

Situated in the heart of the historic Japanese city, Kyoto Station is easily accessible by public transportation via JR or Kintetsu, the regional rail company operating in the Kansai area. The Karasuma metro line also stops at Kyoto Station. You can connect to a range of bus routes and travel anywhere in Kyoto from Kyoto Station, which serves as the hub of the well-known and extensive bus network in the city.

Why Book your Train Tickets with Japan Experience?

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Our train tickets are issued through an official partnership with the National Japan Railways Group (JR).

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READ MORE ABOUT THE EXCHANGE PROCESS, CONDITIONS, AND VALIDITY OF TRAIN TICKETS BELOW

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 and do not need to book a seat. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare and will have to book a seat. 

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region

train tickets exchange map japan
 

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 Kyoto, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Kyoto Station, and the city is now yours to explore. 

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of 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 Kyoto route.

Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan