Train Tickets from Kanazawa to Tokyo

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Adults (+12yo)

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*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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25 Number
of daily departures

2h30 Shortest
travel duration

$90 Our best
available price

06:16 / 21:04 Earliest / Latest
departure time

Getting from Kanazawa to Tokyo by train

The Hokuriku Shinkansen goes across Honshu Island from Tokyo to the Japan Sea Coast, cutting through the Japanese Alps and prefectures such as Nagano and Toyama. On the way out from Kanazawa, the Shinkansen will pass through the nature rich inland areas of Honshu, then steadily transition to Tokyo's dense collection of skyscrapers and buildings, allowing those who travel on the Shinkansen to see both Japan's natural scenery and urban landscapes.

More information about your journey 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.

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Advantages of taking the train from Kanazawa to Tokyo

Efficiency

Covering the distance of 450km between Kanazawa and Tokyo in 2.5 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.

Reliability

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

Eco-friendly

Your Kanazawa to Tokyo itinerary corresponds to 15kg of CO2 emissions by Shinkansen, compared to 113kg by plane on the same journey. Traveling by train is 12 more eco-responsible than flying!

How to book your Kanazawa to Tokyo 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.

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Shinkansen information

The Hokuriku Shinkansen traverses through much of the Japanese Alps in central Honshu, with termini at Tokyo Station and Kanazawa Station and stops at places like Nagano, Niigata, and Toyama. From Kanazawa Station in Ishikawa to Tokyo Station on the opposite coast, it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, or 3 hours, depending on the Shinkansen bullet train being ridden.

Find out more about the different Shinkansen available and where they each stop between Kanazawa and Tokyo below:

More information about your train, Kanazawa Station and Tokyo Station

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.

Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience?

Official seller

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

Secure payment

You're in control! We offer different payment options.

Quality at our core

Our team of passionate individuals based in Japan works with you directly, no intermediary needed.

Customer support

We're here to help, 7/7. And available through all channels.

Purchase your train tickets!

How to exchange train tickets in Japan

When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email.

To receive your usable tickets, simply scan the QR code at ticket machines located inside stations in Japan and, if asked, enter the phone number associated with your order, which Japan Experience will provide you with.

In lieu of the QR code, the five-digit registration number (beginning with the number “4”) found in the order confirmation email can also be used.

Please find more information below about ticket fares and exchanging your train tickets upon arriving in Japan, whether it is at the airport or at major stations in the city. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to guide you through the easy and efficient process of getting your physical train tickets in Japan.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan

Up to 72 hours before departure, you can modify your booking one time free of charge or cancel your booking (with a 15% cancellation fee). Please find more details below.

How can I cancel or modify my booking?

You can cancel or modify your tickets by contacting Japan Experience by phone or email.

Modifications and cancellation are not possible in stations, neither at ticket machines (even those with a QR code reader) nor at JR counters (except when mentioned by our assistance*).

What are the cancellation conditions?

You can cancel your train tickets up to 72 hours before departure, with a 15% cancellation fee applied. Past 72 hours before departure, no cancellation can be done.

What if I miss my train?

If you have missed your train, your tickets allow you to board any train on the same route in the same day – in non-reserved seat cars only.

What are the modification conditions?

You can modify your booking for free one time up to 72 hours before departure. Any extra modification will result in booking cancellation to make a new order, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.

Past 72 hours before departure, no modifications can be done.

If you want to modify:

Seat and/or departure time (for e-tickets or e-voucher before paper tickets issued): Japan Experience can modify your booking for free, one time per booking.
Departure date and/or ticket class: Japan Experience allows you to change your departure date/ticket class free of charge by canceling your order without fees in order to make a new booking. Please note that a new date in a higher travel season or an upper class will result in a price difference.
Adding or removing passengers from the booking: Adding a passenger is free of charge, you only need to pay the extra ticket price. Removing a passenger equals to canceling the booking for that passenger only, cancellation conditions apply for the removed passenger ticket (15% fee).
Departure station/arrival station: This change equals a cancellation, with a 15% cancellation fee applied.

*For the rare and only case of cancellation for e-voucher after paper tickets have been issued, you need to request a cancellation at Japan Railways counters (not machines) in stations, up to 10 minutes before departure. JR will refund you around 70% of your order, in cash (JPY ¥). Modifications at JR machines or counters in stations are also possible up to 10 minutes before departure (some fees may apply).

There are different types of carriages on the Shinkansen, with different levels of accommodation. The Ordinary Car is the most general seating option, but Shinkansen bullet trains are, by default, more luxurious than other types of trains due to them being built for long-distance travel. These accommodations include reclinable chairs, overhead storage, hooks for outerwear, deployable trays, and electrical outlets.
The Green Car is the next step up in luxury from the ordinary car, featuring even deeper reclining chairs and more legroom. All seats in these cars need a reservation. The oversized luggage area is also included with a seat on the Green Car.
The Gran Class Car is much like the Green Car but with even more elevated accommodations. Seats are formatted 2x1, optimizing room, and often, snacks and refreshments are included. Gran Class cars exist only on JR East lines, such as Tokyo <-> Nagano and Tokyo <-> Kanazawa.

With over 40 years of dedicated experience dealing specifically with Japan travel and tourism, you can rest assured that we will have the best knowledge and familiarity with getting around the country. Our train tickets are acquired through an official partnership with JR West. We also offer reliable and expert assistance thanks to our onsite team in Japan, flexible modification options, and a fully digital booking experience with no hidden fees.

If your train's departure date is more than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code approximately a month before departure.

If your train's departure date is less than one month away from the date of booking, you will receive your QR code within 48 hours.

Reminder : you can book train tickets in Japan with Japan Experience between 9 months and 3 days prior to train departure.

If you're traveling with baggage measuring less than 160 cm (length + width + height), you don't need to make an additional reservation, and you can store your baggage in the overhead compartment above your seat.

For baggage measuring more than 160 cm and up to 250 cm (length + width + height), you need to make an advance reservation before you can take your baggage on board the Shinkansen. On board, you'll need to stow your baggage in the areas reserved for bulky luggage, generally located behind the last seats in the car, and in special compartments located between the cars. This includes luggage such as sports equipment, musical instruments and strollers.

Luggage measuring more than 250 cm (length + width + height) is not permitted on board the Shinkansen. Each passenger can take up to two pieces of luggage on board the Shinkansen.

You can find more details about luggage rules aboard the Shinkansen here.