Train Tickets from Tokyo to Kanazawa

There is a lot for visitors to see and do in Tokyo, the capital of Japan and the world's most populated metropolitan area. There is something for everyone, especially those who enjoy taking in the wide-ranging culture of major cities, whether it is in the lively metropolitan centers like Shinjuku or Shibuya or the more relaxed and classy areas like Yoyogi Uehara or Kagurazaka. With almost 14 million people calling Tokyo home, there is a medley of different activities and attractions to check out, all easily accessible with the city’s famous and convenient train and bus system!

Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture, and, while still a city, it has a very different feel from Tokyo; it's much smaller but perfectly walkable and filled with history. Kanazawa was relatively untouched during World War II, meaning its historic districts and traditional art culture are very well preserved and accessible to visitors and residents of the city alike. Seafood lovers ought to take the opportunity to enjoy the city’s fresh fish, the most famous being the luxurious nodoguro, or black throat perch. 

Also of note, one of the other three great gardens of Japan, Kenroku-en, can be found here, not far from Kanazawa Castle and the 21st Century Contemporary Art Museum. Take the chance to also visit the historic Higashi-chaya district, where history is alive and charming shops and restaurants are ready to be discovered. Kanazawa and Ishikawa are located on the Japan Sea Coast in Hokuriku.

Around 2-3 hours away from Kanto via the Shinkansen bullet train and around the same amount of time out to the Kansai region of Kyoto via the Thunderbird Train, Kanazawa's central location on Honshu Island makes it an essential stop for those traveling through the country. Take the time to see the glitz and glam of Tokyo, then travel via the Shinkansen bullet train and relax and take in the charming environment of Kanazawa!

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 Tokyo to Kanazawa.

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 from Tokyo to Kanazawa will be comfortable and efficient.The Hokuriku Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. 

How to get to Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station, the primary Shinkansen train departure point in Tokyo, is situated in the city's center at the intersection of numerous public transportation routes. Tokyo Station is home to several JR lines, including the Chuo, Keiyo, Sobu, and Yamanote lines. Tokyo Station is also the stop for the Marunouchi Metro Line, a number of bus lines, and airport transfer possibilities. 

Where to go from Kanazawa Station

The capital of Ishikawa Prefecture is largely served by Kanazawa Station, right in the city center. The area is surrounded by commercial attractions like the next-door Forus Mall and a number of hotels. Heading directly south from the station, the famous Omicho Market, often hailed as the “kitchen of Kanazawa,” is easily accessible. Much of Kanazawa is accessible by buses that depart from the northern side of the station. As the terminal station for the Hokuriku Shinkansen, bullet trains depart for and arrive from Tokyo Station, though, the Shinkansen will soon extend out to Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture. 

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

Modification and Cancellation

Order Cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

• Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date. 

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

• Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

• If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

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 Tokyo to Kanazawa route.