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.

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 Kanazawa to Tokyo route.