When it comes to transportation in Kanazawa, the Hokuriku Shinkansen that opened in 2015 cannot be overlooked. The arrival of this line has made Kanazawa one of the most prominent tourist cities in the Kansai and Hokuriku regions. Departing from Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen takes only about 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach Kanazawa Station, bringing this charming ancient Kaga domain closer to the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The entire Hokuriku Shinkansen line runs from Tokyo, passing through Ueno, Omiya, Nagano, and Toyama before reaching Kanazawa. The trains operating on this line are mainly divided into two types: the "Koshi" (Kagayaki) and the "Hakutaka." The Kagayaki is a direct express train that runs from Tokyo to Kanazawa without stopping at intermediate stations, while the Hakutaka stops at major stations such as Nagano and Toyama—travelers can choose the appropriate service according to their needs.
Kanazawa Station itself is also worth visiting. The station's Motoduri (鼓門) is designed with inspiration from traditional Noh theater drums, and its unique shape has become a landmark of Kanazawa. Inside the station, there is a comprehensive tourist information center offering multilingual services, where international travelers can obtain maps and travel information—very convenient.
After arriving in Kanazawa, there are many highlights worth exploring around the city. Here are some recommended areas:
Around Kanazawa Station
As the gateway to Kanazawa, the area around the station gathers department stores, restaurants, and shops. The "Motoduri" and "Glass Tower" at the East Exit square of Kanazawa Station are must-photograph spots, becoming even more magical when illuminated at night. "Kanazawa Hyakubangai" inside the station combines souvenir shops and food courts, where you can purchase Kaga yuzen textiles, crafts, and other local specialties.
Kenroku-en Garden
About a 15-minute walk from Kanazawa Station takes you to one of Japan's three most famous gardens—Kenroku-en. This strolling garden was built in 1676 and covers approximately 11 hectares. The scenery inside the garden presents different aspects with each of the four seasons. The winter "snow hanging" (雪吊) landscape is a representative image of Kanazawa in winter and is definitely worth seeing.
Kanazawa Castle Park
Adjacent to Kenroku-en, Kanazawa Castle was once the residence of the Maeda family, the lords of the Kaga domain. Although the tenshu (main keep) no longer exists, well-preserved buildings such as the菱櫓 (hoshiyagura) and五十間長屋 (gojūken nagaya) still allow visitors to experience the elegance of the Edo period. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn maple foliage are particularly beautiful.
Higashi Chaya District
For those wanting to experience traditional Kaga culture, Higashi Chaya District is a must-visit. This historic district that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period has tea houses and traditional craft shops lining both sides. Walking through it feels like traveling through time. Here you can experience gold leaf craftsmanship and purchase traditional crafts such as Kaga yuzen kimonos.
Omicho Market
Known as "Kanazawa's kitchen," Omicho Market brings together over 180 stalls and shops. The seafood here is especially fresh, and you can often find crabs and sweet shrimp caught from the Sea of Japan. The market has a food court area where you can enjoy freshly made seafood bowls and Kaga cuisine.
Practical Information
Regarding transportation costs, the reserved seat fare for the Kagayaki on the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station is ¥14,370 (ordinary car), and the non-reserved seat is ¥11,890. If departing from Osaka, you can take the JR Kansai Airport Line to Kyoto, then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The total journey is about 2 hours and 45 minutes, with fares ranging from approximately ¥8,000 to ¥10,000.
Kanazawa Station is open from 5:30 AM to midnight, and the tourist information center provides services from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. It is recommended that travelers purchase the "Hokuriku Area Rail Pass" (¥16,000, unlimited rides on JR Hokuriku Area ordinary, rapid, and Shinkansen trains within 5 days), which is quite cost-effective for those planning to deeply explore Ishikawa, Fukui, and Toyama prefectures.
Travel Tips
1. Avoid the crowded Golden Week and New Year holidays; visiting on weekdays allows for a more leisurely exploration of the attractions.
2. Kanazawa's city attractions are relatively concentrated and can be reached on foot—wear comfortable shoes.
3. In winter (December to February), Kanazawa receives heavy snowfall—stay warm and bring waterproof footwear.
4. Kanazawa's bus system is well-developed. If you want to visit suburban attractions such as ToFuku-ji or Yamashiro Onsen, you can purchase a one-day bus pass (¥500).
5. Kanazawa Station has a wide variety of souvenirs. It is recommended to allow at least 30 minutes for shopping. Gold leaf cosmetics and Kaga wagashi (traditional sweets) are popular souvenirs.
Whether exploring traditional crafts, savoring seafood cuisine, or strolling through the charming castle town atmosphere, Kanazawa offers travelers a rich and diverse experience. Thanks to the convenient Hokuriku Shinkansen, this journey from Tokyo becomes the most unforgettable memory of your central Japan adventure.
