This Shinkansen lines was called “The Nagano Shinkansen”. On March 14. 2015, this Shinkansen lines was extended to Kanazawa and it is called “The Hokuriku Shinkansen”. This Shinkansen line connects Tokyo, Omiya, Takasaki, Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa. This Shinkansen line is covered by JR Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass fully. JR East Pass Nagano Niigata covers between Tokyo and Joetsu-Myoko station.
I would like to show you the information about this Shinkansen service with you in this post.
Route, schedule and trip time
The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs from Tokyo to Kanazawa via Omiya, Takasaki, Karuizawa, Nagano, Itoigawa and Toyama.
The fastest train of this Shinkansen service connects Tokyo and Kanazawa in 2.5 hours, Tokyo and Toyama in 2 hours 10 minutes.
Types of trains
There are four types of trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line.
Kagayaki (Tokyo – Kanazawa)
Kagayaki is the name of the fastest train that connects between Tokyo and Kanazawa. All Kagayaki stops at Omiya, Nagano and Toyama. One of all Kagayaki service skips Ueno but the rest of the trips stop at Ueno. Some seasonal operation of Kagayaki stops at Shin-Takaoka.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Kagayaki
Tokyo |
30 minutes |
Omiya |
1 hour |
Nagano |
45 minutes |
Toyama |
20 minutes |
Kanazawa |
Kagayaki train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | R | G | GR |
R:Reserved Ordinary class G:Reserved Green class GC:Reserved Gran class
Kagayaki has only reserved seat. You cannot get on this train without a seat reservation. JR Pass, JR East Pass and Hokuriku Arch Pass covers a reserved seat fee. But you have to receive a reserved seat ticket before boarding. If you use one of these passes, all you have to do is showing your pass and received a reserved seat ticket.
Hakutaka (Tokyo – Kanazawa)
Hakutaka is the name of the second fastest train that connects between Tokyo and Kanazawa. All Hakutaka stops at Ueno, Omiya, Nagano, Joetsu-Myoko, Itoigawa, Kurobe-Unazukionsen, Toyama and Shin-Takaoka. Most of Hakutaka stops at Takasaki and Iiyama. Some of the trips stop at Karuizawa, Sakudaira and Ueda.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Hakutaka
Tokyo |
30 minutes |
Omiya |
25 minutes |
Takasaki |
40 minutes |
Nagano |
30 minutes |
Itoigawa |
30 minutes |
Toyama |
9 minutes |
Shin-Takaoka |
13 minutes |
Kanazawa |
Hakutaka train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
NR | NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | R | R | G | GR |
NR: Non Reserved Ordinary class R:Reserved Ordinary class G:Reserved Green class GC:Reserved Gran class
Asama (Tokyo – Nagano)
Asama is the name of the train that connects between Tokyo and Nagano. All Asama stops at Ueno, Omiya, Takasaki and Karuizawa. Most of Asama stops at Kumagaya, Sakudaira and Ueda. Some of the trips stop at Honjowaseda and Annaka-Haruna.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Asama
Tokyo |
30 minutes |
Omiya |
30 minutes |
Takasaki |
20 minutes |
Karuizawa |
30 minutes |
Nagano |
Asama train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
NR | NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | R | R | R | G | GR |
NR: Non Reserved Ordinary class R:Reserved Ordinary class G:Reserved Green class GC:Reserved Gran class
*No meal service available on Gran class of Asama. Only the higher class seat service and Gran class seat fee is cheaper than Kagayaki and Hakutaka.
Tsurugi (Kanazawa – Toyama)
Tsurugi is the name of the train that connects between Kanazawa and Toyama. All Asama stops at Shin-Takaoka.
Approximate travel time between the major stations by Tsurugi
Toyama |
9 minutes |
Shin-Takaoka |
13 minutes |
Kanazawa |
Tsurugi train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
NR | NR | NR | NR | R | R | R | (R) | – | – | G | – |
NR: Non Reserved Ordinary class R:Reserved Ordinary class G:Reserved Green class
Car #9, #10 and #12 are not used on Tsurugi. Car #8 is available on the train which runs in the busy period.
Timetable
You may find the timetable at JR East official site timetable:
JR East official site – the timetable
Photo gallery
Only E7/W7 series run on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
E7 and W7 are same train fleet. The Hokuriku Shinkansen is operated by JR East and JR West. E7 belongs to JR East and W7 belongs to JR West.
Gran class
Gran class seat is the highest category in all JR trains. Only the Tohoku, the Hokkaido and the Hokuriku Shinkansen trains offer this class. The seat is leather and theleg space is 1,300 mm with 2+1 seat layout. The attendant offers high-end hospitality. The light meal and the beverage are included. But Asama and Hakutaka between Nagano and Kanazawa operation will not offer an attendant, a light meal and beverage. Only the high class seat is offered. A power outlet and many amenities are offered too.
Green class
Green class is the highest class in most of express trains. The leg space is 1,160 mm with 2+2 seat layout. A power outlet at each seat is equipped.
Ordinary class
It is very typical Shinkansen ordinary class layout. It gives you 1040 mm seat pitch with 2+3 seat configuration. All seats have the power outlet. Actually this is the first Shinkansen train that the power outlet is equipped at all seats in the ordinary seat car.
Other facilities
The coverage by the travel passes
There are many rail passes available. You may be confused which Shinkansen train and class are covered by the pass. The following table shows you the coverage on the Hokuriku Shinkansen lines only. The table below does not show the coverage on the other Shinkansen lines, such as the Tokaido Shinkansen, the Tohoku-the Hokkaido Shinkansen.
Type of the pass | Coverage |
JR Pass Green | All trains and seats except Gran class |
JR Pass Ordinary Hokuriku Arch Pass | Both reserved and non reserved ordinary seats on all trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen lines |
JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, JR East Pass Tohoku, Tokyo Wide Pass | Both reserved and non reserved ordinary seats on all trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Sakudaira |
JR East Pass Nagano Niigata | Both reserved and non reserved ordinary seats on all trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Joetsu-Myoko |
Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass | Non reserved ordinary seats on Hakutaka and Tsurugi between Kanazawa and Joetsu-Myoko |
Hokuriku Area Pass | Non reserved ordinary seats on Hakutaka and Tsurugi between Kanazawa and Kurobe-Unazukionsen |
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist pass | Non reserved ordinary seats on Hakutaka and Tsurugi between Kanazawa and Toyama |
Additional charge to take Gran class seat
As I mentioned above, the highest seat, “Gran class” is not covered by any rail pass. If you want to take a seat in Gran class, you have to pay a full fare of Gran class seat. For example, the fares for Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto are the following:
Base fare | 7,480 yen |
Gran class seat fee | 20,000 yen |
Green class seat fee | 11,620 yen |
Reserved ordinary class seat fee | 6,900 yen |
Even if you use JR Pass Green, you have to pay 20,000 yen to get a seat on Gran class. The additional fee is NOT the difference (8,380 yen = 20,000 – 11,620) between Gran class seat fee and Green class seat fee. If you use JR Pass Ordinary or other rail pass, such as Hokuriku Arch Pass, the additional fee is same. In this case, only base fare 7,480 yen is covered by any type of the rail passes.
Summary
On the Hokuriku Shinkansen, there is no restirictions to use the pass. On Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, the fastest train, “Nozomi” is not covered. But on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, even the fastest train “Kagayaki” is covered. This Shinkansen line makes your trip to Nagano, Toyama and/or Kanazawa be easy.
Comments
Dear Takeshi san
Our party 2 adults and 1 child arrive in Tokyo 29 December 2015. We will be sightseeing in and around Tokyo until 2 January 2016.
On 2 January 2016 we wish to travel to Nagano on the Hakutaka 561 from Tokyo to Nagano at 11.44am.
Which pass is best to cover all this travel, and what is the best way to reserve seats on the Hokuriki shinkansen?
Thank you.
Hi Julie-Anne san,
If you arrive in Narita, there are some deals available.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Subway pass is the ordinary choice for sightseeing in Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/compare-many-discount-tickets-and-passes-for-sightseeing-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-right-tickets.html
There is no deal for one way trip to Nagano by Shinkansen. If you have any other plan after visiting Nagano, you may use some deals. But at this point, single ticket is only choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
You can reserve at the reservation window, “Midori no Mdoguchi” in any major JR stations in advance. In Tokyo, you can find this window at any JR stations.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We want to travel to Kanazawa from Ueno on Nov 24 and return from Kanazawa to Ueno on Nov 27. Shall we get the JR East Rail Pass or the Japan Rail Pass?
Thank you!
Hi Joan,
Japan Rail Pass is better because JR East Pass does not cover Kanazawa.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
We are arriving into Haneda airport at 7.00am on 15 January 2016, travelling to Kanazawa that day, and then returning to Iiyama and Nozawa Onsen on 17 January, then Iiyama to Tokyo on 27 January.
Will a JR East Pass be the best value for this?
Hi Ashton,
Actually single ticket is the best choice. JR East Pass does not cover Joetsu-Myoko to Kanazawa. If you use JR East pass, you have to add around 6000 yen for one way on top of JR East pass. But if you pay single fare, total fare is less than 30000 yen and much cheaper than East Pass + additional fare.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Thanks for your Reply .. I have another question .. Is it possible i go to hakuba / Nagoya From Toyama ? Is it cover By JR ?
Thanks n regards
Magdalena
Hi Magdalena,
You can get Toyama from Hakuba by JR pass without extra charge. But train does not run frequently on the segment between Minami-Otari and Itoigawa. Only local train runs a few round trips a day. Please find the location map at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html
You may find the train timetable at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear takeshi
I with my fam and friends will travel to Toyama on 27 dec 2015 from Kyoto .. What is the fastest way to go there ?
I already have 14 days JR pass
Thanks n rgds
Hi Magdalena,
Limited Express Thunderbird to Kanazawa and transfer to Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Both trains are covered by JR pass fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Could you help me .. My hotel ia Akaokan ryokan at Nanto , Toyama and in hotel website Said 30 minute drive From JR Rohana .. What JR should i take From Kyoto .. What is The shortest way yo reach my hotel
Thanks alot
Magdalena
Hi Magdalena,
I think it’s not Rohana but Johana.
You can take the following route:
Kyoto (limited express Thunderbird) Kanazawa (Hokuriku Shinkasnen) Shin-Takaoka (Johana line) Johana.
I have no idea how to get your accommodation from Johana. The following bus timetable may help you.
http://www.japan-guide.com/bus/gokayama.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
thanks a lot for your information…
Regards
Magdalena
No problem, Magdalena.
Hope you get there smoothly.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
We need your advice .. We Will go to Kyoto From horikirishoubuen station and The hotel is Kyoto village its next to omiya station .. What JR should we take ?
Thanks for your help
Magdalena
Hi Magdalena,
You need to transfer many times.
Horikirishobuen (Keisei Railway) Nippori (JR Yamanote line) Tokyo (Shinkansen) Kyoto (Subway) Shijo (walk) Karasuma (Hankyu railway) Omiya
You have to find the timetable and route at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
I would a plan travel to Japan from 24 December, can you advise me how can I get the transportation and what kind of the JR pass I should be buy? Can I buy the JR pass on internet?
Day 1 – 24 December will arrive Narita airport at around 06:00, then have to go Iiyama Station to take bus to Nozawaonsen.
Day 2 – 25 December morning will go Karuizawa outlet, then back to Nozawaonsen.
Day 3 to 4 – 26 December will travel to Shinjuku to stay 2 nights.
Day 5 – Go Narita aiport to take flight.
Thanks
Christine
Hi Christine,
You can use JR East pass.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-flex-5-days-unlimited-travel-within-14-days-in-eastern-japan.html
You may take Narita Express between Narita and Tokyo/Shijuku. Hokuriku Shinkansen can take you to IIyama and also trip to Karuizawa.
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/english/wb/common/timetable/index.html
All train trips are covered by JR East pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San
I am trying to purchase the JR East Pass for Narita Express and Hokuriku Shinkansen, but it not allow me to buy due to cannot collect the train tickets on the department day but two days before.
So I should buy the pass when i arrived airport? my flight will arrive at 24 December 6:00am, the centre is closed, where can I buy it?
Thanks
Christine
Hi Christine san,
You may purchase it at ticket office. It’s open at 6:30am.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
If I buy the JR pass when arrived the airport on December 24 morning and will use the pass immediately , is it difficult to buy or no seat all sold out? Normally, will you suggest us to buy the pass on internet?
Thanks & Best regards
Christine
Hi Christine,
Christmas Eve and Day are not busy in Japan. The busiest days are Dec 29, 30 (outgoing from major cities) and Jan 3 (incoming to major cities).
You can purchase it on the spot easily.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san
I plan to travel to Nozawaonsen with family and will be landing Narita airport on 24 December 2015, could you please advise how can i go to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen train and what station should i drop off ?
What type of the pass should I buy and can i book the Hokuriku Shinkansen train tickets by internet in advance?
Waiting your favourable reply.
Thanks & Best regards
Christine Yeung
Hi Christine,
Please see the link about route.
http://nozawakanko.jp/english/access/
You can book it at the link below. But you have to pick up the ticket two days before departure day.
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.216113750.1325107855.1421419524
But even if you book it upon arrival, it will be no problem. It’s not hard to book Narita Express and Shinkansen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi-san,
I will be travelling to Japan for Nov 1 – 8. I am arriving at Tokyo first and then taking a bus to Hirayu Onsen the next day. Then move on to Takayama and Gokayama. From Gokayama, I am thinking of taking a bus to Shin-Takaoka Station first, then back to Ueno Station by Shinkansen.
My question is I want to buy the Shinkansen ticket before leaving for Hirayu Osen on Day 2. Can I buy it from JR Ueno Station?
Look forward to your reply! Thank you.
Alice from Canada
Hi Alice san,
Yes. You can purchase any JR tickets at any JR stations that have reservation window. Ueno station of course has reservation window, that is called Midori no Madoguchi.
In Tokyo, all stations have this reservation window.
Cheers,
Takehsi / JPRail.com from Canada too!
Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply!
Your site provides useful information in details. Much appreciated. I have a couple more questions, hope you don’t mind.
1) With my itinerary, I don’t think the JR pass would work due to the route between Takayama, Shirakawao and Goyomon. Besides, the pass covers Shinkansen to Nagano Station. Even with the pass, I need to pay extra for the bus and a train ride between Shin-Takaoka and Nagano. Correct?
2) I tried to find out the office hours of JR Reservation Desk at Ueno Station but failed. By any chance, do you know how early they’re open? 8:00 or 9:00.
3) Based on your experience, what’s the likelihood of tickets sold out since I am buying it a few days in advance?
Once again, much appreciated for your assistance!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Alice from Canada
Hi Alice san,
If you intend to use JR deal, JR East Pass is recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-flex-5-days-unlimited-travel-within-14-days-in-eastern-japan.html
You can use this pass to get Matsumoto from Tokyo by limited express train Azusa. And as you think, the pass covers Hokuriku Shinkansen Joetsu-Myoko to Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-for-train-access-to-nagano-matsumoto-and-other-places-in-shinshu-and-surrounding-area.html
Actually the pass covers more than Nagano. Joetsu-Myoko is two stations closer to Shin-Takaoka. You can find the extra fare for outside coverage at Hyperdia. You may search Shin-Takaoka to Joetsu-Myoko.
Reservation window is usually open between 7:00 and 23:00 at most of major stations. But if you intend to have JR East Pass, you can book all train ticket in advance when you purchase/exchange the pass. You can find office hours for this exchange place at the link below:
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass/index.html
Shinkansen ticket is very easy. But you can book Azusa and Hokuriku Shinkansen from Joetsu-Myoko to Tokyo at the link below:
http://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/Menu/Menu.aspx?_ga=1.44754148.1325107855.1421419524
You cannot book Shin-Takaoka to Joetsu-Myoko because it’s outside JR East area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRal.com
My family of six are planning on going on the Shinkansen Kagayaki 501 at 6:16 on November 9, 2015 Tokyo Station to Kanazawa. We will have a Green JR pass. We are interested in going on the Gran Class and understand that we will have to pay the upgrade of Y19,630. Do you think it will be difficult to book this class? Do that have food service on the Gran Class? What is the menu?
Thank you very much for your help,
June
Hi June,
It’s hard to find how busy it will be. You may find the availability at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-find-seat-availability-of-trains-jr-cyber-station-guide.html
But there are only 18 seats in one train set. I think it’s hard to get 6 seats in same train.
You can choose one of two light meal menus, Japanese meal and sandwich. You can find the images of meal at page 4 in the link below:
https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2014/20150122.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi-san,
If we can not get on the Gran Class, is there food service on the green cars? I read that the shinkansens have discontinued food service. Is that true?
Thank you so much!
June
Hi June san,
Green car does not serve any complimentary food service. But food wagon (on board sales) is available. You can purchase light meal and drink on board.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Once again thank you Takeshi-san,
I will try and book the Gran Class as soon as we get to Tokyo. If not, we can go the green car. have a great day!
June
No problem, June san.
Hope you will make it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello. I just checked with jr personal and the gran class fare for hokuriku is more expensive than tohoku, however hokuriku is shorter. Do you have any idea why? Is the gran class in e7 have better service etc? Thanks
Hi Tommy,
The service is almost same. I think it is cause of operation. Tohoku is operated by JR East but Hokuriku Shinkansen is operated by JR East and JR West. Fare table of Hokuriku Shinkansen is more complicated.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Aloha takeshi- san,
I am travelling to Noto from Osaka via Biwako and Fukui soon and will need to make my way to Tokyo on the 30th September.
I am hoping to get the new Shinkansen from Kanazawa direct to Tokyo one way ( no thrills ) just cheapest possible fare- is there a platt kodama or purrato fare? If so could you tell me how best to purchase this, when and what the normal fare is Kanazawa – Tokyo as well please.
That would be amazing as this whole thing is rather confusing tbh.
Thank you,
Valentin from Berlin
Hi Vakentin san,
As far as I know, there is no one way deal for Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tokyo. Single fare is around 14,000 yen. You may find an exact fare at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
By the way, if you take a train from Osaka to Kanazawa, you may use one long trip ticket from Osaka to Tokyo via Biwako, Fukui and Kanazawa. You can fine more info about ticket rule at the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com