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
Hi Takeshi,
We plan to have day trip from Kanazawa (in the morning) to Keyakidaira, sight-seeing in Keyakidaira, then, travel and stay at Takayama in early November. We get confused when checking online for the route to take.
May I know the routes and trains to take in order to reach destination?
Thanks in advance,
Ivan
Hi Ivan,
Your route is the following:
Kanazawa (Hokuriku Shinkansen) Toyama (Toyama Chiho Railway) Unazuki Onsen (Kurobe Keikoku Railway) Keyakidaira
Keyakidaira (Kurobe Keikoku Railway) Unazuki Onsen (Toyama Chiho Railway) Toyama (JR Takayama line) Takayama
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
This info is helpful.
Thanks for your fast reply.
Ivan
No problem, Ivan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I would like your help to check if the Tokyo Wide Pass (to be used during days 2-4) combined with the Suica/Pasmo card would be the best options for our 7 day trip below, we are traveling June 6-12:
Day 1: Haneda Airport to Tokyo-stay overnight in Hammamatsucho area
Day 2: Tokyo to Karuizawa
Day 3: Karuizawa to Nozawa
Day 4: Nozawa to Matsumoto then on to Shinjuku
Day 5: Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Day 6: Tokyo (Shinjuku)
Day 7: Depart from Haneda Airport
Questions:
1. For day 2, with Tokyo Wide Pass, I noticed the pass only stops in Sakudaira. How do we go on to Nozawa.
2. Will the Tokyo Wide Pass cover our trip to Matsumoto and on to Shinjuku?
3. Can we make seat reservations for all the Shinkansen and Ltd. Express trains on our itinerary?
Thanks for your help!
Annabelle
Hi Annabelle,
Tokyo Wide Pass does not cover Nozawa and Matsumoto. I recommend you to use JR East Pass Nagano, Niigata:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/jr-east-pass-niigata-and-nagano-flex-5-days-pass-in-14-days-period-to-cover-kanto-region-nagano-and-niigata.html
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/eastpass_n/index.html?src=gnavi
You can take Shinkansen from Karuizawa to Iiyama. And then take a local train to Togarinozawaonsen station which is near Nozawa onsen. And also take Shinkansen to Nagano and then take another limited express train to Matsumoto. You can take limited express train to Shinjuku from Matsumoto. These trips are covered by JR East Pass Nagano, Niigata.
This pass is valid for 5 days in 14 days period. So you can use it for day 2 to 4. And pick any other 2 days from day 1, 5, 6 and 7. It covers monorail between Haneda and Hamamatsucho too. However JR East travel counter in Haneda open between 7:45 – 18:30. You may not be able to exchange/purchase the pass on arrival day if you arrive late.
http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/customer_support/service_center_haneda.html?src=gnavi
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi
Thank you for amazing advice on the labyrinth of japan n its rails
Like others i too am confused abt my itinerary. Pls help
Arriving mumbai to tokyo on 25th may, at narita airport
Day 1 tokyo city (hotel is in Ochanimizu)
Day 2 tokyo city
Day 3 Disney Sea
Day 4 hakone/ kawaguchiko lake (stay d night)
Day 5 mid day return to tokyo
Day 6 tokyo to alpen route day trip (pls tell me its possible) back to tokyo by last or second last hokuriku shinkansen
Day 7 kyoto
Day 8 kyoto
Day 9 Kyoto
Day 10 kyoto to kanazawa
Day 11 kanazawa to shirakawa go and takayama if possible
Day 12 takayama to tokyo (via tayoma? Or direct possible)
Day 13 depart for mumbai from narita
1) is this doable?
2) i guess only 7 day jr pass will be apropriate? Or the hokuriku arch pass is sufficient?
3) Will my jr pass work for kyoto to Kanazawa?
4) is there a discount ticket for narita to tokyo? Or should i go for the limouzine?
The tateyama kuribe option ticket sales show closed on jr east website? Does it mean they are sold off? Can i buy option ticket from one of the stations like tokyo or toyama on the day i m going for d alpen route?
Many questions. I would be grateful if you could take the time to respond
Kavita from mumbai
Hi Kavita,
1. It’s doable, But I’m wondering why you don’t go to Kanazawa after alpine route on day 6. You can do day trip to alpine route from Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kurobe-tateyama-alpine-route-from-tokyo.html
But Kanazawa is just step away from Toyama. Of course you can keep this itinerary.
2. JR pass 7 days is the best choice for day 6 to 12.
3. Yes, it does.
4. There are lots of deals. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Tateyama Kurobe option ticket is on sale now.
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
At last, Fuji Hakone pass is recommended for Fuji and Hakone trip.
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/fujihakone/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I would like to know the best and affordable train pass for my itinerary in mid October:-
Day 1 – Haneda – Hamamatsucho
Day 2 – Tokyo city tour
Day 3 – Hamamatsucho – Nagoya – Takayama
Day 4 – Takayama
Day 5 – Takayama – Shirakawago – Toyama
Day 6 – Toyama – Alpine Route – Shinano Omachi
Day 7 – Shinano Omachi – Lake Kawaguchiko
Day 8 – Lake Kawaguchiko
Day 9 – Kawaguchiko – Tokyo
Day 10 – Tokyo
Day 11 – Tokyo – Haneda
Thank you very much
Hi Kah Lai Tan,
Only JR pass is your choice. You can use 7 days pass from day 1 to 7.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/japan-rail-pass-user-guide-how-to-use-jr-pass-to-its-maximum.html
But even if you purchase single ticket, total fare is not much different from 7 days pass. So JR pass gives you convenience but not give you a big saving. However there is no better deals anyway.
You may take express bus from Kawaguchiko to Tokyo (Shinjuku).
http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/highway/detail/id/1
Add subway pass in Tokyo and single ticket to Haneda.
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/travel/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
I read in several web that currently, JR pass is not fully cover Hokuriku Shinkansen?
As some of the rail is sharing by private railway company just like going to tottori.
If i’m using jr pass to kanazawa, will there any additional fare?
I will use 7 days ordinary jr pass on mid april’17.
What is the different using jr pass or hokuriku arch pass 7 days?
Which you recommend?
Thank you
Hi Miranti
JR Pass covers Hokuriku Shinkansen fully.
JR Pass covers all JR lines in Japan. Hokuriku Arch Pass covers Tokyo, Osaka and the route between Tokyo and Osaka via Kanazawa. Please see the coverage map in the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/tokyo-osaka-hokuriku-arch-pass-user-guide-clarify-valid-trains-coverage-area-and-compare-single-fare-and-pass.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My family of four will be visiting Japan 1st week of April and my roughly itinerary is as follow:
1st day : arrival to Tokyo
2nd day : going to Disney
3rd day : explore day trip to hakone
4th day : going to Kanazawa/ takayama – can give opinion should I stay at kanazawa or takayama
5th day : takayama to shirakawa-go than will return back to Tokyo in the evening
6th day : explore Tokyo
7th day : explore Tokyo
8th day :half day in Tokyo before departing back home
Will the jr pass suitable for me and is my itinerary abit cramp?pls advice.
Thx in advance.
Regards,
Yen
Hi Yen,
You can use JR pass 7 days for the last 7 days. There are some deals for day 1.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
http://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/value/airport_bus/index.html
You can get Odawara but Hakone is not covered by JR pass. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
If you want to visit Kanazawa, you should stay in Kanazawa on day 4 and visit Shirakawago and Takayama before you go back to Tokyo.
You can use JR pass in Tokyo but some places cannot be accessed by JR trains. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thx for the reply. For the jr pass some seat need to pay for extra charges on top of the base fare and how should I know how much I pay? And by using the jr pass does it cover the marunochi lines? For ur suggestion shld I stay in Kanazawa or takayama before departing to shirakawago the next day?
Sry for many questions.
Best,
Yen
Hi Yen,
If you use JR pass ordinary (7 days, 29100 yen), you can take reserved ordinary seat. Green class and Gran class is are not covered. If you use JR pass green, you can take both reserved ordinary and Green. Gran class is not covered by Green pass either.
JR pass does not cover any subway lines. I gave the link below. But please refer it again. All info about trains in downtown Tokyo are shown in this link:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kanto-area/tokyo-kanto-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-tokyo-how-to-choose-the-best-deal-and-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Regarding Kanazawa or Takayama, it depends on you want to see Kanazawa or not. If you want to see Kanazawa, go to Kanazawa first and stay there. On next day, visit Shirakawago and Takayama, and then head back to Tokyo. If not, just go to Takayama first and visit Shirakawago from Takayama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
Thx as I already read your post stating that Tokyo monorail can be use by jr rail so I assume monorail included marunochi lines . As for Kanazawa and takayama I’m not sure which places more worth to visits as I only want to find the most convenient and fastest route to reach shirakawago .
Best regards,
Yen
Hi Yen,
Kanazawa is much more accessible from Tokyo than Takayama. There is no direct route to get Takayama from Tokyo but you can get Kanazawa directly by Hokuriku Shinkansen. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/chubu-area/takayama-kanazawa-and-shirakawago/how-to-get-kanazawa.html
So if you want to make your trip be easier, just go to Kanazawa and have return trip to Shirakawago from Kanazawa. Both Kanazawa and Takayama are very lovely cities. If you have extra time, I recommend you to visit both.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Big thanks for your opinion and I’d made up my mind already.
Regards,
Yen
No worries, Yen san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
I will be arriving @ Narita on 27 March Monday @ 3.35 pm to then go to Ilyama. I will have 2 large suitcases. Would I be best to get NEX to Tokyo to board Hokuriku with suitcases or take Keisei Skyline to Ueno to board Hokuriku. I am worried about no room for luggage. Also would Hokuriku train 6.10 pm to Ilyama be crowded?
Thanks for any response
Todd
Hi Todd,
I recommend NEX to Tokyo and take Hokuriku Shinkansen. If you take Keisei, you have to walk outside from Keisei Ueno to JR Ueno. If it’s rain, you will be very uncomfortable.
It’s very hard to find how busy 6:10 departure. If you really want to see the availability, use the tips in 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
Hokuriku Shinkansen train has small luggage space. But it’s very limited. You may need to keep your luggage at your seat.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I would like advise on how to travel between these locations.
1) Nagoya to Takayama
2) Takayama to Toyama
3) Toyama to Nozawa Onsen
4) Nozawa Onsen to Tokyo airport
Travelling date Feb. Thank you
Hi Averil,
Please see the link below about access to Takayama.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
Nozawa onsen is a few stations away Iiyama station on Hokuriku Shinkansen. You can refer the post above and 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 can get Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen from Iiyama. There are two airports in Tokyo. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
i have checked hyperdia website ..and i want to know what is the difference between Toyama STA and toyama ?
because i want to go from tokyo to toyama .. and i dont know what to choose .. Toyama STA or Toyama
Hi Sherif,
Toyama STA is Toyama Chiho Railway station. So you can choose Toyama.
Actually it’s same location as Toyama station. Even if you choose Toyama STA, Hyperdia shows Toyama Sta (walk) Toyama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
so it is better to choose toyama not toyama STA
That’s right, Sherif.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
round trip Tokyo / Nagano pls adv which train is easiest, cause i m not familiar with wi your train system.
is Hakutaka shinkansen ok?
how much is Gran class?
i should buy JR East Pass or Japan Rail Pass?
Hi Snowwhitenennen,
You can take any trains on Hokuriku Shinkansen, such as Kagayaki, Hakutaka and Asama.
You can find the fare at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
If you have round trip between Tokyo and Nagano only, singlet ticket is your choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com