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-san,
Can you please recommend me which Pass to get if I would like to travel from Nagoya – Takayama – Shirakawago – Nagano – Tokyo, would like to include alpine route if possible? I will be travelling for 10 days.
Hi Siew san,
Only JR pass covers your trip but you cannot get the worth of it by this trip plan. Single ticket for Nagoya to Toyama with stopover at Takayama and Nagoya to Tokyo are your choice. For trip to Nagano from Toyama via Alpine route, you can use Tateyama Kurobe option ticket. Please see the links 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
http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, would like to ask im travelling on 8/2/2019 till 12/2/2019 and place that i plan to visit is kanazawa- toyoma- takayama- shiragawa- osaka. I plan to buy 5 day JR Takayama- Hokuriku area pass issit cover for all the place I plan to go?
Hi Jocelyn,
All places are covered by Takayama Hokuriku area pass. That is a right choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
We are visiting Japan in December. Would appreciate your advice if any of the JR passes would benefit me. My itinerary is as follows:
Day 1 : KIX to Osaka – Dotonbori
Day 2 : Osaka Castle
Day 3 : Kanazawa
Day 4 : Karuizawa
Day 6 : Ueno : Hotel and Sight seeing to Shibuya and Shinjuku
Day 7 : Tokyo Disneyland
Day 8 : Haneda
Hi Dina,
You can use Hokuriku arch pass for the first 7 days.
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
Just add a regular ticket to get Haneda on day 8.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello! I will visit osaka from march 2nd ~ 4th through KIX, and gonna visit shirakawa on 3rd day, which is the best pass i should take? And where can i buy it? Thank you
Hi Rey,
Please see the link below. You will find all info which you need.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/1-day/sample-itinerary-of-day-trip-to-kanazawa-and-shirakawago-from-osaka-or-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi,
I will be in Japan on 15.02.18-20.02.18, need your advice which transportation media should I buy (the economical fare) if I want to visit Tokyo-Kanazawa-Kyoto.Thanks in advanced for your kind assistance.
Regards
sue
Hi Sue,
Hokuriku arch pass may be your choice.
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
However if you will make train trips for Tokyo to Kanazawa and Kanazawa to Kyoto only, regular ticket is around 22,000 yen. Regular ticket is cheaper.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San
I have bought the JR East Pass – Nagano Niigata Area for 5 days by internet, if i have below itinerary, should I need to buy another Pass or the JR East Pass – Nagano Niigata Area can be covered my whole journey?
Day 1 – arrive Narita Airport go to Minato-ku, Tokyo-to
Day 2 – Tokyo-to sightseeing
Day 3 – Minato-ku, Tokyo-to go to liyama Station
Day 4 – Nozawa Onsen sightseeing
Day 5 – liyama Station go to Narita Airport
Thanks & Best regards
Christine Yeung
Hi Christine san,
Your trip will be covered by this pass mostly. You may need to add some fare to take subway in Tokyo if your hotel is not located near JR station. Please find the coverage of JR East Pass in Tokyo in 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
Dear Takeshi San
Thank you for your prompted reply.
I have received an email from ACP Rail International for shown the Order Status for my JR East Pass with the ticket number, could you please advise if there any e-ticket or documents need to print out to exchange the Pass when I arrived in Japan?
Thanks & Best regards
Christine Yeung
Hi Christine san,
I’m not sure actually because I have never used ACP. But if I were you, I print out e-ticket just in case.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi San,
My family of four will be travelling to Japan in Dec and would like your advise on how to travel between these locations.
Day 1 (20/12) Arrival @Haneda (late night hence will stay nearby hotel)
Day 2 (21/12) Haneda – Tokyo (sightseeing)
Day 3 (22/12) Tokyo Disneyland
Day 4 (23/12) Tokyo (sightseeing)
Day 5 (24/12) Tokyo – Nagano (Yamanouchi, Shibu Onsen)
Day 6 (25/12) Nagano (Yamanouchi, Shibu Onsen) – Toyama – Takayama
Day 7 (26/12) Takayama – Shirakawago – Takayama
Day 8 (27/12) Takayama – Kanazawa
Day 9 (28/12) Kanazawa – Kyoto
Day 10 (29/12) Kyoto
Day 11 (30/12) Kyoto
Day 12 (31/12) Kyoto – Osaka
Day 13 (1/1/2018) Osaka
Day 14 (2/1) Departure from KIX
Thank you.
Regards,
Elaine
Hi Elaine san,
You can use Hokuriku arch pass from day 4.
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
However this pass does not give you a big saving. Total fare is almost same as this pass price. Takayama is a bit away from the coverage area. You need to add extra fare around 3000 yen.
Shibu Onsen and Shirakawago are also not covered. You need to pay extra to get these places.
Single fare is okay for day 3 and 12. You may find the deal for other days in the links 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
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-osaka.html
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi san,
Thank you so much for the detailed explanation. 🙂
Best regards,
Elaine
No worries, Elaine san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi
I am going to Tokyo in Jan per following schedule:
Day 1-2: Tokyo
Day 3 – Tokyo to Kanazawa
Day 4 – Day trip Kanazawa to Shirakawago
Day 5-6 – Kanazawa
Day 7 – Kanazawa to Kaga onsen
Day 8 – Kaga Onsen to Tokyo
For my trip to Kanazawa/Shirakawago and Kaga, could the Hokuriku Shinkansen 7 days pass cover all these routing including Niho Bus to Shirakawago? Otherwise which trip I need to buy separate tickets.
Thanks!
Chuchu
Hi Chuchu,
I think you meant Hokuriku arch pass.
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
You can use this pass for day 2 to 8. This pass does not cover Kanazawa – Shirakawago bus. You need to pay extra on top of the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
I and my family planned to arrive Tokyo Narita on 22 December 2017, then go to Minato-ku Tokyo-to stay two night and start to go liyama Station to Nozawa Onsen on 24 December and return back to Narita airport on 26 December, please advise me what type of pass should be suitable for me and should I buy the pass ticket in advance.
Thanks & Best regards
Christine
Hi Christine,
JR East Pass Niigata Nagano is your choice.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
Thank you for your reply.
Should I buy the pass on internet first due to holiday seasons? or I can buy in JR counter when arrived Narita airport?
Thanks & Best regards
Christine Yeung
Hi Christine,
I recommend you to buy online. You don’t need to fill in the form at the counter. And also the online price is 1000 yen cheaper than window price. You can save both time and money.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi
May I know if I do not buy the JR East Pass for my trip, Nartia airport – Minato-Ku – liyama station Nozawa Onsen – Nartia airport, what is the estimate train fare? Is it really economy to buy the pass. Please advise.
Thanks & Best regards
Christine Yeung
Hi Christine,
In my rough calculation, the pass is slightly cheaper than regular fare. If you want to know the exact fare, please use hyperdia to find it.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
We are visiting Tokyo end of this month. Would appreciate your advice if any of the JR passes would benefit me. My itinerary as follows:
Day 1 …….. Arrive at Haneda
Day 2-5 …..Tokyo city
Day 6 ………Tokyo (Ueno) to Karuizawa via Shinkansen
Day 7 ………Karuizawa
Day 8 ………Karuizawa to Kusatsu Onsen
Day 9 ………Kusatsu Onsen to Tokyo (Ueno) via Limited express or shinkansen
Day 10-11…Tokyo city
Day 12-13 ..Tokyo Disneyland and Sea
Day 14 …….Depart from Narita
Thank you very much for your advice.
Warm regards,
Jesmine
Hi Jesmine,
You may use JR East Pass Nagano Niigata for day 6, 8, 9 and 14.
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
You have one more day of this pass. You can use it for either 12 or 13.
In other days, you may use local deal in Tokyo. But single ticket is okay for 12 or 13.
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
Thank you for your reply.
If I am taking bus on Day 8 from Karuizawa to Kusatsu, and the limousine bus to Narita on Day 14, then will the JR East Pass still work for me?
Thank you very much for your advice.
Warm regards,
Jesmine
Hi Jesmine,
No, it does not work. In this case, single ticket is your choice. There is no deals available.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com