The Hokuriku Shinkansen, direct access to Kanazawa, Nagano and Toyama from Tokyo.

hokuriku shinkansen E7Joetsu, Nagano and Hokuriku
E7 series is one of the newest Shinkansen fleets for Hokuriku Shinkansen (C) Rsa (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons
E7 series is one of the newest Shinkansen fleets for Hokuriku Shinkansen (C) Rsa (Own work) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons

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.

Hokuriku Joetsu Shinkansen operation route map
Operation route map (click to view large)

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

123456789101112
RRRRRRRRRRGGR

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

123456789101112
NRNRNRNRRRRRRRGGR

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

123456789101112
NRNRNRNRRRRRRRGGR

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

123456789101112
NRNRNRNRRRR(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

Interior of Gran class seats (C) 黄金のひばりたち (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Interior of Gran class seats (C) 黄金のひばりたち (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The seat of Gran class (C) Asacyan (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
The seat of Gran class (C) Asacyan (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Entrance deck of Gran class (C) Meitetu1380 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Entrance deck of Gran class (C) Meitetu1380 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

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

Interior of Green class (C) 黄金のひばりたち (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Interior of Green class (C) 黄金のひばりたち (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Green class seat (C) Jonathan Ayre
Green class seat (C) Jonathan Ayre

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

Ordinary class interior (C) 黄金のひばりたち (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Ordinary class interior (C) 黄金のひばりたち (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Ordinary class seat (C) Jonathan Ayre
Ordinary class seat (C) Jonathan Ayre
Ordinary class seat (C) Jonathan Ayre
Ordinary class seat (C) Jonathan Ayre

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

Entrance deck(C) Jonathan Ayre
Entrance deck(C) Jonathan Ayre
Entrance deck(C) Jonathan Ayre
Entrance deck(C) Jonathan Ayre
Lavatory (C) Jonathan Ayre
Lavatory (C) Jonathan Ayre
Lavatory (C) Jonathan Ayre
Lavatory (C) Jonathan Ayre
Lavatory (C) Jonathan Ayre
Lavatory (C) Jonathan Ayre

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 passCoverage
JR Pass GreenAll 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 NiigataBoth reserved and non reserved ordinary seats on all trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Tokyo and Joetsu-Myoko
Kansai Hokuriku Area PassNon reserved ordinary seats on Hakutaka and Tsurugi between Kanazawa and Joetsu-Myoko
Hokuriku Area PassNon reserved ordinary seats on Hakutaka and Tsurugi between Kanazawa and Kurobe-Unazukionsen
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist passNon 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 fare7,480 yen
Gran class seat fee20,000 yen
Green class seat fee11,620 yen
Reserved ordinary class seat fee6,900 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

  1. Jenny says:

    Dear Takeshi san,

    Me and my husband are buying Hokuriku Arch Pass for 7 days,

    My Schedule is
    DAY 1 28may . Haneda – Tokyo station – Toyama station
    DAY 2 9may Tateyama (alpine route)
    DAY 3 30 May Toyama – Kanazawa
    DAY 4 31 May Kanazawa – Toyama – Fujisan
    Day 5&6 1 June – 2 June Stay in FUJI
    Day 7 3 June Fuji back to Tokyo
    Day 8-Day 10 Travel in Tokyo

    May I know will the 7 days Hokuriku Arch Pass worth for us?
    Do we need to purchase in advance the ticket if we need to catch the train at specific time?

  2. calina says:

    Hi Takeshi San,

    I am travelling to Japan for 2 weeks with my daughter (9) .
    We will arrive on the 9th at around 7 oclock at night . We will be staying in Chiba for the night so my daughter wont be too tired.
    10th May – chiba – Tokyo
    11 & 12 Tokyo
    13 Tokyo Hakone back to Tokyo
    14 Tokyo Kanazawa
    15 Kanazawa
    16 Shirakawa taking the bus ? then spending the night in Takamaya
    17 Takamaya
    18 Takamaya – Kyoto
    19 – 20 Kyoto
    21 Kyoto – Tokyo
    22 Tokyo – Narita ( at night)

    Could you please advice me on the best pass ?

    Kind regards
    Calina

  3. Nic says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    My itinerary is as follows:

    1. Haneda airport to Nagano
    2. Snow monkey (Should I get the snow monkey pass as JR East Nagano Niigata pass does not cover this?), Obuse (Does snow monkey pass or JR East Nagano Niigata cover this?)
    3. Nagano to Matsumoto or Kanazawa (Day trip, does the JR East Nagano Niigata pass cover this??
    4. Nagano to Hakuba
    5. Hakuba
    6. Hakuba
    7. Hakuba to Echigo Yuzawa (Should I transit in Niigata so I can take the Ruto Shu Kara then Genbi Shinkansen?)
    8. Echigo Yuzawa to Niigata and back (Day trip) I would like to go to Niigata Furusato Village and Bandai city (Would the pass cover these?)
    9. Echigo Yuzawa to Hamamatsucho
    10 ….Around Tokyo

    Should I get the JR East Nagano Niigata pass? Which day should I use it to fully utilize it?

    Thank you.

    • Hi Nic san,

      You can use JR East Pass Niigata Nagano and Snow Monkey Pass. Obuse and Snow Monkey Park are covered by Snow Monkey Pass. Kanazawa is outside the coverage area of JR East Pass.
      You can use 5 days coverage for Haneda to Nagano, Nagano to Matsumoto to Nagano, Hakuba to Echigo-Yuzawa, Echigo-Yuzawa to Niigata to Niigata, and Echigo-Yuzawa to Hamamatsucho. Please add a regular fare for other segments.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  4. Casy says:

    Dear Takeshi san,

    We are going to Tokyo December 2018 and this is our itinerary:
    Day 1: Narita – Shinjuku
    Day 2: Shinjuku – Ueno
    Day 3: Shinjuku – Iiyama: Nozawa Onsen Snow Resort
    Day 4: Iiyama – Yudanaka: Jigokudani Snow Monkey
    Day 5: Iiyama
    Day 6: Iiyama – Matsumoto
    Day 7: Iiyama – Shibuya
    Day 8: Shibuya – Narita

    Please advise, what pass should I get and or to combine with.

    Domo arigatougozaimasu.

  5. Apple Yip says:

    Dear Takeshi san,

    I will be heading to Japan during December, do you think Hokuriku Arch Pass is suitable for my itinerary?
    21st – Haneda Airport > Osaka
    22-23rd – Osaka > Kyoto
    23-26th – in Osaka but will be visiting Nagano
    27th – back to Tokyo after that will use Suica thru out.

    Thank you.
    Apple

  6. Maria Cen says:

    Dear Takeshi san,

    Thanks alot for your explaination. I will take a look on the suggested subway pass.

    Domo Arigatou.
    mc

  7. imelda khoman says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    Could you please recommend me if Hokuriku Pass or JR pass or other pass that suits my plan to visit Japan.

    Day 1 : arrived Haneda
    Day 2 – Day 9 : will be around Tokyo & Disneyland etc
    Day 10 : Tokyo – Takayama (stay overnight, will visit Shirakawago)
    Day 11 : Takayama – Kanazawa (stay overnight)
    Day 12 – Day 15 : Kanazawa – Kyoto (stay 3 nights)
    Day 15 – Day 17 : Osaka (2 nights)
    Day 17 – Day 18 : Nagoya (1 night)
    Day 18 : back to Tokyo (1 night) then Narita airport

    I am interested in trying the new golden route to get to Takayama. Does that mean I need to get the Hokuriku Pass or i can use JR Pass and still be on this route? and would getting the 14 days JR pass worth it for my journey?

    Please advise, what pass should I get and or to combine with.

    THank you so much I appreciate your help.

  8. Nicholas says:

    Dear Takeshi san,

    I’m going to Tokyo early 2019 and this is my itinerary:
    Day 1: Shinjuku
    Day 2: Disney Sea
    Day 3: Shirakawago (stay one night in Toyama and travel back to Tokyo the next day)
    Day 4: Asakusa
    Day 5: Hakone
    Day 6: Shibuya

    My biggest concern is the train ticket from Tokyo to Toyama. Do you think we should go for JR East Pass just to travel between Tokyo/Toyama?

  9. joanna says:

    Hi Takeshi,

    i’m travelling to japan from 3rd-11th december this year from tokyo to osaka. my itinerary is as follows :
    3rd : arrive in tokyo
    4th : tokyo area
    5-6th : kawaguchiko and stay for a night
    7th : takayama
    8th : shirakawago
    9th : osaka
    10th : kyoto day trip
    11th : home.

    Would buying the JR pass benefit me? or should i just buy the takayama-hokuriku area pass?
    Thank you ^^

  10. Maria Cen says:

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    Please recommend me any JR pass or other pass that suits my plan to visit Tokyo.

    19 oct 2018: Narita to Takayama
    20 Oct 2018: Takayama – ShirakawaGo – Kanazawa
    21 Oct 2018: Takayama – Tokyo (shibuya)
    22 Oct 2018: Asakusa
    23 Oct 2018: Shibuya – Narita

    in between 20 -21 oct, I also plan to visit toyama and tateyama alpine Route, but this is my extra plan only. it is optional.

    Please advise, what pass should I get and or to combine with.

    Domo arigatougozaimasu.

    mc

    • Hi Maria san,

      JR Pass is only pass which covers most part of your trip. You can use JR pass. But you need to pay for the bus to Shirakawago. And also if you go to Tateyama Kurobe alpine route, I recommend you to add Tateyama Kurobe option ticket.
      http://www.jrtateyama.com/e/

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Maria cen says:

        Dear Takeshi san,

        What about Hokuriku arch pass? It is a bit cheaper than JR pass.

        Is it applicable for my planned trip?

        Thanks.
        mc

        • Hi Maria san,

          Hokuriku Arch Pass does not cover Takayama. And also when you go to Takayama from Narita, you may take Narita-Tokyo-Nagoya-Takayama route. Because train runs more frequently than Narita-Tokyo-Toyama-Takayama. Hokuriku arch pass does not cover Tokyo-Nagoya-Takayama. JR pass does.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JPRail.com

          • Maria cen says:

            Dear Takeshi San,
            Thank you very muchh for your explaination.
            From the given detail, i change the plan. From Takayama, i change to Kanazawa. So, Kanazawa will be my base. And, from Kanazawa i will take the bus to shirakawaGo and to takayama.
            So, according to this new plan, i still have to use JR pass or i can use the Hokuriku Arch Pass??

            Thanks.
            mc

            • Hi Maria san,

              That’s right. You can use Hokuriku Arch Pass and take a bus to Shirakawago and Takayama.
              https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf

              You have to pay the fare for bus to Shirakawago and Takayama. But even if you have JR pass, it’s not covered either. You have to pay it anyway.

              Cheers,

              Takeshi / JPRail.com

              • Maria Cen says:

                Dear Takeshi san,

                After some time of thinking, i change my schedule again. The fixed schedule will be:
                1. 19 oct: Narita – Asakusa
                2. 20 oct: Asakusa – Kamakura
                3. 21 oct: to Hakone
                4. 22 oct: hakone – Gotemba
                5. 23 oct: Hakone to Narita

                Please help to advise what pass that suits me for my schedule.
                At the moment, I am still thinking these 4 passes:
                1. Tokyo Wide pass (3days)
                2. Hakone kamakura pass (3 days)
                3. Fuji hakone pass (3 days)
                4. Hakone free pass (3 days)

                Please help to advise.

                Thank you very much.

                • Hi Maria san,

                  It’s hard to say which one is better, Hakone Free Pass or Hakone Kamakura Pass. Other two deals do not work for your trip. Roughly speaking, if you will still visit many places in Hakone on 23rd, Hakone Free Pass for 21st to 23rd may be better than using Hakone Kamakura Pass. In most of cases, Hakone Kamakura Pass is better than Hakone Free Pass.

                  There is no direct ways to get Narita from Hakone. You have to go back to Shinjuku anyway. If you intend to use subway on 19th and 20th, some airport access + subway pass deal will work for you.
                  https://www.tokyometro.jp/en/ticket/airport_bus/index.html

                  Cheers,

                  Takeshi / JPRail.com

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