The limited express Thunderbird connects Osaka, Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Fukui, and Kanazawa. One round trip of this train operates to Wakura-Onsen. This train is the fastest way to get to Kanazawa from Osaka/Kyoto. If you go to Kanazawa from Osaka, simply take this limited express train.
This train is fully covered by JR Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass, and Hokuriku Arch Pass.
In this post, I will explain you about the train information of limited express Thunderbird.
Route, schedule and trip time
Thunderbird runs one or two departure(s) in every hour and it runs more than 20 round trips a day. Average trip time is 2 hours and 45 minutes to get to Kanazawa from Osaka. Please see the route map below to find the trip time on the major segments and stations on the route:
You can find the timetable in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
Accommodation
Thunderbird is serviced by 681 or 683 series. 681 series is a bit older fleet than 683. But both fleets are basically same.
The seat pitch in a Green seat is 1,160 mm (46 inches). It is the standard of most JR trains. The seat layout is 2+1. It offers very spacious leg room and quite good seating.
The seat pitch of an ordinary seat is 970 mm (38 inches). It is a little bigger than the standard of JR trains. Some seats on Car #3 are exclusively available for women and small child. Some of JR trains offer this service for women travelers.
By the way, the seat pitch of most major airlines is 76 cm (30 inches) to 84 cm (33 inches). You can imagine how spacious an ordinary seat is. Unless you have a big body, an ordinary class seat is fine.
*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.
Train formation
Thunderbird train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
G | R | R | R | NR | NR | NR | R | R |
*G=Green seat R=Reserved seat NR=Non reserved seat
Smoking is not allowed on board.
Images
Green seat
Ordinary seat
Sanitary space
Other resources
I have a few more posts which explains you about the access to Kanazawa and surrounding area, such as Shirakawago, Takayama. Please refer the posts below to find more information. I believe these posts will help you to build your trip plan:
I hope this post will help you to create your trip plan.
Comments
Hi Takeshi,
I need some help for T-H Pass as well for consecutive 5 days. My plan as below:
Arrival to Kansai Airport – Takayama 3D (Shirakawago, Hida, Gero) – Nagoya 2D – Kyoto 5D – USJ – Osaka 3D
I encountered the problem for my first arrival to Kansai Airport to Takayama (I searched from google map, by using this T-H Pass, it takes me 10 hours + to be there, and it is impossible since my flight will reach at 12 noon.
I am thinking to take the route to Takayama as below:
Kansai Airport – Osaka Station (nearby Ueda) by T-H Pass line
Osaka Station – Kyoto Station by T-H Pass Thunderbird since included
Kyoto Station – Nagoya Station by paying extra 5K yen Nozomi Shinkansen
Nagoya Station to Takayama Station by T-H Pass (Hida Line)
But I have no ideas about Thunderbird line and Hida Line, would my route plan workable?
I am going to depart soon, please let me know the best way by using T-H Pass.
Thanks,
Ray
Hi Ray,
You can take Haruka to Kyoto from Kansai airport. This train is covered by Takayama Hokuriku area pass.
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
You don’t need to change trains and not need to take Thunderbird. Haruka takes you to Kyoto directly. After that, you can pay extra to take Shinkansen to Nagoya. You can purchase and book a seat for Shinkannsen at Kansai airport station when you exchange Takayama Hokuriku area pass. You also can book a seat for Wide View Hida from Nagoya to Takayama too. So you only need to change trains at Kyoto and Nagoya. You can save your time.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Mr Takeshi,
Please advise the baggage size we are allowed to carry in all trains and subway.
Thank you
Best regards
Hi Sue,
Basically you can bring any size of luggage. Strictly all train companies have a rule but they don’t measure at the ticket gate. You can ignore it. But most of trains do not have any luggage space. If you have a huge luggage, you will have very hard time to carry. Please see the link below:
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
Dear Takeshi,
I intend to buy a Kansai One Pass to cover my trips to Nara, Kyoto and Osaka to ease travelling around. Please let me know which are the lines that do not accept this card.
Thank you
Hi Sue,
All trains lines are covered. Most of city bus in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara are covered too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for your informative reply, it’s really useful! Correct me if I’m wrong, your advice is to activate the Takayama Hokuriku (T-H) Pass the moment I land in KIX?
Day 01 KIX – Kyoto ( T-H Pass)
Day 02 Kyoto (T-H Pass still activating, but not in use)
Day 03 Kyoto to Kanazawa (T-H Pass)
Day 04 Kanazawa + ShirakawaGo – Osaka (T-H Pass)
Day 05 Osaka USJ (T-H Pass)
Day 06 Osaka + Nara (Kansai One Pass)
Day 07 Osaka City Tour (Kansai One Pass)
Day 08 Osaka – KIX (purchase Haruka Ticket with Kansai One Pass promo)
Just to check, can I use Kansai One Pass within Kyoto city? If yes, instead of buying Kyoto Day Passes, I will buy Kansai One Pass at the designated counter, and continue using the Kansai One Pass when I am in Osaka correct? The pass will cover all the transportation to tourist spots within Osaka and Kyoto?
In total, I will only need 2 passes for this trip – Takayama Hokuriku Pass and Kansai One Pass?
Hi PYY,
You will start using Takayama Hokuriku pass right after you arrive in KIX.
You can use Kansai one pass to take any trains and any city bus services in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and surrounding areas. But Kansai one pass is IC card. It does not give you unlimited ride. It gives you same value as cash payment ticket. It gives you convenience because you don’t need to buy a ticket one by one.
However there are many deals in Kyoto and Osaka. In Kyoto, one day bus pass is sold at 500 yen. You can take a bus as many as you want. You can get the worth by only 3 rides. If you want to make it easier, you can use Kansai one pass. But if you want to save your cost, you can use bus pass and use Kansai one pass when you take trains/subway only. Please see the links below and see the deals.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I’ve made some revisions based on your advice and would require your expertise to advice again.
Day 01- KIX – Kyoto (Kansai One Pass + Haruka)
Day 02 Kyoto Day trip (Kansai One Pass)
Day 03 Kyoto – Kanazawa (T-H Pass day 1)
Day 04 Kanazawa + Shirakawago – Osaka (T-H Pass day 2)
Day 05 Osaka + Nara Trip (T-H Pass day 3 + Kansai One Pass)
Day 06 Osaka USJ (T-H Pass Day 4)
Day 07 Osaka Day Trip (T-H Pass Day 5)
Day 08 Osaka > KIX (Haruka)
Are the passes used correctly at the write time? Does T-H Pass include route to Nara Trip and USJ? Pls advice how should I reschedule the use of passes, if needed.
Hi PYY,
Nara is not in the coverage area. The beginning part of the trip to Nara which is until you get Kami station on the way to Nara is covered. But if you want to use Kansai one pass after Kami to Nara, you need to get off at Kami. It’s inconvenient. Just use Takayama Hokuriku area pass to take train to Nara. When you exit Nara station, you can show your pass and pay extra fare by cash. It costs around 500 yen one way.
USJ is covered and other part of your trip are okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Made the revisions as per your advice. Is this the lowest spending of transportation? Or you’d advice me to start the T-H Pass at the beginning of the trip rather at Day3? Nara can be accessed via T-H Pass and not Kansai One Pass?
Day 01- KIX – Kyoto (Kansai One Pass + Haruka)
Day 02 Kyoto Day trip (Kansai One Pass)
Day 03 Kyoto – Kanazawa (T-H Pass day 1)
Day 04 Kanazawa + Shirakawago – Osaka (T-H Pass day 2)
Day 05 Osaka + Nara Trip (T-H Pass day 3 + 500)
Day 06 Osaka USJ (T-H Pass Day 4)
Day 07 Osaka Day Trip (T-H Pass Day 5)
Day 08 Osaka > KIX (Haruka)
Hi PYY,
It looks okay, ready to go.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Firstly I would like to thank you for all advices that enabled us to have a smooth and memorable trip to Kansai and Kanazawa.
I intend to travel to Tokyo and Hokkaido next year.
1. Any good pass recommended for Tokyo and Hokkaido.
2. Fastest way and cheapest to Hokkaido from Tokyo.
Thank you in aedvance
Hi Sue,
First of all, you have to make sure how far Hokkaido is. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/how-to-get-sapporo.html
If you can accept this long train trip, you can use JR pass or JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass. If you intend to visit whole part of Hokkaido, JR pass is only choice.
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
If you visit only southern part of Hokkaido, such as Sapporo, Otaru, Noboribetsu, Lake Toya, Hakodate, you can use JR East South Hokkaido Rail Pass.
https://jprail.com/destinations/hokkaido-area/jr-east-south-hokkaido-rail-pass-user-guide-perfect-deal-for-the-travelers-who-visit-tokyo-and-sapporo-by-train.html
If you don’t want to take a long train trip, please consider to take a domestic flight from Tokyo to New Chitose (Sapporo). Airfare is varied. So please find the fare by yourself. You can use Hokkaido Rail Pass if you take a flight to New Chitose.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/hokkaido-rail-pass-the-best-deal-for-rail-trip-in-hokkaido-for-oversea-visitors.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Quick question:
1- From Osaka-Namba to Nara – are you referring to Kintetsu Railway Express? Is this covered by T-H Pass? Otherwise what train were you suggesting earlier? Any other trains that I need to switch in btwn?
2- From Osaka-Namba to USJ – do I use T-H Pass all the way or will need to include other tickets at what cost?
3- Can I use Kansai One Pass within Kanazawa?
Hi PYY,
1. Kintetsu is easier but it’s not covered by Takayama Hokurikuk area pass at all. This pass covers only JR trains. It does not cover any non JR.
2. You can get USJ by JR trains only. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/destinations/kansai-area/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
As I mentioned, Nara is not in coverage area anyway. There is no ways to get Nara by this pass without any extra.
3. No. It’s not coverage area.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Japan late Jan next year and planning to get the Takayama-Hokuriku 5-Day Pass. However my trip takes about 08 days and I’m not too sure when should I activate the Takayama-Hokuriku Pass to fully maximise it, and on the other days what other passes/tickets should I get at the lowest cost?
Here’s my proposed itinerary:
Day 01 Arrive KIX – Travel to Kyoto
Day 02 Kyoto City Tour
Day 03 Kyoto – Kanazawa
Day 04 Kanazawa + ShirakawaGo (day trip) – Osaka
Day 05 Osaka City Tour
Day 06 Osaka + Nara (day trip)
Day 07 Osaka Universal Studio
Day 08 Osaka – KIX to home
Please advice when is the best day to activate the 5-day Takayama-Hokuriku Pass and what other passes/cards should I use on other days? Maybe Icoca & Haruka Card from Day 05 to Day 08 – does the card cover Nara too?
Also, can you please advice which route takes Thunderbird or Shinkansen? I am very confused and I am not sure which route require seat reservation 🙁
Sorry for the many questions as this is my first time travelling to Japan. Thank you in advance!
Hi PYY,
Takayama Hokuriku area pass works for the first 5 days of your trip. However you may need to add city deal in Kyoto on day 2 because this pass just takes you to Kyoto. It does not cover any local transport in Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
But this pass covers JR local trains in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Especially it’s completely no problem to get USJ by this pass. You may switch day 5 and 7 if you can.
Single ticket is okay for trip to Nara. You may use Kansai one pass instead.
https://kansaionepass.com/en/about.html?info=1
Please see the link below to find the deal to get KIX on day 8.
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,
You had recommended to buy the Kansai One Pass. Is this pass can be used to cover:
1. From Kansai Airport to city
2. Within city of Osaka
3. From Osaka to Nara
4. Within city of Kyoto.
It will save time and hassles by quering to purchase ticket.
Thank you
Hi Sue,
Yes, you can take all trains and buses in the places which you mentioned.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Can we have free ride by bullet train from Toyama to Kanazawa? If yes, what time is the last train. Thank you
Hi Sue,
You can take non reserved seat on Shinkansen by Takayama Hokuriku area pass without any extra between Kanazawa and Toyama. Please see the link belwow to find the timetable:
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/timetable/e_hokuriku_d/index.html
https://www.eki-net.com/pc/jreast-shinkansen-reservation/English/wb/common/timetable/e_hokuriku_u/index.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning to visit Japan on 29 Sept, Here is my itinerary :
29 Sept – 01 Oct : Tokyo (will visit Mt. Fuji – 1 day trip) – stay 3 nights
02 Oct : Odaiba (stay 1 night)
03 Oct : Tokyo – Osaka
03-04 Oct : Stay at Osaka 2 nights (visit Kobe, Nara, Kyoto)
05 : Osaka – Kanazawa / Takayama (which one is better?) – stay 1 night
06 Oct : Shirakawago – Kanazawa / Takayama – Osaka
06-07 Oct : Osaka (Around Osaka only) – stay 2 nights
08 Oct : To Kansai Airport
My questions are :
1. According to my itinerary, which pass is better for me? Is it Hokuriku Arch Pass, Takayama Hokuriku Pass or JR Pass ?
2. On 5th Oct from Osaka, is it better stay at Takayama or Kanazawa ?
3. If i buy Hokuriku Arch Pass, can i use it for my trip from Tokyo to Osaka ?
Thank you.
Regards
Josephine
Hi Josephine,
Only JR pass is your choice. Other passes do not cover Tokyo to Osaka direct route. You may use JR pass 7 days for the last 7 days of your trip. However JR pass does not cover Odaiba. And it does not cover subway, city bus, express bus route, such as to Shirakwago. Please see the link below to find the coverage.
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#How_to_use_JR_pass_in_major_cities_and_tourist_spots
Even though it does not cover many, JR pass is still the best choice and gives you a saving.
Both Takayama and Kanazawa are very nice. But Kanazawa is much bigger city than Takayama. That means Kanazawa has many hotel choice. The average rate is cheaper than Takayama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
I am planning to have a one-day trip to Kanazawa and Shirakawago from Kyoto. How can I access Shirakawago from Kanazawa?
Thank you
Hi Erica san,
Please see the link below:
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
Dear Takeshi,
I understood that we have to book seats on Nohi Bus and Hokutetsu bus to Shirakawago from Kanazawa. Please how and when to book seats. I intend to buy the Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass. Is it better to buy online or through a local agent in our country.
Your kind advice will be very much appreciated.
Best regards
Sue
Hi Sue,
You can book online or phone. Please see the link below to find the info:
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
I am not sure whether to take a thunderbird or JR Rapid Service to Kyoto and which station to board. The information give by Hyperdia is go to Osaka Track No. 8 by JR special Rapid service.
Please advise. Thank you
Hi Sue,
You can take any trains from Osaka to Kyoto. Hyperdia shows the fastest available service. Special rapid is shown because it runs most frequently but it’s crowded in most of hours. I think you will use the pass. You can take limited express trains, like Thunderbird. It’s covered and more comfortable to take these trains.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you for your confirmation.
Warmest regards
No worries, Sue.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Sir,
We intend to buy the Takayama _Hokuriku tourist pass (5 days Pass) to cover my trips:
1. From Osaka to Kyoto
2. From Osaka to Kanazawa
3. Visit Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa
4. From Kanazawa to Kansai Airport.
Thank you
Hi Sue,
You can use this pass to cover your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Thank you very much for your promt reply. We wish to visit Kyoto’s Arashimaya first in the morning. Can we use Hankyu Line and Haruka Line under this pass.
Best regards
Hi Sue,
You can get Kyoto by Haruka. It’s covered. But after arriving in Kyoto, Takayama Hokuriku area pass does not cover anything, such as Kyoto subway, city bus and Hankyu line. All trips in Kyoto will be extra. This pass covers only train to Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Sir,
Thank you very much. We will be returning from our last stop at Fusshimi-Inari to Osaka in the evening. Should we take a JR Line to Kyota Station. Which is the best way to Osaka Namba Station.
Your advice will be very much appreciated.
Best regards
Hi Sue,
You can pay single fare for Inari to Kyoto. And then you can use the pass to go back to Osaka. You can take Haruka to Tennoji by this pass and then change local train to JR-Namba.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Can i use Takayama -Hokuriku tourist pass for transport inside Osaka? for example, from Shin-Osaka to Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, etc.
Hi Ginda,
You can take JR local trains in Osaka but you cannot take subway. Osaka castle can be accessed by JR but you cannot go to Shinsaibashi by JR.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am planning a 7 days trip in December to these places starting with Tokyo as my base. Nagano to see the snow monkeys, Kanazawa, Osaka then back to Tokyo.
Am I going in the right order and will the bullet train cover these places?
Appreciate a reply.
Hi Selina,
You can visit all places by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. You can visit these places by your order.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
I am planning to take this route:
Apr 12: Osaka -> Yoshino yama -> Osaka
Apr 13: Osaka -> Nara -> Osaka
Apr 14: Osaka -> Toyama
Apr 15: Alpine route (end at Nagano) -> Tokyo.
Apr 16 to 18: Travelling within Tokyo
I will be getting the Kurobe option ticket for the alpine route, but may I know if it is worth to get the Hokuriku Arch pass or Hokuriku area pass?
Thank you very much.
dear sir,
My wife and I will be staying at Kyoto and plan to spend a day at Kenrokuen. I plan to use the Shinkansen. What would be the earliest train that I can take from Kyoto station? And what would be the return schedule of the Kanazawa – Kyoto Shinkansen?
I already have a JR Pass
Hi dr. Sitaram Prasad,
You should take limited express Thunderbird as you may read the post above. It’s not Shinkansen and Shinkansen does not run between Kyoto and Kanazawa.
You can find the timetable of limited express Thunderbird 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,
Can I take the Thunderbird express back to Osaka from Kyoto after my visit from JR Inara Station?
Thank you
Hi Sue,
Yes, you can.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Can we take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service for KANSAI AIRPORT if we have the Takayama Hokuriku Tourist Pass.
Thank you
Best regards
Hi Sue,
Yes, you can. It’s covered fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com