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
Dear Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Japan on december 16-24, 2017 ( 9 days) with following itinerary :
16 dec :Osaka
17 dec : Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto-Osaka
18 dec Osaka- takayama
19 dec: takayama- Shirakawago
20 dec : takayama- Tokyo (shinjuku)
21-23 dec : Tokyo
24 dec : Tokyo( Narita)
Would you kindly suggest me which JRP would suit my itinerary best for transportation?
Looking forward to hearing from you, thank you.
Hi Selviana,
I recommend you to use 7 days JR pass from 18th to 24th. Actually regular fare may be slightly cheaper than 7 days pass. But JR pass is easier to handle. You can take Shinkansen (bullet train) to get Nagoya and then take limited express wide view Hida to get Takayama. You also can take same trains to get Tokyo.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
You can take local train in Tokyo and take Narita express at last to get Narita. All train trips are covered by JR pass.
If you arrive in KIX, there are some deals.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.html
It’s very very tight to visit Kobe and Kyoto in one day. Especially Kyoto has lots of places to see. If you really want to do both in one day, Kansai area pass one day is your choice.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Single fare is better choice if you visit one of two places only. But you can use city deals in Kyoto to visit places in the city.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you for your prompt response Takeshi 🙂
I have actually amended my itinerary :
16 dec : Seoul – Sapporo (flight)
17 dec : Sapporo – Tomamu resort (stay overnight) – Ice Village
18 dec: Sapporo
19 dec: Sapporo – Osaka (Flight)
Osaka city
20 Dec: takayama
21 Dec: Takayama – Shirakawago
20 dec : takayama – Tokyo (shinjuku)
21: Tokyo
22: Tokyo – Odaiba
23 dec : Tokyo
24 Dec: Tokyo – Hakone (Day Trip)
24 dec : Tokyo( Narita)
Would you kindly suggest me which JRP would suit my itinerary best for transportation?
Looking forward to hearing from you, thank you.
Hi Selviana,
The date looks something wrong.
20 Dec: takayama
21 Dec: Takayama – Shirakawago
20 dec : takayama – Tokyo (shinjuku)
21: Tokyo
Please let me know the right dates.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi.
Here is the correct date:
16 dec : Seoul – Sapporo (flight)
17 dec : Sapporo – Tomamu resort (stay overnight) – Ice Village
18 dec: Sapporo
19 dec: Sapporo – Osaka (Flight)
Osaka city
20 Dec: takayama
21 Dec: Takayama – Shirakawago
22 dec : takayama – Tokyo (shinjuku)
23: Tokyo
24:Tokyo – Odaiba
25 dec : Tokyo
26 Dec: Tokyo – Hakone (Day Trip)
27 dec : Tokyo( Narita)
Would you kindly suggest me which JRP would suit my itinerary best for transportation?
thank you.
Hi Selviana,
You may use JR pass 7 days from 20 to 26.
When you go to Hakone, use Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara by JR pass. You have to use JR pass for this trip to get the worth.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-get-hakone-from-tokyo-compare-japan-railway-and-odakyu-lines.html
Single fare is your choice for other part of your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi i would like to ask for the Takayama Hokuriku pass, once arrived at Kansai Airport is there direct train to Kanazawa or will we be required to exchange train at Osaka station?
Thank you!
Hi Lin,
There is no direct trains from KIX. The easiest way is the following:
Kansai airport (limited express Haruka) Shin-Osaka
https://jprail.com/trains/sort-by-type/limited-express/kansai-airport-limited-express-haruka.html
Shin-Osaka (limited express Thunderbird) Kanazawa
Haruka does not go to Osaka and you need to change at Shin-Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello Takeshi san,
I am a student coming to Japan for Masters. Basically, I will be going from Kansai Airport to Komatsu with an intermediate stop at Shin-Osaka.
I will be taking the LTD. EXP HARUKA 46 from Kansai-Airport to Shin-Osaka on April 2nd and from Shin-Osaka to Komatsu by LTD. EXP THUNDERBIRD 11 and April 3rd.
I will be staying in Komatsu for a while so I am not planning to get the JR pass.
These are my questions –
1) Should I buy the ICOCA card? Can I use it to get a discount on the Thunderbird express?
2) I wish to book regular tickets, without any pass, online prior to my arrival in Japan. Where can I do that? The JRWEST site seems to provide only the passes.
Thank you very much
Hi Anand san,
1. ICOCA cannot be used for express seat fee. It covers base fare only and Komatsu is not in coverage area. So ICOCA is not required.
2. You cannot purchase a ticket online. You have to book and purchase upon arrival at Kansai airport station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Need your advise on which pass and transportation to take for my Japan trip:
23 Mar – Narita to Ikebukuro
24 Mar – Tokyo
25 Mar – Tokyo
26 Mar – Tokyo
27 Mar – Tokyo
28 Mar – Tokyo to Kanazawa
29 Mar – Kanazawa to Osaka
30 Mar – Osaka
31 Mar – Osaka
For tokyo, i see that most of the attraction places are not covered by JR pass. Is it adviseable to get daily Tokyo Subway Ticket with unlimited rides on Metro and Toei Line?
Hi Tracy san,
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
You can access some places by this pass in Tokyo and also you can take Narita Express from Narita to Ikebukuro by this pass.
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
So first of all, try to use this pass to explore Tokyo and then you can add Tokyo Subway Ticket as you need.
In Osaka, you can add some deals in the links below:
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,
Thanks for the info on the rail pass 🙂
I would like to cover Takayama on my trip. Which is the best route and transportation that you could advise?
Option 1:
Tokyo-Kanazawa-Shirakawago-Takayama-Osaka
Option 2:
Tokyo-Takayama-Shirakawago-Kanazawa-Osaka
Hi Tracy san,
Option 1 is faster route.
And also if you want to use Hokuriku Arch pass, you cannot take option 2 route. You can need to get Kanazawa from Tokyo and then take bus to Shirakawago and Takayama. Takayama is not in coverage area and you need to pay for the bus.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
What will be the transportation from Takayama to Osaka? Does the Hokuriku Arch Pass cover this route?
Hi Tracy san,
Most common route is taking Limited Express Wide View Hida from Takayama to Nagoya and taking Shinkansen from Nagoya to Osaka. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
But if you use Hokuriku Arch Pass, Takayama is not in coverage area. This above route is not covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass at all.
If you want to use Hokuriku Arch Pass, you have to take train to Toyama or bus to Kanazawa. Both routes to Toyama or Kanazawa are not covered by Hokuriku Arch Pass but you can use Hokuriku Arch Pass after you arrive in Toyama or Kanazawa. You have to pay at least 3000 yen one way to take either route.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Just to clarify again, Hokuriku Arch Pass cover train from Tokyo to Kanazawa right?
Hi Tracy san,
Yes, it does. Please see the link below to find more info:
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 san,
Does the Hokuriku Arch Pass covered the basic fare and reserved seats ticket? Do I have to pay any additional fees when collecting my online reservation ticket at the station ticket window?
Hi Tracy san,
The pass covers both. You don’t need to pay any extra even if you book online. You can collect a ticket without any extra after you exchange the pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I’m traveling from Osaka to Shirakawago. Staying overnight at the Shirakawago and the next day heading to Nagoya. What is the best railway route I should take?
Hi Denise,
Osaka (train) Kanazawa (bus) Shirakawago (bus) Takayama (train) Nagoya
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
This is the best and most common route. All trips are covered by Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass and it’s highly recommended.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Japan on February 18-25, 2017 ( 8 days) with following itinerary… Kindly advice on which transport or passes that suits my trip?
18 Feb – Tokyo (Staying nearby at Shijuku Station)
19 Feb – Tokyo
20 Feb – Gokayama (by YOKOSO tour package)
21 Feb – Gokayama (Staying near by Shin-Osaka Station)
22 Feb – Kyoto
23 Feb – Nara
24 Feb – Osaka
25 Feb – Osaka
Hi Kim,
What is Yokoso tour package? Where are you going to join this package?
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Sir,
Below is the local tour information…
■Tour Name: 【Departure guaranteed!!】 The World Heritage, Illuminated Gokayama in the Snow. Shirakawago & Kanazawa at Daytime. Hot Spring Ryokan & Hida Beef Sushi Dinner.
■Departure Date: 20 February, 2017
■Departure Place: Shinjuku Station south entrance
(2 day 1 night)
Kim
Hi Kim,
You may use local deals at both Tokyo and Osaka side. If you finish the tour at Shinjuku, you have to add single fare to get Shin-Osaka. There is no deals to cover this one way trip.
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
In Tokyo, please refer the link below to find the deals:
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
In Osaka, you can use local deal and Kansai thru pass for Kyoto and Nara. Please see the links below:
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/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-use-kansai-thru-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be travelling to Japan on January 16-24, 2017 ( 9 days) with following itinerary :
16 Jan : Tokyo ( Narita)-Osaka by Shinkansen
17 Jan : Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto-Osaka
18 Jan : Osaka- Kanazawa
19 Jan : Kanazawa- Shirakawago- Takamayo- Kanazawa
20 Jan : Kanazawa- Tokyo by Shinkansen
21-23 Jan : Tokyo
24 Jan : Tokyo( Narita)- Jakarta
Would you kindly suggest me which JRP would suit my itinerary best for transportation?
Also, Should i purchase Hokuriko Area Pass for bus transportation?
Looking forward to hearing from you, thank you.
Hi Sonia,
You can use 7 days JR pass for the first 7 days. You need to add bus fare for trip to Takayama and Shirakawago. And also you may add single fare or city deals in the last 2 days. You can use subway pass for sightseeing in Tokyo but basically there is no deals to get Narita on the last day.
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/sample-itineraries/airport-access/narita/the-list-of-deals-for-access-to-downtown-tokyo-from-narita-airport.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Noted.
Thanks a lot, Takeshi!
No worries, Sonia.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
I will be travelling from Nagoya to Takayama & Shiragawa-go in same day and next day to Kanazawa. Stay 2 nights at Kanazawa and proceed to Kyoto.
Will be travel around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka for 7 days before proceed to Kansai Airport.
Hence, would like to check with you; which passes are more suitable more my usage?
Thanks
Jane
Hi Jane,
You may use Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass until you get Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/takayama-hokuriku-area-pass-perfect-deal-to-get-takayama-kanazawa-toyama-shirakawago-from-nagoya-or-osaka.html
In Kansai area, there are many deals available. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-choose-discount-railway-ticket-and-pass-in-kansai-area.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Takeshi,
Tomorrow will check the pass information with JTB Singapore & hope can reserve for the bus from Takayama to Shiragawa-go at the same time.
Thanks
Jane
No worries, Jane.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Can you assist to advise on the passes or transporation for my entire trip in Japan from 21-31 Jan 2017?
Day 1 – Nagoya Airport to Takayama to Shirakawa-go
Day 2 – Shirakawa-go to Kanazawa
Day 3 – Kanazawa
Day 4 – Kanazawa to Kyoto
Day 5 – Kyoto to Nara to Kyoto
Day 6 & Day 7 – Kyoto (include Arashiyama)
Day 8 – Kyoto to Shirahama
Day 9 – Shirahama to Osaka
Day 10 – Osaka
Day 11 – Osaka to Kansai Airport
Day 1 to Day 4 will be using Takayama Hokuriku Area Pass.
How about Day 5 onward?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Regards
Jane
Hi Jane san,
First of all, I recommend you to switch day 5 and 7. So trip to Nara is on day 7, sightseeing in Kyoto on day 5 and 6.
For day 5 and 6, please add city deal.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
After day 7 to the end of your trip, you may use Kansai wide area pass that is valid for 5 days. You can take JR trains to Nara, Shirahama and KIX.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/the-newest-jr-west-rail-pass-for-kansai-and-okayama-kurashiki-kinosakai-and-shingu-area-kansai-wide-area-pass.html
This is reason why I suggest you to change day 5 and 7.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi San 🙂
Jane
No worries, Jane san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I have plan go to Japan on 30 Dec – 7 Jan 2017 (Total 9 days) with following itinerary :
30 Dec : Namba Area (Den Den Town, Kuromon, Dontoburi, etc.)
31 Dec : Takayama + Shirakawago
1 Jan : Kanazawa
2 -3 Jan : Kyoto Area
4 Jan : Osaka (Osaka Castle, Tempozan, Umeda)
5 Jan : Kobe Area
6 Jan : Nara
7 Jan : Early Flight to Jakarta
Kindly advise regarding above itinerary, and which one better for transportation :
Alternative 1.
For 1st 7 Days Using JR Pass West Area + 1 Day Pass Osaka + JR to KIX Airport
or
Alternative 2.
For 1st 5 Days Using Takayama Horiku Area + 1 Day Pass Osaka + 3 Days Kansai Thru Pass
Thank you in advice for your help and advice..
Best Regards,
Rike
Hi Rike san,
Option 2 is better idea. Takayama Hokuriku area pass gives you the ride for the bus to Shirakawago. Kansai thru pass gives you much better coverage than Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
Well noted with Thanks…
Many Thanks for your advise…
Cheers,
Rike
No worries, Rike san.
Cheers,
Takeshi
Hi there,
Here is my itinerary :
17-20 Dec Osaka
20-22 Dec (Kyoto) – 21 Dec will be day trip from Kyoto-Shirakawago
22-26 Dec Tokyo
Where can I get the train schedule departing from Kyoto stn to Kanazawa Stn?
And which pass suit me best for the whole itinerary? Is it JR Pass?
Thank you
Hi Joanna,
You can use JR Pass 7 days for the last 7 days. For staying in Osaka and Kyoto, there are many local deals available. Please see the links below:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/kansai-kix/how-to-choose-the-deals-for-access-tofrom-kansai-airport.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/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-residents/how-to-choose-the-best-train-pass-for-sightseeing-in-kyoto.html
You can find 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
Hello,
I hope that you can help us.
We plan to go to Uozu- Toyamaa-ken this coming Friday (03/10).
10:00 PM – 03/10 (Fri) departure from Kyoto Station
11:00 AM – 03/12 (Sun) departure from Uozu-Toyama-ken – Kyoto
Around how many hours is the travel time?
I hope we could get the cheapest or maybe average price for the transportation.
Thank you very much!
Hi Gab,
The cost is around 10000 yen and takes about 3 to 3.5 hour.
But you cannot get Uozu if you leave Kyoto at 22:00. If you want to get Uozu in same day, you have to take Limited Express Thunderbird 38 that depart from Kyoto at 20:38. This is the last connection. If you take this train, you need to change trains at Kanazawa and Toyama, and arrive in Uozu midnight.
You can find the detailed timetable and fare 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