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Tokyo to Kanazawa Distance: How far is Kanazawa from Tokyo (With Transportation Hubs Map)
Kanazawa is on the west coast of Japan, while Tokyo is on the east coast. The travel distance from Tokyo to Kanazawa is about 450 kilometers (about 280 miles).
The journey takes you directly from the Pacific Ocean side to the Sea of Japan side, cutting across the country's mountainous interior. The main transportation hubs you'll be using are:
In Tokyo:
- For Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Tokyo Station or Ueno Station.
- For Express Bus: Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku).
- For Flights: Haneda Airport (HND) or Narita Airport (NRT).
In Kanazawa:
- For Trains & Buses: Kanazawa Station.
- For Flights: Komatsu Airport (KMQ), which is about a 40-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station.
Tokyo Tourist Map: Map of Tokyo Attractions
Kanazawa Map: City, Loop Bus & Tourist Map (2025)
Tokyo to Kanazawa: 3 Travel Options at a Glance
You have three main options to get from Tokyo to Kanazawa. Here is a quick comparison to help you choose the best one for your trip.
| Travel Mode | Total Travel Time | Average Cost (One-Way) | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hokuriku Shinkansen | 2.5 - 3 hours | ¥14,000 - ¥15,000 | Speed, comfort, and the classic Japan experience. |
| Express Bus | 7 - 8 hours | ¥4,500 - ¥8,000 | Travelers on a tight budget and those who don't mind a longer journey. |
| Flight | 3.5 - 4 hours (total) | ¥10,000 - ¥25,000+ | Travelers who are already near the airport or using air passes. |
Best Way: Tokyo to Kanazawa Hokuriku Shinkansen (Schedule, Price & Tickets)
For traveling from Tokyo to Kanazawa, the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) is the best choice.
It's the Fastest: The Shinkansen takes only 2.5 to 3 hours.
It's the Most Convenient: The Shinkansen travels from the city center directly to the city center. You will depart from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station and arrive directly at Kanazawa Station.
| Feature | Kagayaki | Hakutaka |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Speed and efficiency | Flexibility and last-minute travel |
| Travel Time | Approx. 2.5 hours | Approx. 3 hours |
| Stops | Fewest stops (Express service) | More stops (Local service) |
| Frequency | Less frequent | More frequent (runs more often) |
| Seat Options | Reserved Seats Only | Reserved & Non-Reserved Seats |
| Price (Ordinary Car) | Reserved Seat: ~¥14,380 | Non-Reserved: ~¥13,850<br>Reserved: ~¥14,380 |
| JR Pass Use | Covered (Reservation is mandatory) | Covered (Can use for non-reserved or make a free reservation) |
| Main Departure Stations | Tokyo Station, Ueno Station |
What is the Hokuriku Shinkansen?
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is the specific bullet train line that connects Tokyo with Kanazawa. When you look at the departure boards, you'll see a few different train names on this line. The two you need to know are:
- Kagayaki: This is the fastest train. It makes very few stops between Tokyo and Kanazawa. All seats on the Kagayaki are reserved, meaning you must book a specific seat in advance.
- Hakutaka: This train is slightly slower because it makes more stops along the way. The good news is that it has both reserved cars and non-reserved cars (where you can sit in any available seat).
Our Recommendation: If you are booking ahead, choose the Kagayaki for the fastest journey. If you are buying a ticket at the last minute or using a Japan Rail Pass without a reservation, the Hakutaka is your train.
Tokyo to Kanazawa Shinkansen Schedule & Timetable
Shinkansen trains are very frequent. A train leaves from Tokyo to Kanazawa roughly every 30 to 60 minutes, from about 6:00 AM in the morning to 9:00 PM at night.
Tokyo to Kanazawa Shinkansen Price & Tickets
Non-Reserved Seat (Jiyū-seki): Around ¥13,850. You can sit in any open seat in the non-reserved cars (Hakutaka trains only). It's slightly cheaper, but you aren't guaranteed a seat.
Reserved Seat (Shitei-seki): Around ¥14,380. You get an assigned seat, so you know exactly where you'll be sitting. This is the most common and recommended option.
Green Car (First Class): Around ¥20,000. These seats are larger, with more legroom and a quieter atmosphere.
Gran Class (Luxury Class): Around ¥30,000. This is the ultimate in luxury travel, with full reclining seats and complimentary food and drink service.
How to Buy Tickets Step-by-Step
Method 1: At the Train Station. Go to a major JR train station, like Tokyo Station, Ueno, or Shinjuku. Find the Shinkansen ticket area. You have two choices: The Ticket Machine and The Ticket Office (Midori no Madoguchi).
Method 2: Online Before You Travel. The official JR East Smart-EX website is the direct source for booking.
If you prefer to have everything handled for you, our team at Asia Odyssey Travel can book all your train tickets as part of a custom tour package. We make sure you have the right tickets for the right time, with zero hassle. Experience Japan at Bullet Train Speed >>
Using Rail Passes
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is fully covers this trip on both the Kagayaki and Hakutaka trains. However, it is only cost-effective if you are doing other long trips, like also going to Kyoto and Hiroshima within 7 or 14 days.
Hokuriku Arch Pass is an excellent, cheaper alternative to the JR Pass if your travel is focused on the route from Tokyo to Kanazawa and then onward to Kyoto or Osaka. It is valid for 7 consecutive days and is perfect for the "Golden Route" traveler who wants to include Kanazawa.
Tokyo to Kanazawa Bus: The Cheapest Choice
If saving money is your number one priority, then taking the highway bus is the best option for you.
While it is much slower than the Shinkansen, the bus is by far the cheapest way to travel between Tokyo and Kanazawa. A one-way ticket can cost anywhere from ¥3,500 to ¥9,000.
The bus journey from Tokyo to Kanazawa takes between 7-9 hours. You have two main types of buses to choose from: Daytime Bus & Overnight Bus.
Companies (Willer, JR Bus)
Willer Express: This is a very popular company for travelers. They have an easy-to-use website in English. Willer is famous for offering many different seat types.
You can choose a standard seat or pay a little more for a seat with more space and a private hood, which is great for sleeping on a night bus.
JR Bus: This is the official bus company of the Japan Railways (JR) group. Their buses are reliable, clean, and comfortable. Their night bus is often called the "Dream Go" (Dream号). You can book their tickets on websites like Japan Bus Online.
Bus Terminals: Where to Go
In Tokyo: The main departure point for most buses to Kanazawa is the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku). This huge, modern terminal is located directly on top of JR Shinjuku Station, making it very easy to find.
Some buses also leave from the Tokyo Station JR Expressway Bus Terminal.
In Kanazawa: All buses will arrive at the main Kanazawa Station Bus Terminal. It is located right outside the east exit of Kanazawa Station, so you can easily walk to your hotel or take a local bus to see the sights.
The Alternative: Tokyo to Kanazawa Flight
Both JAL and ANA run daily flights from Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND) to Komatsu Airport (KMQ), which serves Kanazawa.
The flight itself is only about an hour, but the total journey is much longer. Factoring in travel to and from airports and check-in time, the realistic door-to-door travel time is about 4-5 hours. This is significantly slower than the 2.5-hour Shinkansen trip.
Flying is another way to get from Tokyo to Kanazawa. At first, a one-hour flight might sound very fast. However, when you add up all the travel time, it is usually not faster than the Shinkansen.
Ticket prices can range from ¥7,000 to over ¥20,000. For international tourists, the best deals are often found using special fares like the JAL Japan Explorer Pass or the ANA Experience JAPAN Fare, which can make flying cheaper than the train.
Flying only makes practical sense in specific scenario: You are already at Haneda Airport for a connecting flight.
The Flight Journey Step-by-Step:
Getting to Haneda Airport (HND): From a central hub like Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, take the train (Keikyu or JR Lines) or the Tokyo Monorail. This trip takes about 30-45 minutes.
Airport Process: At Haneda's domestic terminal, you'll check in and go through security. It's best to arrive 60-90 minutes before your flight.
Komatsu (KMQ) to Kanazawa: After your one-hour flight, you'll land at Komatsu Airport. From there, you must take the Airport Limousine Bus to Kanazawa Station, which is a final 40-45 minute ride.
Local Transport & Must-See Spots Once You Arrive?
Getting Around: The Kanazawa Loop Bus
Your best friend for exploring the city is the Kanazawa Loop Bus. The bus runs in two loops: a clockwise (Right Loop) and a counter-clockwise (Left Loop) direction. The stops are clearly numbered and announced in English.
For just a few hundred yen, you can purchase a One Day Pass at the bus terminal's information center. This gives you unlimited rides on the loop bus and other local lines.
The Must-See Spots: Your Kanazawa Hit List
Most visitors come to Kanazawa for its "big three" attractions. If you are short on time, these are the absolute priorities.
Kenrokuen Garden: Universally acclaimed as one of the three most beautiful landscape gardens in all of Japan. It is the heart of Kanazawa.
21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art: Located directly across from the garden, this world-class museum is as famous for its playful, interactive architecture as it is for its art.
Higashi Chaya District: The city's largest and most beautifully preserved geisha district. Walk the historic streets, browse gold leaf crafts, and relax in a traditional teahouse.
Omicho Market: Known as "Kanazawa's Kitchen," this bustling and vibrant fresh food market has been feeding the city for centuries. It's the perfect place for a fresh seafood lunch.
Nagamachi Samurai District: Step back in time in the area where Kanazawa's samurai once lived. Explore the narrow lanes, earthen walls, and visit the Nomura-ke, a restored samurai residence.
Is a Day Trip from Tokyo to Kanazawa Possible?
Technically, yes, but I strongly advise against it. The 2.5-hour Shinkansen ride each way consumes five hours of your day, leaving you with roughly eight hours to explore. It's a very tight time.
Kanazawa's essential attractions are Kenrokuen Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Higashi Chaya District. A frantic attempt to see all three will leave you exhausted and unfulfilled.
You won't have time to wander into the smaller craft shops, relax in a teahouse, or discover the quiet beauty of the Nagamachi samurai district. You'll be checking boxes, not having an experience.
For this reason, I strongly advise against a day trip. To truly appreciate what makes Kanazawa special, you should give it at least one overnight stay.
This allows you to enjoy a full day of sightseeing at a comfortable pace and experience the city's magical atmosphere in the evening and early morning, when the tourist crowds have thinned.
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When to Visit Kanazawa & Seasonal Events?
Spring (Late March - May): This is prime time. Kanazawa is spectacular during cherry blossom season (typically late March to early April). The city, especially Kenrokuen Garden and the castle grounds, is draped in pale pink.
Kenrokuen Garden is often lit up in the evenings during peak bloom, creating a magical atmosphere.
Japan in Spring 2026: Let's Party Under the Cherry Blossoms!
Autumn (October - November): Along with spring, autumn is the other peak season. The city's maples and ginkgo trees erupt in fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. The crisp, cool air is perfect for long walks through the gardens and historic districts. Check More Japan Autumn Tour Packages to Catch Most of Fall Colors in Japan >>
Japan in Summer: Weather, 8+ Cool Escapes & Festivals (2026)
Winter (December - February): In Kenrokuen Garden, you'll see the famous yukitsuri—ropes tied in a beautiful conical shape to protect the pine trees' branches from the heavy snow. The yukitsuri themselves are the main winter attraction.
Visiting Japan in Winter 2025: Snowy North or Sunny South?
Summer (June - August): The Hyakumangoku Matsuri in early June is Kanazawa's largest annual festival, featuring a grand parade of samurai warriors and traditional costumes.
Japan in Summer: Weather, 8+ Cool Escapes & Festivals (2026)
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