How to get from Kyoto to Kanazawa
- Published on : 30/04/2024
- by : Joshua
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See the best way to get from Kyoto to Kanazawa using the Thunderbird Limited Express Train and Shinkansen bullet train!
Kyoto and Kanazawa are two cities often associated with each other. Both cities boast a strong history, and both cities were largely spared during World War II, allowing them to carry their strong ties to tradition well into the modern day.
Oftentimes, Kanazawa is cited as a “mini Kyoto,” but to say this dismisses the distinct identity of both destinations. Rather than being alternatives to each other, these two storied cities should be seen as complementary. The city and greater prefecture of Kyoto and Ishikawa Prefecture, where Kanazawa is the capital, have their underlying commonalities, but the different arts, festivals, and traditions that have developed in these respective places both warrant seeing firsthand!
Fortunately, these two cities are also well-connected in terms of transportation, making a trip from Kyoto to Kanazawa fairly common for travelers both domestic and abroad! Take a look at some of the commuting options to see some of the best of historic Japan from Kansai to Hokuriku!
Kyoto Station
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Kanazawa Station
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- Go from Kyoto to Kanazawa with the Thunderbird Train and Hokuriku Shinkansen
- Go from Kyoto to Kanazawa by highway bus from Kyoto Station
- Go from Kyoto to Kanazawa by car
Getting from Kyoto to Kanazawa by train
- ⏱ Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
- ⏲First and last departure: 6:59 a.m. / 9:21 p.m.
- 💶 Price: From ¥7,520
- 🚆Distance: 219 km
- 🚉 Departure/arrival station: Kyoto Station
- 🚃 Transfer station: Tsuruga Station
- 🚅 Train type: Thunderbird Limited Express Train/Hokuriku Shinkansen
Though there is no direct means of train travel between Kyoto and Kanazawa, the journey is still simple with one transfer utilizing the Thunderbird Limited Express Train and Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Departing from Kyoto Station, travelers will take the Thunderbird Limited Express Train out to Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture. The Thunderbird Train is a staple of travel between Kansai and Hokuriku, and while it isn’t a Shinkansen bullet train, it does have many similar facilities, such as front-facing seats and the Green Car (first class).
From Tsuruga, travelers can take the Hokuriku Shinkansen out towards Tokyo and then get off at Kanazawa Station. From Tsuruga to Kanazawa on the Shinkansen takes around 50 minutes to 1 hour. Both the Thunderbird Express Train and Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train are covered by the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). It is also covered by rail passes such as the Osaka-Tokyo Hokuriku Arch Pass.
Instead of the Shinkansen, the Hapi-Line Fukui is also an option from Tsuruga to Kanazawa. This takes significantly more time, however, averaging a bit over 2 hours. From Tsuruga to Kanazawa on the Hapi-Line Fukui costs 2,730 yen. This line is NOT covered by the JR Pass.
Hapi-Line Fukui
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Thunderbird Limited Express Train
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Hokuriku Shinkansen
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From Kanazawa Station, a majority of the central hotels are well within walking distance. However, buses and taxis depart from both sides of the station. Be aware that the buses in Kanazawa cannot take national IC cards like the Pasmo, Suica, and ICOCA and only accept either cash or local IC cards.
Purchasing a train tickets from Kyoto to Kanazawa via Japan Experience will entail taking a combination of the Thunderbird Limited Express and Hokuriku Shinkansen. Take a look ticket options below:
Travel easily from Kyoto to Kanazawa by train!
Getting from Kyoto to Kanazawa by bus
Another great option for getting from Kyoto to Kanazawa is highway bus, for which many are direct. Most of them are daytime buses that depart from Kyoto in the morning and arrive in Kanazawa later in the day. The total commute between the two cities typically takes around 4 hours 20 minutes.
Usually, there are buses with a terminal station in Osaka with stops at Kyoto Station along the way. Other buses actually depart from the Fukakusa area in the southern part of Kyoto. Tickets and reservations for these buses can be done at the station or online, depending on the bus operator.
Willer Express Bus in Japan
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Daytime bus services between Kyoto and Kanazawa are also available. Routes go from different departure locations in Osaka and stop by Kyoto Station along the way. Different buses offer different accommodations, such as on-bus bathrooms, spacious seating, and more.
Getting from Kyoto to Kanazawa by car
Those with access to a car in Japan or who will rent a car will benefit from great independence and flexibility when traveling through the country. Driving from Kyoto to Kanazawa entails going through a number of other prefectures, such as Shiga Prefecture and Fukui Prefecture. This presents a great opportunity to drive through small towns and gorgeous natural sites of the Japanese archipelago!
There are around 224 kilometers between Kyoto and Kanazawa and the route with use of highways takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes. Though there is much variance depending on the route, toll roads may cost around 7,000 to 8,000 yen one way.
Many will take a route that goes along the coast of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Additionally, in Hokuriku, drivers will go along the Japan Sea Coast and mountain ranges that define the area!
Be aware that most foreign visitors will be able to drive in Japan with their issued license along with an International Driver’s Permit. However, visitors with licenses issued by France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan will need an official Japanese translation of their license.
- More information on such can be found here.
Exploring Kyoto
Kyoto, the historic capital of Japan, is a culturally vibrant city brimming with history and home to 17 distinct UNESCO Heritage Sites. Kyoto is situated in the Kansai region, a culturally varied area of Japan renowned for its colorful locations. For visitors taking the Japan Golden Route, Kyoto is frequently the next stop after Tokyo.
The temple itself and the ascent to Kyomizudera are two of Kyoto's most famous sights, and both are worthwhile excursions. Explore a little off the usual route; the hilly lanes leading up to the temple are lined with quaint stores and eateries! Then, Ginkakuji and Kinkakuji, the "gold and silver temples," serve as potent representations of Kyoto's lengthy past.
Kyoto is a metropolis, but it's not like other big towns in Japan because it has mountains on three sides and a lot of traditional architecture instead of tall skyscrapers. Benefit from Kyoto's distinctive topography by spending some time on a leisurely trek where you can take in the surrounding scenery. One of the simpler walks in the area is from Shogunzuka to Seiryuden, which takes around two hours to reach Chion-in Temple. Enjoy an unrestricted perspective of the city from a high vantage point and discover Kyoto in a way you never would have imagined.
Travelers arrive at Kyoto Station and are immediately in the heart of the historic capital. Not many towns in the world can match Kyoto's distinction of being the first city to commemorate its 1200th anniversary—a feat that was accomplished in 1997 when the station underwent its current design by renowned architect Hiroshi Hara.
Kyomizudera in Kyoto
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There are a few convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants inside the station, however, it is not as big as other important stations like Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, or even Hakata Station. Nonetheless, the lit staircase—whose display varies with the season—is one of Kyoto Station's most identifiable features. Conveniently located near the station, the well-liked Ume-yu is a sento bathouse with a charming atmosphere that's perfect for lounging and passing the time in a relaxed, residential area, complete with unique and eccentric merchandise to bring home.
Exploring Kanazawa
Kanazawa is often described as a city that emphasizes beauty above everything else. Ishikawa Prefecture's capital, which is one of the most populous city in Hokuriku, was largely spared from the destruction caused by World War II, preserving its historic neighborhoods and customs related to crafts to this day. The modern Hokuriku Shinkansen station is fully walkable, making it a perfect location for exploration and discovery.
The word "golden marsh" comes from the name Kanazawa, which is well reflected in a number of the city's attractions. Gold details are used in many crafts made in this city, which is well known for its artistic talent. These crafts may be seen in a wide variety of galleries and workshops spread out over the city.
Kanazawa is also home to one of Japan's three most well-known gardens, Kenroku-en. The garden opened to the public in the late 1800s, and it offers seasonal nightly illuminations throughout the spring cherry blossom season and the fall leaf change. This central location is a hub for entertainment and events, as it is adjacent to both the 21st Century Contemporary Art Museum and the ancient Kanazawa Castle. A trip to Higashi-chaya is essential for a more thorough examination of Kanazawa's rich history. Several of the original buildings from centuries ago may still be found in this charming tea sector, making it an ideal location for pictures. Many visitors from within and outside of Japan wander about this area of Kanazawa while donning traditional yukata.
Higashi-chaya, Kanazawa
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Kanazawa Station
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Traveling from Tokyo across Honshu Island to the Japan Sea Coast, the Hokuriku Shinkansen passes past Kanazawa Station before continuing on to Tsuruga in Fukui as of March 2024. From Tokyo Station, the Shinkansen bullet train travels to Ueno Station. The main feature at Kanazawa Station is the enormous gate-like structure known as Tsuzumimon Gate. This structure is meant to resemble both a traditional Japanese drum known as a tsuzumi and a torii gate from Shintoism. From a distance, many people believe that the gate's placement and the station's dome resemble a samurai helmet, and the gate has come to symbolize Kanazawa itself.
Two of Japan’s most premier cities and premier trains!
Using a combination of both the iconic Thunderbird Limited Express Train and the Shinkansen bullet train, the journey between two of Japan’s most culture-rich cities, Kyoto and Kanazawa, is made easy! Witness history and modern-day beauty with this itinerary, taking not even two hours of transit using some of the world’s most cutting edge means of transportation.
