How to get from Kanazawa to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital, is known for its skyscrapers, vibrant culture, and historic temples. Located 450 km (280 miles) east of Kanazawa, Tokyo is accessible by Shinkansen (bullet train), bus, flight, or private car. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.

Overview of Travel Options

Here are the main ways to get from Kanazawa to Tokyo:

• By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The fastest and most convenient option.
• By Bus: The cheapest but longest alternative.
• By Flight: The quickest but least direct choice.
• By Private Car: The most flexible but expensive option.

Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Kanazawa to Tokyo.

Timetable

By Shinkansen (Bullet Train): The Fastest and Most Convenient Option

Taking a Shinkansen (bullet train) from Kanazawa to Tokyo is the fastest and most efficient way to travel, with multiple departures throughout the day.

Key Details:

• Departure Station: Kanazawa Station.
• Arrival Station: Tokyo Station or Ueno Station.
• Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on train type.
• Price: 14,000–15,000 JPY (~$95–$105 USD), depending on class.
• Train Types:
  • Kagayaki (Fastest, fewest stops, reserved seating only).
  • Hakutaka (More stops, both reserved and unreserved seating available).
• Seating Options:
  • Ordinary Class (Standard seating, reserved or unreserved).
  • Green Car (First-class, spacious seating, more legroom).
  • Gran Class (Luxury seats, premium service, most expensive).
• JR Pass Valid: Yes, fully covered.
• Departure Frequency: Every 30 minutes from morning to evening.

Recommended Routes:

• Fastest Option:
  • Kagayaki Shinkansen: 2 hours 30 minutes, 14,380 JPY ($100 USD).
• Best Option for JR Pass Holders:
  • Hakutaka Shinkansen: ~3 hours, free with JR Pass.

Pros:

• Fastest travel time (~2.5 hours on Kagayaki).
• Comfortable seating with A/C and spacious legroom.
• Multiple departures throughout the day.
• No traffic delays.

Cons:

• Kagayaki Shinkansen requires seat reservations.
• More expensive than buses.

Booking Tip:

For fastest travel, take the Kagayaki Shinkansen. For JR Pass holders, choose the Hakutaka Shinkansen. Use our online search form to check train schedules and secure your ticket.

By Bus: The Cheapest but Longest Alternative

For budget-conscious travelers, taking a direct bus from Kanazawa to Tokyo is the cheapest way to travel, though it takes significantly longer than the Shinkansen.

Key Details:

• Departure Points:
  • Kanazawa Station East Exit Bus Terminal.
• Arrival Points in Tokyo:
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal.
  • Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit.
• Duration: 7 to 8.5 hours, depending on traffic.
• Price: 3,500–6,500 JPY (~$25–$45 USD), depending on bus type.
• Bus Operators:
  • Willer Express (Budget-friendly, online booking available).
  • Nohi Bus (Reliable and comfortable, local company).
• Bus Types:
  • Standard Bus (A/C, reclining seats, no onboard toilet).
  • Premium Bus (More legroom, onboard toilet, reclining seats).
• Departure Frequency: Every 1–2 hours from morning to evening.

Pros:

• Cheapest travel option (~3,500 JPY for budget buses).
• Direct travel without transfers.
• Overnight bus option available (saves one night of accommodation).

Cons:

• Takes significantly longer than Shinkansen (~7+ hours).
• Subject to traffic delays, especially near Tokyo.
• Limited luggage space on some buses.

Booking Tip:

For better comfort, choose a Premium Bus with more legroom and onboard toilets. Use our online search form to check bus schedules and book your ticket.

By Flight: The Quickest but Least Direct Choice

There are no direct commercial flights from Kanazawa to Tokyo, but you can fly from Komatsu Airport (near Kanazawa) to Tokyo Haneda Airport.

Key Details:

• Route: Kanazawa → Komatsu Airport → Tokyo Haneda Airport.
• Duration:
  • Kanazawa to Komatsu Airport (Shuttle Bus): 40 minutes.
  • Komatsu to Tokyo Haneda (Flight): 1 hour.
  • Haneda Airport to Tokyo City Center: 30 to 40 minutes by train.
  • Total Duration: 3 to 4 hours, including transfers.
• Price: 8,000–18,000 JPY (~$55–$125 USD), depending on airline and booking time.
• Airlines:
  • ANA (All Nippon Airways, full service).
  • JAL (Japan Airlines, full service).
• Departure Frequency: Multiple flights daily.

Pros:

• Quickest total travel time (~3 hours).
• Convenient for travelers flying internationally from Haneda.

Cons:

• More expensive than Shinkansen or bus.
• Requires multiple transfers.
• Weather conditions may cause flight delays.

Booking Tip:

For better savings, book flights early. Use our online search form to compare flight prices.

By Private Car: The Most Flexible but Expensive Option

For travelers who prefer privacy, comfort, and flexibility, hiring a private car or driving from Kanazawa to Tokyo is an option, though it’s expensive and time-consuming.

Key Details:

• Route: Kanazawa → Tokyo via Hokuriku & Kanetsu Expressway.
• Distance: 450 km (280 miles).
• Duration: 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic.
• Toll Fees: 10,000 JPY ($70 USD).
• Gasoline Cost: 7,000 JPY ($50 USD).
• Car Rental Price: 10,000–20,000 JPY per day (~$70–$140 USD).

Pros:

• Most flexible option—stop at attractions along the way.
• Comfortable for families and groups.
• Direct travel to your hotel in Tokyo.

Cons:

• More expensive than trains and buses.
• Traffic congestion entering Tokyo.

Booking Tip:

For ease of navigation, rent a car with GPS or use Google Maps. Use our online search form to compare rental car prices.