What is the Hokuriku Shinkansen?

The Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Tokyo with the Hokuriku region (Nagano, Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui). With its latest extension to Tsuruga in March 2024, it has become even more convenient for traveling from Kyoto/Osaka to the Hokuriku coast.

  • Section: Tokyo 〜 Tsuruga
  • Top Speed: 260 km/h
  • Trains: E7 series / W7 series
  • Features: Mountain scenery, Gran Class, Power outlets at every seat

👉 Conclusion:

  • Fastest → Kagayaki
  • Cheaper → Hakutaka
  • Just to Nagano → Asama

🚄 Compare Trains and Prices

Kagayaki

Fastest, major stations only (All reserved)

  • Time：Approx. 2 hrs 51 mins (Tokyo to Kanazawa)
  • Stops：Tokyo, Omiya, Nagano, Toyama, Kanazawa, Fukui, Tsuruga
Hakutaka

Balanced, unreserved seats available

  • Time：Approx. 3 hrs 30 mins (Tokyo to Kanazawa)
  • Stops：Stops at almost all stations past Nagano
Asama

Short distance (Tokyo to Nagano)

  • Time：Approx. 1 hr 30 mins (Tokyo to Nagano)
  • Stops：Stops at Karuizawa and others
Tsurugi

Shuttle between Toyama and Tsuruga

  • Time：Approx. 1 hr
  • Stops：Toyama, Kanazawa, Fukui, Tsuruga
Tokyo→Nagano
Approx. 1 hr 22 minsApprox. 7,680 JPY
Tokyo→Toyama
Approx. 2 hrs 8 minsApprox. 11,850 JPY
Tokyo→Kanazawa
Approx. 2 hrs 51 minsApprox. 13,850 JPY
Tokyo→Tsuruga
Approx. 3 hrs 8 minsApprox. 15,430 JPY

Differences: How to Choose Your Train

Choose your train based on your destination and budget.

Kagayaki (The Fastest)

  • Tokyo 〜 Kanazawa in as little as 2 hrs 51 mins
  • Stops only at major stations
  • All seats are reserved (No unreserved cars)

👉 If you want to get there fast, this is your best option.

Hakutaka (Balanced Option)

  • Slower, but perfect for sightseeing
  • Has unreserved cars (cheaper)

👉 If you aren’t sure, this is a safe bet.

Asama (To Nagano only)

  • Specially for Tokyo 〜 Nagano trips
  • Perfect if you are going to Karuizawa or Nagano city

Tsurugi (Shuttle Train)

  • A short-distance shuttle between Toyama and Tsuruga
  • Connects with limited express trains heading to Kyoto/Osaka

The Hokuriku Shinkansen is famous for its stunning mountain views.

Mt. Asama (Takasaki 〜 Karuizawa)

  • Views of an active, majestic volcano
  • Best viewed from D or E seats (Right side)

The Japan Alps (Itoigawa 〜 Toyama)

  • Panoramic views of the Tateyama Mountain Range
  • Incredible sight on a clear day

👉 Conclusion: Always try to book the D or E seats (Right side) when leaving Tokyo.

Power Outlets and Amenities

  • E7/W7 series: Outlets at every single seat!
  • Free Wi-Fi available
  • Features “Gran Class” (The First Class of Shinkansen)

👉 It is overall more comfortable and modern than the Tokaido Shinkansen.

Common Mistakes

⚠️ Watch out for these:

  • Boarding the Kagayaki without a seat reservation (It’s fully reserved).
  • Booking the wrong side and missing the mountains.
  • Taking the Hakutaka when you are in a rush (It makes too many stops).