Hokuriku Shinkansen
Hokuriku Shinkansen: Which Side to Sit On?
Discover Mt. Asama, the Sea of Japan, and the snowy Tateyama Alps with our JR Pass seat guide.
Seat E (Tokyo→Kanazawa) | Seat A (Kanazawa→Tokyo)
⚡ Quick Rule: Sit on the North Side (Mountain & Sea View)
| Travel Direction | Best Window Seat | Highlights On This Side |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo → Kanazawa / Tsuruga | Seat E (Right / North) | Mt. Asama, Sea of Japan, Tateyama Alps |
| Tsuruga / Kanazawa → Tokyo | Seat A (Left / North) | Reverse direction — Seat A gives you the northern views |
1. Top 3 Scenic Highlights & Time Windows
The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs from Tokyo through the Japanese Alps to the northern coast.
| Landmark | Route Section | Time Window (From Tokyo) | Seat Side |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌋 Mt. Asama | Takasaki → Karuizawa | ~15 mins after Takasaki | Seat E (Right) |
| 🌊 Sea of Japan | Joetsu-Myoko → Itoigawa | ~10 mins after Joetsu-Myoko | Seat E (Right) |
| 🏔 Tateyama Alps | Itoigawa → Toyama | Between Itoigawa & Toyama (~15 mins) | Seat E (Right) |
🚄 Kagayaki vs Hakutaka
Both trains use the same E7/W7 series trains. Kagayaki is faster (all-reserved), while Hakutaka stops at more stations and has non-reserved seats. All seats have power outlets!
2. Using Your Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
All trains on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama, Tsurugi) are 100% covered by the JR Pass.
- Seat Reservations: Free at any JR Ticket Vending Machine or JR Ticket Office.
- Kagayaki Warning: The Kagayaki express train is All-Reserved (no non-reserved cars). You MUST reserve a seat ticket before boarding.