Train Tickets from Kyoto to Kanazawa
Getting from Kyoto to Kanazawa by Train
Two cities often compared to each other but with enough draw to be worthwhile destinations all their own, a trip from Kyoto to Kanazawa is sure to be a highlight for your next visit to Japan! The commute is made easy thanks to a combination of the local-favorite Thunderbird Limited Express Train and the recently expanded Hokuriku Shinkansen. Simply go from Kyoto Station to Tsuruga in Fukui, then make a simple transfer to the Shinkansen and take a short, yet luxurious trip out to Kanazawa, the boutique-city capital of Ishikawa Prefecture. The whole journey takes just under 2 hours.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO KANAZAWA!
Kyoto, which lies on the renowned "golden route" and is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a must-visit location for tourists to Japan. Only a few destinations in the world have the ability to astonish tourists the way that Kyoto does. Some streets, when compared to more modern architecture only one street away, seem to be frozen in time. Furthermore, Kyoto is much more than just its capital city, because Kyoto Prefecture as a whole has a lot to offer. Visit Ine Fishing Village on the shore for a day trip to discover a side of Kyoto that many people might not visit!
Referred to as a “Mini-Kyoto,” Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture in Hokuriku. With parts of the city, like the Higashicha-ya tea district, remaining intact from previous centuries, the city was essentially unaffected by the last World War. However, Kanazawa is far from being a “watered-down alternative” to Kyoto; rather, it is an incredible getaway in and of itself with a unique food culture, handcrafted goods, and quaint environment.
Advantages of taking the train from Kyoto to Kanazawa
How to book your Kyoto to Kanazawa train tickets
Train information
This journey entails taking two different trains, the Thunderbird Limited Express from Kyoto out to Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture, then the Hokuriku Shinkansen bullet train out to Kanazawa. The Hokuriku Shinkansen was expanded out to Tsuruga in March of 2024 and has the great ammenities expected from Japan’s world-class bullet trains, including electrical outlets, adequate leg room, reclining chairs, overhead storage and more! The Thunderbird Limited Express Train, though not a Shinkansen bullet train, is a well-established locomotive that has be ridden by locals for decades. It also has convenient ammenities to assure that your time traveling out to Hokuriku from Kansai is comfortable and efficient.
Why Book your Train Tickets with Japan Experience?
How to exchange train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email.
To receive your usable tickets, simply scan the QR code at ticket machines located inside stations in Japan and, if asked, enter the phone number associated with your order, which Japan Experience will provide you with.
In lieu of the QR code, the five-digit registration number (beginning with the number “4”) found in the order confirmation email can also be used.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and exchanging your train tickets upon arriving in Japan, whether it is at the airport or at major stations in the city. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to guide you through the easy and efficient process of getting your physical train tickets in Japan.
READ MORE ABOUT THE EXCHANGE PROCESS, CONDITIONS, AND VALIDITY OF TRAIN TICKETS BELOW
How far in advance can I book train tickets?
You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure.
Is there a special train ticket fare for children?
Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free and do not need to book a seat. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare and will have to book a seat.
Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on the region
In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations.
How to use your train tickets in Japan
To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Kyoto Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Himeji, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Himeji Station, and the city is now yours to explore.
Modification and Cancellation
Order cancellation
Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible.
For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen.
Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines.
Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.
These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.
- If your train is delayed more than 2 hours, then:
If you decide not to use your train tickets to travel to your destination, you can claim a full refund for them by contacting us here or by email at contact@japanexperience.com with your order number and photos of all your tickets (if you have already used your QR code to print your tickets at the machine, if not, no photos are required)
If you were able to take your delayed train to your destination, you can go to the JR counter at your destination with your tickets and request a partial refund (around 85% of the initial ticket price, depending on the current exchange rate). The refund will be made in cash.
If you still plan to travel to your destination, you can go to a JR desk to modify your tickets free of charge. You can change your tickets to a train at a later time or date, but cannot claim for any compensation.
- If your train is canceled, then:
If you decide not to use your train tickets to travel to your destination, you can claim a full refund for them by contacting us here or by email at contact@japanexperience.com with your order number and photos of all your tickets (if you have already used your QR code to print your tickets at the machine, if not, no photos are required)
If you still plan to travel to your destination, you can go to a JR desk to modify your tickets free of charge. You can change your tickets to a train at a later time or date, but cannot claim for any compensation.
Order modification
If you want to modify:
- Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:
Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date.
You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.
Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
- Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking:
Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.
Eligibility
All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions of residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply.
Validity of train tickets
Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking, and are to be used only on the Kyoto to Kanazawa route.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan