"HANAYOME NOREN" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets
This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR West's sightseeing train "HANAYOME NOREN," which connects Kanazawa Station and Wakura Onsen Station. It covers timetables, fares for representative sections, stations where the train stops, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This sightseeing train is themed around "HANAYOME NOREN," a traditional wedding custom of the Kaga and Noto regions, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.
The "HANAYOME NOREN" is a JR West sightseeing train that debuted in October 2015, connecting Kanazawa Station and Wakura Onsen Station via the Nanao Line. It operates as a two-car train converted from Kiha 48 series diesel railcars, and is characterized by its gorgeous exterior with a red base color inspired by Kaga Yuzen and Wajima lacquerware. The train's name is derived from the "HANAYOME NOREN" wedding custom passed down in the Noto region, and some train sets have actual noren (bride's curtains) used as part of a bride's dowry on display inside the train. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required to board. Its launch in 2015 coincided with the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa, and it has also played a role as a secondary mode of transportation from Kanazawa. The scenery along the route, including Nanao Bay and the rural landscape of the Ochi-gata rift valley, offers varied views throughout the seasons. Item Content Train Name "HANAYOME NOREN" Operating Company JR West Main Operating Sections Kanazawa Station to Wakura Onsen Station (via IR Ishikawa Railway Line and Nanao Line) Main Starting and Ending Stations Kanazawa Station / Wakura Onsen Station Number of Trains Running Approximately 1-2 round trips per day (operating on limited days) Estimated Travel Time Kanazawa to Wakura Onsen: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes Seat Reserved seats (fare structure equivalent to Green Car) 
Table of Contents
- What is "HANAYOME NOREN"?
- Timetable for "HANAYOME NOREN"
- Operating section of "HANAYOME NOREN"
- Stations where the "HANAYOME NOREN" train stops
- Fare of "HANAYOME NOREN"
- How to buy tickets for "HANAYOME NOREN"
- Do I need to get a physical ticket?
- Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
- Seating information for "HANAYOME NOREN"
- Enjoy ekiben (train station bento boxes) and in-train gourmet food on the "HANAYOME NOREN" train.
- Points to note when riding "HANAYOME NOREN"
- Summary
What is "HANAYOME NOREN"?
The "HANAYOME NOREN" is a sightseeing train based on the traditional wedding custom of the Noto region, known as "HANAYOME NOREN." HANAYOME NOREN is a unique custom in the Kaga and Noto regions where a bride brings a curtain bearing her family's crest and hangs it at the entrance to the Buddhist altar room of her new home before passing through it. The train's design features gorgeous patterns supervised by Kaga Yuzen artisans, creating an atmosphere like a moving art museum. It operates directly on the IR Ishikawa Railway and the Nanao Line. The bride passes through the curtain only once on her wedding day, a crucial ritual that expresses gratitude to her family and her readiness for her new life, and is still practiced in the Noto region today. This custom is a beautiful tradition, embodying the wishes of both families for a happy new life for the bride.
Train features and popular points
The charm of the "HANAYOME NOREN" lies in its red and gold exterior, inspired by Kaga Yuzen dyeing, and the actual "HANAYOME NOREN" displayed inside the train. Car No. 1 features an exhibition space showcasing traditional crafts and food culture of Kaga and Noto, allowing passengers to experience the region's culture while on board. From the windows, passengers can enjoy the tranquil scenery of Nanao Bay, heightening their anticipation for sightseeing in Noto. The train attendants sometimes dress in kimonos to welcome passengers, creating a special and extraordinary atmosphere. The rural landscapes and village streets along the route are also highlights that evoke the peaceful lifestyle of Noto. There are also sections along the route where passengers can see the Notojima Bridge across Nanao Bay, and many can be seen taking pictures.
Timetable for "HANAYOME NOREN"
*The "HANAYOME NOREN" is a sightseeing train that operates on limited days. The starting and ending stations vary depending on the operating day.
Downbound (towards Wakura Onsen) timetable
| Stations | No. 1 (one example) |
|---|---|
| Departing from Kanazawa | morning |
| Departing from Nanao | ― |
| Arrived at Wakura Onsen | Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes later |
Timetable for northbound trains (towards Kanazawa)
| Stations | No. 2 (example) |
|---|---|
| Departing from Wakura Onsen | afternoon |
| Departing from Nanao | ― |
| Arrived in Kanazawa | Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes later |
The "HANAYOME NOREN" train operates 1-2 round trips per day, mainly between Kanazawa Station and Wakura Onsen Station. It primarily runs on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, and may not operate on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Important information regarding operating days and days when the service is suspended.
The "HANAYOME NOREN" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days. Additional cancellations may occur due to regular vehicle maintenance, etc. As it is a popular train, it is recommended to check and book early if you have a specific date in mind. In the past, delays have occurred on the Nanao Line due to heavy snowfall and severe weather unique to the Hokuriku region, so it is recommended to plan with extra time if traveling during the winter.
Operating section of "HANAYOME NOREN"
Main sections
- Kanazawa Station to Tsubata Station (IR Ishikawa Railway Line)
- Tsubata Station to Wakura Onsen Station (Nanao Line)
Wakura Onsen Station is the gateway to Wakura Onsen, one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts. Nanao Station, along the way, is the central station of Nanao City, the central city of Noto, and is close to tourist facilities such as the Seihaku Festival Dekayama Hall. Wakura Onsen is a hot spring resort with a history of over 1200 years since its opening, and is known as one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts, lined with famous inns such as Kagaya. Nanao City also has a facility that displays the large floats called "Dekayama" used in the Seihaku Festival, allowing visitors to experience Noto's festival culture. 
Stations where the "HANAYOME NOREN" train stops
Main Stations Where the Train Stops
- Kanazawa Station
- Tsubata Station
- Nanao Station
- Wakura Onsen Station
*The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the operating day and service.
Fare of "HANAYOME NOREN"
Representative Section Fare
| Section | Total Fare (Adult, Estimated) | Basic Fare Ticket | Green Car Equivalent Surcharge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanazawa Station to Wakura Onsen Station | Please check the latest fares on Ekitan or the official JR West website. | ― | ― |
*The "HANAYOME NOREN" fare system includes a special car fare equivalent to a Green Car fare in addition to the regular train ticket price.
Breakdown of tickets and fares
The fare for "HANAYOME NOREN" is the sum of the basic fare to the destination plus a special car surcharge equivalent to a Green Car. Because all seats are reserved and equivalent to Green Car seats, a different fare system applies than the usual reserved seat express train fares. This system is also used for other JR West sightseeing trains (such as Belmonta), and is a common fare concept for trains that provide high-quality service.
Exhibition space for Car No. 1
Car No. 1 features an actual "HANAYOME NOREN" (bridal curtain) display and a showcase introducing traditional crafts from Kaga and Noto. Passengers in other cars may also be able to view it if they have a train ticket and reserved seat ticket. After arriving at Wakura Onsen, you can also enjoy a tour of the hot spring town with footbaths and a scenic viewpoint overlooking Nanao Bay.
All seats on the "HANAYOME NOREN" train are equipped with amenities equivalent to those of a Green Car (first class), and the fare will be the regular ticket price plus a special car fee.
How to buy tickets for "HANAYOME NOREN"
e5489 (Internet reservation)
JR West's online reservation service, "e5489," allows you to purchase reserved seat tickets using a credit card. Because it's a popular sightseeing train, seats often sell out immediately after going on sale, so early booking is recommended. Membership registration is free, and you can check seat availability and make reservations 24 hours a day from your smartphone.
Reserved seat ticket machines and Midori-no-madoguchi
You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at the station's ticket vending machines or at the Midori-no-madoguchi (ticket office).
Travel Agencies
Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seat tickets for the "HANAYOME NOREN" train.
How to buy for foreign tourists
The "HANAYOME NOREN" is a JR West train, so it may be eligible for the JAPAN RAIL PASS. However, since all seats are equivalent to Green Car seats, an additional fee may be required with a regular pass. Please also note that the IR Ishikawa Railway section is a third-sector railway and is therefore not covered by JR passes. The JR section (between Kanazawa and Tsubata) may be covered by the pass, but the Nanao Line between Tsubata and Wakura Onsen is a JR West line, so this section is also covered by the pass.
*The types of passes and applicable routes may change.
Do I need to get a physical ticket?
Even if you book through online services such as "e5489," in most cases you will need to pick up your ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station before boarding.
*Whether or not a ticket is required depends on the type of reservation service.
Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?
When riding the "HANAYOME NOREN" train, you will need separate tickets for the regular fare and the special car fare. While transportation IC cards such as ICOCA can sometimes be used as the fare portion around Kanazawa Station and on the IR Ishikawa Railway line, some sections of the Nanao Line are outside the IC card usage area. The special car fare cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card and must be purchased as a separate ticket in advance.
On the route operated by "HANAYOME NOREN," contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.
*Please note that you cannot ride using only your IC card. A separate special car fare is required. Some sections of the Nanao Line are outside the IC card usage area.
Seating information for "HANAYOME NOREN"
Seat Types (All seats reserved, equivalent to Green Car)
The "HANAYOME NOREN" train is operated using a specially modified KiHa 48 series diesel railcar, and all seats are reserved seats equivalent to Green Car seats. There are no unreserved seats. Seat Type Content Car No. 1 Exhibition space, pair seats with tables Car No. 2 Spaciously arranged reserved seats Private Room Some train sets have compartment-type private rooms. Unreserved Seats None (All seats are reserved)
Distinctive seating
The interior is unified with a gold and red color scheme inspired by the patterns of Kaga Yuzen dyeing, and pair seats with tables are arranged in the center. Floral curtains are used on the windows, creating a high-quality space that resembles a mobile Japanese salon. The seat tables are decorated with designs inspired by Wajima lacquerware, and the attention to detail in the traditional crafts of Noto is evident. Indirect lighting is also used extensively, creating a calm and sophisticated atmosphere throughout the train. The seat fabric is woven with patterns inspired by the techniques of Kaga Yuzen, a traditional craft of Kanazawa, making it visually appealing as well.
Large luggage storage area
There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.
Barrier-free facilities
For the latest information, please check Ekitan or the railway company's official website.
*Details of seating arrangements may vary depending on the train configuration.
Enjoy ekiben (train station bento boxes) and in-train gourmet food on the "HANAYOME NOREN" train.
On the "HANAYOME NOREN" train, some services offer meal plans (such as bento boxes and sweets using ingredients from Kaga and Noto) that require advance reservations. Drink service by onboard attendants is also sometimes available. Onboard sales may include souvenirs such as famous Noto sweets and Wajima lacquer chopsticks, as well as other traditional crafts. Special bento box plans using ingredients from Kaga and Noto, such as the "HANAYOME NOREN Gozen" which requires advance reservations, are sometimes available and will become a memorable part of your trip.
*Meal plans and in-car services may vary depending on the train service and time of year.
Points to note when riding "HANAYOME NOREN"
The "HANAYOME NOREN" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days, so if you wish to ride it, we recommend checking the operating dates and making a reservation as early as possible. If you wish to have a meal plan, you will need to make arrangements early along with your ticket reservation. There are many photo opportunities inside the train, so if you want to take commemorative photos, please enjoy yourself while being mindful of the crowds when boarding and alighting.
Since some sections of the Nanao Line are outside the IC card usage area, it is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance. After arriving at Wakura Onsen, you can also enjoy strolling around the hot spring town and taking a day trip to the hot springs.
Summary
The "HANAYOME NOREN" is a JR West sightseeing train connecting Kanazawa Station and Wakura Onsen Station, featuring a gorgeous interior inspired by the "HANAYOME NOREN," a traditional wedding curtain of the Kaga and Noto regions. Since its launch in 2015, it has enriched Noto sightseeing trips with its high-quality space, equivalent to Green Car seats in all seats. As it operates on limited days, it is important to check in advance. Together with the Hokuriku Shinkansen, it further enhances the appeal of travel around the Kanazawa and Noto area. For over 10 years since its launch in 2015, it has been a beloved symbol of Noto tourism for many travelers. It can be said to be an indispensable option for Hokuriku travel, allowing you to enjoy the rich traditional culture of Kaga and Noto from the train windows.
Enjoy a special trip from Kanazawa to Wakura Onsen aboard the "HANAYOME NOREN," where you can savor the traditional culture of Noto and the beautiful scenery of Nanao Bay from the train window.
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