Shinkansen fares and ticket reservation methods from Kanazawa to Nagano

Overview of travel methods from Kanazawa to Nagano

You can travel from Kanazawa Station to Nagano Station using the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

This article explains Shinkansen fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We've compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, including JR Pass usage rules and the types of trains you can use. Please use this as a reference to help plan your trip smoothly.

Basic information from Kanazawa to Nagano

• Fastest train: "Kagayaki", travel time from departure to arrival: approximately 1 hour 5 minutes
• Fare for unreserved seats on trains with unreserved seating, such as the "Hakutaka": 8,640 yen
• Fare for reserved seats (standard class), which require advance booking: 8,970 yen
• Green Car fare: 12,540 yen
• Available trains: "Hakutaka" and "Kagayaki"
• JR Pass: Please refer to "Can the JR Pass be used between Kanazawa and Nagano?" below.

Nagano (destination) as a tourist destination

Nagano is one of Japan's leading tourist cities, a charming town with a rich blend of religious sites, natural beauty, and culinary culture. Zenkoji Temple is a renowned temple that attracts the faith of people from all over Japan, transcending religious sects, and is visited by over 6 million people annually. The Nakamise shopping street leading to the temple is lined with souvenir shops and restaurants, allowing visitors to enjoy the lively atmosphere of the temple town. The approach to the inner shrine of Togakushi Shrine is a magnificent power spot with a cedar-lined avenue stretching for approximately 2 km. Nagano Prefecture boasts a variety of tourist attractions, including Matsumoto Castle, Kamikochi, Hakuba, and Shiga Kogen, all accessible from Nagano Station. It can be reached from Kanazawa in as little as 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Shinkansen fare from Kanazawa to Nagano

Overview of Shinkansen fares from Kanazawa to Nagano

Between Kanazawa Station and Nagano Station, you can use the Hokuriku Shinkansen's "Hakutaka" and "Kagayaki" trains. All seats on the "Kagayaki" are reserved. Some "Hakutaka" trains have unreserved seating. Fares may vary depending on the season, and reserved seats tend to sell out quickly during peak seasons such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's. We recommend booking early to ensure a comfortable journey.

Compare fares between Kanazawa and Nagano.

Features and advantages of unreserved seating

Unreserved seats (no reservation required) do not require reservations and you can sit in any available seat. This is an economical option for short distances or during off-peak hours. However, during peak seasons such as Golden Week, Obon, and New Year's, the unreserved seating area can become very crowded, and you may have to stand. If you want to guarantee a seat, please use reserved seats, which require advance reservations.

Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats

For reserved seats, which require advance booking, you will be assigned a seat number, guaranteeing you a seat during your journey. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak seasons such as Golden Week and the New Year holidays, so we recommend booking early. Online reservations can be made through Eki-net (https://www.eki-net.com). It can also be used from smartphones, and payment can be made by credit card. You may be able to purchase tickets at a lower price than the regular fare by using the early booking discount "Osaki Toku-da-ne".

Features and comfort of Green Cars

Green Cars offer more spacious seats than standard cars, allowing for a more comfortable journey. The seat pitch (distance between seats) is generous, making long journeys less tiring. Many seats have power outlets, allowing you to charge your smartphone or laptop while traveling. Green Cars are recommended for business travelers, special trips, or anyone seeking a more luxurious travel experience. Reservations for Green Cars can be made at JR station ticket counters, designated seat ticket machines, or through compatible online reservation services.

Travel Time from Kanazawa to Nagano

Shortest Shinkansen journey between Kanazawa and Nagano

The shortest travel time from Kanazawa Station to Nagano Station is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. The fastest train is the "Kagayaki". The "Hakutaka" makes more stops, and the travel time varies depending on the train. Please check the latest timetable on Ekitan.

Average travel time and difference between trains

*Train names, stops, and travel times vary depending on the train. Please check the latest information on Ekitan's Shinkansen timetable before publication.

Speed ​​and features of the Hokuriku Shinkansen

The Hokuriku Shinkansen is part of Japan's Shinkansen network, boasting high safety and punctuality. It reaches a maximum speed of 320 km/h and maintains stable operation even in bad weather. The trains offer comfortable travel with spacious seats and clean facilities. Many trains have power outlets at each seat, allowing passengers to charge their smartphones and laptops while traveling. An increasing number of trains also offer Wi-Fi service, allowing passengers to access the internet on board.

Comparison of Travel Time with Air Travel

Compared to airplanes, Shinkansen often have an advantage in terms of total travel time because they eliminate the need for airport access, security checks, and boarding procedures. With airplanes, you need to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours before departure for airport check-in, security checks, and getting to the boarding gate. Furthermore, travel time from the airport to the city center is also added after arrival. On the other hand, Shinkansen only travel from station to station, making access to the city center significantly faster.

Time comparison with cars and JR conventional lines

Even using expressways, traveling by car takes significantly longer than by Shinkansen, including traffic jams and rest stops. Furthermore, Japanese expressways have high tolls, and parking fees at the destination must also be considered. Using JR conventional lines (lines other than Shinkansen) can take several hours or more, including transfers. Considering travel time, cost, and comfort, the Shinkansen is the most efficient mode of transportation.

Which train is the fastest?

Differences between "Hakutaka" and "Kagayaki"

The Hokuriku Shinkansen, running between Kanazawa and Nagano, operates two trains: the "Hakutaka" and the "Kagayaki". Each train has different stops and travel times, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your travel style. Some trains also have unreserved seats that do not require reservations, so you can board without a seat reservation. Choose the train that best fits your itinerary and budget.

Stations and characteristics of each train

The fastest train is the "Kagayaki", which achieves a short journey time of approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes by stopping only at major stations. The "Hakutaka" has more stops, and some trains offer unreserved seating.

Kanazawa to Nagano: Travel Time by Train

The "Hakutaka" is a train on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line with many stops, and some trains have unreserved seating. Many of these trains take approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes between Kanazawa and Nagano.

The "Kagayaki" is a high-speed train on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. It connects Kanazawa and Nagano in a minimum of approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. All seats are reserved, so seat reservations are required before boarding, but it can be used with a regular JR Pass.

Recommended trains between Kanazawa and Nagano

If you want to travel as quickly as possible, we recommend taking the "Kagayaki" train. You can also use the "Kagayaki" and "Hakutaka" trains with just a regular JR Pass. However, since the "Kagayaki" is all reserved seating, you will need to reserve a seat. If you want to save money or prefer unreserved seating, the "Hakutaka" is also an option. Choose the train that best suits your travel purpose, departure time, and budget.

Points to consider when choosing a train

You can check timetables and seat availability on Ekitan (ekitan.com) or through online reservation services corresponding to the relevant section. Reserved seats tend to sell out quickly, especially during peak season. We recommend booking as soon as your itinerary is decided. Reserved seats generally go on sale at 10:00 AM one month prior to the date of travel. If you have a JR Pass, please plan your itinerary within the pass's validity period and allow for some flexibility in your schedule.

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets

There are three ways to purchase Shinkansen tickets between Kanazawa and Nagano: ① at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), ② at a reserved seat ticket vending machine, or ③ online (through online reservation services such as Eki-net or e5489). Foreign credit cards are accepted at many ticket counters and vending machines. Each method has its own characteristics, so please choose the one that best suits your travel style.

 

 

How to purchase tickets at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi)

Many major stations have ticket offices called "Midori-no-madoguchi", where you can purchase tickets while consulting directly with staff. Some stations have English-speaking staff on duty, making it a convenient way for travelers to purchase tickets. Cash and credit cards are accepted. Opening hours vary by station, but are generally from 6:00 to 21:00. JR Passes can also be exchanged at Midori-no-madoguchi.

How to use a ticket vending machine

You can purchase tickets at designated seat ticket vending machines inside the station using touch panel operation. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean. Since payment by credit card is possible, you can use them even without cash. A major advantage is that you can purchase tickets smoothly even during peak hours when ticket counters are crowded. If you have a JR Pass, you may be able to make seat reservations at the vending machines.

Online reservations (Eki-net, e5489, etc.)

Online reservations for the Hokuriku Shinkansen can be made through reservation services corresponding to the eligible section, such as Eki-net (https://www.eki-net.com) and JR West's e5489. However, these online reservation services are for the Tokaido, Sanyo, and Kyushu Shinkansen lines and are not listed as reservation methods for this section. Available services, ticket collection methods, and credit card usage conditions vary by service, so please check the official website for the latest information.

 

 

Points to note when making a reservation

During peak seasons such as Golden Week (late April to early May), Obon (August), and the New Year holidays (late December to early January), reserved seats can sell out several weeks in advance. Once your travel dates are decided, we recommend booking as early as possible. You can book through Eki-net from 10:00 AM one month before departure. Also, please note that there may be a fee for changing or refunding tickets, so we recommend booking only after your itinerary is finalized.

Can the JR Pass be used between Kanazawa and Nagano?

Overview of JR Pass

The JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass) is an unlimited travel pass for foreign visitors to Japan. It comes in three validity periods: 7 days, 14 days, and 21 days. During the validity period, you can ride many JR trains, including Shinkansen, limited express, and local trains, without limits. Because it allows you to travel freely on JR lines throughout Japan, it's a very economical pass for travelers visiting multiple tourist destinations. It can be purchased from the official website or designated retailers. Purchase and exchange methods may change, so please check the latest information on the JAPAN RAIL PASS official website.

Availability between Kanazawa and Nagano

Regarding seat reservations for trains such as "Hakutaka"

This service can be used with a JR Pass. Seat reservations are required on trains with all reserved seating. Even on trains with unreserved seating, we recommend reserving a seat during peak seasons.

Since all seats are reserved, seat reservations are required even when using JR Pass.

If you are using the Shinkansen on this section with a JR Pass, please be sure to reserve your seat before boarding. Seat reservations can be made at JR station ticket counters, designated seat ticket machines, or through the corresponding online reservation service. Reservations can be made at no additional charge, but we recommend making your reservation early during peak season. Even if you have already reserved a seat, please ensure that your JR Pass is still valid.

Points to note when using JR Pass

JR Passes have an expiration date, so please choose the appropriate number of days (7, 14, or 21 days) according to your itinerary. Using a JR Pass is often more economical when traveling across multiple sections of the line. Purchase and redemption methods for JR Passes may change. Please check the latest information on the JAPAN RAIL PASS official website. Since you can specify the start date of your pass, please plan and use it strategically to match your travel start date.

Shinkansen timetable between Kanazawa and Nagano

Kanazawa to Nagano Shinkansen service frequency

The Hokuriku Shinkansen between Kanazawa and Nagano operates approximately once every 30 minutes to an hour. The available trains are the "Hakutaka" and "Kagayaki", with the type of train varying depending on the time of day. With trains running from early morning until late at night, it offers flexibility to suit your travel schedule.

Guideline for the first and last trains

The first Shinkansen train departing from Kanazawa Station is around 6:02 AM, and the last train departs around 10:00 PM. By taking an early morning train, you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing in the Nagano area. The time of the last train may change depending on the season, day of the week, and schedule revisions. Please check the latest timetable.

How to read a timetable

Ekitan (ekitan.com) allows you to check Shinkansen timetables, seat availability, and fares for the Kanazawa to Nagano route all in one place. Simply enter your departure station, arrival station, and date, and the service will display the most suitable train and fare. It's accessible from smartphones and supports English, making it a user-friendly service for international travelers.

Kanazawa Station to Nagano Station (excerpt, approximate route)

*Actual times and train numbers may change due to seasonal changes or revisions to the operating schedule. Please check the latest information on Ekitan or other sources.

Peak hours and points to note

The trains tend to be more crowded during the morning commute (7:00-9:00) and in the evening (17:00-19:00). They are especially crowded during Golden Week, Obon, and the New Year holidays, and reserved seats tend to sell out quickly. During peak travel seasons, it's recommended to book early and allow ample time for travel. Also, if transfers are necessary, be sure to check the connecting train times in advance.

Summary: Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Nagano

This is a summary of Shinkansen travel from Kanazawa to Nagano.

Estimated fares: Unreserved seats (no reservation required) (8,640 yen), Reserved seats (advance reservation required) (8,970 yen), Green Car (12,540 yen)

Minimum Travel Time from Departure to Arrival: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes (when using the "Kagayaki" train)

It can be used with a JR Pass. All seats on the "Kagayaki" train are reserved, so seat reservations are required before boarding. Some "Hakutaka" trains have unreserved seating.

There are three ways to purchase tickets: at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), at designated seat ticket machines, or through compatible online reservation services such as Eki-net and e5489.

During peak season, reserved seats can sell out quickly, so book your tickets as soon as your travel itinerary is finalized. Checking available online booking services and discounted products may allow you to travel more affordably depending on the conditions. Be sure to utilize the Hokuriku Shinkansen to fit your travel itinerary to Japan.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen, regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.