Shinkansen fares and ticket booking methods from Toyama to Tokyo - Ekitan

Overview of travel methods from Toyama to Tokyo

You can travel from Toyama Station to Tokyo Station using the Hokuriku Shinkansen. This article explains Shinkansen fares, travel time from departure to arrival, and how to book tickets. We have also compiled useful information for your trip to Japan, such as the rules for using the JR Pass and the types of trains you can use.

Basic information about traveling from Toyama to Tokyo

  • Estimated travel time using the "Kagayaki": Approximately 2 hours 06-10 minutes
  • Fare for unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation): 12,430 yen ("Hakutaka", unreserved seat)
  • Fare for reserved seats (seats that require advance reservation): 12,960 yen ("Kagayaki"/"Hakutaka")
  • Available trains: "Kagayaki", "Hakutaka"
  • JR Pass: Please refer to "5. Can the JR Pass be used between Toyama and Tokyo?" below.

Tokyo's appeal as a tourist destination

Tokyo is a city where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons. There are plenty of seasonal attractions, such as the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park and Chidorigafuchi in spring, the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in summer, the autumn foliage in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, and winter illuminations. Green spaces in the city center, such as Meiji Jingu Shrine and the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, are also popular spots for international tourists. Day trips to places like Mount Takao and Okutama are also easily accessible. It can be reached from Toyama in as little as 2 hours and 6 minutes.

Shinkansen fare from Toyama to Tokyo

Overview of Shinkansen fares from Toyama to Tokyo

The Shinkansen fare from Toyama Station to Tokyo Station varies depending on the seat class and train type you choose. On the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you can use the "Kagayaki" and "Hakutaka". The fares are approximate, and during peak seasons (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), a peak season surcharge may be added to reserved seats and Green Car seats, which require advance reservation.

Comparison of prices for unreserved seats, reserved seats, and Green Car seats.

SeatFare (Estimate)Features
Unreserved Seat (No advance reservation required)12,430 yen ("Hakutaka", unreserved seat)No seat number is assigned; you can board if there are empty seats.
Reserved Seat (Standard Class) (Advance reservation required)12,960 yen ("Kagayaki"/"Hakutaka")Your seat number is assigned, guaranteeing you a seat.
Green Car19,420 yen ("Kagayaki")Spacious seating and high-quality service, perfect for those who want to travel comfortably.

Features and advantages of unreserved seating

Unreserved seats, which do not require advance reservation, are the cheapest seating option. However, they can fill up during peak season and busy times, so it's recommended to get to the platform early and queue up.

Hokuriku Shinkansen seats

Features and usage scenarios of reserved seats

Reserved seats, which require advance reservation, allow you to secure your seat number before boarding, so you can travel without worrying about crowds. Early bird discounts and other discounted fares may also be available when booking online in advance using EX Reservation or SmartEX.

Features and comfort of Green Cars

Green Cars are a premium class offering more spacious seats and enhanced amenities compared to standard cars. They are recommended for those who want a more comfortable journey between Toyama and Tokyo, as well as for business travelers and special trips.

Travel time from Toyama to Tokyo

Shortest Shinkansen journey time between Toyama and Tokyo

The estimated travel time from Toyama Station to Tokyo Station using the "Kagayaki" is approximately 2 hours and 6 to 10 minutes. The total travel time varies depending on the type of train and the number of stops, so please choose the train that best suits your travel plans.

Speed ​​and features of the Hokuriku Shinkansen

Japan's Shinkansen bullet trains boast world-class safety and punctuality, and are used by many tourists visiting Japan. They are also appreciated for their minimal delays due to weather, making it easy to plan travel schedules.

Comparison of travel time with air travel

When traveling between Toyama and Tokyo by plane, in addition to the flight time, you need to factor in the time required for airport access, check-in, security checks, boarding procedures, and travel from the arrival airport to central Tokyo. Since the Shinkansen (bullet train) connects major stations, it is often the more advantageous option when considering the total travel time.

Time comparison with cars and conventional trains

Traveling by car is prone to traffic congestion on expressways, and especially during peak seasons and long holidays, the travel time from departure to arrival can be significantly extended. Taking a JR conventional line takes several times longer than taking the Shinkansen. In terms of comfort and punctuality, the Shinkansen is one of the best modes of transport between Toyama and Tokyo.

Departure board for the Hokuriku Shinkansen

Which train is the fastest?

The difference between "Kagayaki" and "Hakutaka"

Between Toyama and Tokyo, you can use the "Kagayaki" and "Hakutaka". The fastest is the "Kagayaki", which takes approximately 2 hours and 6-10 minutes. The "Kagayaki" does not have unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation), so you must reserve a reserved seat (a seat that requires advance reservation) in advance. The "Hakutaka" has unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation). JR Pass users can use either train.

Stations and characteristics of each train

The fastest train, the "Kagayaki", has the fewest stops and the shortest travel time from departure to arrival. Reserved seats, which require advance reservation, tend to sell out quickly during peak season and on weekends, so advance reservation is recommended.

Travel time between Toyama and Tokyo by train

The fastest train between Toyama and Tokyo is the "Kagayaki", which takes approximately 2 hours and 6 to 16 minutes. It has the fewest stops and is the fastest way to get to Tokyo. The "Hakutaka" takes approximately 2 hours and 30 to 44 minutes because it has many stops, including Shin-Takaoka, Kanazawa, Komatsu, Kaga Onsen, Awara Onsen, Fukui, Echizen-Takefu, and Tsuruga. JR Pass holders can use both trains. All seats on the "Kagayaki" are reserved seats (seats that require advance reservation), so seat reservations are required before boarding (no additional charge).

Recommended trains from Toyama to Tokyo

If your top priority is the shortest travel time from departure to arrival, the "Kagayaki" is recommended. However, if you have a JR Pass, there may be some trains that cannot be used, so please refer to the JR Pass section below and choose a train that suits your needs.

Points to consider when choosing a train

When choosing a train between Toyama and Tokyo, first check which trains arrive at Tokyo Station at your desired departure time. Securing your seat in advance using services like SmartEX or EX Reservation will make your journey smoother.

Ticket machine

How to book Shinkansen tickets

Basic methods for purchasing Shinkansen tickets

Shinkansen tickets between Toyama and Tokyo can be purchased in three ways: at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi), at ticket vending machines, or online. During peak season, reserved seats (seats that require advance reservation) tend to sell out quickly, so it is recommended to book as soon as your travel dates are decided.

JapanBulletTrain link
JapanBulletTrain link

How to purchase at the station ticket window

Shinkansen tickets can be purchased at the ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi) (manned counters) at JR stations. English-speaking counters are also available, so even those who are not confident in their Japanese can use the service with peace of mind.

How to use a ticket vending machine

You can also purchase Shinkansen tickets at the "reserved seat ticket vending machines" installed at train stations. An increasing number of these machines support multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Korean, and you can also purchase tickets using a credit card.

Online booking (SmartEX, official website)

For online reservations, SmartEX and EX Reservation, offered by JR Central, JR West, and others, are convenient. SmartEX allows you to pass through ticket gates using your smartphone or transportation IC card (such as Suica) without needing to purchase a physical ticket.

JapanBulletTrain link
JapanBulletTrain link

Points to note when making a reservation

During peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon), reserved seats (seats that require advance reservation) tend to sell out quickly, so we recommend booking as soon as your travel plans are finalized.

Can I use the JR Pass between Toyama and Tokyo?

Overview of JR Pass

The JR Pass is a special ticket for travelers who do not reside in Japan, allowing unlimited travel on JR lines without additional charges. It comes in 7-day, 14-day, and 21-day versions, and during its validity period, you can ride JR Shinkansen, limited express trains, and JR conventional lines without any additional charges.

Availability for travel between Toyama and Tokyo

TrainJR Pass UsageRemarks
"Kagayaki"AvailableNo unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation) available; advance reservation is required for reserved seats (seats that require advance reservation).
"Hakutaka"AvailableBoth unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation) and reserved seats (seats that require advance reservation) are available.

Regarding seat reservations for the "Kagayaki".

Between Toyama and Tokyo, you can use the Hokuriku Shinkansen's "Kagayaki" and "Hakutaka". The fastest is the "Kagayaki", which takes about 2 hours and 6 to 10 minutes. The "Kagayaki" does not have unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation), so you need to reserve a reserved seat (a seat that requires advance reservation) in advance. The "Hakutaka" does have unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation). JR Pass users can use either train.

"Hakutaka" Unreserved and Reserved Seats

With a JR Pass, you can board trains with unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation). If you wish to use a reserved seat (a seat that requires advance reservation), you must reserve your seat at the station's ticket office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or a reserved seat ticket vending machine before boarding. There is no additional charge for seat reservations.

Points to note when using JR Pass

Since the JR Pass is valid for consecutive days from the start date, it's important to carefully set the start date to match your travel schedule. If your travel plan involves visiting multiple cities, not just between Toyama and Tokyo, you'll often get your money's worth out of the JR Pass.

Toyama to Tokyo Shinkansen Timetable

Toyama to Tokyo Shinkansen service frequency

The Shinkansen operating between Toyama and Tokyo are the "Kagayaki" and "Hakutaka". They run frequently even during the daytime, so please check the latest timetables on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Guideline for the first and last trains

The first trains departing from Toyama Station leave early in the morning, and the last trains depart around 10 PM to midnight.

How to read a timetable

You can check the Shinkansen timetable between Toyama and Tokyo on the JR official website or on transportation information services such as Ekitan.

Toyama Station to Tokyo Station (excerpt, approximate route)

DepartureTrainArrival (Tokyo)Travel Time from Departure to Arrival
06:22"Kagayaki" No. 50008:29Approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes
07:22"Kagayaki" No. 50209:32Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes
08:29"Kagayaki" No. 50410:37Approximately 2 hours and 8 minutes
09:26"Kagayaki" No. 50611:36Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes
14:10"Kagayaki" No. 53216:20Approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes
16:17"Kagayaki" No. 51018:28Approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes
18:17"Kagayaki" No. 51420:23Approximately 2 hours and 6 minutes
21:23"Kagayaki" No. 51823:32Approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes

*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 Toyama-Tokyo route is particularly crowded during peak season (the period from the end of December to the beginning of January, Golden Week, and Obon) and on weekends. If you reserve your reserved seat (a seat that requires advance reservation) online in advance, you can travel comfortably without worrying about the crowds on the day of travel.

Summary: Shinkansen from Toyama to Tokyo

The Hokuriku Shinkansen is a convenient way to travel from Toyama to Tokyo. The fare is approximately 12,430 yen for an unreserved seat (seats that do not require advance reservation) on the "Hakutaka", 12,960 yen for a reserved seat (seats that require advance reservation) on the "Kagayaki" or "Hakutaka", and 19,420 yen for a Green Car seat on the "Kagayaki". The travel time from departure to arrival using the "Kagayaki" is approximately 2 hours and 6-10 minutes. Between Toyama and Tokyo, you can use the Hokuriku Shinkansen's "Kagayaki" and "Hakutaka". The fastest is the "Kagayaki", which takes approximately 2 hours and 6-10 minutes. The "Kagayaki" does not have unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation), so you must reserve a reserved seat (a seat that requires advance reservation) in advance. The "Hakutaka" does have unreserved seats (seats that do not require advance reservation). JR Pass users can use either train. Tickets can be purchased at station ticket offices (Midori-no-madoguchi), designated seat ticket machines, or online (SmartEX, EX Reservation, etc.). Choose the train that best suits your travel plans and enjoy a comfortable Shinkansen journey between Toyama and Tokyo.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), 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.