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    JR Pass to Kanazawa: routes, time and tips

    Kanazawa is one of the best preserved cultural cities in Japan and is fully covered by the JR Pass on both the Hokuriku shinkansen and the Thunderbird express.

    01

    How to reach Kanazawa

    • Tokyo to Kanazawa on the Hokuriku shinkansen Kagayaki or Hakutaka in 2.5 to 3 hours.
    • Kyoto and Osaka to Kanazawa via Tsuruga and the Hokuriku shinkansen in around 2 to 2.5 hours.
    • All these routes are included with the JR Pass.
    02

    Top things to do

    • Kenrokuen garden, one of the three great gardens of Japan.
    • Higashi Chaya geisha district.
    • Kanazawa Castle and the samurai Nagamachi area.
    • 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
    03

    Tips with a JR Pass

    • Reserve shinkansen seats early in autumn and cherry blossom season.
    • From Kanazawa you can continue to Toyama and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
    • The Hokutetsu local bus loop around the city is not covered, pay with cash or an IC card.

    Frequently asked questions

    Quick answers to common questions.

    Is Kanazawa worth a JR Pass trip?

    Yes. A round trip from Tokyo alone is around 30,000 yen, more than half of a 7 day JR Pass.

    Can I do Kanazawa as a day trip?

    It is possible from Tokyo but tight. Most travellers spend one or two nights to enjoy the gardens and old districts.

    Is the Hokuriku shinkansen covered?

    Yes, the Kagayaki and Hakutaka are both included with the JR Pass.

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