The coastal route between Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo travelling along the Sea of Japan, known as the Hokuriku Arch, opens up opportunities for seeing some of the most stunning sights and breath-taking views that Japan has to offer. Along the way, take the chance to visit some of the quieter cityscapes and historical sites in cities like Kanazawa, Fukui and Toyama.
The route necessitates a train transfer in the small city of Tsuruga, which can be daunting for even the most experienced travellers in Japan. For those trying to wrap their heads how to get from Kyoto to Kanazawa, look no further! We’ve got everything you need to take the next step on your journey.
Limited Express Thunderbird Map
Running between Tsuruga and Osaka and Kyoto is the Limited Express Thunderbird. Run by Japan Rail (JR West), the journey takes around 85 minutes from Osaka, or 60 minutes from Kyoto. The following stations are on the Thunderbird line:
Osaka / Shin-Osaka / Takatsuki / Kyoto / Katata / Omi-Imazu / Tsuruga
*Please note, stations marked in bold / red on the map are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain trains throughout the day.
Limited Express Thunderbird Timetable
Trains between Osaka Station and Tsuruga take around 85 minutes and cost JPY 4500. It is important to note that all seats on these trains are reserved. You can choose which seats you’d like when you buy your tickets on the machines at train stations.
For travellers who have a full Japan Rail (JR) Pass or the Japan Rail (JR) Hokuriku Arch Pass, tickets on the Limited Express Thunderbird are covered, so you don’t have to pay anything extra.
What is the Green Car?
Like the Shinkansen, the Limited Express Thunderbird also has a Green Car. The area functions as a First Class area, with larger and more comfortable chairs, more legroom and assorted features including a reading lamp and a footrest. Upgrading to the Green Car costs JPY 2000 from Osaka to Tsuruga. These carriages are typically quiet and can be compared to business class on an airline.
Ticketing and Travel Passes
Tickets can be purchased at any major station using the Shinkansen or Limited Express ticket machines or the Japan Rail office (all of which will be clearly marked). Most stations have English-speaking staff on-hand to help, but the machines can easily be switched to English by using the “Languages” button on the top right of the screen. Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days before your intended date of travel.
Japan Rail (JR) Pass
Many who come to Japan and plan on travelling extensively choose to buy the JR Pass. Those who opt for the full pass or the Hokuriku Arch pass can travel as much as they like on the lines between Tokyo and Osaka via Kanazawa, including the Limited Express Thunderbird between Osaka and Kanazawa. The Hokuriku Arch pass is notably cheaper than the full JR Pass and so is a great option for people looking to get a taste of the many sights along the road less travelled. If you'd like more information, please read our guide on the JR Pass.
Transferring in Tsuruga
It’s easy to imagine that all train stations in Japan are a jungle, only navigable by seasoned experts but Tsuruga couldn’t be easier. Two escalator rides and a short walk (around 150 metres) and you’ll be at the platform. Please note that you will be required to go through a ticket barrier, and the line may be busy as many others are also making the transfer.
If you are travelling from Kyoto or Osaka, you will come out onto the ground floor when you arrive. Head up the escalator and go through the ticket transfer gate, pictured below.
From there, a display board will give you the latest information on the shinkansen to Kanazawa Station, Toyama Station and Nagoya Station.
The shortest time between trains is 8 minutes. However, it is also possible to book your train to allow for 13-minute and 15-minute transfers. This can be done when you book your tickets using the machines at the station.
For those travelling from Kanazawa to Kyoto or Osaka, go down the escalators from the third floor, through the ticket gates and down a second elevator to the first floor, where the JR Thunderbird platform is located.
Recommended Destinations Using the Thunderbird/ Hokuriku Shinkansen
The most popular destination for people using the Thunderbird to Tsuruga is Kanazawa, easily accessible by transferring to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Other popular destinations along the route, which ends in Tokyo, include Fukui, Toyama, Nagano and Karuizawa.
Fukui Prefecture, where you will transfer from Tsuruga, is home to some of Japan's most hidden gems. Taking either the shinkansen or a local train will bring you to Fukui City. Once one of the most strategically important cities in samurai-era Japan, it's just a 30-minute bus ride from Eiheiji, a stunning complex that serves as one of the head temples for Zen Buddhism. There, you can walk through the tranquil mountain nature and see a temple where monks have trained for 800 years. For those looking to get the absolute most out of their time in this great city, don't miss our "20 Things to Do in Fukui and Where to Stay" handy guide!
Often called the jewel of Japan, Kanazawa is one of the most underrated cities in the country. A city steeped in history, but preserving those traditions as it moves towards modernity, Kanazawa has nature strolls, street food, ancient shrines and world-class museums - many of which are within walking distance of each other. To get more information, check out our guide "30 Things to Do Around Kanazawa and Where to Stay." You can see all of Kanazawa's main sights on our highly-rated walking tour of the city.
The last main stop on the Hokuriku coast is Toyama. Home to Takaoka, "the Japan World Heritage Site City," the area has preserved its rich history. Today, we can journey through 400-year-old temples, admire the most handsome buddha in Japan, and try our hands at the same metalwork done by traditional craftsmen for generations, all while taking in the beautiful backdrop of the northern Japan Alps and Toyama Bay.
Toyama also houses a world-famous glass museum, the wood carving village of Inami, beautiful views of the snow-capped Japanese mountains and more. If you’re planning a trip to Toyama, be sure to check out our ‘25 Things to Do Around Toyama & Where to Stay’ guide, or risk missing something amazing!
Plan Your Visit to Japan
While it may be easier to just take the direct train from Osaka to Tokyo, taking just a step off the beaten path will reveal so many parts of Japan that most people will never see. Like the rest of Japan’s rail network, the Limited Express Thunderbird is easy to use and comfortable. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan - from tips on the best time to travel, entering and exiting the country, finding the best accommodation and more - to make the most of your time here.
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