Kaga Onsen-kyo is located in Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture, and is one of the best hot spring resorts in the Hokuriku region with a 1300-year history.
In addition to the four famous hot springs of Yamashiro, Yamanaka, Katayamazu, and Awazu, you can enjoy traditional culture such as Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquer ware, and above all, the beautiful nature that changes from season to season!
With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line in March 2024, you can now access the area from Tokyo in about 3 hours.
This article is a perfect guide on how to get to Kaga Onsenkyo, focusing on the easiest and most reliable Shinkansen route to make your trip the best it can be.
Accessibility Comparison: Choose the Best Travel Style!
Means of Transportation | Travel Time | Estimated Fare | Features/Remarks |
Hokuriku Shinkansen | Approx. 2 hours 45 min. to 3 hours 30 min. | From 15,130 yen | The most comfortable and reliable way! Fewer transfers and easy to get around. You can also enjoy views of Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps from the train window. |
Airplane + Bus | Approx. 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours | 20,000 - 40,000 yen | Airline tickets are sometimes cheaper with early booking. Take a bus from Komatsu Airport. |
Night bus | About 8 to 9 hours | 5,000-12,000 yen | The cheapest route. However, it takes longer and fatigue is greater due to late-night travel. |
Recommendation: Hokuriku Shinkansen, which is by far the most comfortable!
Easier for foreign tourists to carry their luggage!
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is the best choice for foreign tourists, with JR PASS available, and you can enjoy a relaxing trip while taking in the beautiful scenery of Japan.
You can also get an "ekiben" at Tokyo Station to enjoy your trip. （Ekiben" are boxed lunches available at stations. (An "ekiben" is a lunch box available at each station, offering a variety of delicious local delicacies.)
By the way, I always eat shiomai bento (shiomai is a specialty of Yokohama). (It is a specialty of Yokohama).
Detailed directions on how to get there by Hokuriku Shinkansen: Easy access in 3 steps
Step 1: Tokyo Station → Kaga Onsen Station
Train: Hokuriku Shinkansen "KAGAYAKI" or "HAKUTAKA
Travel time: about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes
Approximate fare: 15,130 yen (standard reserved seat, regular season)
Boarding station: Tokyo Station (platforms 20-23)
Get off at Kaga Onsen Station
Point： You can go directly to Kagaonsen Station without changing trains. No need to change trains at Kanazawa Station!
How to purchase tickets:
JR ticket office (Midori-no-Madoguchi): Tickets can be purchased on the day of purchase.
JR-East Train Reservation: Easily purchase tickets online with a credit card and they seem to be cheaper than ticket machines. [JR-East Train Reservation](https://www.eki-net.com/en/jreast-train-reservation/Top/Index)
For more information on how to purchase Shinkansen tickets, please refer to this article.
[link id=shinkansen-tickets-purchase]
Step 2: Kaga Onsen Station → To each spa resort
Means of transportation: CANBUS (Kaga excursion bus) or cab
Travel time: 10-30 minutes by bus, 10-20 minutes by cab
Fare:
CANBUS: 500 yen per ride
Cab: 2,000-3,500 yen
About CANBUS (Kaga Circuit Bus):
This convenient bus connects the four hot spring resorts and major tourist attractions in Kaga Onsenkyo.
Practical information to make your trip perfect
Ticket purchase, payment, and discount information
Item | Details |
Total fare | Approx. 16,000-18,000 yen (Tokyo→Kaga Onsen Station, round trip) |
Payment Method | Cash, credit card, transportation system IC card (Suica) |
Discounts and Special Offers | JR PASS: Unlimited Ride Pass for foreign tourists only. |
Advance Reservations and Crowding Information
Reservationsrequired:Reservations are essential during peak periods such as weekends, holidays, GW, Obon, and year-end and New Year holidays.
Early reservations are recommended to ensure a seat.
Reservations begin at 10:00 a.m. one month prior to the boarding date.
Where and how can I get a "Suica" transportation IC card?
[link id=japan-train].
How to use JR PASS
[link id=japan-rail-pass]
Summary: Final checklist for your trip
A trip to Kaga Onsen-kyo is a special experience that allows you to experience the beauty and warmth of Japan firsthand. To make your trip the best it can be, please review the following checklist before departure.
Pre-departure Checklist
[ ] Have you purchased and reserved your Shinkansen tickets?
[ ] Have you checked the operation status?
[ ] Are you prepared with cash, IC card, and credit card?
Travel Tips
Recommended Time of Day: Ideally, leave Tokyo in the morning for your trip and arrive in Kaga in the late afternoon.
Luggage: There are coin lockers at Kaga Onsen Station, and the tourist information center will also store your luggage. Pack light and enjoy your sightseeing.
Japanese tradition, culture, and the warmth of the hot springs await you. Enjoy the beauty of Japan to your heart's content in Kaga Onsen-kyo!
Reference links
[Kaga City Tourism Official Website](https://www.tabimati.net/)
[CANBUS timetable and operation information](http://www.kaga-canbus.jp/)
Fares and times are subject to change. Please be sure to check the official website for the latest information before departure.
