You can reach Kaga Onsen from Tokyo in about 3 hours by Shinkansen (bullet train). Since March 2024, you can go directly to Kaga Onsen Station without changing trains.
Kaga Onsen is one of Japan's best hot spring areas with 1,300 years of history. There are four famous hot spring towns: Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, Katayamazu Onsen, and Awazu Onsen. You can also enjoy traditional crafts like Kutani pottery and Yamanaka lacquerware, plus beautiful nature in every season.
Not many foreign tourists know about this place, but we highly recommend it for your Japan trip.
This article explains how to get to Kaga Onsen and Yamanaka Onsen from Tokyo—perfect for first-time visitors to Japan.
What you will learn in this article
Shinkansen route from Tokyo to Kaga Onsen Station
Bus timetable from Kaga Onsen Station to Yamanaka Onsen
Difference between Hokutetsu Kaga Bus and CANBUS
How to use the Japan Rail Pass
3 Ways to Get to Kaga Onsen from Tokyo
There are three ways to travel from Tokyo to Kaga Onsen: Shinkansen, airplane, or night bus.
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
The Shinkansen is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Kaga Onsen. You can go directly from Tokyo—no transfer needed. You can also use the Japan Rail Pass.
Travel time: 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes
Fare: From 15,130 yen
Airplane
You can fly from Haneda Airport to Komatsu Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture. From Komatsu Airport, take a bus and train to Kaga Onsen Station (about 50 minutes).
Travel time: about 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours
Fare: 20,000 - 40,000 yen
📍 Komatsu Airport (Google Maps)
Night Bus
The cheapest option is the night bus. It leaves Tokyo Station at around 10 PM and arrives at Kaga Onsen Station at 7 AM. However, traveling at night can be tiring.
Travel time: about 8 to 9 hours
Fare: 5,000 - 12,000 yen
We Recommend the Shinkansen for Foreign Tourists
The Shinkansen is the best choice for foreign tourists. It's easy to travel with luggage, and you won't get lost. You can use the Japan Rail Pass and enjoy beautiful views of Japan during the ride.
And when you ride the Shinkansen, don't forget to try an "ekiben" (station bento). Ekiben are lunch boxes sold at train stations. Each region has its own special ekiben, and eating one on the train is a classic Japanese travel experience.
My personal favorite is the "Shumai Bento" from Kiyoken—a famous Yokohama specialty!
How to Get to Kaga Onsen Station by Shinkansen
Here's our recommended route using the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Shinkansen Route: Tokyo Station to Kaga Onsen Station
Train: Hokuriku Shinkansen "Kagayaki" or "Hakutaka"
Travel time: About 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes
Cost: ¥15,130 (reserved seat, regular season)
Departure: Tokyo Station (Platforms 20–23)
Arrival: Kaga Onsen Station
Since March 2024, you don't need to change trains at Kanazawa Station anymore. You can go directly from Tokyo to Kaga Onsen Station!
How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets
Ticket machines or JR ticket office (Midori-no-Madoguchi): You can buy tickets on the day of travel.
JR-East Train Reservation (online): You can buy tickets online with a credit card. Sometimes it's cheaper than buying at the station. Visit JR-East Train Reservation for details.
For a step-by-step guide on buying tickets at the machine, see the article below.
How to Get to Yamanaka Onsen from Kaga Onsen Station by Bus
After arriving at Kaga Onsen Station, take a bus or taxi to the hot spring towns.
There are two bus options to Yamanaka Onsen: Hokutetsu Kaga Bus (local bus) and CANBUS (sightseeing loop bus).
Hokutetsu Kaga Bus (Local Bus) to Yamanaka Onsen
This is the local bus that residents also use. It runs about twice per hour, so it's very convenient.
Travel time: About 30–33 minutes
Fare: ¥430
Bus stop: Exit Kaga Onsen Station from the main entrance, turn left, and go to Bus Stop #2
Get off at: Yamanaka Onsen Bus Terminal
📍 Kaga Onsen Station Bus Stop (Google Maps)
📍 Yamanaka Onsen Bus Terminal(Google Maps)
Some buses continue to Kiku-no-yu-mae or Korogi Bridge.
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How to Pay on Hokutetsu Kaga Bus
Cash: Take a numbered ticket when you get on. Pay the fare when you get off.
Contactless credit card: Visa and Mastercard accepted. Tap the card reader when you get on AND when you get off.
IC cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.): NOT accepted
I once tried to use my Suica card and panicked when it didn't work! Remember: local buses in Japan usually need cash.
CANBUS (Sightseeing Loop Bus) to Yamanaka Onsen
CANBUS is a sightseeing bus that goes around tourist spots in Kaga Onsen. It's good if you want to see places along the way. But it only runs 5–6 times per day, so check the timetable carefully.
Travel time: About 35–40 minutes (Mountain Route)
Fare: ¥500 per ride
Bus stop: In front of Kaga Onsen Station / Abio City Kaga
Get off at: Yamanaka Onsen Kikunoyu / Yamanakaza
Please take the "Mountain Route" to Yamanaka Onsen.
Take the "Mountain Route" to go to Yamanaka Onsen.
CANBUS goes in one direction only (loop bus). Make sure to check the return schedule too.
Taxi to Yamanaka Onsen
Travel time: About 20 minutes
Fare: About ¥3,000–¥5,000
The taxi stand is right outside the main exit of Kaga Onsen Station. A taxi is a good choice for groups, if you have a lot of luggage, or if you arrive late at night.
Japan Rail Pass: A Great Deal for Kaga Onsen
If you're a foreign tourist, we recommend the Japan Rail Pass. You can use it on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. It's a great way to save money when traveling around Japan.
Luggage Storage at Kaga Onsen Station
Kaga Onsen Station has coin lockers. The tourist information center can also keep your luggage. Some hotels offer delivery service too. Travel light and enjoy walking around the hot spring town!
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