How to Get to Kaga Yamanaka Onsen from Tokyo | 3 Hours by Train
By Dynamic Japan Travel Editorial Team—Supervised by P-HAM Co., Ltd. (Licensed Travel Agency, Aichi No. 3-1590)
Contents
From Tokyo, Kaga Onsen and Yamanaka Onsen are about a 3-hour ride away on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Thanks to the line's extension in March 2024, you can now travel directly to Kaga-Onsen Station without transferring.
Kaga Onsen is one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations, with a 1,300-year history. In addition to its four famous hot springs—Yamashiro Onsen, Yamanaka Onsen, Katayamazu Onsen, and Awazu Onsen—visitors can enjoy traditional crafts such as Kutani ware and Yamanaka lacquerware, along with beautiful scenery through all four seasons.
It may not be widely known, but this is a destination we'd highly recommend to anyone traveling in Japan.
This article offers a detailed guide for first-time visitors to Japan on how to get from Tokyo to Kaga Onsen and Yamanaka Onsen.
What you'll learn in this article
The Shinkansen route from Tokyo Station to Kaga-Onsen Station
Bus timetables from Kaga-Onsen Station to Yamanaka Onsen
The difference between Hokutetsu Kaga Bus and the CANBUS, and when to use each
Whether the Japan Rail Pass is valid
Three ways to get from Tokyo to Kaga Onsen
There are three ways to reach Kaga Onsen from Tokyo: the Hokuriku Shinkansen, by air, or by overnight bus.
Hokuriku Shinkansen
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is the most comfortable and fastest option, taking you directly from Tokyo to Kaga-Onsen Station with no transfers required. It's also covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Travel time: approx. 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes
Fare: from ¥15,130
By air
Another option is to fly from Haneda Airport to Komatsu Airport in Ishikawa Prefecture, then continue on to Kaga Onsen by bus. The trip from Komatsu Airport to Kaga Onsen takes about 50 minutes by bus and train.
Duration: Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes – 4 hours
Cost: ¥20,000–¥40,000
Overnight Bus
If you're looking for the cheapest way to travel, an overnight bus is a good option. A common route departs Tokyo Station at 10:00 PM and arrives at Kaga-Onsen Station at 7:00 AM. The downside is that overnight travel can leave you quite tired.
Duration: Approx. 8–9 hours
Cost: ¥5,000–¥12,000
For international visitors, the Hokuriku Shinkansen is by far the best option!
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is the best choice — it's easy to travel with luggage and there's little risk of getting lost. You can also use the JR Pass, and enjoy a relaxing journey while taking in Japan's beautiful scenery.
And no Shinkansen trip is complete without ekiben (station bento). Ekiben are boxed meals sold at stations for eating on the train, featuring regional specialties from across Japan — a classic part of any Japanese train journey. Picking one up at Tokyo Station and enjoying it on board is one of the great pleasures of traveling by Shinkansen.
Personally, I'm always a fan of "Kiyoken's Shumai Bento" (a Yokohama specialty).
(Ekiben: Shumai Bento)
How to Get from Tokyo to Kaga-Onsen Station via the Hokuriku Shinkansen
Here we introduce our top recommended way to reach Kaga Onsen: the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Shinkansen Route from Tokyo Station to Kaga-Onsen Station
Line: Hokuriku Shinkansen "Kagayaki" or "Hakutaka"
Travel time: About 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes
Fare: ¥15,130 (reserved seat, standard car, regular season)
Departure station: Tokyo Station (Platforms 20–23)
Arrival station: Kaga-Onsen Station
With the March 2024 extension, transferring at Kanazawa Station is no longer necessary. You can now travel directly from Tokyo Station to Kaga-Onsen Station with no transfers!
(Hokuriku Shinkansen)
How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets
Station ticket machines / JR ticket office (Midori-no-Madoguchi): Same-day purchase available.
JR-East Train Reservation: Easy to purchase online with card payment, and sometimes cheaper than buying at a ticket machine. For details, see JR-East Train Reservation.
See the article below for how to buy Shinkansen tickets at a ticket machine.
(Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Kaga Onsen)
How to Get from Kaga-Onsen Station to Yamanaka Onsen by Bus
Once you arrive at Kaga-Onsen Station, take a bus or taxi to your respective onsen destination.
You can reach Yamanaka Onsen by two types of bus: the Hokutetsu Kaga Bus (local route bus) and the CANBUS (sightseeing loop bus).
Getting to Yamanaka Onsen by Hokutetsu Kaga Bus (local route bus)
This local route bus is also used by residents. With about two departures per hour, it's a convenient and recommended way to get around.
Travel time: About 30–33 minutes
Fare: ¥430
Boarding point: Exit Kaga-Onsen Station from the main exit and turn left to Bus Stop No. 2
Drop-off stop: Yamanaka Onsen Bus Terminal
Note that some buses continue on to Kikunoyu-mae or Kōrogi Bridge.
Payment methods for the Hokutetsu Kaga Bus
Cash: Take a numbered ticket when boarding and pay the fare into the box when you get off
Contactless card payment: Visa and Mastercard are accepted. You need to tap the card reader both when boarding and when getting off.
IC transit cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.): Not accepted
I once panicked trying to board with my Suica card... It's reassuring to remember that cash is the standard on rural buses.
Getting to Yamanaka Onsen by CANBUS (Kaga sightseeing loop bus)
This is a loop bus that tours the sightseeing spots of the Kaga Onsen area. Recommended for travelers who want to sightsee while getting around. The drawbacks are that there's no single-ride ticket and departures are limited (about 5–6 per day). Be sure to check the timetable carefully and plan your trip accordingly.
Travel time: About 35–40 minutes (Mountain Route)
Fare: 500 yen per ride
Boarding point: Kaga Onsen Station / Abio City Kaga
Alighting stop: Yamanaka Onsen Kikunoyu / Yamanaka-za
To reach Yamanaka Onsen, take the "Mountain Route" bus.
Also, since this is a one-directional loop bus, be sure to check the return route and timing as well. For the latest timetable, please check the official CANBUS website.
Getting to Yamanaka Onsen by Taxi
Travel time: About 20 minutes
Estimated fare: About 3,000–3,500 yen
The taxi stand is just outside the main exit of Kaga Onsen Station. A taxi is a reassuring option for group travel, when you have a lot of luggage, or if you're arriving late at night.
The JR Pass Is a Great Deal for Traveling to Kaga Onsen
For international visitors, we recommend using the JR Pass (Japan Rail Pass). It covers the Hokuriku Shinkansen as well, making it a great-value pass worth getting in advance if you're traveling around Japan.
Luggage Storage and Coin Lockers at Kaga Onsen Station
Kaga Onsen Station has coin lockers available. The tourist information center can also hold your luggage for you. Some hotels even offer a delivery service. Travel light and enjoy exploring the hot spring town.
