Traveling to Kanazawa, Japan
Located on the Sea of Japan coast in the Chubu region, Kanazawa is a city rich in culture and history. Here are some popular ways to reach this beautiful city:
By Air
While Kanazawa does not have its own airport, the nearest airport is Komatsu Airport (KMQ). International travelers can reach Komatsu via connecting flights through major cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
- From Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), you can take a flight to Komatsu Airport, which takes about 1 hour.
- At Komatsu Airport, you can take a Komatsu Airport Bus directly to Kanazawa Station. This bus journey takes about 40 minutes.
By Train
Kanazawa is well-connected by Japan's extensive train network. The city's main railway hub is Kanazawa Station.
- The Hokuriku Shinkansen line connects Tokyo to Kanazawa directly. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
- From Osaka or Kyoto, you can take the Thunderbird Express service, with the journey taking approximately 2-2.5 hours from Osaka and 2 hours from Kyoto.
- Japan Rail Pass holders can use these trains at no extra cost.
By Bus
Long-distance buses are an economical option and they provide services from various cities to Kanazawa.
- Buses run between Kanazawa and major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.
- The trip can vary from about 4 to 7 hours depending on your departure city and traffic conditions.
By Car
If you prefer to drive to Kanazaka, the city is accessible via expressways:
- From Tokyo, take the Kan-etsu Expressway to the Hokuriku Expressway.
- Coming from Nagoya, the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway is your best route.
- Remember that driving in Japan requires an international driving permit, and tolls can be expensive.
Once you've arrived in Kanazawa, you can explore the city's beautiful attractions such as Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and the historic Higashi Chaya district.
