For those who go to Japan and want to explore beyond the country beyond Tokyo or the city they’ve landed in, they’ll find the Shinkansen network valuable in their exploration (as well as wallet denting unless they’ve invested in a Japan Rail Pass).
Well, there’s more to explore with the Shinkasen network as the Hokuriku Shinkansen opened for service on 14th March.
The route which runs from Tokyo, is an extension of the Nagano Shinkansen route – operating between Nagano and Kanazawa.
Hokuriku Shinkansen Route – Image, Japan Rail Pass.
In terms of time, the fastest service will take 2 hours 30 minutes to traverse the line. This being Japan, there’s four different services to operate on the Hokuriku Shinkansen route:
- The Kagayaki operating between Tokyo and Kanazawa, limited stop.
- The Hakutaka operating between Tokyo and Kanazawa, mostly all-station service
- The Tsurugi operating between Toyama and Kanazawa, operating all stops
- The Asama operating between Tokyo and Asama operating all stops
The Kagayaki, Hakutaka, and Tsurugi will use the new E7/W7 Series Shinkansen Trains, whilst the Asama will use E2 Series Shinkasen trains.
E7 Series Shinkansen – Image, JR East.
E2 Series Shinkansen at Tokyo Station – Image, Economy Class and Beyond.
The E7/W7 Series trains will offer three class service (Gran Class, Green Car and Standard Class), whilst E2 Series trains will offer who class service (Green Class and Standard Class).
According to Japan Rail Pass site, you will be able to use the Hokuriku Shinkansen services with it (which can offer substantial savings after a few long Shinkansen trips).
JR Rail Pass Prices in Yen – Local prices will vary when brought in your home country – see http://www.japanrailpass.net/en/about_jrp.html.
Considering a Tokyo to Kanazawa in a Reserved Standard Class fare starts at 14,120 yen – it’s not hard to get the savings in quick.
Note that Gran Class isn’t available through the Japan Rail Pass. Also note that the slower services that the Hokuriku Shinkansen replaced are now no longer valid with the Japan Rail Pass.
For those who wish to explore Japan – even with the very polite security – this will allow you to a bit faster and see more of this wonderful country.
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