Japan Transfer Ticket: JR Hokuriku Osaka/Kyoto-Toyama/Fukui/Kanazawa | One-way Ticket Discount
Skip long lines and book a JR Limited Express Thunderbird one-way ticket on KKday. Enjoy traveling between Osaka-Kanazawa and Wakura Onsen without the hassle of a language barrier. Travel in luxury on a fast train and arrive at your destination with ease.
- Travel from Osaka or Kyoto to Hokuriku Kanazawa
- Use KKday to book transportation tickets online before traveling to save time queuing up at the station to buy tickets
- Pick up the tickets at at the designated ticket vending machine, eliminating the need for queuing time and effectively arranging the itinerary
Product Info
— Ticket Introduction —
★ Use this ticket to to get on and off at JR stations in Osaka and Kyoto
★ The timetable can be found on the JR West official website
- Adjustments to available areas/transportation starting on March 16, 2024:
- The product name will change from "THUNDERBIRD One-Way Ticket" to "Hokuriku One-Way Ticket."
- With the opening of the Hokuriku Shinkansen between Kanazawa and Tsuruga, the transfer station for the Limited Express THUNDERBIRD and Hokuriku Shinkansen will change from Kanazawa to Tsuruga.
- The Limited Express "THUNDERBIRD" only offers reserved seating starting from March 16, 2024. (Advance reservation required for seating)
— Exchange Method —
- Ticket vending machines (Self-service): Operate and collect tickets through the green ticket vending machines marked with "passport" icons at each station
- JR West Ticket Office (Manual): Present your e-voucher and passport to the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi, also known as the Green Window) to exchange for a physical ticket
*There is no check of the name on the voucher and passport if you choose to collect from the ticket vending machine; however, if you exchange at the manual counter, the personnel will validate the name on the voucher and passport
*Automatic ticket vending devices can only be used by travelers who have passports with an IC chip. If your passport lacks an IC chip or does not work at the ticket vending machine, please visit the ticket office for a manual exchange
*Ticket Exchange Station for JR Limited Express Thunderbird: Please refer to this page
Service section of JR Limited Express Train Thunderbird
Available seat types
Get on and off at any JR station in Kyoto City
Get on and off at any JR station in Osaka Prefecture
Only passports with IC chips are applicable to collect physical tickets at automatic ticket vending machines. The ticket vending machine supports five languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese
The ticket collecting process by automatic ticket vending machine
Purchase Notice
- Bookings for reserved seats can be made at the green ticket vending machines or JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi, in another name: Green Window) after exchanging physical tickets
- Please purchase a separate first class car ticket if you need to use the First Class Car (Green Car)
- Please note that if the reserved seat cannot be used due to reasons such as full occupancy, the price difference between the non-reserved seat and the reserved seat cannot be refunded
- If your voucher or physical ticket is lost or stolen, it cannot be reissued
- Please note that the train may be delayed or stopped due to weather conditions
- This ticket can only be used once for a one-way trip during the specified time period. Please do not get off halfway, otherwise the ticket will be void
Eligible Users
Ineligible Nationalities/Regions
- Japan
Notes
- This pass is only eligible for non-Japanese tourists with a tourist visa or short-term stay visa
- This pass is not available for middle to long-term foreign residents holding a Japanese student visa or work visa
Reminders
[Refund Policy] If you want to request a refund after you have redeemed your ticket, please head to the green counter at the station and pay a handling fee (10% of the purchase price) to process the refund
Please note that a single passenger cannot purchase or exchange multiple tickets for the same service section within the same period of use
How to Use
- Guests will receive a booking confirmation email after the booking and payment is completed
- Please present the received QR Code on the exchange e-voucher and non-Japanese passport to the JR ticket vending machines at designated station (green ticket vending machines) or JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi, in another name: Green Window) to exchange for a ticket or Reserved Seating
- Exchangeable stations are Kansai Airport, Kyoto Station, Shin-Osaka Station, Osaka Station, Toyama Station, Kanazawa Station, Fukui Station
- The ticket vending machine supports five languages: English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, and Japanese - Reserved seat tickets can be issued after exchanging physical tickets. Please refer to this page for how to operate the JR green ticket vending machines
- Inform the service staff of the train you want to take if you swap at the JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi)
*Please note that if the reserved seat cannot be used due to reasons such as full occupancy, the price difference between the non-reserved seat and the reserved seat cannot be refunded
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present your e-voucher and passport on-site
FAQ
The Japan Rail Pass generally covers most JR lines, including segments of the JR Hokuriku Line. Specifically, limited express trains like the Thunderbird, which operates on parts of the Hokuriku Line, are typically covered. However, it's crucial to confirm the specific pass type you hold, as some passes have regional restrictions. Always verify your pass details before travel to ensure full compatibility.
You can conveniently book JR Hokuriku Line one-way tickets for routes like Osaka to Kanazawa through KKday's online platform. This allows you to secure your tickets in advance, bypass potentially long queues at train stations, and manage your travel itinerary efficiently without a language barrier. After booking, you can typically pick up your physical tickets at designated JR ticket vending machines using the confirmation details provided.
While not always mandatory, making seat reservations for the Hokuriku Shinkansen is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, holidays, or for specific trains. Reserved seats ensure you have a guaranteed spot and can travel comfortably. Unreserved cars are available on some Shinkansen services, but they can fill up quickly, especially on popular routes.
The Hokuriku Arch Pass provides coverage for specific JR lines and trains, enabling travel between Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and the Hokuriku region (Kanazawa, Toyama, Fukui). It generally includes rides on the Hokuriku Shinkansen (between Tokyo and Kanazawa), JR Limited Express trains like the Thunderbird (between Osaka/Kyoto and Kanazawa), and other local JR lines within the designated area. It offers a convenient way to explore major cities and the Hokuriku area.
The JR Hokuriku Line Limited Express Thunderbird train primarily connects major cities in the Kansai region with the Hokuriku region. Key destinations served include Osaka and Kyoto, extending northwards to Kanazawa and Wakura Onsen. This route offers a comfortable and efficient way to travel between these popular areas, providing access to attractions in both western Japan and the Sea of Japan coast.
To pick up your pre-booked JR Hokuriku Line tickets, you will typically use designated JR ticket vending machines available at major stations like Osaka, Kyoto, or Kanazawa. You'll need the confirmation code or QR code provided during your online booking, along with the credit card used for purchase (if applicable) for verification. The machines are usually multilingual and offer clear instructions for ticket collection.
Traveling on the JR Limited Express Thunderbird from Osaka to Kanazawa offers a comfortable and scenic journey. The train provides spacious seating, often with large windows for enjoying the passing landscapes. You can expect a smooth and efficient ride, featuring amenities like restrooms and sometimes vending machines. It's designed for a relaxing intercity transfer, allowing you to arrive at your destination refreshed.
The typical travel time for the JR Hokuriku Line Limited Express Thunderbird between Osaka and Kanazawa is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours. This duration can vary slightly depending on the specific train schedule and any potential stops along the route. It's considered a fast and direct option for connecting these two major cities efficiently.
Get Help
