The Hokuriku Shinkansen, set to launch in March 2024, will connect Tokyo directly to Japan's Hokuriku region, including Toyama, Niigata, Ishikawa, and Fukui prefectures. This new bullet train line is expected to boost tourism and make travel easier and faster.
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Connect Tokyo with Hokuriku Region in 2024
Japan is about to make traveling in its Hokuriku region much easier. In March 2024, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, a high-speed bullet train line, will start running. It will connect Tokyo with the Hokuriku region, including Toyama, Niigata, Ishikawa, and Fukui prefectures. This area is known for its beautiful scenery and rich history.
According to CNN, the Hokuriku Shinkansen started in 1997 as the Nagano Shinkansen for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. It was later extended and renamed in 2015 to reach more of the Hokuriku region. The new extension in 2024 will add another 125 kilometers (78 miles) of track, ending at Tsuruga Station in Fukui.
Travelers can get from Tokyo to Tsuruga in just over three hours, 51 minutes faster than the current train journey. This new line is a big deal for the region. It is expected to bring more visitors and help city people connect better for work and fun.
The Hokuriku region has a lot to offer. There are ancient temples, historic sites, and the biggest dinosaur museum in Japan. There are also beautiful hot spring villages in Ishikawa, like KAI Kaga, which is known for its traditional Japanese inns and local crafts.
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This region is also great for food lovers. Fukui, for example, is known for its delicious sushi and snow crabs. The new Hokuriku Shinkansen will make it easier for people worldwide, especially from Europe, North America, and Australia, to enjoy these experiences.
With the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Japan hopes to show off more than just Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The new line will let more people see and enjoy the beauty and culture of the Hokuriku region.
Time Table for Hokuriku Shinkansen
Hokuriku Shinkansen to Transform Travel with New Extension
Exciting news for travelers in Japan! The Hokuriku Shinkansen, a high-speed train line, is getting a big upgrade. On Mar. 16, 2024, a new 124-kilometer stretch will open, connecting Kanazawa to Tsuruga via Fukui. This addition means people can reach their destinations faster and more comfortably.
The International Railway Journal shared that the impact of this new stretch is noteworthy. Travelers can expect a dramatic decrease in journey durations: the trip from Tokyo to Fukui will now be 36 minutes shorter, taking only 2 hours and 51 minutes. Similarly, the Tokyo to Tsuruga route will be reduced by 50 minutes, with a new travel time of 3 hours and 8 minutes. This significant time saving opens up new business and leisure travel possibilities.
Operated by modern 12-car E7/W7 series trains, the Hokuriku Shinkansen is set to run 14 round trips daily between Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Tsuruga. Additionally, frequent regional Shinkansen services will connect Tsuruga, Kanazawa, and Toyama, ensuring ample options for local travelers.
Beyond the high-speed network, comprehensive conventional train services will also be available. From Tsuruga, there will be 25 daily services to Osaka and eight to Nagoya. Moreover, for those seeking a scenic journey, there will be five daily round trips from Kanazawa to Wakura Onsen, a renowned hot spring destination.
This expansion is a collaborative effort by JR East and JR West, the companies responsible for operating the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Their joint endeavor aims to enhance the travel experience for commuters and tourists alike. The introduction of faster travel times and increased connectivity is set to revolutionize transportation within Japan, making it more accessible and convenient.
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