The Hokuriku Shinkansen is a JR East and JR West Shinkansen that connects Tokyo to the Hokuriku region via the Joshinetsu region. In 1997, the line between Tokyo Station and Nagano Station was partially opened as the Nagano Shinkansen, and then in 2015, it was extended to Kanazawa Station. A further extension from Kanazawa Station to Tsuruga Station was then opened in March 2024, making it much easier and more convenient to access attractive destinations in Hokuriku, including the numerous hot springs in Ishikawa and Fukui prefectures and the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum. There are plans to eventually have the line connect to Shin-Osaka Station.

There are four types of Shinkansen in operation on this route: the “Kagayaki” and “Hakutaka” Shinkansen that run between Tokyo Station and Tsuruga Station, the “Tsurugi” Shinkansen that runs between Tsuruga Station and Toyama Station, and the “Asama” Shinkansen that runs between Tokyo Station and Nagano Station. The fastest of these, the Kagayaki Shinkansen, takes you between Tokyo Station and Tsuruga Station in just 3 hours and 8 minutes.

All of the Shinkansen being operated on these lines are E7 series and W7 series Shinkansen, and their design keyword is “harmony.” E7 series and W7 series Shinkansen convey their sophistication via a fusion of Japanese traditions and the latest technologies, and express their sense of spaciousness and openness via the comfort of Japanese-style spaces. The design of these Shinkansen and their interiors was supervised by world-renowned industrial designer Ken Okuyama, who is also known as the first non-Italian person to work on the design of Ferrari cars.

The premium GranClass carriages have an interior that incorporates deep lacquered colors, and the electric seats can, with just the push of a button, recline to a maximum of about 45 degrees. The Green Car carriages have an atmosphere of calm and elegance, with comfortable seats where the backrest and seat are connected and move similarly to a cradle. The interior of the Ordinary Car carriages is rich and colorful from the plaid seats, and, just like with the GranClass and Green Car carriages, every seat thoughtfully features a power outlet.

The following amenities are available:

• ・In-car information in English
• ・Free Wi-Fi
• ・USB charging ports on all seats
• ・Toilets with hot water washlets
• ・Washrooms
• ・Wheelchair accommodations
• ・In-car sales of snacks and drinks