Introduction
As a high-speed rail enthusiast, the Hokuriku Shinkansen stands out to me as a uniquely luxurious and scenic journey, showcasing the beauty of Japan‘s landscape from the comfort of state-of-the-art transportation technology. On my trip from Tokyo to Osaka along this route, stunning mountain vistas, customized stopovers in charming cities, and unparalleled hospitality combined into an unforgettable rail adventure.
Scenic Landmarks Along the Route
The Hokuriku Shinkansen traverses incredibly varied scenery, from the soaring peaks of the Northern Japan Alps to poetic views of coastal towns framing the Sea of Japan‘s azure waters. Departing Tokyo Station, we swiftly enter mountainous terrain, passing numerous massive summits like the 2,932 meter high Mt. Hotaka. Further along, vistas open up to admire the full Tateyama mountain range, crowned by the 3,015 meter high Mt. Tateyama, with its awe-inspiring ridgeline.
Descending towards Naoetsu in Niigata prefecture, spectacular scenes of the perfectly cone-shaped Mt. Fuji greeted us at times. The railroad hugs sheer cliffs along this rocky coast, treated to ocean spray sea breezes. Blissful views of tranquil bays, sandy beaches, and rolling green hills ultimately gave way to urban cityscapes as we pulled into Kanazawa.
Enthusiast Perspectives on the Journey
For trainspotters, the Hokuriku Shinkansen journey offers rare views of Japan‘s geography only accessible along this coastal railroad alignment. Andre, a self-described "ultra rail fan" from Canada, enthused about unique highlights during his trip, from spotting the train depot on volcanic Mt. Asama to getting a glimpse of the spectacular Uozu waterfalls. He especially enjoyed photography opportunities like perfectly framing Mt. Fuji behind the train‘s avant-garde nose cone.
Yukari, a veteran train attendant with over 25 years of experience aboard the Hokuriku Shinkansen, smiles as she reminisces about meaningful memories with passengers over the years. She vividly recalls the excitement of the 2015 extension opening, amplified by a vibrant Seishun 18 ticket youth culture celebrating adventures along the new route. While demanding at times, she loves enhancing riders‘ journeys through heartfelt hospitality.
Key Facts and Development Timeline
The Hokuriku Shinkansen has transformed connectivity along Japan‘s central western corridor, fueled by remarkable engineering achievements. Constructing 82 kilometers of new rail alignment including the world‘s longest tunnel (Iiyama Tunnel at 13.87 km) and 1,207 meter long Omachi bridge, the ¥5.5 trillion project opened in 2015 with Nagano extension services to Kanazawa beginning 2017.
| Year | Extension | Track Length | Stations Added | Train models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1964 | Tokaido Shinkansen opens | 515 km | Tokyo ~ Shin-Osaka | 0 Series |
| 1997 | Nagano Shinkansen | 117 km | Takasaki to Nagano | E2 Series (8 car) |
| 2015 | Hokuriku Shinkansen | 228 km | Nagano to Kanazawa | E7 Series (12 car) |
| 2024 | Kanazawa/Osaka Extension | 40 km | Tsuruga to Osaka | E7 Series (12 car) |
By 2030, Phase 2 extensions will span 286 km from Kanazawa to Fukui and Tsuruga, with projected annual ridership rising from 10 million currently to over 16 million. With sustained popularity and growing route access, the Hokuriku Shinkansen promises even more opportunity for luxury travel adventures ahead.
Additional Rail Enthusiast Perspectives
From an enthusiast standpoint, every element of the Hokuriku Shinkansen inspires appreciation, from the harmonized sounds of precision rail switching to the gentle ascent along a perfectly banked curve. Subtle features that casual passengers overlook catch the keen eye…