Limited Express Thunderbird (Osaka–Kyoto–Tsuruga)

Last Updated:September 17, 2024

For many visitors, the Limited Express Thunderbird will be their mode of transport to and from Osaka, Kyoto and Central Japan via Kanazawa using the Hokuriku Shinkansen transfer at Tsuruga. On this page you will find the following information:

— Limited Express Thunderbird Line Map & Services

— Limited Express Thunderbird Timetable

— Play Your Visit to Japan

— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator

Running to and from Tsuruga Station, the Limited Express Thunderbird connects with the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tsuruga to Tokyo with stops in multiple cities including Kanazawa. In doing so, it completes a northern route from Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo that opens-up some of the best destinations in Central Japan – see below for details.

LIMITED EXPRESS THUNDERBIRD LINE MAP & SERVICES

Operated by Japan Rail (JR) West, the Thunderbird operates numerous time per day with increased services on weekends. While this isn’t a shinkansen service, it is a fast, convenient and comfortable way to access one of Central Japan’s major cities and transport hubs – Kanazawa, through a transfer at Tsuruga to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The Thunderbird service includes the following stops:

Osaka / Shin-Osaka / Takatsuki / Kyoto / Katata / Omi-Imazu / Tsuruga

*Please note, stations marked in bold / red on the map are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day.

LIMITED EXPRESS THUNDERBIRD TIMETABLE

From Osaka Station to Tsuruga takes approximately 85 minutes and costs JPY4900. All seats on this train are reserved. For daily schedules, see our ‘Limited Express Thunderbird Timetable’ page. The Thunderbird is covered by the full Japan Rail (JR) Pass and Japan Rail (JR) Hokuriku Arch Pass.

RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS USING THE THUNDERBIRD

Running from Osaka to Tsuruga, via Kyoto the Thunderbird transports visitors to Central Japan by allowing easy transfers to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The most popular destination for travelers using the Thunderbird is Kanazawa after one of those transfers. Other cities along the Hokuriku Shinkansen which runs to Tokyo from Tsuruga are Fukui, Toyama, Nagano, Karuizawa and other more local stations.

Kanazawa is firmly established as a popular stop on the route to and from Central Japan. Our ’25 Things to Do Around Kanazawa & Where to Stay’ page provides suggestions of some of the region’s many highlights. From Kanazawa, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and its fabled Snow Walls can be accessed via nearby Toyama Station. For further details, see our ’25 Things to Do Around Toyama & Where to Stay’ page.

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Heading to the south of Kanazawa, the World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama are also readily accessbile. Our ’15 Things to Do in Shirakawa-go & Where to Stay’ page outlines what’s on offer when you get there.

Visitors to Shirakawa-go should make sure to continue onto Takayama and its historic old town before heading high into the North Japan Alps and the stunning alpine valley of Kamikochi.

See our ’25 Things to Do Around Takayama & Where to Stay’ page and our ’15 Things to Do in Kamikochi & Where to Stay’ page for suggestions of just what’s on offer.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN

The Limited Express Thunderbird is just one part of Japan’s fantastic rail network. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train is easy and comfortable opening-up all regions of Japan for exploration. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.

BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR

Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a No.1 tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including accommodation, transport and tours throughout the region. We have the local knowledge of where and when to go, to help you discover and enjoy the best regional destinations in comfort. For guests wanting to access the resorts in the comfort of their own transport, we can arrange a private tour or charter customised to fit your needs, starting and ending at any destination in the region.

Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations, in combination with any activity that suits your interests and schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.

We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of that experience and help you discover even more!

Why choose us?

Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.