JR West Thunderbird: Hokuriku One-Way Ticket
Experience seamless travel with the JR WEST THUNDERBIRD Hokuriku One-Way Ticket, connecting Osaka to stunning destinations in Japan.
- Convenient e-ticket for easy travel planning
- Frequent departures from Osaka to various destinations
- Modern and spacious interior for ultimate comfort
Choose Your Package
Select the option that's right for you
【E-Ticket】Hokuriku One-Way Ticket Fukui→Kyoto
Open dated ticket
No date required — visit anytime
Passengers
£22.50 each
£11.35 each
What's included
- One-way train travel from Fukui to Kyoto
- E-ticket with QR code
- Option to reserve a seat once the ticket is redeemed
About this ticket
This covers a single southbound trip from Fukui to Kyoto for one traveller, sold as an e-ticket with a QR code rather than a dated seat. You swap the QR code for a magnetic paper ticket at a JR West green ticket-vending machine or green window counter, and a reserved seat ticket can be issued once that exchange is done. The paper ticket then takes you through the automated gates at Fukui and again on arrival in Kyoto.
What's not included
- Return travel
- Travel outside the Fukui–Kyoto route on the ticket
Practical info
Open-dated: no train is fixed at booking, and the reservation date is valid for a 90-day extension. The ticket is valid for one journey only and cannot be used again once you have left the station through the gates; the route and validity period cannot be changed. Adult tickets cover ages 13–99 and child tickets ages 4–12.
How to redeem
Your PDF voucher with QR code is issued automatically within about five minutes of payment and sent to the email address given at booking. Take it with your non-Japanese passport to a green ticket-vending machine or green window counter at Kansai Airport, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Toyama, Kanazawa or Fukui; machine menus run in Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese or Korean. At the counter, tell staff the departure time you want.
Important notes
- Enter the passenger name exactly as in the passport, in Latin letters or Pinyin, using the space bar for spaces; Chinese characters are not accepted or the ticket may not issue automatically
- A non-Japanese passport is required at redemption; if you redeem at the counter, the passport name and the name on the booking must match
- If the machine is out of order or your passport has no IC chip, redeem at a JR-WEST Ticket Office
- Non-refundable once booked, and not reissued if lost or stolen
- If a reserved seat cannot be given because the train is full, the difference between reserved and non-reserved fares is not refunded
- If the automated gate rejects the magnetic ticket, use the manned gate
One-way Fukui to Kyoto journey, open-dated so you fix the train when you exchange the QR code.
Open dated ticket
No date required — visit anytime
Passengers
£22.50 each
£11.35 each
【E-Ticket】Hokuriku One-Way Ticket Kyoto→Fukui
One-way Kyoto to Fukui journey for the outbound leg into Hokuriku, with the train chosen at redemption.
One-way train travel from Kyoto to Fukui · E-ticket with QR code · Option to reserve a seat once the ticket is redeemed
Non-refundable
From
£22.50
per person
What's included
- One-way train travel from Kyoto to Fukui
- E-ticket with QR code
- Option to reserve a seat once the ticket is redeemed
About this ticket
This is the northbound counterpart to the Fukui–Kyoto ticket: a single trip from Kyoto up to Fukui for one traveller. You collect a magnetic paper ticket at a green ticket-vending machine or green window counter using the QR code and your passport, then have a reserved seat issued before you board. Both the boarding gate at Kyoto and the exit gate at Fukui are worked with that paper ticket.
What's not included
- Return travel
- Travel outside the Kyoto–Fukui route on the ticket
Practical info
The booking is open-dated, with the reservation date valid for a 90-day extension, so you decide your departure when you redeem. It is a single-use ticket within its valid area and cannot be reused after you exit the gates; the route and validity cannot be altered. Adults are 13–99, children 4–12.
How to redeem
The QR code arrives as a PDF voucher by email, issued automatically within roughly five minutes of payment. Present it with your non-Japanese passport at a green ticket-vending machine or green window counter at Kansai Airport, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Toyama, Kanazawa or Fukui to receive the physical ticket, and tell counter staff which departure you want.
Important notes
- The passenger name must be entered in English or Pinyin as printed in the passport, with spaces typed using the space bar and no Chinese characters
- Redemption requires a non-Japanese passport; at the counter the passport name must match the booking name
- Use a JR-WEST Ticket Office if the machine fails or your passport has no IC chip
- Non-refundable once booked, and no replacement if the ticket is lost or stolen
- No refund of the reserved/non-reserved fare difference if a reserved seat is unavailable
- Use the manned gate if the magnetic ticket will not read at the automated gate
One-way Kyoto to Fukui journey for the outbound leg into Hokuriku, with the train chosen at redemption.
【E-Ticket】Hokuriku One-Way Ticket Fukui →Osaka
One-way Fukui to Osaka journey for travellers heading back to Osaka rather than stopping in Kyoto.
One-way train travel from Fukui to Osaka · E-ticket with QR code · Option to reserve a seat when redeeming
Non-refundable
From
£27.00
per person
What's included
- One-way train travel from Fukui to Osaka
- E-ticket with QR code
- Option to reserve a seat when redeeming
About this ticket
This ticket carries one traveller from Fukui through to Osaka on a single southbound journey, so you are not paying separately for the last stretch beyond Kyoto. The QR code on your voucher is exchanged for a magnetic paper ticket at a green ticket-vending machine or green window counter, with a seat reservation issued at the same time. That paper ticket works the automated gates at both ends of the trip.
What's not included
- Return travel
- Travel outside the Fukui–Osaka route on the ticket
Practical info
Open-dated booking: the departure is chosen at redemption and the reservation date is valid for a 90-day extension. One journey only within the valid area, with no re-entry once you pass out through the gates, and no changes to route or validity. Adult 13–99, child 4–12.
How to redeem
You receive a PDF voucher with QR code by email, issued automatically within about five minutes of payment. Scan it with your non-Japanese passport at a green ticket-vending machine, or hand it in at a green window counter, at Kansai Airport, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Toyama, Kanazawa or Fukui; machine menus are available in five languages including English.
Important notes
- Name must be given in English or Pinyin exactly as in the passport, spaces entered with the space bar, no Chinese characters
- A non-Japanese passport is needed to redeem; counter redemption requires the passport name to match the booking
- Machine broken or passport without an IC chip: redeem at a JR-WEST Ticket Office
- Non-refundable once booked and not reissued if lost or stolen
- If the train is full and no reserved seat can be issued, the fare difference is not refunded
One-way Fukui to Osaka journey for travellers heading back to Osaka rather than stopping in Kyoto.
【E-Ticket】Hokuriku One-Way Ticket Osaka→Fukui
One-way Osaka to Fukui journey that includes a reserved Thunderbird seat, exchanged before you board.
One-way travel from Osaka to Fukui · Reserved seat on the Limited Express Thunderbird · E-ticket with QR code for redemption
Non-refundable
From
£27.00
per person
What's included
- One-way travel from Osaka to Fukui
- Reserved seat on the Limited Express Thunderbird
- E-ticket with QR code for redemption
About this ticket
This route runs from Osaka up to Fukui and comes with a reserved seat on the Limited Express Thunderbird, where every car is reserved seating and a seat must be secured before boarding. You collect the physical ticket from a green ticket-vending machine by scanning your QR code with your non-Japanese passport, then use the same machines to pick up the reserved seat ticket for the departure you want. The reserved seat coupon can be exchanged once only, so choose your train carefully.
What's not included
- Return travel
- Travel outside the Osaka–Fukui route on the ticket
Practical info
Open-dated, with the reservation date valid for a 90-day extension; you set the departure when you exchange the reserved seat coupon. The ticket covers one journey in the valid area and cannot be reused after you leave the station, and neither the route nor the validity period can be changed. Adults are 13–99 and children 4–12.
How to redeem
The PDF voucher with QR code is emailed to the address given at booking. Scan the QR code together with your non-Japanese passport at a green ticket-vending machine to collect the physical pass, then exchange the reserved seat ticket at the same machine before boarding; if the machine is out of order or your passport has no IC chip, go to a JR-WEST Ticket Office.
Important notes
- You must hold a passport issued by a foreign government and be entering Japan under 'Temporary Visitor' status
- The reserved seat coupon can be exchanged one time only, and must be exchanged separately from the main ticket
- All Thunderbird cars are reserved seating, so a seat must be reserved before boarding
- Non-refundable once booked, and not reissued if lost or stolen
- Use the manned gate if the magnetic ticket fails at the automated gate
One-way Osaka to Fukui journey that includes a reserved Thunderbird seat, exchanged before you board.
【E-Ticket】Hokuriku One-Way Ticket Kanazawa→Kyoto
One-way Kanazawa to Kyoto journey, the return leg for a Hokuriku trip that finishes in Kyoto.
One-way train travel from Kanazawa to Kyoto · E-ticket with QR code · Option to reserve a seat after redemption
Non-refundable
From
£29.20
per person
What's included
- One-way train travel from Kanazawa to Kyoto
- E-ticket with QR code
- Option to reserve a seat after redemption
About this ticket
This covers one traveller from Kanazawa back down to Kyoto on a single journey. Your QR code is exchanged for a magnetic paper ticket at a green ticket-vending machine or green window counter, and once redeemed a reserved seat ticket can be issued for the departure you choose. You then pass through the automated gates with the paper ticket rather than the phone voucher.
What's not included
- Return travel
- Travel outside the Kanazawa–Kyoto route on the ticket
Practical info
No train is booked in advance: the ticket is open-dated and the reservation date is valid for a 90-day extension. It is valid for a single journey within its area and cannot be used again once you exit the gates; route and validity cannot be changed. Adult 13–99, child 4–12.
How to redeem
Your PDF voucher with QR code is issued automatically within about five minutes of payment and sent by email. Take it and your non-Japanese passport to a green ticket-vending machine or green window counter at Kansai Airport, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Toyama, Kanazawa or Fukui, and tell counter staff the time you would like to travel.
Important notes
- Enter the traveller's name in English or Pinyin exactly as in the passport, using the space bar, with no Chinese characters
- A non-Japanese passport is required at redemption; at the counter it must match the name on the booking
- Redeem at a JR-WEST Ticket Office if the machine is down or your passport has no IC chip
- Non-refundable once booked and not reissued if lost or stolen
- No refund of the reserved/non-reserved difference if seats are full
One-way Kanazawa to Kyoto journey, the return leg for a Hokuriku trip that finishes in Kyoto.
【E-Ticket】Hokuriku One-Way Ticket Kyoto→Kanazawa
One-way Kyoto to Kanazawa journey, open-dated and exchanged for a paper ticket with your passport.
One-way train travel from Kyoto to Kanazawa · E-ticket with QR code · Option to reserve a seat after redemption
Non-refundable
From
£29.20
per person
What's included
- One-way train travel from Kyoto to Kanazawa
- E-ticket with QR code
- Option to reserve a seat after redemption
About this ticket
This is a single northbound trip from Kyoto to Kanazawa for one traveller. You bring the QR code and your non-Japanese passport to a green ticket-vending machine or green window counter, receive the magnetic paper ticket, and have a reserved seat issued for the departure you want. The paper ticket is what you feed into the automated gates at Kyoto and at Kanazawa.
What's not included
- Return travel
- Travel outside the Kyoto–Kanazawa route on the ticket
Practical info
The booking is open-dated and the reservation date is valid for a 90-day extension, so the train is fixed at redemption rather than at purchase. One journey only, with no reuse after you leave the station, and no changes to the route or validity period. Adults 13–99, children 4–12.
How to redeem
A PDF voucher with QR code is emailed to you, normally issued automatically within five minutes of payment. Redeem it with your non-Japanese passport at a green ticket-vending machine or green window counter at Kansai Airport, Kyoto, Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Toyama, Kanazawa or Fukui; the machines can be switched to English, Japanese, Traditional or Simplified Chinese, or Korean.
Important notes
- The passenger name must be typed in English or Pinyin as shown in the passport, with the space bar used for spaces and no Chinese characters
- Non-Japanese passport required; counter redemption requires the passport name to match the booking name
- Use a JR-WEST Ticket Office if the machine fails or the passport has no IC chip
- Non-refundable once booked and not reissued if lost or stolen
- If no reserved seat is available, the fare difference is not refunded
One-way Kyoto to Kanazawa journey, open-dated and exchanged for a paper ticket with your passport.
About this experience
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the JR WEST THUNDERBIRD Hokuriku One-Way Ticket, your gateway to exploring the enchanting landscapes of Japan. This convenient e-ticket allows you to travel effortlessly from Osaka to various captivating destinations, including Toyama, Fukui, and Kanazawa. With the recent enhancements to the Hokuriku Shinkansen, your travel experience is set to be smoother than ever, ensuring you can focus on the adventure ahead.
As you board the Thunderbird, you'll be welcomed by a modern and spacious interior designed for your comfort. The train offers frequent departures and punctual arrivals, making it the perfect choice for your travel itinerary. Glide through picturesque countryside views, where rolling hills and serene rivers create a beautiful backdrop for your journey. Whether you're heading to Kyoto or exploring the charming towns along the way, the Thunderbird provides a reliable and enjoyable travel experience that connects you to the heart of Japan.
What to expect
When you choose the JR WEST THUNDERBIRD Hokuriku One-Way Ticket, you can expect a hassle-free travel experience that prioritizes your comfort and convenience. As you settle into your seat, take a moment to appreciate the sleek design of the train, which is equipped with amenities to enhance your journey. Enjoy the smooth ride as you traverse through Japan's stunning landscapes, making your way to your chosen destination.
You'll find that the Thunderbird is not just a mode of transportation; it's an experience in itself. With each passing moment, you'll witness the beauty of Japan unfold outside your window. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or friends, this journey will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the diverse regions of Japan, all starting from the vibrant city of Osaka.
Things to note
- Make sure to book your e-ticket in advance for the best availability.
- Check the train schedule for departure times to plan your journey.
- Arrive at the station early to allow time for boarding.
- Keep your ticket handy, as you'll need it for boarding and inspections.
- Consider traveling during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
- Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning views along the way.
Location
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Frequently asked questions
This ticket is non-refundable, meaning there will be no refund once booked. If your travel plans change after purchase, you will not be able to recover any costs. It is important to consider your schedule carefully before making a booking. The non-refundable policy applies to all ticket types available for the JR WEST THUNDERBIRD Hokuriku One-Way Ticket. Therefore, ensure you are certain of your travel dates before proceeding with the purchase.
