Explore Osaka, Kyoto, and Beyond with the New Hokuriku Shinkansen Extension

Published on December 28, 2025

The Japanese government has unveiled plans for the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, connecting Tsuruga to Osaka via Kyoto, a move expected to significantly enhance tourism accessibility across some of Japan’s most visited destinations. Three possible route options for the extension have been presented, raising interest in how this project will reshape travel across the country.

For tourists, the extension of this high-speed rail line represents an exciting new travel opportunity, offering enhanced convenience and faster connections between major cities in the Kansai, Hokuriku, and Chubu regions. The extension is part of Japan’s broader strategy to enhance domestic and international tourism by improving transportation links, which are a key aspect of the country’s tourism infrastructure.

Enhancing Access to Popular Tourist Destinations

The Hokuriku Shinkansen extension will connect some of Japan’s most iconic cities, including Osaka, Kyoto, and Tsuruga. Osaka, known for its vibrant urban atmosphere, historical landmarks like Osaka Castle, and world-class cuisine, is one of Japan’s top tourist destinations. The addition of high-speed rail service will make it easier for tourists to travel between Osaka and the Hokuriku region, including the coastal city of Tsuruga and the popular destination of Kanazawa.

Kyoto, often considered the cultural heart of Japan, is another key stop on the new route. The city attracts millions of tourists annually with its ancient temples, shrines, and beautiful traditional gardens. Kyoto is also famous for its geisha culture, tea ceremonies, and the stunning Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. The extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen will provide tourists with quicker access to Kyoto’s wealth of historical and cultural landmarks, making it easier to explore this UNESCO World Heritage city.

The region’s traditional attractions, combined with modern tourist facilities, make it one of the most visited areas in Japan. With this new rail link, travelers will be able to reach the destinations they want more efficiently, reducing travel time and increasing the overall appeal of the region for both domestic and international visitors.

Faster Travel Between Key Cities

One of the main benefits of the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension is the reduction in travel time between major cities. With the new rail link, tourists will be able to travel between Osaka and Kyoto or Tsuruga much faster than before. The current travel time between Osaka and Kyoto by train is approximately 15 minutes, and the extension will further streamline the journey to other parts of Japan.

The extension also holds promise for improving connectivity to other popular tourist destinations along the route. For example, visitors traveling to Kyoto will now be able to easily access the Nara region, famous for its friendly deer and historical sites, or head further west to explore Hiroshima and the scenic Miyajima Island.

Tourists who visit Osaka for its shopping districts, entertainment, and night life will find that the extension provides smoother travel options to reach quieter, scenic regions like the Hokuriku area, which includes coastal cities such as Toyama and the famous Kanazawa. The new connection between these areas promises to make multi-destination trips more accessible, attracting visitors who wish to experience both urban and traditional sides of Japan.

Three Potential Routes for the Extension

The Japanese government has presented three route options for the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tsuruga to Osaka via Kyoto. These options include varying costs, travel times, and potential benefits for tourism in the region.

Each route has the potential to open up new travel options for tourists. Depending on the final choice, travelers will benefit from different perspectives of Japan’s landscapes and historical sites. The proposed extension will not only shorten travel times but also reduce the need for other forms of transportation, such as buses or cars, making travel more convenient for visitors.

A faster, more direct route may encourage more international tourists to explore the Kansai and Hokuriku regions, increasing the number of tourists to historically significant cities like Kyoto and Nara. Additionally, easier access to the Hokuriku area will attract visitors who might not have previously considered traveling to this part of Japan.

The Economic Impact on Tourism

The extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen is expected to boost tourism in the regions it serves. The ability to travel between Osaka, Kyoto, and Tsuruga quickly and efficiently will encourage longer stays and multiple stops on tourist itineraries. This, in turn, will benefit the local economy by driving traffic to hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses in these regions.

The extension will also make it easier for tourists to travel to less-visited, but equally scenic, destinations in the Hokuriku region, such as the picturesque coastal city of Toyama, which is known for its natural beauty and stunning views of the Tateyama mountain range. The addition of Shinkansen service could potentially bring more visitors to these hidden gems, supporting local tourism and helping to balance the flow of visitors across the country.

Environmental and Sustainable Travel Considerations

Japan has long been committed to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, and the expansion of the Hokuriku Shinkansen aligns with this goal. High-speed rail is a cleaner alternative to air travel and cars, offering tourists a more sustainable way to explore the country. By making travel easier, faster, and more environmentally friendly, the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen encourages tourists to choose public transport over other, more polluting, methods.

This move toward more sustainable travel options is aligned with global tourism trends, where eco-conscious travel is becoming increasingly important to visitors. Tourists will be able to enjoy the beauty of Japan’s landscapes while reducing their carbon footprint, making the Shinkansen extension an attractive option for responsible travelers.

Conclusion

The extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tsuruga to Osaka via Kyoto promises to be a game-changer for tourism in Japan. It offers tourists faster, more convenient access to some of the country’s most iconic cities and scenic regions, from Osaka’s urban attractions to Kyoto’s cultural heritage and the coastal beauty of Tsuruga. As Japan continues to expand its tourism infrastructure, the new Shinkansen route will play a pivotal role in enhancing travel accessibility, reducing travel times, and promoting sustainable tourism across the country.