KODAKARAJIMAThe most common route is via the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
However, on the day Ira went to Kanazawa, heavy snow caused the Hokuriku Shinkansen to suspend service.
Since Ira had a reservation at a ryokan in Kanazawa, she traveled via Nagoya Station.
The suspension was confirmed that morning.
The Nagoya route takes more than twice as long.
Therefore, it’s best to schedule your departure for Kanazawa first thing in the morning.
If you arrive in the evening, many tourist spots will already be closed.
SUWANOSEJIMA🇯🇵 Ira | Island Manga Artist 🇸🇬
🌏 Traits: ADHD / ASD, IQ 115, BMI 17.7
✒️ International Island Manga: MAHARAJIMA (まはらじま)
🇸🇬 Life Abroad: Attained Singapore PR as a "Singapore NEET"
🇹🇼 First Japanese national to successfully explore all inhabited islands in Taiwan (2025)
⛴️ Explored 500+ islands in just under 3 years
🌏 World Record Holder for the fastest completion
Approx. 3-hour route: Hokuriku Shinkansen. Tokyo → Kanazawa
Approx. 5-hour route: Tokaido Shinkansen + Thunderbird + Hokuriku Shinkansen. Tokyo → Nagoya → 敦賀(Tsuruga) → Kanazawa
TOKYO-TOSHIMADuring the Ira storm, Thunderbird services were also suspended. So I traveled from Nagoya to Tsuruga on non-limited express trains.
It took about 8 hours one way.
Because of this, heading to Kanazawa early in the morning seems like the optimal solution during heavy snow seasons.
Confirm Service Suspension Information
・北陸新幹線(Hokuriku Shinkansen) Official website LINK
・Official JR West English website LINK
TOKYO-TOSHIMAConsulting at JR’s Midori no Madoguchi ticket counter involves waiting over an hour.
Prepare multiple routes and alternative plans beforehand.
This is life in Japan, a country of four distinct seasons.
Important Notes Regarding Shinkansen Service Suspensions
TAKARAJIMAIf the local train service stops running, it’s game over.
・Reserve reserved-seat trains immediately to avoid overcrowding on other public transportation
【If the Shinkansen is not running the day after arriving in Kanazawa】
・Extend your stay
・Follow the same steps below
【If there is no other way to travel to Kanazawa】
・Contact your accommodation to request cancellation
・Book alternative lodging
・Reschedule for the following day or later
The January 2026 suspension of service on many railways in Ishikawa Prefecture
JR West Kanazawa Branch announced that due to heavy snow, it will suspend service on the Hokuriku Line (toward Kyoto/Osaka and Maibara) starting around 8:00 PM on Saturday the 24th.
This includes a total of 6 round-trip Thunderbird limited express trains and 5 round-trip Shirasagi limited express trains.
Japan Tourism Difficulty Ranking
1: Remote islands
2: Areas without public transportation
3: Heavy snowfall regions
KUCHINOSHIMATyphoon season (May to October) is a test of luck.
It’s wise to schedule with ample time in case trains are suspended.
Even outside typhoon season, flights to remote island airports are often suspended or operate under restricted conditions. Ferries may be canceled due to wave height. Most schedules are confirmed on the day of travel.
KODAKARAJIMAImpressive. That’s the people of Japan’s remote islands, living in harmony with nature.
