The Limited Express Thunderbird for Tsuruga

The Limited Express Thunderbird is a JR West service that links Osaka Station with Tsuruga Station in Fukui Prefecture, via Shin-Osaka Station and Kyoto Station. From Tsuruga, passengers transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen for Echizen-Takefu, Fukui, Awara Onsen, Kaga Onsen, Komatsu, Kanazawa and Toyama.

The Thunderbird and Hokuriku Shinkansen are covered by the Japan Rail Pass in ordinary cars, but the Thunderbird is now an all-reserved-seat train, so pass holders should reserve a seat before boarding. Green Car and GranClass travel require the correct pass or additional charges.

At Osaka Station, Thunderbird trains usually leave from platform 11. Current JR station data also shows Thunderbird departures from Shin-Osaka on platform 4 and from Kyoto on platform 0, but you should always check the departure boards on the day you travel.

Key Destinations

The Thunderbird Limited Express is a convenient and fast service for travel from Osaka, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto to Tsuruga. It also forms the first leg of the main rail route from Kansai to popular destinations in Fukui, Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures. Thunderbird services run frequently through the day between Osaka and Tsuruga, but not every train stops at every intermediate station, so check your service before boarding.

The principal Thunderbird route is:

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

For destinations beyond Tsuruga, transfer there to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The main transfer destinations include Echizen-Takefu, Fukui, Awara Onsen, Kaga Onsen, Komatsu, Kanazawa and Toyama.

The following stations are the locations you are most likely to visit on this route. Fares below are approximate normal-season ordinary reserved-seat fares from Osaka Station unless noted. Train times vary by connection and seat type, and most destinations beyond Tsuruga require a transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

Tsuruga Station

Tsuruga is a port city in Fukui Prefecture. Its major sites are the massive gate of Kehi Shrine, the white sand beach and pine trees of Kehi no Matsubara, and the Meiji era red brick warehouses near Tsuruga Museum. The city is also known for its port and railway history.

Echizen-Takefu Station

Echizen-Takefu Station is a Hokuriku Shinkansen station reached by transferring at Tsuruga. It serves the Echizen area of Fukui Prefecture, which has many historic buildings, shrines and temples, and is especially known for its traditional crafts and cuisine. You can learn about papermaking at Echizen Washi Village, try the region’s famous Echizen soba, and explore crafts such as cutlery, lacquerware and ceramics in the wider Echizen area.

Fukui Station

Fukui is the capital city of Fukui Prefecture and is reached from Osaka by Thunderbird to Tsuruga and then the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Its famous sites are the Ichijodani ruins, a partially reconstructed 15th century castle town, the Zen temple complex of Eiheiji Temple, and, in the spring, the 600 cherry trees that line the Asuwa River.

Awara Onsen Station

The city of Awara is famous as a hot spring resort. Awara Onsen Station is now served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, so travel from Osaka is by Thunderbird to Tsuruga and then Shinkansen to Awara Onsen. The area has many hot spring inns and public bathing facilities, making it a useful overnight stop on a trip through Fukui Prefecture.

Kaga Onsen Station

Kaga is a large city that includes several famous hot spring resorts, among them Awazu, Yamashiro, Yamanaka, and Katayamazu. Kaga Onsen Station is served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, so travel from Osaka is by Thunderbird to Tsuruga and then Shinkansen to Kaga Onsen. Natadera Temple is also reached by local transport from Kaga Onsen Station and is worth a visit for its gardens and its commanding views of Mount Hakusan.

Kanazawa Station

Kanazawa is reached from Osaka by Thunderbird to Tsuruga and then the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa. The city’s major tourist locations include the partially reconstructed Kanazawa Castle, Myoryuji Temple, also called the Ninja Temple, which has many secret passages and trap doors, the traditional teahouses of the Higashi Chaya geisha district, and Kenrokuen Garden, which is said to be one of the three great gardens of Japan.

Wakura Onsen Station

Wakura Onsen is a 1200 year old luxury hot spring resort on the tip of the Noto Hanto peninsula. The baths here, overlooking the sea, are said to have many health benefits. Travel from Osaka is now by Thunderbird to Tsuruga, Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa, and then onward by Noto Kagaribi or Nanao Line services toward Wakura Onsen. Check the latest train timetable and local facility status before departure.

Toyama Station

Toyama is the capital city of Toyama Prefecture. Its most popular tourist attractions are Toyama Castle and seasonal boat trips on the Matsukawa River. The city is also within striking distance of hiking routes along the Tateyama Mountain Range. Travel from Osaka is by Thunderbird to Tsuruga and then Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama.

Useful Links

The nationwide Japan Rail Pass covers ordinary-car travel on the Thunderbird and Hokuriku Shinkansen. JR West’s HOKURIKU One-way Ticket may also be useful for some one-way trips between the Kansai area and Hokuriku. To check current routes, fares and departure times, use the JR West Route Maps and Timetables page.

Tsuruga Transfer and Route Information

At Tsuruga Station, follow the signs between the conventional limited express platforms and the Hokuriku Shinkansen transfer area. Through travel to Fukui, Awara Onsen, Kaga Onsen, Kanazawa and Toyama is timed around this transfer, but connection times still vary by service. If you use local third-sector lines such as Hapi-Line Fukui or IR Ishikawa Railway instead of the Shinkansen, ticket and Japan Rail Pass coverage can differ from the JR-only route.

Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 31-Jul-2026.