How to Ride Buses in Kanazawa — Travel Like a Local!
Bus boarding rules can vary by country and even by city, so it’s common for visitors to feel a bit confused.
In Kanazawa, there are three main types of buses that travelers use most often. Check them out and learn how to get around Kanazawa smoothly—just like the locals do!
1. Kanazawa Loop Bus / 城下まち金沢周遊バス
2. Hokutetsu bus / 北鉄バス
3. JR bus / JRバス
Tips: Please note that some buses do not accept nationwide IC transportation cards. Refer to the table below to prepare the appropriate payment method.
Payment is made when you get off the bus, but if you are using a credit card or other card-based payment, please remember to tap your card when boarding as well. This is required to record where you started your ride!
1. Kanazawa Loop Bus / 城下まち金沢周遊バス
This bus tours the city's major tourist spots. The body color differs depending on whether it's the clockwise or counterclockwise route, usually either red or green.
*Due to vehicle maintenance and other factors, the body color of buses may sometimes be other than red or green.
2. Hokutetsu bus / 北鉄バス
Hokutetsu bus is the most frequently running local route bus in the city.
*Note: For the local route bus, the Nationwide transportation system IC card such as Suica, PASMO, Icoca is not available for the local route bus. Please use cash, credit card or one-day free pass for the payment.
3. JR bus / JRバス
This bus is run by JR, characterized by its blue body.
*Please note that the Hokuriku Arch Pass is not valid on this bus.
