Go for the day.
Come back to Tsuruga.

Kyoto, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Osaka — and when to catch the last train back.

All of these are direct. None of them needs a change of train.

First train there

Last train back

Fukui20 min

06:25

23:10

Kyoto55 min

07:27

21:21

Kanazawaunder 1 hr

07:01

22:34

Toyama80 min

07:22

22:10

Osaka85 min

07:57

20:54

Nagoya1 hr 40 min

08:51

19:48

Tokyo3¼ hrs

09:32

20:00

Journey times are the fastest regular service. “First train there” is when the earliest direct train arrives — it may be a local. The last train back is the last direct train that gets you to Tsuruga the same night.

Why they're all direct.

In March 2024 the Hokuriku Shinkansen was extended to Tsuruga. Trains from Kansai now terminate here, and trains to Hokuriku start here. Kyoto to Kanazawa means changing at Tsuruga. So does Kanazawa to Kyoto.

Go back.

A day trip doesn't have to mean somewhere new. Liked Kyoto on Tuesday? Go again on Friday.

Come back when you want.

You don't have to pick a return train in the morning. The last one is in the table above.

A tram at Toyama Station — Toyama — about 80 minutes north.

By car

Not everything is on the railway. Rental cars are next to Tsuruga Station.

Check which licences are accepted → JNTO

Mikata Five Lakes seen from the Rainbow Line — Rainbow Line, above Mikata Five Lakes — by car.

Cycling

Tsuruga is one end of a cycling route that runs 126 kilometres along the Wakasa coast. Ride the whole thing, or the 14 through Tsuruga and back. The full route climbs 1,200 metres.

The route and its maps → Waka-Cycle