The Hanayome Noren Excursion Train for Wakura Onsen

The Hanayome Noren is a special sightseeing limited express train operated by JR West between Kanazawa Station and the hot spring resort of Wakura Onsen. This train is decorated inside and out with gorgeous designs inspired by the traditional crafts of the Hokuriku region: Wajima lacquerware, Kaga-Yuzen silk dyeing, and Kanazawa gold leaf. The experience of riding this train is like being in a traditional luxury hotel and so it has been nicknamed a “ryokan on wheels”.

The Hanayome Noren operates only on selected dates. Under JR West’s 2026 general-sale plan through September, one round trip is listed on operating days: Hanayome Noren #1 from Kanazawa to Wakura Onsen and Hanayome Noren #4 from Wakura Onsen to Kanazawa. Hanayome Noren #2 and #3 are not currently operating. Later operating dates and service patterns should be checked on JR West’s official Hanayome Noren page.

All seats on the Hanayome Noren are reserved, so you need a seat reservation in addition to the basic fare. Japan Rail Pass users can use the pass on JR limited express services, and the IR Ishikawa Railway section between Kanazawa and Tsubata is covered only when traveling through the full Kanazawa – Tsubata section on a local or limited express train without getting off at intermediate IR Ishikawa Railway stations. At Kanazawa Station, check the departure boards for the correct platform on the day of travel.

The Hanayome Noren at Kanazawa Station

The name Hanayome Noren means “Bridal Curtain”. In this region it was traditional for a special colorful curtain to be hung up before a new husband’s family altar when he got married. The bride would then pass through the curtain and pray to her husband’s ancestors in order to join her new family.

The exterior of the Hanayome is colored red and black to resemble lacquerware, and decorated with typical silk kimono patterns of flowers, maple leaves, and butterflies

Interior Features

This train has just two carriages with seating for 52 passengers. Car number 1 has eight semi-private booths decorated with yuzen silk patterns, and separated by traditional wooden lattices. The carpet on this carriage is decorated with a design that resembles the stepping stones in a Japanese garden.

Car number 1 interior

Car number 2 has more open space and is designed for events and parties. It is decorated with gold leaf and lacquerware designs, and the swirling design of the carpet is meant to resemble a river.

Car number 2 interior

Destinations

This train stops at the following stations:

Kanazawa – Hakui – Nanao – Wakura Onsen

Train fares are made up of a basic fare plus a reserved-seat limited express ticket. JR West lists the normal-period reserved-seat limited express ticket between Kanazawa and Nanao/Wakura Onsen as 1,490 yen for adults and 740 yen for children, but total fares and seasonal charges should be confirmed through JR West or e5489 before travel.

Hakui Station

Hakui is a beach side city whose chief attraction is the Cosmo Isle Hakui space science museum which has exhibits dedicated to space exploration.

Nanao Station

Nanao is the Noto Peninsula’s largest city. Its attractions include the Nanao Art Museum, the traditional buildings on the Ipponsugi shopping street, and the lively market at Nanao Fisherman’s Wharf. Ipponsugi Street is closely associated with the hanayome noren tradition and has held displays of bridal curtains around Golden Week, though schedules can change by year. The Hanayome Noren Museum is a good place to learn more about this tradition.

Wakura Onsen

Wakura Onsen is a 1,200 year old luxury hot spring resort on Nanao Bay which is known for traditional ryokan style hotels. Lodging and attractions in Wakura Onsen are reopening gradually, so check the Wakura Onsen tourism site and individual hotel websites before booking. Kagaya is one of Wakura Onsen’s best-known ryokan brands, but the main Kagaya ryokan is aiming to reopen at the end of fiscal 2027, and group properties have separate reopening schedules.

The Hanayome Noren’s on-board food service is optional and must be purchased separately in advance through tabiwa by WESTER from one month before travel until four days before travel. Hanayome Noren #1 offers a Japanese light meal set by the long-established Kanazawa restaurant Otomorou for 3,800 yen, and Hanayome Noren #4 offers a sweets set by Le Musee de H / pastry chef Hironobu Tsujiguchi for 2,450 yen. The kimono-clad attendants’ hospitality is supervised by Kagaya.

The Hanayome Noren in all its splendour

Timetables

The schedule below is from the original service pattern for reference. Under JR West’s 2026 general-sale plan through September, Hanayome Noren #2 and #3 are not operating, and only Hanayome Noren #1 and #4 are listed on operating days. JR West’s 2026 times for #1 and #4 also differ from the preserved schedule below, so confirm the official timetable and operating dates before travel.

All seats on this train are reserved and it is a good idea to book early to avoid disappointment.

Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 28-May-2026.