The Hokuriku Main Line (北陸本線) is a line of the West Japan Railway Company connecting the Kansai region to the Sea of Japan coast. It passes through the prefectures of the Hokuriku region. The line is an important intercity segment because the Shinkansen network does not connect these two regions: narrow gauge high-speed trains such as the Thunderbird, Raicho, and Shirasagi are common sights along the line.

The line has two tracks and has been completely electrified: the Maibara-Nagahama and Kajiyashiki-Naoetsu segments use 1,500V direct current power, while the Nagahama-Kajiyashiki segment uses 20,000V/60Hz alternating current power.

JR Freight operates a small spur line to the port of Fukui from Tsuruga Station.

Stations

Shiga Prefecture

• Maibara Station, Maihara
• Nagahama Station , Nagahama
• Omi-Shiotsu Station , Nishiazai

Fukui Prefecture

• Tsuruga Station , Tsuruga
• Echizen-Hanando Station , Fukui
• Fukui Station , Fukui

Ishikawa Prefecture

• Nishi-Kanazawa Station , Kanazawa
• Kanazawa Station , Kanazawa
• Tsubata Station , Tsubata

Toyama Prefecture

• Takaoka Station , Takaoka
• Toyama Station , Toyama
• Namerikawa Station , Namerikawa
• Uozu Station , Uozu

Niigata Prefecture

• Itoigawa Station , Itoigawa
• Kajiyashiki Station , Itoigawa
• Naoetsu Station , Joetsu