The first train for the newly extended Hokuriku Shinkansen line left Tokyo Station early on Saturday.

The line now connects Tokyo and Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture. The new section covers 125 kilometers and six stations between Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture through Tsuruga.

East Japan Railway Company President Fukasawa Yuji celebrated the departure of the first train at Tokyo Station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

He expressed his sympathy for people affected by the powerful earthquake on New Year's Day. The tremor hit some areas that the train line covers.

He also said he expects the extension of the service to boost the flow of people to the Hokuriku region from the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Shinetsu region, and help movement within Hokuriku.

Kagayaki 501, the first train bound for Tsuruga, departed at 6:16 a.m. following the stationmaster's signal.

A similar ceremony was held at Tsuruga Station at about the same time to celebrate the departure of the first train bound for Tokyo.

West Japan Railway Company President Hasegawa Kazuaki said he expects the new service will have an impact on the hearts of many users from across Japan and overseas, and make a difference for the future.

The new section was completed at a cost of 1.67 trillion yen, or about 11 billion dollars. The launch was delayed for one year due to additional construction work and shortages of workers.

Two types of trains, Kagayaki and Hakutaka, will directly connect Tokyo and Tsuruga stations. The fastest one-way trip between the two takes 3 hours and 8 minutes -- 50 minutes shorter than using a conventional train between Kanazawa and Tsuruga.

A further extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tsuruga to Shin-Osaka has been planned, but impact assessment procedures for areas along the line must be completed first.