How to get from Nagoya to Takayama
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The terminal station of the Hida Limited Express, Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, goes out to the other side of Honshu Island to the Japan Sea Coast, and halfway through, it stops at Takayama, a nature and culture-rich haven in Gifu Prefecture!
Getting from Nagoya to Takayama with the Hida Express Train
Takayama Station
Going between the major city of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture and the modest but relaxing and culturally-rich getaway of Takayama is easy and quick with the Hida Limited Express Train! Despite not being one of the famous Shinkansen bullet trains, the onboard amenities are high-quality and the journey is efficient. Along the way, inland Japan’s rolling mountains and rivers are a sight to behold, especially in autumn when the foliage turns into a sea of gold and crimson.
The journey traverses around 165 kilometers of train track, taking a little under three hours. Travelers will get on at Nagoya Station and then get off at Takayama Station. Trains start departing early at 7:43 AM, with a last departure at 8:17 PM.
Trains available on this itinerary:
| Hida Limited Express Train |
Note: Takayama Station is not the last stop on the Hida Express. Be wary of each stop and that the train will progress best Takayama Station from Nagoya, out to Toyama.
Reserving seats on the Limited Express Trains
On the Hida Limited Express Train, individual ticket holders and holders of Japan Rail Passes can reserve seats in advance of boarding. Reservations are not always required for these because many of them have non-reserved cars with seats that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. These are often car numbers 1-4.
JR Limited Express Trains have tickets available with reserved seats to assure room for sitting during transit.
Oversized Baggage on Limited Express Trains
Unlike on Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen bullet trains, there are no specific oversized baggage rules on Limited Express Trains or other Shinkansen lines like the Hokuriku Shinkansen. However, we do advise being mindful of large and heavy luggage when traveling to optimize ease of movement and reduce any inconvenience to other commuters.
On JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen bullet trains, oversized luggage is considered any piece of baggage at 160cm or more in total dimensions, so be aware that luggage that fits this description may be more difficult to find storage for on trains in Japan. If other itineraries on your journey include riding the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen, be aware that special regulations for reserving use of the oversized luggage compartment will be in place for those commutes.
Exploring Nagoya
Aichi Prefecture's capital is a crossroads city that is sometimes ranked third among major Honshu cities after Tokyo and Osaka. With a population of slightly over 2 million, this city is well-known for its decadent culinary scene and historic sites located in the heart of the metro area. It also serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the more rural areas of southern Gifu and the coastal regions of Mie Prefecture.
For many Nagoya locals, the city's diverse culinary culture—many of which are specifically connected to the area—is their favorite aspect of the city. Anything prepared with aka-miso, or red miso, is well-known in Nagoya for having an intense flavor. As suggested by its name, it has a very deep red color and is used in many different soup and stew dishes. Tebasaki, or chicken wings, are another mainstay of Nagoya's culinary scene. They are a mainstay of izakaya cuisine in Nagoya and are frequently covered in a thick, sticky, sweet sauce.
When it comes to historical sites, Nagoya Castle is a must-see. It was the first castle in Japan to be named a "national treasure." Despite having been constructed in 1612, Nagoya Castle was repaired following World War II devastation and is now a city emblem.
Visits to the neighboring prefectures, which are conveniently located near Nagoya, are highly recommended. The southern part of Gifu, which features mountains and undulating valleys with little towns and villages interspersed, is a popular secondary destination. Additionally, this area is well-known for its mino ceramics, and one can visit the studios or stores of several active artisans in the neighborhood. Rich coastlines can be found in the northeastern region of Mie Prefecture, and the town of Kameyama has several old temples to explore.
Nagoya Castle with Sakura
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View of Nagoya showing the 170m-tall Mode Gakuen Spiral Towers and the Kintetsu & Meitetsu Stations
@Japan Visitor
From Nagoya to Takayama takes just one train, the Hida Express! This train goes out all the way to Toyama on the opposite coast of Honshu Island. As the train cuts through the island, the landlocked Gifu Prefecture takes up much of the line’s range, and this prefecture is home to Takayama.
Exploring Takayama
Takayama is located in Gifu Prefecture, one of the very few landlocked prefectures within the archipelago of Japan. What it lacks in terms of seacoast, it makes up for in other natural attractions, blessed with rolling mountains and rich valleys with pristine rivers flowing through them. The quaint area of Takayama is the perfect locale to see the richness of Japanese nature and the countryside that is often only seen by westerners through film and television.
One of the main attractions in this area is Shirakawago, a small village consisting of traditionally built, thatch-roofed homes and buildings. Despite being a historic UNESCO heritage site, this is actually an area with a fair amount of residents, giving the town an authentic and lively environment. On the sides of the roads and sidewalks, small canals are filled with pristine water and have koifish living in them.
The town of Hida is not far from Shirakawago and is a small town with modest charm. The Furukawa River flows through the center of town, with small shops and restaurants scattered throughout. One of Takayama’s most recognized calling cards is that of the award-winning Wagyu beef that is sourced from the region. Dishes featuring the luxuriously marbled meat can be found everywhere, some even being Michelin-starred. Additionally, cafes built out of traditional Japanese homes can be found alongside long-standing sake breweries and soy sauce producers. For fans of anime, Hida-Furukawa Station is an essential visit, as both it and the surrounding area were heavily featured in the 2016 smash hit “Your Name” by Makoto Shinkai.
Sanno Festival in Takayama
@flickr/ ZiJing
A charming getaway in northern Gifu Prefecture rests amongst mountains and lush forests. With a number of towns with modest streets adorned with small shops and restaurants, its a fantastic escape for travelers to relax and see life in the countryside of Japan.
Takayama is accessible from Nagoya via the Hida Limited Express Train. Being in the Japanese countryside, a few of the towns in Takayama, such as Furukawa, Hida, and Shirakawago, have a bit of distance between them, but buses and other forms of transportation are available.
Two of the best destinations are just one train away
Moving inland from the cultural hub that is Nagoya entails traversing into a more relaxed yet equally worthwhile destination. Take the Hida Limited Express to dive into the midst of the Japanese Alps and enjoy Takayama! The Hida Express is available to be ridden using the Japan Rail Pass, but individual and one-way tickets are also available. Continue the journey with the Hida Express and head up to Toyama to see the beautiful coasts of the Japan Sea!
