How to Get to Nagoya
Nicknamed “the Heart of Japan,” Nagoya is the largest city in Central Japan. Accessible by the Tokaido Shinkansen line from Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and with multiple rapid train services to other destinations, including the Chubu Centrair International Airport, Nagoya is easy to reach and a convenient launching point from where to explore Central Japan. On this page you will find the following information:
— Best Things to Do Around Nagoya & Where to Stay
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
Many international visitors will pass through Nagoya enroute to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, without thinking to stop. Those who do will discover a modern and innovative city with a diverse food scene, great access to nature, and vibrant nightlife.
Nagoya is a great starting point from where to head into Central Japan—with destinations including the Kiso Valley, Nakasendo and Tokaido trails, Matsumoto, Hikone, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, and Nagano all accessible in a day trip. Nagoya is also a convenient point from where to head west to the Kii Peninsula. Boasting some of Japan’s most important religious sites including the Ise Grand Shrine, the pilgrimage trails, shrines and temples of the Kumano Kodo and the temple-mountain of Koyasan, the Kii Peninsula is a destination all to itself. For more information and suggestions, see “35 Things To Do Around Nagoya & Where To Stay.”
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
WHERE IS NAGOYA?
Centrally located and surrounded by fertile plains, mountains, rivers, and the sea, it is easy to understand why Nagoya is known as “the Heart of Japan.” Located around 350 KM to the west of Tokyo and 130 KM to the east of Kyoto, Nagoya is the largest city in Central Japan and fourth largest in Japan.
With Ise Bay to the south, the Hida Highlands to the North, and easy access to the many castle towns along the Nakasendo and Tokaido roads to the east and west, Nagoya makes for a great base offering easy access to a wide range of day trips.
Nagoya Station is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, making it easy to reach from the capital in only 95-minutes. The Limited Express ‘Shinano’ service also runs from Nagoya Station into Central Japan including the Kiso Valley and Nakasendo, Matsumoto and onto Nagano City; while the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service runs to Gero Onsen, Takayama and onto Toyama on the north coast. The city is also serviced by one of Japan’s main airports, Chubu Centrair International Airport, located around 50 KM to the south of Nagoya Station.
HOW TO GET TO NAGOYA
As a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line and terminus of other rapid and regional services, Nagoya is an easy city to travel to and from. In this section you will find information on how to reach Nagoya from the following starting points:
CHUBU CENTRAIR AIRPORT – NAGANO – MATSUMOTO – NAKASENDO TRAIL – JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK – TOKYO – NARITA AIRPORT – HANEDA AIRPORT – KARUIZAWA – TAKAYAMA – KAMIKOCHI – SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA – TATEYAMA KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE – KYOTO & OSAKA
We aim to keep this information as up-to-date as possible and in recognition that most international visitors will be using the train network to move around Japan, most directions are for using the trains. If there is an alternative option (i.e. express or local bus) that is notably faster or economical, we also include that information.
FROM CHUBU CENTRAIR AIRPORT (NAGOYA) / approx. 30 to 35 minutes
Chubu Centrair International Airport is one of Japan’s four major international airports and lies within close proximity of Nagoya City. To reach Nagoya from the airport, take the Meitetsu Limited Express Line running from the airport to Meitetsu-Nagoya Station—connected to Nagoya Station. We recommend using the μ Sky Limited Express which takes 28 minutes and costs JPY1250 between the airport and Nagoya Station. This service only includes first-class, reserved seating. Alternatively, the Meitetsu Limited Express takes 35 minutes and costs JPY890 and has both first-class and standard carriages. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines or window at Nagoya Station, Meitetsu-Nagoya Station, and the airport.
FROM NAGANO CITY / approx. 3 hours
Nagano City is the largest city in Nagano Prefecture and a major transport hub for anyone exploring the northern areas of Central Japan. Running from Nagano Station to Nagoya Station —via Matsumoto—the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ connects two of the regions major cities at stops at the following stations:
Nagoya / Kanayama / Chikusa / Taijimi / Ena / Nakatsugawa / Nagiso / Agematsu / Kiso-Fukushima / Shiojiri / Matsumoto / Akashina / Hijiri-Kogen / Shinonoi / Nagano
The Limited Express ‘Shinano’ operates approximately once an hour and makes the journey between Nagano and Nagoya in approximately 3 hours and costs JPY7,330. For further details including daily timetable, please refer to our ‘Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable’ page.
FROM MATSUMOTO / approx. 130 minutes
Another of Central Japan’s most popular destination cities, Matsumoto is a stop on all Limited Express ‘Shinano’ services. To reach Matsumoto Station takes approximately 130 minutes and costs JPY6,030.
FROM THE NAKASENDO TRAIL / between 60 to 95 minutes
Visitors to the Nakasendo Trail are likely to use the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ via either Kiso-Fukushima Station—95 min / JPY4,620—or Nakatsugawa Station—60 min / JPY2540.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hiking the Historic Nakasendo Trail | |
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| Period | March – June / September – December |
| Time | 10:00-18:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,900 |
FROM THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK / between 4 to 5 hours
To reach Nagoya from the Jigokudani Monkey Park takes time but is relatively straight-forward. From the park, you have the option of: 1. a direct express bus from the park to Nagano Station or 2. a local bus to Yudanaka Station followed by an express train to Nagano Station. Starting from the park, the express bus costs JPY1500 each way and takes 55 minutes to reach Nagano Station. In comparison, taking the local bus from the park to Yudanaka Station followed by the train, takes 15 minutes and costs JPY310 before the limited express train to Nagano takes 45 minutes and costs JPY1290—a total journey of around 60 to 70 minutes and costing JPY1600. Once at Nagano Station, simply transfer to the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ bound for Nagoya—see the directions above.
FROM TOKYO / approx. 100 minutes
For travelers coming from Tokyo, it’s quick and easy to reach Nagoya from Tokyo Station using the Tokaido Shinkansen. Running from Tokyo to Osaka, via Nagoya and Kyoto, the shinkansen stops at the following stations:
Tokyo / Shinagawa / Shin-Yokohama / Odawara / Atami / Mishima / Shin-Fuji / Shizuoka / Kakegawa / Hamamatsu / Toyohashi / Mikawa-Anjo / Nagoya / Gifu-Hashima / Maibara / Kyoto / Shin-Osaka
Nagoya can be reached from Tokyo in 100 minutes / JPY10,560. There are frequent services running from Tokyo Station throughout the day.
FROM NARITA AIRPORT / between 3 to 4 hours
Nagoya can be reached in a two-stage journey from Narita via Tokyo Station. Two rapid train services connect Narita Airport to central Tokyo—the Narita Express running to Tokyo Station and the Keisei Skyliner running to Ueno Station. For visitors headed to Nagoya, take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station.
The Narita Express (NEX) runs from Narita to Tokyo Station. It takes 55 minutes to reach Tokyo Station (depending on the service) and costs JPY3070 with trains departing every 30 to 60 minutes. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.
FROM HANEDA AIRPORT / between 2 to 3 hours
Nagoya can also be reached in a two-stage or three-stage journey from Haneda Airport. The fastest route is to take the rapid service on the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station and once there, switch to the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya—a total journey of 2 to 2.5 hours (depending on which service you choose) / JPY10,860. Alternatively, you can make the journey via Tokyo Station using the following services:
1 / The Tokyo Monorail connects the airport to Tokyo Station via Hamamatsucho Station in around 30 minutes. From the airport take the monorail to Hamamatsucho Station (20 min/JPY170) and then switch to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line Rapid bound for Tokyo Station (5 min/JPY160)—a total journey of around 30-minutes / JPY660 one-way. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.
2 / The Keikyu Railway connects the airport to Tokyo Station via Shinagawa Station. Take the Keikyu Airport bound to Shinagawa Station (approx.11 min/JPY300) and transfer to the Yamanote Line bound for Osaki to reach Tokyo Station- 13 min / JPY170 or a total journey of around 30 min / JPY470. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.
FROM KARUIZAWA / approx. 4 hours
A stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, take the shinkansen from Karuizawa Station to Nagano Station—25 min / JPY3210—and follow the directions above. Alternatively, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen south to Tokyo Station—75 min / JPY5490—and follow the directions below.
FROM TAKAYAMA / between 145 to 160 minutes
Running from Takayama Station to Nagoya, the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service is another convenient train line that stops at the following stations:
Nagoya / Owari-Ichinomiya / Gifu / Unuma / Mino-Ota / Shirakawaguchi / Hida-Kanayama / Gero / Hida-Hagiwara / Kuguno / Takayama* / Hida-Furukawa / Inotani / Etchu-Yatsuo / Hayahoshi / Toyama
*Please note, stations marked in bold are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day. It takes approximately 145 to 160 minutes and costs JPY5610 to travel between Takayama and Nagoya.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Hida Takayama and World Heritage Site Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 8:30-18:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,900 |
FROM KAMIKOCHI / 5+ hours
Nagoya can be reached from Kamikochi via Takayama Station, with frequent services running to and from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center—located next to Takayama Station. From the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, take the bus to the Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal—25 to 30 minutes—and then switch to the bus headed to Takayama—another 60 minutes. See the following page for information including timetables and fares to and from Takayama. Once at Takayama Station, transfer to the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service bound for Nagoya (as above).
FROM SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA / 4+ hours
The World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama rank among some of the most popular destinations in Central Japan. The Nohi Bus company operates multiple daily services to and from the main village of Ogimachi, from their terminal located next to Takayama Station. Roundtrip tickets are available to Ogimachi only or with the option of all three villages, including Suganuma and Ainokura, with options of multi day tickets. For adults, expect to pay between JPY4800 and JPY9500 depending on which option you choose. See the following page for information including timetables and fares to and from Takayama. Once at Takayama Station, transfer to the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service bound for Nagoya—as detailed above.
FROM KANAZAWA / between 2.5 to 3 hours
Nagoya and Kanazawa are located on opposite coasts, however, thanks to Japan’s fantastic train network, it’s easy to move between the two cities. From Kanazawa Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen runs to Tsuruga where you can transfer to the Limited Express ‘Shirasagi’—170 min / JPY9080. Alternatively, take the Limited Express ‘Shirasagi’ to Maibara Station, then transfer to the Tokaido Shinkansen—150 min / JPY10,200—a faster but more expensive option.
FROM THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE / 5+ hours
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route can be accessed from the Toyama-side via Tateyama Station. To reach Kanazawa, take the Toyama Chiho Railway from Tateyama Station to Dentetsu Toyama Station—60 minutes / JPY1230. Once at in Toyama, walk the short distance to Toyama Station, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Kanazawa and switch to the Limited Express ‘Shirasagi’ bound for Nagoya—total time of around 215 min / JPY8580—or the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Nagano and switch to the Limited Express ‘Shinano’—total travel time of 235 min / JPY12,320. Alternatively bus and train services connect Toyama to Takayama, from where you can take the Limited Express ‘Hida’ service onto Nagoya.
FROM KYOTO & OSAKA / between 35 to 50 minutes
The nearby cities of Kyoto and Osaka are easy to reach from Nagoya. Both cities are on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, making Nagoya readily accessible: taking 35 min / JPY5170 from Kyoto Station and 50 min / JPY5940 from Shin-Osaka Station.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Myths and Mystery of Ninja and the Tokaido Road | |
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| Period | all year round |
| Time | 9:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,900 |
BEST THINGS TO DO AROUND NAGOYA & WHERE TO STAY
The largest city in Central Japan, Nagoya is one of Japan’s great metropolises. One of the country’s financial and industrial hubs, Nagoya is a modern, industrious and youthful city with rich history and great food scene. As a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line running from Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo, and the Limited Express ‘Shinano’ running to Matsumoto and onto Nagano, many travellers use Nagoya as a transport hub as they move from east to west, west to east and deep into Central Japan. But those who choose to stay and explore the city discover one of Japan’s best cities with plenty of keep you entertained. Our ’25 Things to Do Around Nagoya & Where to Stay’ page has some great suggestions of what’s on offer in and around the city, including accommodation listings.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Guided Garden Walk through Nagoya’s Castle, Gardens, and Historic Estates | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Central Japan offers many, many reasons to visit. Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, to transport you to, from and between any destination in Central Japan.
Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.
Got a question about visiting Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
