Limited Express Hida (Nagoya–Takayama–Toyama)
Running from Nagoya Station to Takayama Station – with some services continuing directly on to Toyama Station – the Limited Express Hida service is another convenient and picturesque train line opening-up the heart of Central Japan. On this page you will find the following information:
— Limited Express Hida Line Map & Services
— Limited Express Hida Timetable
— Recommended Destinations Using the Limited Express Hida
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
For visitors headed to Takayama and the nearby World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, the Limited Express Hida will be your most convenient transport option. Running from Nagoya in the south to Toyama in the north, the line connects with two Shinkansen lines – the Tokaido Shinkansen at Nagoya Station and Hokuriku Shinkansen at Toyama Station – meaning that it can be easily incorporated to your travel itinerary as you move through Central Japan.
LIMITED EXPRESS HIDA LINE MAP & SERVICES
The Limited Express Hida connects Nagoya to some of Central Japan’s most enjoyable destinations, stopping 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*
*These stations are only stops on services to and from Toyama Station. Most services start and finish at Takayama Station so if you are intending to board or disembark at one of these stations make sure to check the specific service includes a stop at your preferred station.
Ten services run from Nagoya Station each day. The service operates approximately once an hour and makes the journey between Nagoya and Takayama in approximately 2.5 hours. From/to Nagoya Station, expect the following journey times and costs:
— to Gifu: 20 minutes / non-reserved JPY1230 & reserved JPY1560
— to Gero: 95 to 105 minutes / non-reserved JPY4170 & reserved JPY4500
— to Takayama: 140 to 155 minutes / non-reserved JPY5610 & reserved JPY5940
— to Toyama: 240 to 250 minutes / non-reserved JPY7260 & reserved JPY7590
This is a popular line for tourists therefore it can be busy, especially in the morning, evening and on weekends. If you are traveling as a family or large group, reserving seats in advance is a good idea to ensure that you can sit together. This service is covered by the full Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
LIMITED EXPRESS HIDA TIMETABLE
A popular and convenient train line for travelers heading into Central Japan, there are regular services through the day. For daily schedules, see our our ‘Limited Express Hida Timetable’ page.
RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS USING THE HIDA
Running from Nagoya to Takayama and onto Toyama, the Hida Line effectively connects two of Japan’s main shinkansen lines – the Tokaido Shinkansen at Nagoya Station and the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Toyama Station. As such, main visitors use the Hida Line to head to the popular destinations of Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, and Kamikochi from both Nagoya and Toyama. Before heading along the Hida Line to discover everything that Central Japan has to offer, make sure to allow time to explore Nagoya and/or Toyama.
As one of Japan’s great metropolises, Nagoya has so much to offer including great food, museums and historic sites. Why not start with our ‘25 Things to Do Around Nagoya & Where to Stay’ page for some tips and suggestions of what to do while there.
Toyama is often over-looked as a destination and used as a convenient transport hub from where to explore nearby destinations. While it is true that it does not have the attractions of nearby Kanazawa, it is pleasant city with enough to keep visitors entertained for a day – especially seafood lovers. For tips and suggestions of what to do while there, start with our ’25 Things to Do Around Toyama & Where to Stay’ page.
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route is readily accessible from Toyama and is without doubt, one of Japan’s most iconic natural landscapes. Ascending to Murodo Station and Mt Tate opens-up dramatic mountain vistas including the fabled Snow Walls and outstanding hiking in summer and autumn. For suggestions of everything on offer, see our ’25 Things to Do Around the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route & Where to Stay’ page.
1 Day Tour
| [Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route | |
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| Period | April to June |
| Time | 07:50/08:15 – 18:00-19:00 |
| Meeting Place | Hotel Kokusai 21 Nagano Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥30,000 |
| Child Rate | ¥23,800 |
From Nagoya or Toyama, most visitors will head to Takayama and its historic old town. Known as the ‘Sannomachi’, the old city centre is one of Japan’s best-preserved Edo Period street-scapes. Takayama is also a renowned food town, most famous for its acclaimed Hida beef and Takayama ramen. See our ’25 Things to Do Around Takayama & Where to Stay’ page for further details.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Delve into Hida-Furukawa’s Cultural Treasures | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 15:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
From Takayama, it’s a short journey to the World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama. Actually consisting of three villages – Ogimachi, Suganuma and Ainokura – all three can be easily reached from Takayama. For suggestions of what to do when there, see our ’15 Things to Do in Shirakawa-go & Where to Stay’ page.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥20,800 / 22,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,000 / 14,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:00 |
| Meeting Place | Kanazawa Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 / 25,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥15,000 / 17,000 |
Nestled high in the North Japan Alps, Kamikochi is another of Central Japan’s best destinations and also readily accessible using the Hida Line via Takayama. Kamikochi is only accessible from mid-April to mid-November, in which time it offers the chance to enjoy one of Japan’s most striking natural landscapes. See our ’15 Things to Do in Kamikochi & Where to Stay’ page for further details.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
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| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
All of this and more can be experienced when using the Limited Express Hida.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
The Limited Express Hida is just one part of Japan’s fantastic rail network. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train is easy and comfortable opening-up all regions of Japan for exploration. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
Want to see the old-town of Takayama for yourself?
Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer a two highly entertaining tours, including our popular group-tour of Takayama and Shirakawa-go and our immersive Takayama History and Culture tour. Both of these tours are sure to educate and please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and combine a visit to several places-of-interest in Takayama or with a walk around the quintessentially Japanese town of Shirakawa-go. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥20,800 / 22,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥12,000 / 14,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour in Takayama: Immerse in Takayama’s Rich History and Temples | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 16:00 |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥18,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,500 |
Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Takayama area, and other regional destinations. 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 well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
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!
Private Tour
| [START FROM TAKAYAMA] Private Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – Takayama Area |
| Meeting Place | Takayama Station Area |
| Price | ¥159,000 ~ / group |
Got a question about visiting Takayama or Shirakawa-go? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
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!
