Nagoya Station
Located in the center of Nagoya City, Nagoya Station is one of the region’s main transport hubs and a convenient place from which to explore east, west and central Japan. On this page you will find the following information:
— Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station
— Other Train Lines / Services to Nagoya
— Getting to & from Chubu Centrair Airport
— Rail Passes Covering Travel to Nagoya
— Purchasing & Activating a JR Pass
— Private Charters to / from Nagoya
— Nagoya Station Tourist Information
— Accommodation In & Around the Station
— Things to Do Around Nagoya & Where to Stay
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
At an astonishing 446,000 square meters and 53 floors, Nagoya Station holds the record as the world’s largest and tallest train station. And with roughly 177,000 passengers a day, Nagoya Station is one of the busiest stations in Japan.
A convenient transit point with multiple train lines, it’s a excellent launching point from where to explore the region. The station is worth enjoying in its own right as the three tower complexes offer a range of facilities including offices, shops, restaurants, and hotels—making it quite possible to spend an entire day in Nagoya and never leave the station!
An energetic and industrious city, Nagoya also has a long history, thriving nightlife and food scene. Additionally, Nagoya’s central location also makes it a great city to act as your “home base” as it offers many unique experiences and accessible day trips to exciting destinations including the Kiso Valley, Nakasendo Trail, the Ise Coast and beyond.
With the enormous size and the number of passengers, it is easy to imagine the difficulty in finding family or friends at Nagoya station. Thankfully, the Gold and Silver Clock towers, standing at opposite ends of the Nagoya Station serve as meeting spots for locals and travelers alike. For travelers looking to join a tour of Nagoya with Snow Monkey Resort, our guides will be waiting to meet you at the Silver Clock Tower in Nagoya Station.
The following information is intended for visitors coming through Nagoya on enroute to Nagano and Central Japan. It only touches the surface of everything we could cover about the station but we hope it assists in making your transfer there, as easy and smooth as possible.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Samurai Swords and Japan’s Oldest Castle | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 9:00-16:30 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥21,900 ~ |
| Child Rate | ¥14,000 ~ |
TRAIN LINES / SERVICES TO NAGOYA STATION
JR Central Lines connected to Nagoya Station include the Tokaido Shinkansen Line, Tokaido Main Line, Chuo Main Line, Kansai Main Line, Higashiyama Line, Sakura-dori Line, and the Aonami Line.
Additionally, Nagoya Station is connected to Meitetsu Nagoya Station with access to stops on the Meitetsu Line and the Kintetsu Line. The Meitetsu line provides direct access to Chubu Centrair International Airport.
Nagoya is a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line – running from Tokyo to Osaka – which includes 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 95 to 100 minutes / JPY10,560; Shin-Fuji 90 min / JPY7140; Kyoto 35 to 55 min (depending on the service) / JPY5170; and Shin-Osaka 50 to 70 (depending on the service) / JPY5940. For the train schedule please refer to our ‘Tokaido Shinkansen Timetable’ page. The Japan Rail (JR) Pass covers services on the Tokaido Shinkansen – other than the Nozomi – and all services on the Hokuriku Shinkasen – see below for details.
For travelers heading to our home region of Nagano, please note that Nagano Station isn’t a stop on Tokaido Shinkansen Line. Nagano is however on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line that runs from Tokyo to Kanazawa, meaning that Nagano can be reached from Nagoya using shinkansen services via Tokyo Station. To do so takes between 200 and 230 minutes (depending on the services you choose) and costs JPY17,380. While possible, unless you have a reason to go via Tokyo, we do not recommend this route. We recommend using the Limited Express Shinano service to reach Nagano from Nagoya.
OTHER TRAIN LINES / SERVICES TO NAGOYA
As a major railway station, Nagoya has many train lines and services running to it however for international visitors seeking to explore Central Japan – the Limited Express Shinano heading to the Kiso Valley and Nakasendo, Matsumoto and Nagano; along with the Limited Express Hida bound for Gero Onsen, Takayama and Toyama. Let’s consider each in turn:
LIMITED EXPRESS SHINANO
Running from Nagoya to Nagano Station, the Limited Express Shinano connects two of Central Japan’s major cities and travel hubs and stops at the following stations:
Nagoya – Kanayama – Chikusa – Taijimi – Ena – Nakatsugawa – Nagiso – Agematsu – Kiso-Fukushima – Shiojiri – Matsumoto – Akashina – Hijiri-Kogen – Shinonoi – Nagano*
*Please note, stations marked in bold / red on the map are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day.
The Limited Express Shinano operates approximately once an hour and makes the journey between Nagano and Nagoya in approximately 3 hours and costs JPY6930. For the train schedule, please refer to our ‘Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable’ page. The Japan JR Pass covers this service – see below for details. Using the Limited Express Shinano provides access to some of Japan’s most attractive destinations including the Nakasendo Trail via either Nakatsugawa or Kiso-Fukushima; Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi via Matsumoto; and many others via Nagano Station including the Jigokudani Monkey Park and Nagano’s many ski resorts.
LIMITED EXPRESS HIDA
Running from Nagoya to Takayama (with some services continuing directly on to Toyama Station – a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line), the Limited Express Hida service is another convenient and picturesque train line that 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.
For the train schedule, see our ‘Limited Express Hida Timetable’ page. The Japan JR Pass covers this service – see below for details. Using the Limited Express Hida provides access to popular destinations including Gero Onsen via Gero; Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, and Kamikochi via Takayama; and the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Kurobe Gorge and the northern Japanese coast via Toyama. It takes approximately 145 minutes and costs JPY5610 to travel between Nagoya and Takayama. The Japan JR Pass covers this service – see below for details.
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 |
GETTING TO & FROM CHUBU CENTRAIR AIRPORT
For visitors flying in or out of Chubu Centrari International Airport, the station can be reached using the Meitetsu Limited Express Line running from the airport to Meitetsu-Nagoya Station (connected to Nagoya Station) to Central Japan International Airport (NGO) Station.
We recommend using the μ Sky Limited Express which takes 28 minutes and costs JPY1250 between Nagoya and the airport. 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 ordinary carriages. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines or window at Nagoya Station and Meitetsu-Nagoya Station – departing from Track No. 3 or 4. Please note, the Japan JR Pass does not cover this line.
RAIL PASSES COVERING TRAVEL TO NAGOYA
There is no escaping the fact that travel using the shinkansen is expensive. Given the speed and distances covered by these trains, travelers should think of them much like taking a flight, with tickets accordingly priced. International visitors to Japan have the option of purchasing one of several passes which allow for unlimited use on many services:
JAPAN RAIL (JR) PASS
Covering all 9 shinkansen lines in Japan and many other train services, the JR Pass is a great option for visitors planning to use the shinkansen more than a handful of times and/or travel large distances. Travelers have the option of 7, 14 and 21-day passes covering either Ordinary or Ordinary and Green Cars. The JR Pass allows for use of any service on the Tokaido Shinkansen line – other than Nozomi – at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost).
Please note, Japan Rail also offers a JR East Nagano & Niigata Pass and JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. These are great value and should be considered by anyone spending time in Japan however they do not cover travel to and from Nagoya.
PURCHASING & ACTIVATING A JR PASS
Passes can be purchased via the official website or via a JR-affiliated overseas sales office. Once you have completed payment, you will receive an exchange order. This is a proof of payment and looks almost like a flight ticket with your personal details, type of pass, and validity (three months from the date of issue). It is important to note that the exchange order is not your actual pass and will need to be exchanged for your pass once in Japan. Whatever you do, do not lose the exchange order and prioritise exchanging it for your pass when you arrive.
Once you are in Japan and prior to using your pass, you must actually get your hands on it by exchanging the order/proof of purchase you received online. This can be done a numerous JR Pass Exchange Offices found at any major train station or airport, including Narita Airport and Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Kansai International Airport in Osaka, and Chubu Centrair International Airport serving Nagoya at the following office:
— Central Japan Travel Center: 09:00 to 20:30
Passes can also be exchanged/activated at these offices in/around Nagoya Station:
— Japan Rail Pass Exchange Office: 10:00 to 19:00
— Ticket Office: 06:00 to 10:00 & 19:00 to 23:00
— JR Tokai Tours Nagoya Office: 09:00 to 19:30
— JR Tokai Tours Nagoya Station Hirokoji Entrance Office: 11:00 to 19:00 (weekdays) & 11:00 to 18:00 (weekends)
To exchange/activate your pass you will need your exchange order and passport. Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date). Once you have your activated pass you are free to ride however you can’t insert your pass into the ticket gates. Simply walk through the side booth (permanently attended by station staff) and show your pass. You will be waved through and you can make your way to the platform.
PRIVATE CHARTERS TO / FROM NAGOYA
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Operating all year round, we can provide charters to any destination in Central Japan, with customised itineraries to suit your travel needs and interests including pick-up or drop-off at Nagoya Station, Chubu Centrair Airport, or directly at your accommodation. We have the expertise and experience to help you get the most out of your time in the region, including transport to and from any regional destination. 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 interests and 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.
Got a question about visiting Central Japan from Nagoya? Head to our ‘Charters’ main page or click on the INQUIRY button below, let us know what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
NAGOYA STATION TOURIST INFORMATION
For visitors traveling to and from Nagoya, the Nagoya Station Tourist Information Center is located at the east end of the Central Walkway and open daily from 08:30 to 19:00. Full-time English, Chinese and Korean-speaking staff are on-hand to assist with general any tourism, accommodation and transport-related enquiries.
ACCOMMODATION IN & AROUND THE STATION
Nagoya is Japan’s fourth largest city and as such, there is no shortage of accommodation to choose from. Most hotels are located in and around Nagano Station and nearby Sakae Station while travelers with early or late flights out of Chubu Centrair might consider staying around the airport. For accommodation listings, see our pages for: Nagaya Station Area / Sakae Station Area / Chubu Airport Area.
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 |
THINGS TO DO AROUND NAGOYA & WHERE TO STAY
The largest city in Central Japan, Nagoya is one of Japan’s great metropolises. The country’s industrial hub, Nagoya is a modern city with a rich history and great food scene. Those who choose to stay and explore the city discover one of Japan’s best cities with plenty to keep you entertained. Our “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.
HOW TO GET TO NAGOYA
As a stop on the Tokaido Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, Nagoya is a convenient stop from where you can explore the city itself and head into the mountainous interior of Central Japan. Our ‘ How To Get To Nagoya’ page explains how to get there from some of the most popular starting points.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
Nagoya Station 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.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour: Nagoya’s Industrial Legacy and Toyota’s Innovation | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 10:00-17:00 |
| Meeting Place | JR Nagoya Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 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, along with an English-speaking guide, to transport to, from and between any destinations in the region including Nagoya, the Kiso Valey and Nakasendo, Matsumoto and Nagano. 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 Nagoya and Central Japan? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
