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Takayama is one of Japan’s most beautiful mountain towns, but it’s not on a direct Shinkansen route – getting there requires a change, but which of the two main routes is best for you to choose?
Article by Helen Foster. Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. See our Affiliate Disclosure.
The two main rail routes to Takayama both leave from Tokyo Station. You can pick…
- Via Nagoya – this route sees you taking the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya and changing there to take the Limited Express Hida north to Takayama.
- Via Toyama – this uses the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama, before catching the Limited Express Hida line south to Takayama.
Both cost roughly the same and take about the same amount of time if the connections are favourable, so the best option mostly depends on the train timings and if you plan to visit other destinations along the way. Let me explain…
At a Glance
| Via Nagoya | Via Toyama | |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL JOURNEY TIME | Around 4 hr 10 min | Around 4 hr 5 minutes |
| ROUGH COST | ¥16,560 | ¥16,340 |
| TRANSFERS | 1 | 1 |
| FREQUENCY | Hourly connections | Only 2–3 particularly good connections daily |
| EASY STOPS EN ROUTE | Nagoya, Gifu, Gero Onsen | Nagano, Toyama, Hida Furukawa |
Option 1: Tokyo → Nagoya → Takayama
This is the route most first-time visitors choose.
You’ll board the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya before transferring to the scenic Limited Express Hida, which follows the Hida River north through forests, valleys and mountain villages into Takayama.
The journey takes approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes if your connections at Nagoya work out and costs around ¥16,560 for an unreserved seat.
The first leg to Nagoya takes 90 minutes, and then it takes between 2 hours 15 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes to get to Takayama.
Trains from Tokyo to Nagoya run every few minutes, and you can easily connect to one of the 10 Limited Express Hida departures each day – although note that some departures stop at more local stations than others, which can add about 15 minutes to the journey.
Pros
- Also goes through Shinagawa Station, which might be more convenient than Tokyo
- Frequent departures throughout the day on both lines
- Beautiful scenery on the Hida train
Cons
- Can be busier, particularly between Tokyo and Nagoya
- The Hida Limited Express can also sell out on some departures
Option 2: Tokyo → Toyama → Takayama
The alternative route heads north on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama before joining the Limited Express Hida to travel south through the Japanese Alps.
The longest part of the journey on this version of the trip is the first part; it takes 2 hours and 4 minutes to get to Toyama from Tokyo Station.
The Hida train between Toyama and Takayama then only takes about 90 minutes, but because there are only five departures a day, you need to time things carefully to make sure your shinkansen connects with the Hida Limited Express. This means that even though this journey is technically faster, it can take anywhere from 4 to 5 hours depending on your transfer times.
Pros
- Also goes through Ueno, which might be more convenient than Tokyo
- Quieter than the Nagoya route
- Lots of potential stops on the way
- Great for slow travellers wanting a multi-day trip
Cons
- Far fewer convenient departures
- Missing a connection can add a long wait
- Requires more careful planning
Which Route Gets You To Takayama Earliest?
If your time in Takayama is limited, arriving early in the day might be an important factor.
In this case, there is a clear winner between the routes – go via Nagoya.
Catching a 6 am departure to Nagoya, and the first Hida Limited Express out at 7.43 am will get you into Takayama at 10.16 am.
The earliest you can arrive using the Toyama route is 11.35 am.
Which Route Has the Better Scenery?
Both are scenic, but in different ways.
Via Nagoya
The first part of the trip is classic high-speed Shinkansen travel – although you might get a glimpse of Mount Fuji if you’re lucky. Once you board the Limited Express Hida, however, the scenery changes dramatically as the train follows rivers through forests, mountain valleys and small rural towns.
Via Toyama
The Hokuriku Shinkansen is also mostly industrial, but it does offer some views of the Japanese Alps before reaching Toyama. From there, the Limited Express Hida travels through dramatic mountain scenery, deep river gorges and remote countryside.
If you enjoy train journeys for the scenery alone, many travellers slightly prefer the Toyama route. Note: sit on the left for the better views in this direction – I was on the right, and while I got the view above, I missed some very pretty pictures on the other side, especially during the first part of the journey.
Need Extra Planning Help?
Our Japan trip planners can help. You might like our First-Timers Japan Planner, which will help you plan your trip to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka step-by-step, including tips on everything from picking hotels to sightseeing and dining. Or our super-duper Tokyo Disney Planner makes arranging your park trip MUCH easier. Find them in our Planners store – printable and digital versions are available.
Places You Can Stop Along the Way
If the journey is part of the experience for you and you want to stop off on the way, you have a few easy options on both routes.
Stops via Nagoya
If you’re taking the Nagoya route, consider spending time in:
- Nagoya
- Gifu
- Mina-Ota
- Gero Onsen (below)
Note – do not be fooled when you see that train stops at Shirakawaguchi – this is nowhere near the pretty town of Shirakawago.
Image of Gero Onsen @ JNTO Photo Library
Stops via Toyama
The Toyama route also opens up some fantastic destinations:
- Nagano
- Toyama and Iwase
- Hida Furukawa
- Tatayama Alpine Route
It’s the better choice if you’re exploring Japan’s Hokuriku region.
Which Route Do I Recommend?
For most first-time visitors, travelling via Nagoya is the better option. The trains are more frequent, connections are easier, and if something goes wrong, you have plenty of alternatives throughout the day.
If you’re in a hurry, this route feels a little less like you’re missing out big-name sights on the way (although the small towns and villages it does go through should not be dismissed).
I have a definite soft spot for Nagoya and would suggest considering staying a night here and exploring the cute old shopping area, Nagoya Castle or Ghibli Park.
However, if you have a bit more time, then travelling via Toyama can open up your journey to some incredible scenery in Japan. I went this route to Takayama and spent five days visiting Nagano, Matsumoto, Toyama and some nearby towns before heading down to Takayama via the beautiful Hida Furukawa.
Ultimately, both routes are excellent ways to reach Takayama. The journey times and prices are almost identical, so your decision should come down to whether you want to stop on the way – and where, if you do.
If you haven’t decided where to stay in Takayama yet, have a look at our guide to the best areas to pick.
Where to Book
Despite the fact that the Hida Express is run by JR Central, you book seats via the JR West website.
If you want to book the whole journey in one go, use the Timetable and Route Finder box to find the easiest way to the booking page.
If you add in your departure time, it will show you the three best options so you can clearly see which has the most convenient connection times at the point you want to leave.
Who Writes This Blog?
My name is Helen Foster, and I’m a journalist and author. My travel articles have appeared in publications including The Australian, Escape, RAC Horizons, Jetstar Magazine, Sainsbury’s Magazine, and more.
I’ve travelled to Japan nine times before – solo and with my partner and visited over 50 towns and cities. My last visit was in April 2026, so everything here is pretty up to date.