Chubu Centrair International Airport
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) – or simply, ‘Chubu Airport’ – is Japan’s smallest international airport. Located 35km from Nagoya City it is the only international airport in Central Japan. On this page you will find the following information:
— Train Services to & from Chubu Airport
— Activating & Exchanging a JR Pass
— Getting to Nagano from Chubu Airport
— Private Charters to & from Chubu Airport
— Accommodation In & Around the Airport
— 25 Things to Do Around Nagoya & Where to Stay
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
The airport has two terminals: the Main Terminal which caters to full-service airlines and Terminal 2, which caters for low-cost carriers. In the Main Terminal, domestic flights operate from the northern side while international flights operate from the southern side.
Japan Airlines (JAL), All Nippon Airways (ANA) and a range of international carriers operate from Chubu to destinations mostly in Asia. Most visitors flying in or out of Chubu Airport will do so via Nagoya Station.
ENTERING & EXITING JAPAN
Chubu Centrair Airport is one of Japan’s four major international airports. As such, it is the entry and departure point for many international visitors. Our ‘Entering & Exiting Japan’ page has useful information including visa requirements, clearing immigration and customs and things to take care of while at the airport. For further essential travel information, see our ‘Plan Your Visit’ main page.
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS
Given the continued impact of COVID-19 on global travel, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest news and requirements. Our ‘Traveling to / from Japan During COVID-19’ page includes information about who can enter, whether you need to quarantine and vaccination passports. For other essential information including the latest COVID and vaccination numbers from Japan, see our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ main page.
TRAIN SERVICES TO & FROM CHUBU AIRPORT
There is only one train line operating from Nagoya Station to the airport:
MEITETSU LIMITED EXPRESS
For visitors flying in or out of Chubu Airport, Nagoya Station can be reached using 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 Nagoya and the airport. This service only includes first-class, reserved seating. Alternatively, the Meitetsu Ltd Exp 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, Meitetsu-Nagoya Station and the airport. The Japan Rail (JR) Pass does not cover this service.
ACTIVATING & EXCHANGING A JR PASS
Holders of any Japan Rail pass will need to exchange/activate that pass before using it. You do so 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 Chubu Airport. You can do so at:
— 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
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. For full details regarding each pass covering travel to and from Nagano, please refer to our relevant page: Japan Rail (JR) Pass / JR East Nagano & Niigata Pass / JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.
GETTING TO NAGANO FROM CHUBU AIRPORT
To reach Nagano from the airport, firstly follow the directions above to reach Nagoya Station. Once at Nagoya, the fastest route to Nagano is using the Limited Express Shinano Line. Running from Nagoya to Nagano, the line connects two of Central Japans 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*
As such, the line 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. 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 further details including daily timetable, please refer to our ‘Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable’ page.
*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.
PRIVATE CHARTERS TO & FROM CHUBU AIRPORT
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1-rated 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. 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 Nagano and 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.
ACCOMMODATION IN & AROUND THE AIRPORT
Visitors flying in or out of Chubu Centrair International Airport, might want to consider staying in or nearby. As one of Japan’s four international airports, there are good options around the airport and inside the airport. For hotel listings in and around the airport please refer to our ‘Chubu Centrair International Airport Area’ page.
25 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 travelers 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.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
For some international visitors, Chubu Airport will be their point of entry when arriving in Japan but as we all know, your trip begins long before your get here as you plan your adventure in this wonderful country. 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.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
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, along with an English-speaking guide, to transport to, from and between any destinations in the region including Nagoya and beyond. 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 Nagano and Central 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!
