As a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line running from Tokyo to Tsuruga through Kanazawa, Takaoka Station is a hidden gem of a local stop on the shinkansen. Located nearby the popular city of Kanazawa, Amaharashi Coast and Gokayama UNESCO World Heritage Site, Takaoka isa good, quiet access point to Japan’s north coast including the beautiful Noto Peninsula.
For more information about the different hotel areas we have a page for that - "Best Places to Stay in Takaoka." If you are looking for activities in the Takaoka area, check out our "15 Things to do in Takaoka" page. For a general trip to Toyama prefecture, don't forget to check out our other guides, such as "25 Things to Do Around Toyama," "Toyama's Famous Foods," and "Best Onsen Hot Springs in Toyama." You'll be able to get the most out of your visit to this incredible region with the help of these guides. Enjoy Toyama!
Located nearby the popular destinations of Kanazawa and Toyama, Takaoka is unintentional missed by international visitors who enjoy the samurai of Kanazawa or the mountains of Toyama City. Visitors who do make stop by Takaoka are often pleasantly surprised by the "Japan Heritage Site City" with national treasures, large wooden temples, beautiful views and two different districts from two different and distinct periods. Takaoka has a little bit of everything with none of the crowds!
Where is Takaoka?
Takaoka is located on Japan's north coast, around 400KM / 6-hours to the north-west of Tokyo. Despite being located at quite some distance from the capital, as a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line running from Tokyo to Tsuruga through Kanazawa, Takaoka is easy to reach - taking around 2.5 hours using the train. Located only a short distance from Kanazawa, Takaoka is also within easy reach of more distant cities including Kyoto and Osaka thanks to the Limited Express Thunderbird service which runs to Tsuruga Station!
How to get to Takaoka
In this section you will find information on how to reach Takaoka from the following starting points:
NAGANO CITY – JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK – KANAZAWA – KARUIZAWA – TOKYO – NARITA AIRPORT – HANEDA AIRPORT – TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE – SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA – TAKAYAMA – KAMIKOCHI – NAGOYA – KYOTO & OSAKA
We endeavor 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 alternative option i.e. express or local bus, that is notably faster or economical, we also include that information.
FROM NAGANO CITY / between 65 to 75 minutes
Nagano City is the most convenient access point for destinations in northern Nagano Prefecture. Shin-Takaoka Station and Nagano Station are both stops on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line along with the following station:
Tokyo / Ueno / Omiya / Kumagaya / Honjo-Waseda / Takasaki / Annaka-Haruna / Karuizawa / Sakudaira / Ueda / Nagano / Iiyama / Joetsu-Myoko / Itoigawa / Kurobe-Unazukionsen / Toyama / Shin-Takaoka / Kanazawa / Komatsu / Kaga Onsen / Awara Onsen / Fukui / Echizen-Takefu / Tsuruga
There are four services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line – the Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama and Tsurugi – however only the Hakutaka service connect Toyama and Nagano directly. Using the Hakutaka train, the journey from Nagano to Toyama takes about 65 minutes or 75 minutes. For the daily train schedule, see our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable’ page.
FROM THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
To reach Takaoka from the Jigokudani Monkey Park takes time but is relatively straight-forward when done via Nagano Station. 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 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 before the limited express train to Nagano takes 45 minutes – a total journey of around 60 to 70 minutes. Once at Nagano Station, simply transfer to the shinkansen bound for Toyama.
FROM KANAZAWA / 13 minutes
Kanazawa is one of the main stops of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line, and as such, it's quick and easy to move between Kanazawa and Takaoka, From Kanazawa Station, take the Hakutaka or Tsurugi services - 13 minutes. You can also take a local train that takes about 30 minutes and costs about 800 yen.
Recommended
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa or Toyama: Tateyama Alpine Route Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley
On this day tour of the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, you can choose to get on at Kanazawa or Toyama on the way back, saving you the trouble of transport on your own. You will be accompanied by a guide all day, who will bring you from Kanazawa to the top of Tateyama and back again, all while making sure everything runs smoothly and accordingly to plan so you don't have to worry.
FROM KARUIZAWA / 105 to 114 minutes
One of Japan's most popular mountain resorts towns, Karuizawa is also a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. To reach Takaoka, take the shinkansen from Karuizawa Station to Toyama Station – 105 to 114 minutes and follow the directions above. If you are looking for other day trips from Karuizawa Station, start with our listing below:
[START FROM NAGANO / KARUIZAWA ] Private - Unwind in Kusatsu Onsen
- Spots:
- NaganoKaruizawaKusatsu
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityKaruizawa
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityKaruizawa
FROM TOKYO / between 143 to 178 minutes
Most international visitors will spend at least some time in Tokyo during their visit to Japan, from where, it's a easy journey to Takaoka. Tokyo Station is the southern terminus of the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line, making it easy and convenient to travel from the capital to Shin-Takaoka. Using the Hakutaka, the journey from Tokyo to Toyama takes 143 to 178 minutes. For further details, see our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen’ page and ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Timetable’ page.
FROM NARITA AIRPORT / between 4 to 5 hours
Toyama can be reached in a two-stage journey from Narita via Tokyo Station. Two rapid train services connect Narita Airport to central Tokyo, from where you can use the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to reach Takaoka.
1 / the Narita Express (NEX) runs from Narita to Tokyo Station. It takes 55 minutes to reach Tokyo Station (depending on the service) with trains departing every 30 to 60 minutes. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above.
2 / the Keisei Skyliner runs from Narita to Ueno Station. It takes between 40 to 55 minutes to reach Ueno Station with trains departing every 30 to 40 minutes. Once at Ueno Station, transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Shin-Takaoka.
FROM HANEDA AIRPORT / between 3.5 to 4.5 hours
Takaoka can be reached in a two-stage journey from Haneda via Tokyo Station. Two train services connect Haneda Airport to central Tokyo, from where you can use the Hokuriku Shinkansen line to reach Shin-Takaoka.
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) and then switch to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line Rapid bound for Tokyo Station (5 min) – a total journey of around 30-minutes 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) and transfer to the Yamanote Line bound for Osaki to reach Tokyo Station - 13 min or a total journey of around 30 min. Once at Tokyo Station, follow the directions above onto Shin-Takaoka.
FROM THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE / approx. 85 minutes
Best Selling
[Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
- Spots:
- NaganoAlpine Route
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
The Toyama Chiho Train line connects Tateyama Station – gateway to the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route – with Dentetsu-Toyama Station, a brief walk from Toyama Station. Then just hop on the shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka Station. Taking approximately 85 minutes, regular services run to and from Tateyama.
FROM SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA / approx. 50 minutes
The Nohi Bus company also operates several daily services from Ogimachi – the main village of the Shirakawa-go and Gokayama grouping - to Shin-Takaoka or Takaoka Station. This bus service also continues on to nearby Takayama. It takes approximately 60 minutes to reach Takaoka from Ogimachi.
Best Selling
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
FROM TAKAYAMA / approx. 110 minutes
Takayama is one of Central Japan's most popular destinations and located with easy reach of Toyama. Most visitors choose to use the Limited Express 'Hida' on the Takayama Main Line from Takayama Station to Toyama. The transfer to a shinkansen to Shin-Takaoka. Covered by the Japan Rail Pass, this train line is particularly beautiful making the journey itself part of the experience. Taking approximately 110 minutes, there are only two or three convenient services each day and the line is popular with tourists, so if you have the chance to book ahead it can be helpful. If you are looking for other day trip options from Takayama, our listing below is a great place to start:
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- TakayamaKanazawa
FROM KAMIKOCHI / between 3 to 4 hours
Popular
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumotoKamikochi
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
To reach Toyama from Kamikochi you must first head to Takayama. 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. Please inquire with us for information including timetables and fares to and from Takayama. Once in Takayama, follow the directions above.
FROM NAGOYA / approx. 4 hours
Nagoya is the largest city in Central Japan. The Limited Express 'Hida' service runs from Nagoya Station to Takaoka. It takes approximately 4 hours. This is a beautiful train journey through the forests and mountains of Central Japan. The train stops at Takayama, making it worthwhile to spend at least one night in the historic town from where you can also easily visit Shirakawa-go and Gokayama along with Kamikochi, before heading onto Toyama and then Shin-Takaoka.
FROM KYOTO & OSAKA / between 140 to 165 minutes
From Kyoto and Osaka, take the Limited Express 'Thunderbird' service to Tsuruga Station and then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Shin-Takaoka. Frequent services run between the cities and involve the following travel times and costs: 150 to 160 minutes from Osaka and 125-145 minutes from Kyoto.
25 Things to Do Around Toyama & Where to Stay
Though easy to get to using the Shinkansen / 'Bullet Train' network, the port city of Toyama is often over-looked by international visitors. That's a mistake. Located nearby Toyama Bay, the city and region are known throughout Japan for its fantastic seafood - best enjoyed at a coastal market or at one of the city's many restaurants. The city itself is modern and energetic and an ideal launching point from where to access the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, Takayama, Gokayama and the North Alps. For tips and suggestions of what's on offer, see our '15 Things to Do in Takaoka' and '25 Things to Do Around Toyama' page.
Tour and Charters Around Takaoka & Toyama
At Snow Monkey Resorts we have tours operating around Japan - and that includes the Toyama area. With so much going on, and so much natural beauty, there is no chance that we would ever have left this area out of our line up. If you've been convinced that visiting Toyama is a good idea (and it really is), then the following tours will be just what you are looking for.
Recommended
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa or Toyama: Tateyama Alpine Route Snow Wall and Mysterious Valley
One of Toyama's biggest international attractions is the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route, without a doubt. The towering snow walls here are truly unique and are something that is hard to see outside of Japan. The easiest way to make it up to this magnificent natural beauty is through one of our tours. Hop on one of our buses as we head up the mountain, stopping in a mysterious village before reaching the top where you can explore the Snow Walls and other areas. Check the link above for our Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route from Kanazawa and Toyama.
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Kurobe Gorge and Unazuki Onsen
- Spots:
- KanazawaKurobe Gorge
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
Accessible from Toyama Station via Unazuki Onsen, Kurobe Gorge is quickly emerging as a popular destination for international visitors. Regarded as one of the three most beautiful gorges in Japan, Kurobe is best experienced riding the Kurobe Gorge Railway which covers a meandering and winding 20km span in approximately 80 minutes. The open-air carriages allow visitors an intimate experience of the surrounding landscape with stations along the route allowing access to walk trails, onsen, restaurants and accommodation. On our day tour of the area, you will have a day to enjoy the train ride and stunning scenery of the area, with a guide to help you make the most of it.
While a little out of the way, the Amaharashi Coast is a famous sight for many Japanese – known for its pristine beauty and Onnaiwa (Woman’s Rock) set against the background of the North Japan Alps including Mt Tate., and having inspired artists and poets for countless years. The spectacular view of the mountains against Toyama Bay may be difficult to access so join us for a tour! It combines other sites in Takaoka such as the Japan Heritage Site of Zuiryuji, the Big Buddha of Takaoka and a metalworking workshop. If you’re interested, find more information above on our Takaoka Tour page.
For a more personalized experience, private charters are also available. We can pick you up from a location of your choice anywhere in Central Japan, and bring you to your preferred destination. Airport pickup from Tokyo or Nagoya, even Osaka, is also possible. Our services may be used for taking day trips that include a few hard to reach destinations as well, removing the hassle of using often infrequent public transport options. A guide can be requested for an additional fee to turn the day into a completely private tour, where you decide the itinerary and our guides show you around in a timely and engaging manner. For more information concerning pricing and availability, please see here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best season to visit Takaoka and Toyama?
It depends on what interests you the most!
Winter is great for skiing at the many small ski resorts such as in Unazuki Onsen or Nanto City. This is also the best time to see the Amaharashi Coast with the mountains in the background.
In spring you can see the cherry blossoms along the Matsukawa River in Toyama City, the Spring Quartet in Asahi or in the mountains of Gokayama. It is also the start of the Snow Wall in Tateyama, a chance to see 15+ meter high wall of snow at the top of the mountain.
Summer is great for exploring the Japan Alps. The snow wall may be gone but the beautiful summer flowers are not. Hiking around Tateyama is literally a breath of fresh air. Festivals abound, as well, with a plethora of fireworks and traditional custom for you to see throughout the region.
The leaves change colors starting in October and Tateyama is an amazing place to see those. The Kurobe Gorge is stunning and even more so because you can ride the trolley train while taking it all in.
Should I go to Shin-Takaoka or Takaoka Station?
Shin-Takaoka is for the shinkansen only and Takaoka Station is for local trains.
Is there an airport nearby?
Yes! Toyama Airport(TOY) is nearby. Near Kanazawa there is also Komatsu Airport(KOM).
Do You Have Any Favorite "Hidden" Spots?
- The temples in Takaoka are great! Zuiryuji Temple has an interesting statue of a bathroom god. Shokoji Temple has the original residence of the monks during the boo period so you can see their golden wall bedroom. Both are original from 16-1700s and are Japan Heritage Sites, one step down from UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Despite this there are very few visitors.
- Ashikuraji is a town on the way to Tateyama and was one of the stops on the old pilgrimage. You can see a giant Emma-san(god of hell) that the pilgrims would pray to before ascending the mountain. The This area is seen as the last stop before exiting the land of the living so there is even a bridge that symbolizes that. It is quite a cool and unique experience to see all of that still alive today.
- The Shogawa River has a portion that is dammed and allows for boats to easier traverse it. There is a the Shogawa River Cruise that is especially beautiful in the fall where you can see the vivid yellows, oranges and reds of the leaves. Don't miss the winter though! Once it snows the valley comes alive again like a winter wonderland.
