Chubu Centrair International Airport
Chubu Centrair International Airport – or simply, Chubu Airport – is Japan’s smallest international airport. Located 35km from Nagoya City it is the only international airport in Central Japan.
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:
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 Japan Rail 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.
Taking its name for the large windows which afford fantastic views of the passing landscape 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.
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 Wide View 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.
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.
Private Charter from/to Chubu Airport
Based in Nagano City and operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including private charters along with private and group tours.
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 including transport to and from any ski resort in the region.
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 that experience and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2019 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.
Got a question about arranging a charter to or from Chubu Airport? Feel free to contact us at snowmonkeyresorts@machinovate.com and let’s get planning together!
