How to Get to Takayama
Nestled deep in Central Japan, Takayama takes a little time and planning to get to but in the end, is relatively straight-forward. Takayama can be reached from the following:
From Kanazawa
Regular highway bus services connect Kanazawa Station to Takayama via Shirakawa-go. Departing every 2 to 3 hours and taking around 2 hours to make the journey, a one-way trip costs around JPY3600 while a return ticket will cost around JPY6400.
There is no direct train service from Kanazawa to Takayama. Visitors wanting to use the train should proceed to Toyama Station and follow the directions below.
From Toyama
Most visitors choose to use the Limited Express Hida on the Takayama Main Line from Toyama Station to Takayama. Covered by the Japan Rail Pass, this train line is particularly beautiful making the journey itself part of the experience.
Taking approximately 90 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.
From Shirakawa-go & Gokayama
Regular bus services operated by the Nohi Bus company connect Takayama with its world-famous neighbor. Buses run to and from the Nohi Bus Terminal, next to Takayama Station, and can be purchased on the day or online up to a month in advance.
Please see the following page for information including timetables and fares to and from Takayama.
From Kamikochi
Kamikochi can be accessed by frequent direct bus services to and from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center. 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 see the following page for information including timetables and fares to and from Takayama.
From Matsumoto
Several daily highway bus services connect Takayama and Matsumoto Station, taking approximately 2.5 hours and just over JPY3000.
Visitors wanting to use the train should take the Limited Express Shinano to Nagoya – taking approximately 2 hours – and switch to the Limited Express Wide View Hida service (as explained below).
From the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
The Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route can be accessed from the Toyama-side via Tateyama Station. To reach Takayama, take the Toyama Chiho train line from Tateyama Station to Dentetsu Toyama Station – 60 minutes / JPY1230.
Once at in Toyama, walk the short distance to Toyama Station and switch to the Limited Express Hida service onto Takayama (as explained above).
From Nagano
There is no direct public transport from Nagano Station to Takayama, presenting travelers with different options. For those traveling by train, the easiest option is to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen north to Toyama – approximately 50 minutes – and follow the directions above. The total journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on which services you use.
Alternatively, take the Limited Express Shinano from Nagano Station and switch to the bus at Matsumoto or continue on to Nagoya and switch to the Limited Express Wide View Hida. Of those options, transferring to bus at Matsumoto will be the fastest.
From the Jigokudani Monkey Park
To reach Takayama 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 costs JPY1500 each way and 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 and costs JPY310 before the express train to Nagano takes another 45 minutes and costs JPY1290 – a total journey of around 60 to 70 minutes and costing JPY1600.
Once at Nagano Station, follow the directions above.
From Karuizawa
A stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, take the shinkansen from Karuizawa Station to Nagano Station – 25 min / JPY3210 – and follow the directions above.
From Nagoya
Running from Nagoya Station to Takayama (with some services continuing directly on to Toyama Station), the Limited Express Hida service is another convenient and picturesque train line that connects Nagoya to some of Central Japan’s most enjoyable destinations. It takes approximately 145 minutes and costs JPY5610 to travel between Nagoya and Takayama.
*Please note, stations marked in bold are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day.
Highway buses operated by Meitetsu and Nohi Bus connect Nagoya and Takayama, taking around 2.5 hours and cost a little over JPY3000.
From Tokyo
Visitors starting in Tokyo have several indirect train options or direct highway buses departing from Shinjuku. Operated by the Keio and Nohi Bus companies, one-way bus journeys from Tokyo take approximately 5.5 hours and cost between JPY6500 to JPY7000.
While there are several options for reaching Takayama by train, none are direct and all take time. An easy option is to take the Hokuriku Shinkasen line to Toyama Station from Tokyo Station, and switch to the Limited Express Hida. Depending on the time of day you are traveling, and which service you are using, expect the journey to take approximately 5 hours.
Alternatively, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station and follow the directions above by switching to the Limited Express Hida service. Expect a total travel time from Tokyo to Takayama via Nagoya of 5 to 6 hours.
From Kyoto and Osaka
Reaching Takayama from Kyoto or Osaka is relatively straightforward but requires a transfer at Nagoya Station. Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya: taking 35 min / JPY5170 from Kyoto Station and 50 min / JPY5940 from Shin-Osaka Station. Once at Nagoya Station, switch to the Limited Express Wide View Hida service bound for Takayama.
Private Charters to/from Takayama
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 group tours, private tours and charters.
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?
Got a question about arranging a charter to/from Takayama? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!
