Located in the mountains of northern Gifu Prefecture, Takayama is one of Central Japan’s most popular historic destinations. The city is best known for its beautifully preserved Old Town, traditional festivals, Hida beef and convenient access to Shirakawa-go and the Northern Japan Alps.
Most visitors arrive at Takayama Station by the Limited Express Hida from Nagoya or Toyama. Highway buses also connect Takayama with Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Matsumoto, Kanazawa and Shirakawa-go. The Takayama Nohi Bus Center is located directly beside the railway station, making transfers straightforward.
This guide explains the best ways to reach Takayama from each major starting point, including current journey times, fares, transfers and reservation requirements. For help planning your stay, see our guide to the 25 Things to Do Around Takayama and Where to Stay.
Where is Takayama?
Takayama, often called Hida-Takayama, is located in northern Gifu Prefecture between the mountainous regions of Nagoya and Toyama. Its position in the Japanese Alps helped preserve the distinctive culture, architecture and traditions for which the city is known today.
The main transport gateways are Nagoya to the south, Toyama and Kanazawa to the north, and Matsumoto to the east. Train and highway bus services arrive at Takayama Station and the adjoining Takayama Nohi Bus Center, both located within walking distance of the Old Town.
When booking transport or accommodation, search for “Hida-Takayama” or Takayama in Gifu Prefecture, as several other places in Japan also use the name Takayama.
How to Get to Takayama
Takayama is not served by the Shinkansen, but it is connected to the rest of Japan by the Limited Express Hida, regional trains and highway buses. The best route depends on your starting point, budget and whether you prefer the comfort of rail travel or a direct bus.
KANAZAWA – TOYAMA – SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA – KAMIKOCHI – MATSUMOTO – TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE – NAGANO CITY – JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK – KARUIZAWA – NAGOYA – TOKYO inc. NARITA & HANEDA AIRPORTS – KYOTO & OSAKA
We endeavour 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 KANAZAWA / 2 hours
Direct highway buses connect Kanazawa Station West Gate, Platform 4, with the Takayama Nohi Bus Center. Services travel via Shirakawa-go, take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and cost ¥4,200 one way for adults.
All direct services require reservations and can sell out during busy periods. Tickets can be booked through Japan Bus Online or the Hokuriku Railroad reservation centre. Travelling by train is also possible by changing at Toyama, but the direct bus is generally simpler.
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.
Traveling from Kanazawa? Enhance your journey with our set private tour starting from Kanazawa or Takayama. Discover Takayama and Shirakawa-go's cultural gems in a personalized, comfortable setting. Ideal for a seamless exploration from Kanazawa to Takayama.
Recommended
[START FROM TAKAYAMA] Private Takayama & Shirakawa-go Tour
- Spots:
- TakayamaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- KanazawaTakayama
FROM TOYAMA / approx. 90 minutes
The Limited Express Hida provides the most convenient connection between Toyama Station and Takayama Station. The scenic journey through the mountains takes approximately 90 minutes, with one-way fares starting from ¥2,890. The service is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Only a limited number of Hida services operate between Toyama and Takayama each day, so check the timetable and reserve a seat ahead of busy travel periods. Local trains are also available but usually require a transfer at Inotani and take considerably longer.
Highway buses provide an alternative route via Shirakawa-go. The complete journey takes approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes and costs ¥3,800 one way. Bus departures are limited, and advance reservations are recommended. Check the latest services on the official Nohi Bus website.
FROM SHIRAKAWA-GO & GOKAYAMA / approx. 60 minutes
Direct buses connect Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal with Takayama Nohi Bus Center in approximately 50 minutes. The adult one-way fare is ¥2,800. Some services require advance reservations, while others operate with non-reserved seating, so check the official Nohi Bus timetable carefully.
From the Gokayama villages of Ainokura and Suganuma, take the Kaetsunou World Heritage Bus to Shirakawa-go and transfer to a Takayama-bound bus. Journey times vary according to the connection, and separate fares apply. Check both timetables before travelling, particularly outside the main tourist season.
Heading to Takayama from the north and want to explore Shirakawa-go & Gokayama? Why not join our '1 Day Tour from Kanazawa.' Immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Inami and Gokayama, and marvel at the stunning landscapes of Shirakawa-go. This tour offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic beauty, with the convenient option to conclude your day in the enchanting town of Takayama.
Best Selling
1 Day Tour from Kanazawa: Shirakawa-go, Gokayama and Wood Carving Village
- Spots:
- KanazawaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Kanazawa
- Drop-off:
- KanazawaTakayama
FROM KAMIKOCHI / approx. 90 minutes
To reach Takayama from Kamikochi, take a shuttle bus to Hirayu Onsen and transfer to a bus bound for Takayama Nohi Bus Center. There is no direct bus, but services are generally timed to make the transfer straightforward.
The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, depending on the connection. A combined one-way ticket from Kamikochi to Takayama costs ¥3,000, and reservations are not required.
Kamikochi is seasonal, with buses operating from mid-April until 15 November. The area is inaccessible by public transport during winter, so check the official Nohi Bus timetable before travelling.
For those eager to journey to Kamikochi and delve deeper into Central Japan, our '4-Day Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa: The Ultimate Central Japan Tour' is an ideal choice. Along with experiencing Kamikochi's serenity and Takayama's historical allure, you'll have the opportunity to visit the renowned Snow Monkey Park, an award-winning highlight. The tour also unveils the beauty of Shirakawa-go, before concluding in the lively city of Kanazawa, offering a comprehensive and enriching regional adventure.
Recommended
(Green Season) 4-Day Tour from Nagano to Kanazawa: The Ultimate Central Japan Tour
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyKanazawaTakayamaMatsumotoShirakawagoKamikochi
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Kanazawa
FROM MATSUMOTO / approx. 2.5 hours
The easiest way to reach Takayama from Matsumoto is by direct express bus. Services depart from Matsumoto Bus Terminal, located beside Matsumoto Station, and arrive at Takayama Nohi Bus Center.
The journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and costs ¥4,400 one way. Seat reservations are required and should be made in advance, particularly during weekends and peak travel periods. The Japan Rail Pass does not cover this bus.
Current schedules and reservations are available through the official Nohi Bus website.
Small Group
2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyTakayamaMatsumoto
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Takayama
FROM THE TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE / approx. 3 hours
Travellers finishing the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route on the Toyama side can reach Takayama via Toyama City.
From Tateyama Station, take the Toyama Chiho Railway to Dentetsu-Toyama Station. The journey takes approximately one hour. Dentetsu-Toyama Station is beside JR Toyama Station, where you can transfer to the Limited Express Hida for the approximately 90-minute journey to Takayama.
Allow around three hours in total, depending on the connection in Toyama. Limited Express Hida services are infrequent, so check both train schedules before beginning the journey.
FROM NAGANO CITY / between 2.5 to 3 hours
There is no direct public transport from Nagano City to Takayama. The fastest option is usually to take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Nagano Station to Toyama, then transfer to the Limited Express Hida for Takayama.
The journey generally takes 3 to 4 hours and costs around ¥8,500, depending on the services used. It is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Limited Express Hida services from Toyama are infrequent, so check the connection before travelling.
Alternatively, take the Limited Express Shinano to Matsumoto and transfer to the reserved express bus for Takayama.
FROM THE JIGOKUDANI MONKEY PARK / between 4 to 5 hours
To reach Takayama from the Jigokudani Monkey Park, first travel to Nagano Station.
The direct Nagaden express bus takes approximately 55 minutes and costs ¥3,000 one way. Alternatively, take a local bus to Yudanaka Station and continue to Nagano on the Nagano Dentetsu Line. This combination takes around 60 to 70 minutes.
From Nagano Station, continue to Takayama via Toyama or Matsumoto using the routes described above. Allow approximately 4 to 5 hours for the complete journey.
For a guided alternative, this two-day tour visits Nagano, the Snow Monkey Park, Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku before finishing in Takayama.
Small Group
2-Day Snow Monkey Tour: Nagano To Takayama via Matsumoto
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyTakayamaMatsumoto
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Takayama
FROM KARUIZAWA / approx. 3.5 hours
The simplest route from Karuizawa to Takayama is via Toyama. From Karuizawa Station, take a Hakutaka service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Toyama, then transfer to the Limited Express Hida for Takayama.
The complete journey takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours and costs around ¥13,000, depending on the connection and seat type. The entire route is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Limited Express Hida departures from Toyama are infrequent, so check the full journey before leaving Karuizawa and reserve seats during busy periods.
FROM NAGOYA / approx. 2.5 hours
Nagoya offers both direct train and highway bus services to Takayama.
The Limited Express Hida departs from Nagoya Station and reaches Takayama in approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 35 minutes. A one-way ticket costs ¥5,610 for a non-reserved seat or ¥6,140 for an ordinary reserved seat. The service is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
The direct highway bus takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes and costs ¥3,600 one way. Buses depart from Meitetsu Bus Center and JR Nagoya Station before arriving at Takayama Nohi Bus Center. Reservations are required and can be made through the official Nohi Bus website.
The train is generally faster and more frequent, while the bus is the cheaper option.
FROM TOKYO inc. NARITA & HANEDA AIRPORTS / 5.5 hours or more
VIA NAGOYA / APPROXIMATELY 4.5 HOURS
Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Nagoya, then transfer to the Limited Express Hida for Takayama.
The journey takes approximately 4.5 hours and costs around ¥16,000 one way. The Japan Rail Pass covers the route when using a Hikari or Kodama service. A supplementary charge applies when using the faster Nozomi.
VIA TOYAMA / APPROXIMATELY 4 TO 5 HOURS
Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Toyama Station, then transfer to the Limited Express Hida for Takayama.
The journey costs around ¥16,000 and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Only a few connections work conveniently each day, so check the Limited Express Hida timetable before choosing this route.
BY DIRECT HIGHWAY BUS / APPROXIMATELY 5 HOURS 45 MINUTES
Direct buses depart from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and Tokyo Yaesu Bus Terminal. Daytime fares are ¥8,000 from Shinjuku and ¥8,500 from Tokyo Yaesu. Overnight services cost ¥9,000 and ¥9,500 respectively.
Reservations are required and can be made through the official Nohi Bus website.
FROM NARITA AND HANEDA AIRPORTS
From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line to Shinagawa and join the Tokaido Shinkansen route via Nagoya.
From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then continue via Nagoya or Toyama. Allow approximately one additional hour from Haneda and 1.5 to 2 hours from Narita.
FROM KYOTO & OSAKA / between 3 to 4 hours
Both cities offer direct bus services and train connections to Takayama. There is also one direct Limited Express Hida departure each morning.
FROM KYOTO / APPROXIMATELY 3 TO 4 HOURS
The once-daily direct Limited Express Hida departs Kyoto Station in the morning and reaches Takayama in approximately 3 hours 40 minutes. The fare is around ¥8,000 and the journey is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
For greater flexibility, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya and transfer to the Limited Express Hida. This route takes around 3 hours and costs approximately ¥11,000.
Direct highway buses take approximately 4.5 hours and cost ¥6,500 one way. Reservations are required.
FROM OSAKA / APPROXIMATELY 3.5 TO 4.5 HOURS
The once-daily direct Limited Express Hida departs Osaka Station in the morning, also stopping at Shin-Osaka before continuing to Takayama. The journey takes approximately 4 hours 15 minutes and costs around ¥8,450. It is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
At other times, take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya and transfer to the Limited Express Hida.
Direct highway buses take approximately 5 hours 40 minutes and cost ¥7,000 one way. Reservations and current schedules are available through the official Nohi Bus website.
25 Things to Do Around Takayama & Where to Stay
Once you arrive, Takayama is an excellent base for exploring the Hida region. The city’s highlights include its preserved Old Town, morning markets, historic temples and local food, while popular day trips include Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Kamikochi and the Shinhotaka Ropeway.
For sightseeing ideas, seasonal recommendations and accommodation areas, see our guide to the 25 Things to Do Around Takayama and Where to Stay.
Best Tours and Itineraries in Takayama & Shirakawa-go
Takayama offers guided walking tours through its historic streets, full-day tours to Shirakawa-go and Gokayama, and seasonal journeys into the Northern Alps. Some tours can also finish in Kanazawa, allowing sightseeing and onward travel to be combined in one day.
For group tours, private experiences and suggested multi-day routes, see our guide to the Best Tours and Itineraries in Takayama and Shirakawa-go.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the easiest way to get to Takayama from Tokyo?
For most travellers, the easiest route is the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya followed by the Limited Express Hida to Takayama. Travelling via Toyama is also convenient, but there are fewer suitable Limited Express Hida connections.
Is there a direct train to Takayama?
Direct Limited Express Hida trains operate from Nagoya and Toyama. There is also one direct service each day from Osaka and Kyoto. There is no direct train from Tokyo, Kanazawa, Nagano or Matsumoto.
Can I use the Japan Rail Pass to reach Takayama?
Yes. The Japan Rail Pass covers the Limited Express Hida and connecting JR services. When travelling from Tokyo via Nagoya, use a Hikari or Kodama Shinkansen service to avoid the additional charge required for the Nozomi. Privately operated highway buses are not covered.
Do I need to reserve transport to Takayama?
Seat reservations are recommended for Limited Express Hida services during weekends, national holidays and other busy periods. Reservations are required for most highway buses from Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Matsumoto. Some Shirakawa-go services are non-reserved, so check the individual timetable.
How far is Takayama Station from the Old Town?
Takayama Station is approximately 10 to 15 minutes on foot from the Takayama Old Town. Takayama Nohi Bus Center is located immediately beside the station.
Is Takayama accessible during winter?
Yes. Trains and buses operate throughout the year, although heavy snow can occasionally cause delays or cancellations. Visitors driving between December and March should use winter tyres and check road conditions before travelling.
Can I travel directly from Takayama to Shirakawa-go?
Yes. Direct buses connect Takayama Nohi Bus Center with Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal in approximately 50 minutes. Some services require advance reservations.
Are there guided tours departing from Takayama?
Yes. Tours from Takayama visit the city, Shirakawa-go, Gokayama, Hida-Furukawa, Kamikochi and the Shinhotaka Ropeway. Some Shirakawa-go tours can also finish in Kanazawa. See our Best Tours and Itineraries in Takayama and Shirakawa-go guide for current options.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour from Takayama: Explore Scenic Old Japan in Takayama and Shirakawa-go
- Spots:
- TakayamaShirakawago
- Pick-up:
- Takayama
- Drop-off:
- KanazawaTakayama
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Got a question about visiting Takayama and Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!