Train Tickets from Takayama to Tokyo

Takayama, located in the mountainous area of Gifu Prefecture just north of Tokyo, offers visitors a glimpse of a different side of Japan from Tokyo, one that is cherished for its own unique setting, surrounded by scenic landscapes and quaint communities with a variety of stores and other attractions. 

Since Gifu is one of the few completely landlocked prefectures in Japan, the area of Takayama is rich in mountains and rippling rivers rather than coasts. Explore Takayama's rolling mountains and rivers before continuing on to Tokyo's glittering metropolis to witness the dual aspects of Japan that contribute to its allure! 

Tokyo, the most populated metropolitan area in the world and the capital of Japan, has a plethora of tourist attractions. There is something for everyone in Tokyo, especially for those who enjoy taking in the city's rich culture, whether it is in the busy urban districts of Shinjuku or Shibuya or the more refined and laid-back areas of Yoyogi Uehara or Kagurazaka. 

From aficionados of Japan's colorful pop culture to daring culinary enthusiasts to individuals seeking an unusual evening out, there is no shortage of exploration in Tokyo! There is plenty to discover in a metropolis with nearly 14 million inhabitants. Traverse between the two cities via the Hida Express out to Nagoya and then the Tokaido Shinkansen right to the very center of the metropolitan capital!

Tickets booked with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator that will take you from Takayama to Tokyo.

When taking the train from Takayama to Tokyo, we highly recommend you book a window seat with a view on Mount Fuji, to get the chance to experience one of Japan's most iconic views from its modern landmark, the Shinkansen bullet train!

Please note that during peak travel seasons, we may have to change your train to another one up to 15 minutes earlier or later than the original booking to ensure a window seat reservation.

The Shinkansen is the premier form of transportation in Japan, with onboard amenities such as power outlets, overhead storage, and reclining seats. Travel in style and comfort across the Japanese archipelago! The trains available on this journey are the Hida Express from Takayama out to Nagoya, then the Nozomi, Hikari, and Kodama Shinkansen bullet trains from Nagoya out to Tokyo. 

How to get to Takayama Station

Takayama Station is the midway point on the Hida Express that crosses Honshu Island, with Nagoya Station and Toyama Station as termini. The station is easily walked to from the charming Takayama town center, with buses going to and from other staple destinations in the Takayama area like Furukawa and Shirakawago. Depart from this station and go out to Nagoya Station, then transfer onto the Tokaido Shinkansen to get to Tokyo.

Where to go from Tokyo Station

Travelers visiting the capital find the opulent and busy Tokyo Station to be a unique attraction. Tokyo Station is a transit center that is unmatched, serving as both the terminal station for numerous Shinkansen bullet trains and a key stop on several train lines around the city. High-end dining options, an adjacent imperial park, and excellent shopping are all located in the vicinity; nonetheless, the station services almost every JR Train Line, Marunouchi Subway Line, Hanzomon Subway Line, and more, making it possible to access almost any part of Tokyo. 

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on region

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Takayama Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Nagoya, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Nagoya Station, and then transfer to the Shinkansen out to Tokyo Station, inserting the proper ticket. Upon arriving at Tokyo Station, insert your ticket into the ticket gates again to exit.

Modification and Cancellation

Order cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. 

Order modification 

Japan Experience allows for one modification request of date and/or time of departure (changes to destination or route are not possible*). Modifications to the date and/or time of departure are only possible under the following conditions:

-The corresponding QR code has not been used. 

-It is NOT within three days of the departure date. 

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets. 

Any modification requests after the first change or changes to the departing and/or arrival station will require that the order be canceled and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

For those wishing to make modifications to the date/time of their train trip after using the sent QR code and receiving their tickets, this can be done at JR offices at JR stations up to 10 minutes prior to departure. In the case of a change in arrival station, such a change can only be accommodated if said station is on the same Shinkansen train route (i.e. a route change from Tokyo>Kyoto can be changed to Tokyo>Shin-Osaka but not to Tokyo>Kanazawa). The difference in fare will be paid at the JR office.

In the case of a missed train departure, those holding tickets for Kodama Shinkansen bullet trains on the Tokaido-Sanyo Line are able to board Nozomi, Hikari, and other Kodama trains on the same day, from the same station, to the same destination, for use on non-reserved train cars. 

If a Shinkansen bullet train does not have any non-reserved train cars (like the Hokuriku Shinkansen Kagayaki bullet train) or has no open seats, the train may still be ridden, but passengers will be required to stand during their commute in either the areas between each train car or in aisles between seats, depending on the capacity of the train at that time. Passengers will be required to stand until reaching their destination or until non-reserved train car seats become available for use. 

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions on residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking and are to be used only on the Takayama to Nagoya then to Tokyo route.