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.

You can find the conditions of modification and cancellation of our train tickets in our “Frequently Asked Questions” section at the bottom of the page.

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.