Train Tickets from Tokyo to Takayama

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world, offers a wealth of sights and activities for tourists. Whether in Tokyo's more laid-back and elegant neighborhoods of Yoyogi Uehara or Kagurazaka, or in the bustling urban districts of Shinjuku or Shibuya, there is something for everyone, especially those who like soaking in the city's diverse culture. An essential destination for fans of Japan's vibrant pop culture, adventurous foodies, and those looking for an eccentric night out! Tokyo, as a city of almost 14 million people, has a lot going on to discover. 

Move up a bit more north into the mountainous Gifu Prefecture to Takayama, though, and you’ll see a part of Japan that’s a far cry from Tokyo but with a beloved environment all on its own, surrounded by nature and charming towns with a medley of shops and other attractions. Gifu, being one of the few fully landlocked prefectures within Japan, creates Takayama's beautiful surroundings are rich with mountains and rolling rivers instead of seacoasts. Replace the towering skyscrapers of Tokyo with the rolling mountains and rivers of Takayama and see the two sides of Japan that make the country as appealing as it is!

Note: Nagoya Station is usually not the last stop on this Shinkansen line, which can continue to travel to Kobe, Hiroshima, or even Hakata (Fukuoka). Please be mindful of the stops in order to get off at the right station. 

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 Tokyo to Takayama.

When taking the train from Tokyo to Takayama, 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 bullet train boasts a number of amenities to make commuting as optimal as possible for passengers. These include electrical outlets, overhead storage, and reclining seats. The Hida Express, though not a Shinkansen bullet train, also features upgraded amenities compared to local trains, with forward-facing, reclining seats and options for the more luxurious Green Cars. Both the Tokaido Shinkansen Line that goes between Tokyo and Nagoya and the Hida Express that goes out from Nagoya to Takayama are operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. 

How to get to Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station, the primary Shinkansen train departure point in Tokyo, is situated in the city's center at the intersection of numerous public transportation routes. Tokyo Station is home to several JR lines, including the Chuo, Keiyo, Sobu, and Yamanote Lines. Tokyo Station is also the stop for the Marunouchi metro line, a number of bus lines, and airport transfer options. 

Where to go from Takayama Station

Takayama Station is a modest station that is located very near the central area of Hida Takayama. Heading to central Takayama and the number of hotels within the area is easily done by walking, though there are buses departing from the station that go towards other parts of the region, such as Shirakawago and Hida Furukawa, the station featured in the 2016 smash hit "Your Name." Takayama Station is not the final station on the Hida Express Line, as the train goes out all the way through Gifu Prefecture, ending at Toyama Station on the Japan Sea Coast. 

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 Tokyo Station 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 Takayama, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Takayama Station, and the city is now yours to explore. 

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. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, 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. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

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. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

• Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working 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.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

• Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

• If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

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 Tokyo to Takayama route.