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Getting to Nagoya

By shinkansen
  • Direct
  • 100 min
  • ¥about 11,000
  • multiple trains/hour
Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

Tokyo and Nagoya are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido Shinkansen. Nozomi trains require about 100 minutes to reach Nagoya from Tokyo, Hikari trains about 110 minutes and Kodama trains about three hours. The regular one way fare is 10,560 yen for a non-reserved seat on any train, and around 11,000 yen for a reserved seat. The Japan Rail Pass fully covers Hikari and Kodama trains, but a supplement fee is required for riding Nozomi trains.

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By highway bus
  • Direct
  • 5-6 h
  • ¥2,000 - 5,500
  • multiple buses/day

Multiple companies, including Willer Express, operate daytime and overnight buses between Tokyo and Nagoya. The one way trip takes about 5-6 hours. One way fares vary on travel date and bus type between around 2,000 and 5,500 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer.

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By local JR trains
  • 3 transfers
  • 6 h
  • ¥6,380
  • multiple trains/hour
Covered by: Japan Rail Pass

By local trains, the one way trip from Tokyo to Nagoya takes about six hours and typically involves about three transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 6380 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2410 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

Nagoya and surroundings are served by multiple railway companies and six subway lines. Japan Railways (JR) including the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train), Meitetsu Railway, Kintetsu Railway, the Aonami Line and two subway lines converge at Nagoya Station.

A network of bus lines complements the rail network, but it is not easy to use for foreigners. The exception is the Meguru loop bus for tourists, which connects Nagoya Station with several of the city's main tourist attractions.

Nagoya Subway

The most convenient means of getting around Nagoya for foreign visitors are the city's six subway lines. Color coded and thoroughly bilingual, they are easy to navigate and provide convenient access to most of central Nagoya's attractions.

Meguru Loop Bus

This loop bus line for tourists connects Nagoya Station with many of Nagoya's major sights, including the Toyota Techno Museum, Noritake Garden, Nagoya Castle, the Tokugawa Art Museum and Sakae. Buses operate every 20-30 minutes on weekends and every 30-60 minutes on weekdays, but they do not operate on Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday) when the museums are closed. The fare is 210 yen per ride or 500 yen for a day pass for unlimited rides on one calendar day.

JR (Japan Railways)

JR connects Nagoya via the Tokaido Shinkansen with Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka. Other JR lines commencing or passing through Nagoya are the Tokaido Main Line, Chuo Line (to Kiso Valley, Nagano), Kansai Line (in the direction of Ise) and Takayama Line (to Takayama). While they are useful for side trips out of Nagoya, the JR lines are not very useful for getting around the city.

Meitetsu (Nagoya Railway)

Meitetsu Railway operates numerous railway lines from Nagoya Station into Nagoya's suburbs and surrounding regions. Meitetsu's main station, Meitetsu Nagoya Station, is located in the basement below JR Nagoya Station. Of interest to foreign travelers are the Inuyama Line (to Inuyama), Toyota Line (to Toyota) and the Airport Line (to Central Japan Airport).

Kintetsu Railway

Kintetsu Railway connects Nagoya Station with Ise and various cities in the Kansai Region, including Nara and Osaka.

Linimo (Tobu Kyuryo Line)

The Linimo started service as Japan's first maglev train in March 2005. It operates between Fujigaoka and Yakusa Stations and provided access to the Expo 2005 site.

Passes and Tickets

Toica (by JR) and Manaca (by Meitetsu and Nagoya Subway) are the prepaid IC cards that can be purchased in Nagoya and used on virtually all trains, subways and buses in the Greater Nagoya region (and most other major cities in Japan) instead of cash. Furthermore, eight IC cards from other major cities of Japan can also be used on the trains and buses of Nagoya, including Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, Pitapa, Sugoca, Nimoca and Hayakaken.

Alternatively, there are several one-day passes available for getting around Nagoya:

  • Shoryudo Nagoya Subway & Bus 1 Day Pass (620 yen)
    Not available to residents of Japan, this ticket provides unlimited use of subways and city buses (including the Meguru loop bus) on one calendar day. It can be purchased at Central Japan Airport and a small number of tourist information centers and ticket counters in central Nagoya (around Nagoya, Kanayama and Sakae stations).
  • 24-hour Subway Pass (760 yen)
    Unlimited use of subways during a 24 hour period. Available at vending machines in subway stations and at ticket counters.
  • 1-Day Bus and Subway Pass (870 yen)
    Unlimited use of subways and city buses (including the Meguru loop bus) on one calendar day. Available at vending machines in subway stations, at ticket counters and from bus drivers.
  • Donichi Eco Ticket (620 yen)
    This one-day pass is valid only on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays and on the 8th of every month. It provides unlimited use of subways and city buses (including the Meguru loop bus) on one calendar day. It is available at vending machines in major subway stations, at ticket counters and from bus drivers.

Hotels around Nagoya

Top rated in Nagoya
Budget:
    • Glocal Nagoya Backpackers Hostel
      Budget-friendly
      Open from June 2015, Glocal Nagoya Backpackers Hostel offers modern accommodation, just a 7-minute walk from JR Nagoya Station. Guests can enjoy various beverages at the on-site bar or cafe. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Guests can choose to stay in private rooms or in dormitory rooms. Dormitory rooms feature custom-made wooden bunk beds. Each bed has a plug and a small reading light by the head of the bed, and also privacy curtains. Bathroom facilities are shared with other guests. Shampoo and body soap are provided. There is a fully equipped shared kitchen and dining tables. Luggage storage, lockers and a coin launderette are also on offer at Nagoya Backpackers Hostel Glocal. English-speaking staff are readily available to help.
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    • The Tower Hotel Nagoya
      Luxury
      Featuring a fitness centre, a restaurant as well as a bar, The Tower Hotel Nagoya is located in the centre of Nagoya, 200 metres from Oasis 21. With free WiFi, this 5-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a concierge service. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a fridge, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. The rooms have a kettle, while some rooms are equipped with a terrace and others also offer garden views. At The Tower Hotel Nagoya each room is equipped with bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy an Asian breakfast. Nagoya Castle is 2.7 km from The Tower Hotel Nagoya, while Nagoya Station is 3 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 10 km from the hotel.
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    • GOLD STAY Nagoya Osu
      Luxury
      Featuring 4-star accommodation, GOLD STAY Nagoya Osu is situated in Nagoya, 2.7 km from Oasis 21 and 3.3 km from Nagoya Station. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a lift, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The aparthotel has family rooms. The aparthotel will provide guests with air-conditioned units offering a desk, a kettle, a microwave, a toaster, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At the aparthotel, each unit is fitted with bed linen and towels. If you prefer to cook in the comfort of your own place, you can make use of the kitchenette facilities, which include a fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware. Aeon Mall Atsuta is 3.4 km from the aparthotel, while Nagoya Castle is 4.5 km from the property. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 13 km from GOLD STAY Nagoya Osu.
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    • Nikko Style Nagoya
      Luxury
      Located in Nagoya, 1 km from Nagoya Station, Nikko Style Nagoya provides accommodation with a fitness centre, private parking, a restaurant and a bar. Located around 1.9 km from Oasis 21, the hotel with free WiFi is also 3.2 km away from Nagoya Castle. The accommodation features nightclub and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Guest rooms include a wardrobe. Aeon Mall Atsuta is 5.4 km from Nikko Style Nagoya, while Nippon Gaishi Hall is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 12 km from the accommodation.
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    • Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower
      Luxury
      Located at 13-minute walk from Nagoya Station, Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower offers free WiFi throughout the hotel. Shared parking is available on site for a fee. The 24 hour front desk offers free luggage storage service as well as concierge service for guests' convenience. This hotel features a fitness centre and business centre on site, while currency exchange service is offered at this property. There is a designated smoking area. Guests can relax with a massage service for a fee. All rooms have a TV, fridge and coffee machine. Guests will find nightwear and electric sockets near the bed. A closet is fitted in each room as well as a safety deposit box and iron. Private bathrooms are equipped with a bathrobe, hairdryer, and free toiletries. Extras include toothbrushes and slippers. Items for rent includes trouser press and DVD players. A bar and restaurant are available on site. Guests can find drinks at vending machine at this hotel. A variety of restaurants and cafes are accessible within a 10-minute walk from this hotel. Nagoya Castle is a 15-minute car ride away from Nagoya Prince Hotel Sky Tower. Nippon Gaishi Hall is 35 minutes by train. Chubu Airport is 45 minutes by train from this hotel.
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    • GOLD STAY Nagoya Sakae ƒS[ƒ‹ƒhƒXƒeƒC–¼ŒÃ‰®‰h
      Luxury
      Attractively situated in the Naka Ward district of Nagoya, GOLD STAY Nagoya Sakae ƒS[ƒ‹ƒhƒXƒeƒC–¼ŒÃ‰®‰h is situated 3.7 km from Nagoya Castle, 4.1 km from Nagoya Station and 4.7 km from Aeon Mall Atsuta. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is 1.6 km from the city centre and less than 1 km from Oasis 21. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a coffee machine, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At GOLD STAY Nagoya Sakae ƒS[ƒ‹ƒhƒXƒeƒC–¼ŒÃ‰®‰h rooms include bed linen and towels. Nippon Gaishi Hall is 9 km from the accommodation, while Toyota Stadium is 28 km from the property. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 10 km from GOLD STAY Nagoya Sakae ƒS[ƒ‹ƒhƒXƒeƒC–¼ŒÃ‰®‰h.
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    • GRAND BASE Nagoya Ekinishi
      Mid-range
      GRAND BASE Nagoya Ekinishi is located in the Nakamura Ward district of Nagoya, 3.6 km from Oasis 21, 4.3 km from Nagoya Castle and 6.5 km from Aeon Mall Atsuta. This 3-star aparthotel offers a lift and full-day security. The property is 1.8 km from the city centre and 1.2 km from Nagoya Station. The units are equipped with air conditioning, a microwave, a fridge, a kettle, a bidet, a hair dryer and a desk. With a private bathroom equipped with a hot tub and slippers, units at the aparthotel also offer free WiFi, while certain rooms include a balcony. At the aparthotel, each unit is equipped with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. Nippon Gaishi Hall is 11 km from the aparthotel, while Nagashima Spa Land is 27 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 13 km from GRAND BASE Nagoya Ekinishi.
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    • LAMP LIGHT BOOKS HOTEL nagoya
      Mid-range
      Offering free WiFi, LAMP LIGHT BOOKS HOTEL nagoya is located a 3-minute walk from Exit 10 of Fushimi Subway Station. The property is 1.4 km from Oasis 21 and 1.8 km from Nagoya Castle. The ground floor features a 24-hour bookstore and cafe for guests to enjoy. All units are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, electric kettle, a high-tech toilet, free toiletries and a desk. The rooms include air conditioning, and some units at the economy hotel have a balcony. Each room features an armchair with a footrest. Private bathrooms feature a hairdryer, toothbrushes and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. Coin-operated washing machines are available. Guests can enjoy breakfast at the on-site cafe or in their room. Nippon Gaishi Hall is 9 km from LAMP LIGHT BOOKS HOTEL nagoya, while Nagoya Congress Center is 4.2 km away. The nearest airport is Chubu Airport, 35 km from the accommodation.
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    • Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel
      Luxury
      Directly connected to JR Nagoya Station, the Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel offers an on-site restaurant and free WiFi throughout the property. There is a 24-hour fitness room at this property and is equipped with treadmills and exercise bikes. Guest rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV, refrigerator and safety deposit box. An iron is provided in all rooms. The private bathrooms include a hairdryer and toiletries. Guests will find complimentary green tea in their rooms. Dry cleaning services are provided on site for an additional fee. There is a currency exchange service and free luggage storage on site. The entire property is a non-smoking building but there is a designated smoking area. There is an on-site restaurant where guests can enjoy breakfast that uses local ingredients while enjoying the city view of Nagoya and the rooftop garden. Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel is located 10-minutes away from Nagoya Castle via car. Osu Kannon Temple is a 20-minute train ride away from the property on Higashiyama Line. In addition, guests can reach Nagoya Dome in 34-minutes on Chuo Line.
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    • hotel androoms Nagoya Sakae
      Mid-range
      Hotel androoms Nagoya Sakae is located in Nagoya. The property is around 700 metres from Oasis 21 and a 10-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Nagoya Castle. Free WiFi is at guest's disposal. Guests can find a bakery on the ground floor, featuring breakfast delivery to the room upon request. Public baths is available on the top floor. Hisayaodori Station (Exit 2A) is just a 5-minute walk away from the hotel. The units in the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The private bathroom comes with a bath and free toiletries. All rooms at hotel androoms Nagoya Sakae include air conditioning and a desk. 24-hour front desk assistance is available at the reception, where staff speak English and Japanese. Coin-operated washing machines are available. Iron and trouser press rentals are available upon request. Nippon Gaishi Hall is 9 km from the accommodation. The nearest airport is Chubu Airport, 36 km from the property.
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