Takayama Travel: Access, Transportation and Orientation

How to travel between Takayama and Tokyo

By JR trains

Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya (100-120 minutes, several trains per hour) and transfer to the JR Hida limited express train to Takayama (140 minutes, one train per hour). The one way fare by unreserved seat is 13,540 Yen. By reserved seat it is about 14,200 Yen.

JTB's Takayama 2-Day Train & Hotel Package tour package includes a round trip from Tokyo to Takayama by shinkansen and limited express and accommodation in Takayama, starting at the cost of 28,900 Yen. There exists also a one-way package for 18,500 yen.

JR East Pass holders note that they can access Takayama with a heavily discounted round trip bus ticket (2500 yen instead of 5500 yen) from Matsumoto. The discount ticket can be purchased at Narita Airport or Haneda Airport. The train ride between Tokyo and Matsumoto (2.5 hours) is fully covered by the JR East Pass.

By highway bus

There are 5-7 direct highway bus round trips per day between Tokyo (Keio Highway Bus Terminal in Shinjuku) and Takayama operated by Keio and Nohi Bus. The one way trip takes 5.5 hours and costs 6,500 Yen. A round trip ticket costs only 11,700 Yen, but the return trip has to be made within seven days of the outward journey.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current Yen exchange rate, click here.

Takayama Station and the adjacent Takayama Hida Bus Center are located about a ten minute walk from Takayama's old town on the opposite side of Miyagawa River.

Most of Takayama's attractions are within easy walking distance in the city center, except the Hida no Sato open air museum, which can be accessed in a 30-40 minute walk or a 10 minute bus ride from Takayama Station.

The "Sarubobo Bus" connects many of the city's tourist attractions. Buses on a circular route between the station and the old town operate every 60 minutes (100 yen per ride), while buses on a route from the station to Hida no Sato operate every 30 minutes (200 yen per ride).

A one day pass for the "Sarubobo Bus", which includes unlimited use of the bus and discounted admission to selected attractions, costs 550 yen, while a two day pass is available for 960 yen.

Guided tours on rickshaws (jinrikisha) are available in the old town. A 30 minute tour for two persons costs 5000 yen. Shorter and longer courses for up to three persons per rickshaw are also available.