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 is valid on Hikari and Kodama trains but not on Nozomi trains.
With the "Puratto Kodama Economy Plan", you can travel between the two cities by reserved seat on a Kodama train for only 8600 yen, but the plan has to be purchased at least one day in advance.
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.
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.
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. This 5-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a concierge service and free WiFi. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering 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 kitchen with a stovetop. 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.
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.
Located in the centre of Nagoya, 1.2 km from Nagoya Station and 3.6 km from Oasis 21, GRAND BASE Nagoya Ekinishi provides accommodation with free WiFi. The accommodation has a hot tub. Every unit features a private bathroom and bidet, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge. A microwave and kettle are also provided. Nagoya Castle is 4.3 km from the aparthotel, while Aeon Mall Atsuta is 6.5 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 13 km from GRAND BASE Nagoya Ekinishi.
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. Guests at Nikko Style Nagoya can enjoy a buffet or an American breakfast. Aeon Mall Atsuta is 5.4 km from the accommodation, while Nippon Gaishi Hall is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 12 km from Nikko Style Nagoya.
GRAND BASE Osu is set in the Naka Ward district of Nagoya, 1.7 km from Oasis 21 and 2.6 km from Nagoya Station. Free WiFi is provided throughout the property. Every unit has a private bathroom and bidet, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a fridge. A microwave and kettle are also offered. Nagoya Castle is 3.8 km from the aparthotel, while Aeon Mall Atsuta is 4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 12 km from GRAND BASE Osu.
Featuring 1-star accommodation, Trip & Sleep Hostel is set in Nagoya, 1.8 km from Oasis 21 and 3 km from Nagoya Station. Featuring a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. The units feature bed linen. Aeon Mall Atsuta is 3.9 km from the hostel, while Nagoya Castle is 4.1 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 12 km from Trip & Sleep Hostel.
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.
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.
Directly connected to JR Nagoya Station, the Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel offers an indoor swimming pool and a fitness centre with workout machines at a charge, 8 restaurants and free WiFi. A Thermarium sauna facility is available on site. Massage treatments are available at a charge. Rising high above Nagoya Station, the Marriott Associa offers rooms with sweeping city views. They are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar and a personal safe. The attached bathroom offers toiletries and a hairdryer, while complimentary green tea is provided. The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, and it offers dry cleaning services and a business centre with charged facilities. Guests will find paid parking on site. Restaurant Mikuni Nagoya serves authentic French cuisine, while offering panoramic metropolitan views from the 52nd floor. Japanese Kyoto specialities can be enjoyed at restaurant Tsuruya. Associa Nagoya Marriott Hotel is located within a 10-minute drive from Nagoya Castle. Yamazaki Mazak Museum of Art is an 8-minute train ride away, while Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology is 2 minutes by express train. Nagoya Centair Airport can be reached via a 30-minute express train ride.
Featuring 3-star accommodation, N Hotel is situated in Nagoya, 3.5 km from Aeon Mall Atsuta and 3.9 km from Oasis 21. This 3-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is non-smoking and is located 2.8 km from Nagoya Station. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. N Hotel offers 3-star accommodation with a hot tub. Nagoya Castle is 4.9 km from the accommodation, while Nippon Gaishi Hall is 8 km away. The nearest airport is Nagoya Airport, 14 km from N Hotel.
