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How to get from Hakone to Takayama
By train it is about 5–6 h: from Hakone-Yumoto to Odawara, the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, then the JR Limited Express Hida to Takayama. Driving takes about 4 h 30–5 h. There is no direct bus.
Best option: Train. The rail connection via Nagoya is reliable, comfortable and easy to follow.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Hakone Tozan line or bus to Odawara, Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, then JR Limited Express Hida to Takayama | about 5–6 h including changes | Shinkansen several times an hour; Hida roughly hourly | about ¥13,000–16,000 | The Japan Rail Pass covers the JR sections. |
| car Tomei/Shin-Tomei expressway to the Nagoya area, then Tokai-Hokuriku expressway towards Takayama | about 4 h 30–5 h | fuel plus expressway tolls of about ¥8,000–10,000 | Winter tyres needed in Takayama in winter. | |
| bus Train to Nagoya, then a highway bus from Nagoya to Takayama | about 5 h 30–6 h | several buses a day from Nagoya | about ¥10,000–13,000 in total | An alternative if the Hida is sold out. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Reserve seats on the Hida in busy seasons.
- Odawara is the main Shinkansen station for Hakone; Kodama and Hikari stop there.
- Send big luggage ahead with a luggage delivery service.
- Sit on the right of the Hida from Nagoya for river views.
Common questions
Is there a direct train?
No. The usual route is Hakone-Yumoto to Odawara on the Hakone Tozan line, then the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya, then the JR Limited Express Hida to Takayama. Allow about 5–6 hours. The connections are well timed, but check current timetables.
Is the Japan Rail Pass valid?
The JR sections, Shinkansen from Odawara to Nagoya and the Hida, are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. The Hakone Tozan line is not JR, so you need a separate ticket or the Hakone Freepass. Nozomi trains require a supplement with the pass.
What is the cheapest way?
Highway buses from Nagoya to Takayama are a bit cheaper than the Hida train. Combined with a local train from Odawara to Nagoya instead of the Shinkansen, the total is lower but much slower. For most travellers, the Shinkansen and Hida combination is the best compromise.
Do I need to book ahead?
Seat reservations for the Hida are recommended in peak periods such as Golden Week, summer and autumn foliage. Shinkansen seats are usually available, but reserving is easy at JR ticket offices or online. You can reserve up to a month in advance, and booking also guarantees a seat for those carrying large luggage.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.