Limited Express "HIDA" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR Central's "HIDA" limited express train, which connects Nagoya Station to Takayama Station and Toyama Station (some trains originate and terminate at Osaka Station). It covers timetables, fares for representative routes, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As a key access train to JR Central's flagship limited express service through the Hida region, this article summarizes important points to check before your trip.

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service.

The "HIDA" is a JR Central limited express train connecting Nagoya Station with Takayama Station and Toyama Station via the Takayama Main Line. It is a major means of access to Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site, Hida Takayama, known for its old townscape, and Gero Onsen, one of Japan's three most famous hot springs. Some services operate to and from Osaka Station, providing a direct route from the Kansai area to the Hida region. In 2023, the trains were replaced with hybrid HC85 series diesel railcars. There are reserved seats, unreserved seats, and Green Car seats, and during peak seasons designated by JR Central, all seats are reserved. Passengers can fully enjoy the beauty of the Hida River gorge and the scenery of the Hida Mountains from the train windows.

What is "HIDA"?

"HIDA" is JR Central's flagship limited express train, named after the Hida region. The Takayama Main Line runs north from Gifu Station along the Hida River and Miyagawa River to Toyama Station. For a long time, it was known as the Kiha 85 series "Wide View Hida" and was popular for its large windows that allowed passengers to enjoy the scenery. The current HC85 series is a hybrid vehicle that uses electricity generated by a diesel engine to drive the motors. Hida Takayama is also known as "Little Kyoto," and its old townscape lined with Edo-period townhouses is popular with domestic and international tourists.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "HIDA" lies in its convenience, offering direct access from Nagoya to Hida Takayama without transfers. The HC85 series trains are quiet, accelerate smoothly, and allow passengers to leisurely enjoy the scenery along the gorge. The highlight of the scenery is the section running along the Hida River, where you can enjoy views of deep gorges and clear streams. The Hida River gorge, known as Nakayama Shichiri, is a scenic spot where strangely shaped rocks and lush greenery intertwine. In the old town of Hida Takayama (Sanmachi Traditional Buildings Preservation District), sake breweries and traditional townhouses line the streets. Takayama's morning markets are held in two locations, Miyagawa Morning Market and Jinya-mae Morning Market, where local vegetables and handicrafts are sold. Gero Onsen is considered one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, along with Arima Onsen and Kusatsu Onsen. The Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri village is accessible by bus from Takayama Station and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hida beef is a nationally renowned brand of beef representing Gifu Prefecture. The Takayama Festival consists of the Sanno Festival in spring and the Hachiman Festival in autumn, featuring magnificent floats being paraded through the streets. The Shinhotaka Ropeway is accessible by bus from Takayama Station and offers spectacular views of the Northern Alps. The hot springs of Gero Onsen are known as "beauty springs" due to their smooth texture.

"HIDA" Timetable

*The "HIDA" operates approximately 10 round trips per day.

Downbound (towards Takayama Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Nagoya Station) Timetable

The "HIDA" operates approximately 10 round trips per day. Since times may change depending on the season and schedule revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, while intervals may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Notes on Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "HIDA" operates daily throughout the year. The Takayama Main Line runs through mountainous areas for much of its length, and service may be suspended or delayed during heavy rain or snowfall. Extra trains may be added during peak seasons.

"HIDA" Operating Sections

Main Sections

• Nagoya Station to Gifu Station (Tokaido Main Line)
• Gifu Station to Takayama Station (Takayama Main Line)
• Takayama Station to Toyama Station (Takayama Main Line)

Takayama Station is the gateway to Hida Takayama tourism. Within walking distance of the station lies an old townscape, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll through a town that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Takayama Jinya is a building that served as a magistrate's office for the Edo shogunate and is known as the only remaining magistrate's office of its kind. Hida no Sato is an open-air museum featuring relocated traditional houses, including gassho-zukuri style buildings. Around Gero Station lies the hot spring resort town of Gero Onsen, dotted with free footbaths. Hida Furukawa is a quiet castle town known for its white-walled storehouses and the Setogawa River where carp swim. From Toyama Station, you can connect to trips to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route or to enjoy the seafood of Toyama Bay. The Shirakawa-go gassho-zukuri village is about a 50-minute bus ride from Takayama Station. Along the Setogawa River in Hida Furukawa, white-walled storehouses line the banks, creating a tranquil landscape with carp swimming in the river. At Takayama's Miyagawa Morning Market, you can find local agricultural products, pickles, and handicrafts. From Toyama Station, you can easily transition to a trip to enjoy the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route or the seafood of Toyama Bay.

"HIDA" Stations Served

Main Stops

• Nagoya Station
• Gifu Station
• Mino-Ota Station
• Gero Station
• Takayama Station
• Hida-Furukawa Station
• Inotani Station
• Toyama Station

"HIDA" Fares

Representative Section Fares

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Surcharge

The fare for the "HIDA" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. During normal periods, there are reserved and unreserved seats in ordinary cars, and a Green Car surcharge is also required if you wish to use a Green Car. During peak seasons designated by JR Central, all seats are reserved, and unreserved limited express tickets cannot be used on these trains. Please check before booking whether your travel date falls within the period when all seats are reserved.

Regarding Services to and from Osaka Station

Some "HIDA" services operate to and from Osaka Station. These Osaka-bound trains may be coupled and uncoupled at Gifu Station with trains bound for Nagoya. Be careful not to board the wrong car, as this could lead you to a different destination. There are limited direct trains from Takayama Station to Toyama Station.

How to Buy "HIDA" Tickets

Online Reservations

Reserved seats on JR Central's conventional line limited express trains can be purchased at station ticket machines and Midori-no-madoguchi, as well as sometimes through online reservation services. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, section, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. Payment can be made by credit card, and cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to conditions and fees.

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Ticket Offices

You can purchase reserved seat or unreserved limited express tickets at the designated ticket vending machines or ticket offices at the station. While seat reservations are not required for unreserved seats during normal periods, you may not be able to find a seat if all seats are occupied. During periods designated by JR Central as requiring all seats to be reserved, please secure your reserved seat in advance.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine reserved seats on the "HIDA" with accommodation in Hida Takayama or Gero Onsen.

How to Purchase for International Visitors

The "HIDA" can be used with the JR Pass. During normal periods, you can use the unreserved seats in ordinary cars, but during periods designated by JR Central as all seats reserved, seat reservations are required. Please make reservations at JR ticket offices or the corresponding reservation services.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

If you purchase your ticket at a designated seat ticket machine or Midori-no-madoguchi at the station, you will need to receive a paper express ticket before boarding. When receiving your paper ticket, it is best to pick it up with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep it safe during your journey.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

On the "HIDA" service, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion of the ticket within the TOICA area around Nagoya and Gifu. However, there are sections of the Takayama Main Line from the Hida region towards Toyama that are outside the IC card coverage area. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions through the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within the service area.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

"HIDA" Seating Information

Seat Types

The "HIDA" is operated using the HC85 series, and during normal periods, it offers reserved seats in ordinary cars, unreserved seats in ordinary cars, and Green Cars. During peak seasons designated by JR Central, all seats are reserved, and there are no unreserved seats.

Unique Seating Features

The HC85 series features large windows, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the scenic beauty of the Hida River gorge. All seats are equipped with power outlets, enabling the use of smartphones and laptops even during long journeys. Free Wi-Fi service is available on board. Green Car seats offer ample seat pitch and footrests for a comfortable ride. As the train runs along the Hida River, the view of the gorge changes depending on the direction of travel, making seat selection an enjoyable part of the journey. The HC85 series interior is bright and spacious, allowing passengers to fully appreciate the beauty of the Hida River gorge through the large windows. Large tables are provided on the back of each seat, convenient for enjoying bento boxes. Window seats are ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it's recommended to check seat locations and make reservations in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage

A large luggage storage area is provided within the train set.

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting JR Central's ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on the "HIDA"

There is no in-car sales service on the "HIDA". If you want to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at the bento box shops or stalls at Nagoya Station. Nagoya Station has a variety of bento boxes featuring Nagoya specialties such as miso katsu, hitsumabushi, and tenmusu. Around Takayama Station, you can enjoy street food such as nigiri sushi and croquettes made with Hida beef. Local cuisine of Hida Takayama includes Hoba Miso and Takayama Ramen, which can be enjoyed while strolling around town. Hida beef nigiri sushi is a popular street food in the old town of Takayama. Hoba Miso is a local dish of the Hida region where miso and ingredients are grilled on a magnolia leaf. When eating and drinking on the train, please be considerate of others, such as avoiding foods with strong odors, to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the "HIDA"

While the "HIDA" usually has unreserved seating, during peak seasons designated by JR Central, all seats are reserved. If your travel date falls within the peak season, please reserve your seat in advance. Check the operating status and seating arrangements on Ekitan or the JR Central official website.

Since there is no onboard service, be sure to prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. Direct trains from Takayama Station to Toyama Station are limited, so be careful when choosing a train if you are heading towards Toyama. Checking the train schedule on a website like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with any delays or cancellations.

Summary

The "HIDA" is a limited express train connecting Nagoya Station with Takayama Station and Toyama Station, providing convenient access to Hida Takayama and Gero Onsen. During normal periods, it offers reserved seats, unreserved seats, and Green Car seats, but during peak seasons designated by JR Central, all seats are reserved. Please check the travel date and seating arrangements before making a reservation.

Enjoy a journey through the beautiful valleys of the Hida region with "HIDA," exploring old townscapes and famous hot springs.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.