Wide View Hida is the limited express train which connects Nagoya, Takayama and Toyama. This train equips very huge windows. It offers very scenic view through this panoramic window along the route. That is why this train is called “Wide View”.
This train is a primary way to get Takayama. This has been very popular for the tourists from overseas in these days. This train is fully covered by JR Pass. Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass covers between Nagoya, Takayama and Toyama. I will explain about this train in this post.
Timetable and Route
Wide View Hida runs once an hour between Nagoya and Takayama. A few trips are extended to operate to Hida-Furukawa and Toyama. It takes 2.5 hours to get Takayama from Nagoya and 4 hours to get Toyama from Nagoya.
And also one round trip runs between Osaka and Takayama. If you take this Osaka departure Wide View Hida, you can get Takayama directly from Osaka, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto.
You can find the timetable in the link below:
Due to COVID-19, it may be operated on a schedule different from the normal timetable. Check the train schedule on Hyperdia.
Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine
This train departing from Osaka is coupled with the train from Nagoya at Gifu.
Please find the train operation route in the map below:
Accommodation
You can find the interior of this train and the scenery from this train in my YouTube movie below. Please watch to find more information:
Wide View Hida is serviced by KIHA-85 series. This train has huge glass windows which give you the spectacular scenery along Takayama line. “Wide View” is a worthy of the name.
This series has two types of Green car that are 2+2 seat configuration and 2+1 seat configuration. 2+1 seat configuration is wider and has a bigger leg space. The leg space is 1,160mm on 2+2 seat configuration and 1,250mm on 2+1 seat configuration. 1,160mm is the standard. So 2+1 seat gives you a great deal! If you want to take this seat, try to reserved a seat on car#10. 2+2 Green car is always at the middle of the train. 2+1 is always at the front of the formation. And also Ordinary class is good too. The leg space is 1,000mm. This is bigger than the other train’s ordinary seat.
When you take this train at Nagoya, the seat is set with the back toward. Because this train change the direction at Gifu. It takes only 20 minutes from Nagoya to Gifu. You can change to the front toward if you want by yourself.
*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.
Hotels in Takayama
Hotels and Ryokans in Shirakawago
Hotels in Nagoya
Train formation
There are many train formations. Some Wide View Hida do not have Green car.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
NR | R | R | R |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
NR | R | R | R | R | NR | G |
Car#1-4 operate from Nagoya to Takayama. And Car#8-10 operate from Nagoya to Toyama
1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
NR | R | R | R | NR | G |
Car#1-3 operate from Nagoya to Takayama/Hida-furukawa, Car#8-10 operate from Nagoya to Toyama
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
NR | R / G | R | R |
In car #2, there are ordinary reserved seats and Green seats.
1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
NR | R | R | NR | R / G | R | R |
This formation is used for Osaka departure and Nagoya departure combination. Car #1 to #3 run to/from Osaka and the rest of cars run to/from Nagoya. These two train sets are coupled / uncoupled at Gifu station and run together between Gifu and Takayama. In car #6, there are ordinary reserved seats and Green seats.
Images
Green seat 2+2 configuration
Green seat 2+1 configuration
Ordinary seat
Sanitary space
Suggested deal
JR Pass covers this train. But if you visit Takayama, Shirakawago, Toyama and/or Kanazawa from Nagoya, Osaka or Kyoto, Takayama Hokuriku Area Touirst Pass is recommended. Please find more informaiton in the link below:
Coverage of other deals
As I mentioned above, JR Pass covers the limited express Wide View Hida fully. This is only deal to cover this train fully.
Takayama Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass covers between Nagoya, Gifu, Gero, Takayama, Hida-Furukawa and Toyama. This pass does not cover between Kyoto and Gifu.
Hokuriku Arch Pass, Kansai Hokuriku Area Pass and Hokuriku Area Pass covers between Toyama and Inotani only. You cannot get Takayama by these passes.
Comments
We are planning to go to Takayama for the Matsuri on October 9
and staying through the 10th. For the first part we are traveling from Tokyo and from Takayama then to Kanazawa. We don’t
want to repeat any part of the route. Also, we would like to take the wide view Hida. (We have JR train passes.) What would be the best train and station from Tokyo (we’re staying in Asakusa)?
What time for the train to Nagoya if that is the best train please?
Thanks
Hi Shareen,
You can take Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya. And then you can take Wide View Hida from Nagoya to Takayama.
After staying in Takayama, you can take Wide View Hida again to Toyama. Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Toyama and Kanazawa. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/how-to-access-to-takayama-by-trains-and-buses.html
Please use Hyperdia to find the schedule for all trains.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Hi Takeshi,
I shall go to Gero from Nagoya on 8th Oct 2016.
Shall I need to book train ticket in advance (Limited express wide view Hida) ?
How much for single /round trip fare ?
Thanks
Hi Wilson,
There is no way to book outside Japan. You can book it after you arrive in Japan. Reservation is not required but recommended. You can book it at any major JR stations in advance if you want.
The fare and timetable can be found at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thanks
Cheers
Wilson
No worries, Wilson.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi takeshi,
I want to ask you a few questions about the trip to shirakawago. I will activate Takayama-hokuriku area tourist pass on this day. Please correct me if i am wrong.
Here is my plan:
1. First day, I will be travelling from shin-osaka to Kanazawa by thunderbird and spend one night in town. Does the pass covers the route to kanazawa and public transport in town?
2. The next morning, i will go to shirakawago by bus in the morning and exit to takayama. Does nohi bus cover this route? Can i book this bus ticket The day before once i reach kanazawa?
3. After that, i will go back from takayama to kyoto. i have checked in hyperdia it said i need to take wide view hida to nagoya via gifu. Then shinkansen to kyoto. Is there another available or recommended route? As i know the pass doesnot cover this one.
Cheers,
Tony
Hi Tony,
1. Thunderbird is covered. But it does not cover public transportation in Kanazawa.
You can add one day bus pass in Kanazawa.
http://www.hokutetsu.co.jp/en/en_round
2. Nohi bus is covered by this pass. This bus is very popular, so I recommend you to book in advance over the phone.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/shirakawago.pdf
3. You can take this route. The pass covers until you get Nagoya as you know. You have to add single ticket from Nagoya to Kyoto.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi for your fast response.
I have a few more questions about using the passes between takayama- hokuriku pass and kansai thru pass.
1. Does the takayama-hokuriku pass cover the train from kansai airport to shin-osaka?
2. Does it also cover the mrt ride in osaka?
3. Can Kansai thru pass be used to travel to kansai airport?
I am planning to buy both passes and now deciding on when to use it.
Cheers,
Tony
Hi Tony,
1. Yes. You can take Limited Express Haruka.
2. Do you mean subway? If so, not. Please see the link below to find the coverage in Osaka.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/guide-to-take-trains-in-osaka-how-to-choose-the-best-route-by-train-to-get-the-major-spots.html#JR_Pass_Kansai_Area_Pass_Kansai_WIDE_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hiroshima_Area_Pass_Sanyo_Sanin_Area_Pass_Kansai_Hokuriku_Aea_Pass_Takayama_Hokuriku_Area_Pass
3. Yes. You cannot take JR but you can take Nankai railway from Namba. You also can take subway to get Namba from other stations in Osaka.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you takeshi.
I have never seen the link attached. It is informative and very helpful in selecting type of pass.
Cheers
Tony
No worries, Tony.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Would like to check with you, if I were travelling from Tokyo to takayama-shirawakago, which pass is suitable for me. If I buy the JR pass, I understand that we have to take Hikari train from Tokyo to Nagoya, then transfer to Hida train to Takayama. Just want to confirm is the JR pass cover for the Nohi bus fare from takayama to shirakawago. Or we need to buy the ticket separately?
Or I have to buy for Takayama-Hokuriku tourist pass? I know that this pass is cover for the nohi bus ticket. Can you advice which option is convenience and save cost for me?
Hi Karen,
JR Pass covers all train trips but Nohi bus is not covered.
Takayama Hokuriku Area pass covers Nohi bus but it does not cover between Tokyo and Nagoya.
JR pass is better choice but it’s too expensive if you use JR Pass for Tokyo-Nagoya-Takayama only. It depends on how much travel after Takayama and Shirakawago.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi takeshi-san,
try to find route from nagoya to mino-ota in Hyperdia, but it shows that there is no mino-ota and route not found. so what should i put to instead mino for the same route?
cheese
Try to put one word, “MINOOTA”, Joe san. You will find it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, I will go to Takayama from Nagoya, just want to double check do I need to change the train at Gifu?
Hi Sophia,
No, you don’t need to change. Wide View Hida goes to Takayama directly from Nagoya.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Good day Takeshi,
Just a few questions for the Limited Express Wide View Hida ticket.
1) If I buy the TAKAYAMA HOKURIKU PASS, when I exchange the Pass at Narita Airport/JR station in Tokyo, can I reserve the Ltd Exp Hida (Nagoya to Takayama) at the same time? or I have to do it at Nagaya station?
2) Can I buy the Limited Express Wide View Hida ticket at Tokyo? (without the TAKAYAMA HOKURIKU PASS)
3) Can I ask my friend in Osaka to buy the Limited Express Wide View Hida ticket at Osaka station, but the train is start from Nagoya to Takayama?
Thank You
Hi Joanne,
1. You cannot exchange the pass in Narita airport station. You need to go to Tokyo or Shinagawa. Please refer the link below:
http://touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/exchange/locations.html
You can book after you exchange the pass in Tokyo or Shinagawa.
2. Yes, you can. You can book at any major JR stations throughout Japan.
3. If you don’t use the pass, yes, you can. The ticket does not show any personal info, like name. So anyone can buy a ticket and pass to other person. And as you mentioned above, the ticket can be purchased at any major JR stations throughout Japan.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi-san.
I will be traveling on 2016.11.18 from Manila stopping first at Nagoya then leaving on an earliest train going to Takayama the next day 2016.11.19. Should I obtain the Takayama-Houkuriku pass, there is a 7:45 schedule with 3 stops (Gifu, Mino-ota and Gero) arriving Takayama at 10:02 via Wide View Hida Limited Express or Hida 1 track. Upon checking the Hyperdia, it does not show that Hida 1 track schedule on 2016.11.19 then instead jumped to Hida 5 schedule at 9:39. The earliest train schedule given will be leaving 6:26 then arriving Takayama at 10:11 with 3 transfers running on JR Takayama Line.
a. Is the timetable in this site http://touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/ for the JR Limited Express “Wide View Hida” portion updated?
b. If the answer to the question ‘a’ is yes, is this a case that Hyperdia not yet updated on the 2016.11.19 schedule?
c. If the answer to the question ‘a’ is no, can I follow the earliest given time by Hyperdia? Is the given time can be used with the Takayama-Houkuriku Pass?
d. Do I need to have reserved seating for Wide View Hida Limited Express?
Further, after arriving Takayama the same day 2016.11.19, I will be going to Shirakawago-Gokayama-Ainokuraguchi sectors via bus on the afternoon.
e. Since the Takayama-Houkuriku Pass can only be purchased in a MCO form outside Japan for exchange at JR Chubu Airport office, for the Nohui Bus seat reservation, can I obtain seat assignment even with only an MCO? Can it be done thru accredited store/agency here in Manila prior arrival?
f. Is the seat reservation (if necessary) can be done as well thru accredited store/agency in Manila with only MCO in hand for Wide View Hida limited express (Nagoya to Takayama on 2016.11.19 and Takayama to Toyama on 2016.11.21), Tsurugi or Hakutaka on 2016.11.21 from Toyama to Kanazawa, and Thunderbird limited express from Kanazawa to Kyoto on 2016.11.23?
I appreciate your reply. Thanks.
Hi Jini,
Hyperdia does not show the correct timetable sometimes. Hida 1 will run. However JR will make an annual timetable revise in mid or late October. So you cannot find an exact timetable until mid October. I think it will not be changed drastically. Hida 1 will run on almost same schedule.
You can book Nohi bus over the phone. Some of agents may be able to book it. But most of agents are not familiar with Japan. Just try to make a call by yourself.
http://touristpass.jp/en/takayama_hokuriku/index.html#stop_tt
Unfortunately there is no way to book a train outside Japan. You have to have actual pass and make a booking at Nagoya station. You will exchange your pass in Nagoya station, so when you exchange it, you can book it. It will be busy season to see fall foliage when you are in Japan. Bus and train may be busy.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, Takeshi-san.
I appreciate your reply. Thanks.
No problem, Jini san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am planning to go to Takayama from Kyoto next sunday (15th).
I’d like to take the limited express hida 25 in Kyoto at 8:34. I’m travelling with my wife and we have two suitcases (80x60x30). Will I have problems with the luggage? (Space for it).
Hi Lluis,
Please see the link below.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/travel-tips/baggage/managing-luggage-how-to-carry-your-baggage-on-board-and-how-to-store-your-baggage-at-the-station.html
If train is full, you have to put your suitcase at your leg space.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, thank you very much for your help. I understand that travel with large suitcases in japan trains could be sometimes dificult. I’ll try to manage it as well as possible.
Cheers
Lluis
No problem, Lluis.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, i am planning to go to takayama from kyoto (Nijo Station)
Last month i checked hyperdia, and found that i can depart from nijo station at 5.20 am and arrived at takayama station around 10 am.
But when i check again now, is the schedule changes? Because i will arrive at takayama station around 12 pm now.
Can you tell me the route to arrive at takayama around 10 am? (Note: i am using JR Pass, so Nozomi/Mizuho Shinkansen is not covered)
Hi Lydia,
I could find this route at Hyperdia.
06:26
begin NIJO(KYOTO)
[6 Min]
through
JR Sagano Line for KYOTO
06:32
06:42
transfer KYOTO
[ Arrival track No.32 / Departure track No.11 ]
[51 Min]
through
SHINKANSEN HIKARI 506
07:33
07:45
transfer NAGOYA
[ Arrival track No.15 / Departure track No.11 ]
[137 Min]
through
LTD. EXP (WIDE VIEW) HIDA 1
10:02 TAKAYAMA
If you leave 6:26, you can get Takayama at 10:02.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi.. thanks a lot for your reply.
For June, yes the schedule is like yours (arrived around 10 am).. but when i try for december, the schedule is diffrerent (arrived around 12 pm).. can you tell me why it’s like that?
Hi Lydia,
JR make the annual timetable revise in every March and October. So Hyperdia does not have correct timetable yet. This is the reason why.
Actually nobody has the timetable after October. I think it will not be much different. But you have to wait for new timetable until late September.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, if the revise on march and october, why starting from July the schedule is different? Arrive at 12 pm. Can you please check?
Hi Lydia,
I found the note at the bottom of hyperdia that says, “The train and flight schedules are available from March 26, 2016 to June 30, 2016.”
The server of hyperdia does not have updated timetable after July. I guess summer seasonal train schedule will be released in late May or early June. It will be updated after seasonal operation schedule will be released. But you can use same timetable before June 30 for after July. It will be same.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi, thank you so much for your help 🙂
Have a good day!
No problem, Lydia.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com