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
Hi, I’m a bit confused about the train formation. http://railway.jr-central.co.jp/train/express/detail_02_02/unit.html
which cars should I reserve for If I want to be in the front/rear observation car? I will be using an ordinary jr rail pass from kyoto (hida 25) or nagoya(hida 1 3 or 11)
Hi Kevin,
Car #1 is rear end of all trains. But this car is non reserved seat car. You cannot reserve your seat in this car. It’s the first come first serve basis.
Car #4 of Hida 1 is the front end and this is reserved seat car. You can reserve your seat. The front end of Hida 3 and 11 is Green car. You cannot use this car by JR pass ordinary. Car #3 of Hida 25 is the front end until Gifu. Other train set comes from Nagoya and those are coupled at Gifu. After Gifu, car #3 does not have any view.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
When we visit Japan in mid November, our travelling plan is:
Nagoya >> Takayama >> Kanazawa >> Tokyo
We’ll purchase nation-wide 7-day Japan Railway Pass on Green Car. Before we arrive at Japan, are we able to reserve the seats online right after the JR Passes are purchased?
Thank you.
Hi Marcus,
Basically you cannot book a seat before you arrive in Japan. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/how-to-reserve-seat.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi,
Wewill take the flight from Hong Kong to Nagoya on 16 November 2017. The arrival time at Nagoya airport will be at 15:35, so how can we to catch the train from Nagoya to Gero? Hida Express No.17??
Thanks.
Ben
Thanks.
Regards,
Lau Yam Ting
Hi Ben,
Please refer the links below.
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/nagoya-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-shinkansen-kintetsu-meitetsu-subway-and-jr-local-trains.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi.
We are planning to see Takayama on winter of 2017, around January 21-26. Just want to ask if these routes are covered by a JP rail pass?
1. Nagoya to Takayama via wide view Hida
2. Takayama to Nagoya via wide view Hida
3. Nagoya to Tokyo via Shinkansen
4. Tokyo to Nagoya via Shinkansen
Thank you very much
Hi Joyce,
Yes. All trips are covered by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
May I know if I can buy the ticket for Limited Express Wide View Hida to Nagoya at Takayama station ?
Also, is there an area in the train where I can put my luggage ?
Thank you,
Zul
Hi Zul san,
You can purchase it at Takayama. If you want, you can purchase it at any major JR stations in advance.
Please see the link below to find info about luggage.
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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
We are planning a 1 way roundtrip from Nagoya to Takayama in a group of 12 adults on the 22 Nov 2016. We would like to seek your assistance to advice us what is the most economical way to travel from Nagoya to Takayama eg. JR Train / Express Bus.
I was told that there is a special JR Hidaji Free Kippu tickets for group of 4 passenger, is it still available? How much is the cost?
Would appreciate if you can also provide us with the link/website to make the necessary reservations.
Thanks
Hi Lawrence,
Hidaji Free Kippu is available.
30650 yen for 4 passengers includes round trip ticket by limited express train reserved seat, Takayama-Shirkawagou nobi bus round trip (or ticket to Shin-Hotaka), and some discount at shops and attraction.
26390 yen for 4 passengers includes round trip ticket by limited express train reserved seat, 6000 yen taxi voucher, and some discount at shops and attraction. (6000 yen is per ground not per person)
This deal is introduced in Japanese site only. I put Japanese link just in case.
http://railway.jr-central.co.jp/tickets/hida/
You cannot make a reservation in advance. You have to purchase this deal in JR Nagoya station and then you can book a train. Your group is a big so you may not be able to book seats together.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks for the information on the Hidaji Furii Kippu Pass. But what is the difference between a and b options:
a. 30650 yen for 4 passengers includes round trip ticket by limited express train reserved seat, Takayama-Shirkawagou nobi bus round trip (or ticket to Shin-Hotaka), and some discount at shops and attraction.
b. 26390 yen for 4 passengers includes round trip ticket by limited express train reserved seat, 6000 yen taxi voucher, and some discount at shops and attraction. (6000 yen is per ground not per person)
Can the above tickets be bought at Chubu International Airport?
Hi Lawrence,
If you take (a), you can get Shirakawago by bus. If you take (b), you can get a chartered taxi but 6000 yen is not enough to get Shirakawago. Basically it allows you to see Takayama only.
You cannot purchase it at Chubu airport. You need to get Nagoya station to buy this pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takeshi-san,
Yet another October Takayama visit! Travelling from Nagano to Takayama early in the morning on the 17th October and then intending to take the Hida Wide view #36 train at 15:35 to Kyoto. A few questions:
1. I had a look on hyperdia, and it didn’t give the option for Green class on either the Takayama>Gifu or Gifu>Kyoto trip. I thought Green Class should be available on both. Can yo please confirm? Also, can we stay in our seats at Gifu?
2. How far in advance should we book our green class tickets for that day?
3. Which side of the train will give us the best views on the Takayama > Kyoto trip?
Looking forward to your reply.
Kind Regards,
Elke
Hi Elke san,
1. This train (Wide View Hida #36) is 7 cars formation. 3 of 7 (car #1 to #3) cars go to Osaka and another 4 (car #4 to #7) cars go to Nagoya. All cars combined between Takayama and Gifu, and 3 cars and 4 cars are uncoupled at Gifu.
Green car is available but it’s car #6. It’s not in cars to Osaka. If you want to take Green seat, you can take only Takayama to Gifu. And you have to change the cars at Gifu. If you are okay with ordinary seat, you can stay same seat from Takayama to Osaka.
2. I usually book a ticket right after I arrive in Japan. There is no online booking available. Nobody can guess how busy it will be. So try to book as soon as possible.
3. I recommend you to take left side.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you so much Takeshi-san.
Good to know about green class issue with the Hida #36.
If we would prefer green, would it be better to book the Hida #16 to Nagoya followed by the Hikari 479? And how hard would it be to go from platform 3 to platform 16 at Nagoya train station? There seem to be only 9 mins between arrival and departure, so a bit worried. We are first time Japan travellers and will have luggage…
Kind Regards
Elke
Hi Elke san,
Wide View Hida and Hikari is better than direct service to Osaka by Wide View Hida if you prefer to have green seat.
9 minutes is tight. It’s not impossible but you have to understand the structure of Nagoya station. Please see the link below:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/nagoya-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-shinkansen-kintetsu-meitetsu-subway-and-jr-local-trains.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you very much for the reply. The website has been really handy as well with all the links, maps, pictures, videos and sample trips. Very informative!
Kind Regards
Elke
No worries, Elke san.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I am arriving in Nagoya International Airport on 9th Nov at around 8.40am.
I’m travelling to from Nagoya airport to Hida Fukukawa Station via on 9th Nov using the JR Pass. Can you advise the fastest route via JR limited express & normal train if we were to depart from Nagoya international airport around 9.45am? Thanks.
Hi Connie,
The fastest route is taking Meitetsu railway from airport to Nagoya and taking Wide View Hida from Nagoya to Hida-Furukawa. But most of Wide View Hida go to Takayama. You may need to change the trains at Takayama. You may find the schedule 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
Aloha,
I am arriving in Japan on October 8, 2016 at 22:05 (Haneda). I am staying in Shinagawa 1 night upon arrival. I have purchased the 7 Day JR Rail Pass (Green Car) and I have my voucher. I depart Shinagawa for Takayama the following day on 10-9-16. I have reservations for 6 nights at Hidatei Hanaougi and Hodakaso Sanganoyu in Takayama and Hirayu area). My concern is that the trains (Hidatei Ltd. Express Wide View) will be sold out. I’m unable to reserve seats due to my late arrival in Haneda. Realistically, could all the trains from Nagoya to Takayama be sold out? I’m worried. Thank you!
Hi Roberta,
It’s very rare that all Green seats are booked out. Of course I cannot guarantee but I think you will be okay.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Aloha Takeshi,
Thank you for your speedy response!
I look forward to my upcoming trip to Japan, especially knowing that most likely seats will be available to my destination.
Mahalo & Cheers!
Roberta K.
No problem, Roberta.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi!
I’m travelling to Takayama on October 9 using the JR Pass. I will be travelling that day from Tokyo to Osaka early in the morning to leave our luggage at the Osaka station (since our check-in at the Airbnb apartment we rented in Osaka is still after 4 pm) and will be travelling to Nara afterwards to visit Nara Park. Then probably after lunch, we’ll head to Takayama for the evening autumn festival at 9 in the evening.
How do we travel from Nara to Takayama? Would you recommend that we take Nara to Nagoya then Nagoya to Takayama via the Limited Express Wide View Hida? What time is the last trip from Takayama to Nagoya and the last trip from Nagoya to Osaka? Is it still possible to ride a train even after we watch the Evening Autumn Festival?
Thank you so much!
Hi Pauline,
Your route is the following:
Nara (Local or rapid train) Kyoto
Kyoto (Shinkansen) Nagoya
Nagoya (Wide View Hida) Takayama
Roughly it take 4.5 hours. If you go to Takayama from Nara after lunch, you will be Takayama around 17:00 or 18:00. However the last train to Nagoya from Takayama is 18:46 from Takayama. If you want to see night festival, you have to stay in Takayama.
Unfortunately your plan is not feasible. And also it’s very very hard to find the hotel in Takayama during this event. I think most of hotels are full.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thank you Takeshi for that information! I might as well change my itinerary!
What time will the last train depart from Takayama to Nagoya? It seems I will no longer include the Autumn Evening Festival in my itinerary. I might as well travel from Nagoya to Takayama early morning and see the Karakuki performance at 12PM. Do you think it is still feasible to have a short day trip to Takayama, so just to see the festival? I probably wont have enough time to tour around the area anymore.
Thank you! 🙂
Hi Pauline,
There is one more train available that depart at 19:47. But this is a local train and you have to change trains twice at Mino-Ota and Gifu on the way to Nagoya. You can get Nagoya but you cannot go back to Kyoto or Osaka because you will reach Nagoya almost midnight.
I don’t think this is a right choice for your trip.
If you visit Takayama in daytime, it will work.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi san,
Five of us will be arriving at Nagoya International Airport at 16:20 on 17th December 2016. Will we able to catch the Wide View Train to Takayama? Do we have to book train tickets in advance? What time is the last train from Nagoya to Takamaya? How far is the train station from Nagoya Airport?
Hi Catherine san,
19:43 departure is the last one from Nagoya. As long as flight arrive on time, it will be okay. Please see the links below to find the info about airport and Nagoya station:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/nagoya-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-shinkansen-kintetsu-meitetsu-subway-and-jr-local-trains.html
You cannot book a ticket in advance. You have to book it at Nagoya station before you take Wide View Hida. I think you will be fine to get a seat but there is no way other than purchasing at the station.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi-san,
Thank you for your speedy response.
Is taking Wide View Hida the fastest way to reach Takayama Station from Nagoya Centrair Airport? If I take the last train at Nagoya means I will reach Takayama around 22:00, am I right?
Is Wide View Hida train at JR Nagoya Station?
Hi Catherine san,
You can take an express bus but trip time is not much different.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/nagoya.pdf
If you need a transfer to only Takayama, this express bus is way cheaper than Wide View Hida. But if you have any other trip than Takayama, you have to consider about whole part of trip. Otherwise you cannot compare.
Both wide view Hida and express bus depart from Nagoya station. Meitetsu bus terminal is just step away from Nagoya station. You can find the info at the link I gave you in previous reply. So you need to go to Nagoya station from the airport first anyway.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi San,
I am a little confused here.
Our flight will be arriving Chubu Airport at 16:20 on 17th Dec. We want to go from Nagoya Station to Takamaya Station. Are the bus stations near the train stations? The link you gave for reserving the bus ticket from Nagoya only have telephone number. Is there any website to reserve train tickets? Where to purchase the bus tickets? Will the bus travel time be affected by weather?
If we choose to take train from Nagoya Station to Takamaya Station after arriving at Chubu Airport at 16:20, how do we go? What is the fastest and most economical train from Chubu airport–Nagoya station- Takamaya station and what are the fares?
Thank you.
Regards
Catheine
Hi Catheine san,
Please see the link below to find the info about Chubu airport and Nagoya station. You will find all info about access to Nagoya and bus station info:
https://jprail.com/sample-itineraries/airport-access/chubu-ngo/chubu-nagoya-airport-transportation-guide-find-info-about-airport-station-and-access-to-nagoya.html
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/station-information/nagoya-station-guide-how-to-transfer-among-shinkansen-kintetsu-meitetsu-subway-and-jr-local-trains.html
You cannot book online for Nagoya-Takayama bus line. You have to make a call.
https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/highwaybus/nagoya.pdf
If you take a train, please find the fare and schedule at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
But the bus is cheaper. When it’s snowing, bus may be late. But train may be late too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com