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
Dear Takeshi,
We will be staying in Takayama (13 Nov) for 2 nights, travelling from Nagoya (Chubu Int’l airport) to Takayama. Is it better to take a bus? or a train to Takayama? Do you know if my train rides from Nagoya to Takayama will be covered by JR rail pass? If so, which is the pass that i should purchase? As i will also be going to Osaka from Takayama, please advise if the JR pass can be used for this trip from Takayama to Osaka too? I checked on Hyperdia and saw that from Takayama i will need to take a Limited Express and then a Shinkansen Hikari to Shin-Osaka. In this case, when i purchase my tickets at Takayama JR station, am i able to buy only Limited Express ticket or i can also purchase my Shinkansen tickets at the same time? Sorry for the lengthy questions. Appreciate your help on this! Thank you so much!!
Hi Emi,
I just have received very similar inquiry today. And I’ve got very useful info from reader. That is Shoryudo highway bus ticket. I’m not very familiar with this ticket. But this is the cheapest option to get Takayama from Chubu airport.
http://www.japanican.com/en/tour/detail/TKT3C006C/?typecd=PRA
But please don’t ask me any more info about this deal. I just got info today.
For the trip to Osaka from Nagoya, Shinkansen single ticket is most common choice. But if you don’t care to spend extra one hour and trip to Osaka (Namba), Kintetsu Rail Pass at 3800 yen is the most reasonable choice.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-krpw.html
Kintetsu railway’s limited express has very comfortable seat. It’s not much different from Shinkansen. Especially your final destination in Osaka is Namba, this ticket is the best choice.
If you use Shinkansen, that’s okay. Your choice is regular single ticket. You can purchase any JR station, Nagoya, Takayama or any other major station. Even if you don’t take JR train at Takayama, you can purchase it.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san
We will be in Kyoto from end October 2014.
Intend to travel to Takayama on 1st Nov. by Ltd.Exp. Wide View HIDA from Kyoto.
Kindly advise is this train covered by Japan Rail Pass.
From Takayama to Toyama is this train Wide View Hida still applicable for Japan Rail Pass.
On the way back to Kyoto from Toyama can the Japan Rail Pass be use on the Thunderbird train.
Your valuable advise is much appreciated.
Thank you
Rgds
Habib
Hi Habib,
All trains are covered by JR pass.
But if you use JR Pass for Kyoto-Takayama-Toyama-Kyoto, single ticket is cheaper than 7 days pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi san
Here are my travel plan as follows:
In Tokyo, Narita and out Osaka, Kansai
3 days @ Tokyo
6 days @ Kyoto
2 days @ Takayama( Can we book advance seat while in Tokyo for the Wide View Hida train)
2 days @ Toyama
Kindly advise whether to use 7 days or 14 days Japan Rail Pass. Just single ticket.
Your professional comments is most welcome and appreciated.
Rgds
Habib
Hi Habib,
Even 7 days JR Pass will be more expensive than single ticket. If you keep this itinerary, you have to use 14 days pass because long transfer (Tokyo-Kyoto, Kyoto-Takayama, Takayama-Toyama, Toyama-Osaka) must be covered by JR Pass. In this case, 14 days pass required but it’s too expensive.
If you can change the order, like the following, ticket will be cheaper.
Tokyo – Takayama – Toyama – Kyoto
In this case, you can purchase one base fare ticket and separate limited express surcharge ticket for each sections. You can stopover at Takayama and Toyama. Please see the following link:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/for-non-jr-pass-travellers-guide-to-use-jr-single-ticket-basic-rules-validity-and-stopover.html
In my estimation, all costs for the route above is 20000 to 22000 yen.
You can use subway pass or bus pass in Tokyo and Kyoto.
At last you can use Kansai Area Pass one day to get KIX from Kyoto.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/how-to-use-jr-west-kansai-area-pass-compare-pass-and-single-fare.html
This pass is cheaper than regular fare to get Haruka express.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I could not find the price for Limited Express Wide View Hida and I am planing to go Japn next April 2015. Below are my rough itinery :
1) Arrive in Nagoya and transfer to Takayama (1 night)
2) Takayama to Shirakawago ( 2 nights)
3) Shirakawago – Takayama – Toyoma (2 nights)
4) Toyoma to Kyoto (2 nights)
5) Kyoto to Osaka (2 nights)
Please assist me whether I am worth using the 7 days JR pass?
Thank you.
Regards,
Siew Yun
Hi Siew Yun
No. Single tickets are much cheaper than JR pass. I estimate total fares will be 20000 yen.
Unfortunately there is no choices other than single tickets.
You can find the fare at Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi & Siew Yun,
perhaps i can be of some help as i was on a similiar route last month.
1. i bought JR 7 day pass at Y29,110. This is current price with the new 8% consumption tax.
2. there is a bus which you can take from Nagoya airport directly to Takayama. There is now a promo till next year, but pls check the Takayama website to be sure of the end date for 2015. if you want to take the train, you probably have to connect from airport to shinkansen station before you can take the wide view hida to Takayama. so the bus is probably a better way to go.
3. Wide View Hida train – its v scenic and nice along the route but i think for the bus, you will also get to see some of the scenic view. This was told to me by a fellow tourist on the same bus we took to Shirakawa go as they took the bus from Nagoya to Takayama.
4. Wide view Hida schedule – you can check the time table and all other time tables and prices from the hyperdia link which Takeshi san gave on his reply. i found it a v useful tool in my planning.
5. Shirakawa go – only bus or car is accessible. Good choice to go from Takayama.
6. are you going Toyama becos of Japan Alps/Murodo? pls note the train from Takayama to Toyama is a long ride unless you manage to get on the wide view hida which i think runs only once a day. i left Takayama on 5.30am train and got back to Takayama around 5pm on same day and that allowed me only up to Murodo. so staying one night in Toyama is a good choice.
7. my opinion – Shirakawa go one night stay is probably better. everything shuts down after the last tour bus leaves Shirakawa go which is about 5pm. one night stay in Shirakawa go will cost Y9,000-10,000 with one dinner and breakfast.
8. Kyoto – you shld allocate more time bcos 2 nights is v short.
Enjoy your planning. Good luck.
Cheers
janice
Thanks for additional info, Janice.
Cheers,
Takehsi / JP rail
Dear Takeshi and Janice,
Thanks for the information and suggestion and its really help me in doing my planning.
Regards,
Siew Yun
Dear Takeshi san and Siew Yun, glad I can help.
Cheers
janice
No problem, Siew Yun.
Enjoy your trip!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
Am visiting Japan June 4-11 arriving Chubu Nagoya. Staying at Takayama (3nights), Himi (2 nights) and Fuki (2 nights). We are a group of 4. Any rail passes that are cheaper than buying normal tickets as we travel?
Thank you. Your site info is very helpful.
Hi Sam,
Unfortunately there is no deal for your trip.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Thanks for your quick response. For Hida Wide are the prices for reserved and green seats the same? What is the difference between these seats?
Hi Sam,
No, it’s different. Green is like a business class and reserved ordinary is economy. The difference of these seats are explained above, like seat configuration and seat pitch.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Dear Takeshi san, I’m now in Takayama via Wide View Hida 9 from Nagoya and it was an absolutely beautiful ride. Thank you for this write up bcos I made sure I booked the wide view train.
Hi Janice,
It’s good to hear that. Enjoy your trip!
I really envy you to stay in such a beautiful town!
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
We will travel to takayama from odawara at the end of July 2014. Does Jr pass cover all d trains (hikari and wide view hida). Is it difficult to find wide view Hida as we stop hikari in nagoya? (We have a couple old people). Do those 2 trains in the same platform? Is the english signage in the station easy to follow?
Hi Yana,
Those trains are covered.
At Nagoya, you have to change the platforms. You can find the station map at the following link:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/info/station/index.html
Usually Shinkansen arrive at #16 or #17 and Wide View Hida will depart from #11.
There are lots of signage in English.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi Takeshi,
I am planning to visit Takayama from Osaka. What would be your suggestion for transportation to Takayama? By bus or by wide view Hida? Which would offer nice scenery n comfort for the long trip? I planned to visit japan in Feb 2015. It is kind of hard and confusing as per now. If by train, should I go Nagoya first then change train to Takayama? Or directly from Osaka to Takayama? Is it difficult to get seats in the limited wide view hida?
Hope you can share a bit your advise.
Thanks in advance,
Samuel
Hi Samuel,
I recommend you to take Shinkansne to Nagoya and then take Wide View Hida. There is one round trip from Osaka to Takayama directly.
7:58 Osaka – 12:15 Takayama
16:36 Takayama – 19:51 Osaka
If you can catch this, you don’t need to transfer at Nagoya. But you will travel in next year. The scheduled may be changed.
From Nagoya, this train runs almost every hour. It’s not very hard to get a seat. Especially February is not a peak season.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
HI, I AM PLANING TO GO OSAKA WITH FAMILY ALTOGETHER 6 PERSONS.
PLEASE RECOMMEND THE BEST PASS DO I NEED TO PURCHASE.
MY PLANNING TRIP AS FOLLOW:-
DAY 1 – ARRIVE KANSAI AIRPORT AND DIRECT TO KYOTO
DAY 2 & 3 – FREE AND EASY IN KYOTO
DAY 4 – KYOTO TO TAKAYAMA
DAY 5 – TAKAYAMA – SHIRAKAWAGO – TAKAYAMA
DAY 6 – TAKAYAMA – NAGOYA
DAY 7 – FREE AND EASY IN NAGOYA
DAY 8 – NAGOYA – OSAKA
DAY 9 – OSAKA – KANSAI AIRPORT
PLEASE RECOMMEND BEST CHOICE OF TICKET THAT I CAN PURCHASE.
THANKS.
PETER
Hi Peter,
You can use ICOCA and Haruka for KIX-Kyoto and Osaka-KIX.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/other-rail-passes/rail-pass-for-visitors/icoca-and-haruka-ticket-very-flexible-and-good-deal-for-tourist-who-stay-in-kansai.html
ICOCA can be used in Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya. But this card cannot be used for long transfer, such as Kyoto-Takayama.
And also you can use Kyoto all day bus pass or Kyoto sightseeing card. You can save ICOCA for other cities and use these deals for sightseeing Kyoto.
http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/access/transport.html
For Kyoto-Takayama-Nagoya-Osaka, there is no deals. Single ticket will be only choice.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
Hi , I plan to travel from Nagoya – Takayama- Kyoto – Osaka – Nara – Nagoya airport. Can you recommend which rail pass should I buy to cover all the places?
I am thinking of getting daily bus pass for each city.
Regards
Hi Ken,
There is no deals to cover all part of your trip. But a few deals may be considerable.
1. Takayama Free Ticket
This ticket was sold by JR Central, but it’s stopped to sell at this moment. It will come back. So stick around the following link:
http://english.jr-central.co.jp/tickets/value/index.html
It covers Nagoya-Takayama round trip and some local transportation.
2. Kintetsu Rail Pass Wide
This deal covers all part of your trip except Takayama.
http://www.kintetsu.co.jp/foreign/english/useful/ticket/rpw1-2.html
If you get Kyoto from Nagoya by Shinkansen, it takes 1 hour. But if you take Kintetsu, it takes 2.5 hours. It’s much slower but it’s much cheaper. If you take Shinkansen, single ticket will be your choice. One way fare is around 6500 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail
good morning Takeshi,
at first very thanks of your advice for the osaka trip, is great.
Im going to plan a trip as osaka ~ takayama ~ nagoya / tokyo. did i need purchasess the jr pass??
Hi Jenny,
Even single fare for Osaka-Takayama-Tokyo is cheaper than JR Pass 7 day.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/tips-for-japan-rail-pass/compare-japan-rail-pass-with-regular-fare.html
If you have extra trip when you stay in Tokyo or Osaka, 7 days pass may be better deal. So you have to fix the departure point, Nagoya or Tokyo. And make sure you will have extra trip in Tokyo and Osaka, or not.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JP Rail