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, would like to check is there have any direct train from takayama to Kyoto by using hokuriku pass?
Thanks
Jane
Hi Jane,
No. You have to take the route via Shirakawago or Toyama.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
May I seek your adv return frm Murudo to Takayama , the train i need take frm
Tateyama ( toyama) toyama Chiho railway > dentetsutoyama> Toyama (ltd exp wide view hida6) > takayama.
Will this cover by JR pass?
Appreciate it
Thanks and Rdgs
Wendy
Hi Wnedy,
JR Pass covers only JR trains only. Toyama Chiho Railway is not JR and not covered. Wide View Hida is covered.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
Where can I get the time table from takayama to Nagoya? I will travel from takayama to Nagoya on 14th November.
Thanks
Hi Ivy,
You can find it 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, I am going to Takayama from Nagoya in Dec. Is Hida Limited Express fully covered by the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass? i.e. must I pay extra fare for limited-express service using this pass?
Thanks in Advance.
Hi YH Tay,
Don’t worry. It’s covered by that pass fully.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks Mr Takeshi, I am clearer now.
I am going to buy Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass on 12 Nov in Singapore. In Dec, I will be traveling to Nagoya, take Hida Line to Takayama, stay 1 might, next morning I will take Nohi Bus to Shirakawa-go, in the afternoon, I will go to Kanazawa. Please advise, how I can reserve the seats on Hida line and the Nohi Bus (preferably by internet)?
Hi YH Tay,
Unfortunately online is not available. You have to book for Hida at the window when you exchange the pass and make a call for Nohi bus.
ohi Bus Reservation Center
TEL (0577) 32-1688
9:00～18:00
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
[…] Le train va un peu cahin-caha dans un paysage grandiose : des forêts de conifères, des montagnes recouvertes d’arbres, le train longe un cours d’eau pure émeraude tout au au long duquel s’étendent des villes, des villages plus modestes, rizières, champs, etc. C’est superbe ! De plus le train est très confortable, très spacieux (on peut étendre parfaitement ses jambes). Une hôtesse passe dans l’allée pour proposer du café, thé et de quoi manger. Très bon souvenir. Prendre le train Wide View Hida. […]
Hi I will be going from Tokyo to Takayama via Nagoya using JR pass.
1. Is it neccessary to reserve seats on wide view Hida train from Nagoya to Takayama?
2. Mya I know is it a peak travel season from 7/11/15 – 15/11/15?
Thank you
Hi Danny,
1. Recommended. It’s covered by JR pass fully.
2. Not peak but it may be busier in weekend.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Sir,
We are 6 people in my group will visit Takayama on March 2016. We have plan to purchase Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass.
We will arrive to Centrair airport (Nogoya) and will go to Takayama by Limited Express (wide view)
One person in my group can’t walk. Use wheelchair. Please advise how to reserve seat for person use wheelchair ?. We also have luggage.
Thank you very much.
Prasong
Bangkok, Thailand.
Hi Prasong,
Train has some seats for the handicapped passenger. When you book your seat, ask this seat.
Basically you have to keep your luggage in your space. Sometimes it’s very challenging. Please find more info at 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
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Dear Takashi;
I will be visiting Takayama on 23 – 29 Nov. Will I be able to use the JR pass for Nohi bus from Takayama to Shin-Hotaka?
Thanks and Regards
YeeJT
Hi YeeJT,
No. All bus services around Takayama are not covered by JR pass.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello
I am Traveling to Takayama on 26/12/2015.
I got the JP pass.
May I know can I use the “JR Takayama Line” from Takayama station (19:50 pm) to Gifu station?
Many thanks.
Cheers
Elson Eng
Hi Elson,
Yes, you can. JR Pass covers all “JR” lines.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi, I am Travelling to Tokyo on 29/11 to 12/12.
I am planning to go to takayama on 7/12 and back to Tokyo on 8/12. Should I get the 7days pass? Also can I know the Hilda train frequency because I don’t understand the schedule. I plan to take an evening train around 6pm from takayama to Tokyo. Is it possible? Appreciate your help.
Thank you.
Cheers,
Lilian
Hi Lilian,
7 days JR pass is recommended. It’s cheaper than regular fare. 18:45 is the last departure of Wide View Hida from Takayama. You can find the exact timetable at Hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
If you want to save your cost, you can take highway bus. But the last departure is earlier than trains and reservation is required. You can make it over the phone only.
http://www.nouhibus.co.jp/english/tokyo.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com