Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine

You will get five results.Fare table
2013.11.26
hyperdia1

If you want to plan your itinerary by yourself, Hyperdia will be a very useful tool.
This site is a comprehensive transportation search engine where you can look up timetables and routes for trains, flights, and airport shuttle buses.
I think it is the most convenient site available for travelers.
However, because it has so many functions and options, you may feel a bit overwhelmed when using it for the first time.

In this post, I will walk you through all the main features of Hyperdia and explain how to use them step-by-step.
By the end, I hope you will feel comfortable using the site and be able to plan your trips smoothly.

How to Use Hyperdia (Video Guide)

If you prefer to learn visually, you can watch the tutorial video below to understand how to use Hyperdia step-by-step.

Basic search

First, go to the Hyperdia.

Top page of Hyperdia. (clink to enlarge)

On the top page, you will see several search fields.
If you just want to look up a simple timetable or route, for example, Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, simply type the station names in the “From” and “To” fields.
Then select your travel date and time.

At the last dropdown menu, you can choose from Departure, Arrival, or Average:

  • Departure – Search based on your departure time (most commonly used).
  • Arrival – Search based on the time you want to arrive at your destination.
  • Average – Shows a range of options between departure and arrival, but this is rarely used.
You will get five results.

Example:
If you are flying out of Narita Airport Terminal 2 on December 15 and want to arrive by 15:00, type “Tokyo” in the From field and “Narita Airport Terminal 2” in the To field.
Then select December 15, 15:00, and choose Arrival.

Search with Conditions

When using a JR Pass, you cannot take Nozomi trains on the Tokaido or Sanyo Shinkansen.
Also, most passes issued by the JR Group do not cover private railway lines or subways.
On the other hand, some regional passes for private railways, such as the Kansai Thru Pass, do not cover JR trains.

Hyperdia allows you to filter routes based on these conditions.

hyperdia3

Scroll to the bottom of the search fields and click “Search Details.”
Here, you will see many options to customize your search.

Via 1, Via 2, and Via 3

Sometimes multiple routes are available between two cities.
If you want to force your route to go through a specific station, enter the station name in the Via 1 field.

Example:
If you want to travel from Tokyo to Takayama via Nagoya, input:

  • From: Tokyo
  • To: Takayama
  • Via 1: Nagoya

You can enter up to three intermediate stations using Via 1, Via 2, and Via 3.

Sorting Results

You can choose how the search results are sorted:

  • Best Departure Time – Default setting.
  • Transfer – Prioritizes routes with the fewest transfers.
  • Money – Prioritizes routes with the lowest total cost.

Check Boxes

There are check boxes to include or exclude certain transportation types.

Example:
If you are using a JR Pass to travel from Shin-Osaka to Hakata,
uncheck “NOZOMI / MIZUHO / HAYABUSA (SHINKANSEN)” because Nozomi and Mizuho trains are not covered by the JR Pass.

However, note that Hayabusa is categorized in the same group, but it is covered by the JR Pass.
If you are traveling north to places like Shin-Aomori or Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, you should keep this option checked.

Private railways are also not covered by the JR Pass, so you may want to uncheck “Private Railway” as well.
Similarly, uncheck “Airplane” and “Airport Shuttle Bus” unless you want flight results included.

You will get five results. (click to enlarge)

Advanced Features

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When you get search results, you can access more detailed information by clicking the links provided.

Train Timetable

Shows the departure and arrival times for every station along the train’s route.
This is useful if you are meeting friends along the way and need to know when they can board.

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Interval Timetable

This feature shows all trains running on the same segment, allowing you to compare earlier or later trains easily.

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Station Timetable

Displays all train departure times for a specific station.
You can click on individual trains for detailed information.

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When You Cannot Find a Station Name

Sometimes, Hyperdia may not recognize the station name you enter.
Here are some common reasons and solutions.

Hyphen in Station Names

Some stations require a hyphen (-) in their names.

Stations Starting with “Shin”

For stations beginning with “Shin” (meaning “New”), you often need to include a hyphen.

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However, some names do not use a hyphen:

  • Shinsapporo (New Sapporo)
  • Shinimamiya (New Imamiya)
  • Shinsaibashi (no hyphen used)
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Stations Starting with Cardinal Directions

Stations that start with Higashi (East), Nishi (West), Minami (South), or Kita (North) often require a hyphen:

  • Minami-Chitose (South Chitose)
  • Nishi-Akashi (West Akashi)

But sometimes, there is no hyphen:

  • Nishiumeda (West Umeda)

Stations with Historical Domain Names

Some stations include historical domain names from the Edo period:

If you cannot find a station, try adding or removing a hyphen.

Anyhow when you cannot find the name, try to put a hyphen.

Same Location, Different Station Names

In large cities like Tokyo or Osaka, multiple stations in the same area may have different names depending on the railway company.

Example: Osaka/Umeda area

  • Osaka (JR)
  • Kitashinchi (JR Tozai Line)
  • Umeda (Hanshin Railway)
  • Umeda (Hankyu Railway)
  • Umeda (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line)
  • Higashi-Umeda (Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line)
  • Nishi-Umeda (Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line)

These stations are within walking distance, even though they have different names.

Other examples:

  • Hamamatsucho (JR and Tokyo Monorail) / Daimon (Tokyo Subway)
  • Namba (Nankai and Subway) / JR-Namba (JR) / Osaka-Namba (Kintetsu & Hanshin)

Station Names Containing the Company Name

When there are multiple stations in the same area, some companies include their company name in the station name:

  • Kintetsu-Nara
  • Kintetsu-Nagoya
  • Seibu-Shinjuku
  • JR-Namba
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If you cannot find a station by location alone, use Google Maps to check the exact name.

I hope this guide helps you understand how to use Hyperdia to plan your train journeys in Japan.
With a little practice, you’ll be able to search routes quickly and confidently!

Comments

  1. Jan says:
    September 6, 2014 at 6:45 am

    I am arriving at Narita on 21st at 0740 after a long international flight. (14 hours) and I don’t sleep on planes. I was going to overnight in Tokyo.
    I have booked a night on the 22nd in Norbibetsu Hokkaido, but I don’t want to travel all day and all night. I would like to arrive mid afternoon.
    Has anyone an idea of the duration and if it could be possible to travel immediately to say Aomori.
    But how long does it take to go on the 22nd to Noribetsu?
    I can not find out – all local trains.
    Would it be too gruelling to attempt to travel some 3-4 hours on the bullet train heading north immediately following a long tiring flight where I have to check in at 5am?
    Regards
    Jan

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      September 6, 2014 at 11:28 am

      Hi Jan,

      There is no way to get Noboribetsu from Tokyo by train in 4 hours. If you take a train, the fastest travel time are the following:

      Tokyo – Shinaomori 3 hours
      Shinaomori – Hakodate 2 hrs 15 mins
      Hakodate – Noboribetsu 2 hrs 20 mins

      There is no other way by train.

      I recommend you to take domestic flight from Haneda to New Chitose (Sapporo).
      Haneda airport is closer to downtown Tokyo by Narita.
      https://jprail.com/travel-informations/how-to-access-from-haneda-airport-to-downtown-tokyo.html

      It takes 1.5 hrs to get New Chitose. And it takes another 1 hour to get Noboribetsu by train. If you don’t like long transfer, this is the best way.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  2. Serena says:
    July 7, 2014 at 9:04 pm

    Hi

    I am a first time visitor to Japan, traveling with family, visiting various places starting from Osaka then to Himeji and various other places.

    We will be arriving at Kansai in December at 21:20 hrs. Am hoping to stay in a hotel near a train station either in Namba or Osakananba. If possible, a direct train would be handy considering the late evening of arrival. The train system is still confusing and an trying to find out the best way to get out of the airport i.e., train, JR, bus limousine.

    I would like to know the:
    – approximate time to clear custom
    – which train to take to Namba, how long is the journey and how much
    – which train to take to Osakananba, how long is the journey and how much

    Then from either of this station to Himeji.

    Can you please advise.

    Thank you very much.
    Serena

  3. Josephine says:
    May 15, 2014 at 5:15 pm

    Hello, I am interested to travel to Asahikawa (and neighbouring places), also Utoro, side visits to Furano and Biei, and then Tokyo. Basically to trek and climb mountains in Daisetsuzan and Shiretoko and surrounding places.

    Could you let me know what is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel between Tokyo to these places (trains? air? buses?). And also how should I plan the travelling, thanks!

    Jo

  4. Rose says:
    May 7, 2014 at 12:50 pm

    We are staying in Ikebukuro and need to go to Kyoto. When I check Hyperdia, it mentioned Yamanote line and there is inner loop and outer loop. What is the difference between those? and is it easier to go to Tokyo station or should we do the 2 transfers at Osaki and Shinagawa? There are 4 of us (2 teeanger) and 3 pieces of luggage total.

    Thanks so much!

    Rose

    • Takeshi / JPRail says:
      May 7, 2014 at 9:39 pm

      Hi Rose,

      Yamanote line is a loop line. Inner loop runs clockwise and Outer loop runs counterclockwise.
      I think outer loop Yamanote line train is the easiest. You need to transfer only once at Tokyo. Even if you take inner loop line, you don’t need to transfer at Osaki. Hyperdia shows we have to transfer at Osaki. But most of Yamanote line train keep running.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

      • Rose says:
        May 8, 2014 at 8:33 am

        Takeshi san,
        Thanks for your reply. Does train stops at all stations regardless of inner or outer loop of Yamanote line? Say if I go from Ikebukuro to Tokyo or Shinagawa station, can I hop on either direction? It looks shorter on the map if I go on the outer loop to Shinagawa but Hyperdia keep saying inner loop on Yamanote line? Does the train only stop at Shinagawa station on the inner loop?

        We have JR pass, so from Hiroshima to Narita airport, how should we go about? Looks like most of the JR train is Nozomi or Mizuho which we can’t use. Our flight out from Narita to Hong Kong is on a Wed at 18:35. Would you help me get a train schedule from Hiroshima to Narita airport using JR pass? Arriving 2 hours prior to flight at the airport, is that enough time, or should I get there earlier than that?
        Thanks so much! REALLY appreciate your help!
        Rose

        • Takeshi / JPRail says:
          May 8, 2014 at 12:45 pm

          Hi Rose,

          As long as you catch Yamanote line either inner or outer, you will get Tokyo or Shionagawa sooner or later. You don’t hop on/off. All trains stop at all stations.
          Map > http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3b/YAMANOTE_LINE.png

          From Hiroshima, it will be a long trip. You can find it at Hyperdia. When you check the timetable at Hyperdia, you will find “search details” just above “Search” button. Click it and you will find some check box. Check it off at “Airplane”, “NOZOMI / MIZUHO / HAYABUSA (SHINKANSEN)” and “Private Railway”. You will get the result that you want.

          I usually go to the airport 3 hours before departure time. 2 hours may be okay. But if the line up is a long, 2 hours may not be enough. And if trains are late, you can’t catch up with the schedule with 2 hours margin.

          Cheers,

          Takeshi / JP Rail

  5. Andrew says:
    May 5, 2014 at 12:51 am

    Hi Matt, this is our first visit to North Japan. On 3rd wk May, my wife and I plan to catch noon train from Tokyo to Aomori on the Shin Express to see Cherry Blossom. After stay 2 nights, we catch next train to Hakodate and then to Sapporo. Please advise best way to proceed. Thanks

  6. Matt says:
    April 29, 2014 at 7:31 am

    Hi!

    If I printed out my routes from Hyperdia, can I take them to the Narita JR desk and get all the tickets reserved there and then? It may annoy the person behind me, (sorry if it’s you), or is there a better way of doing it?

    Thanks!

  7. Elvira Yunitan says:
    April 18, 2014 at 9:30 am

    hello, i would like to ask about tokyo one day pass, there are several options and i don’t know which one to choose. i do not buy JR pass anyway. my senpai who lives there suggest buying IC card which can be recharged, but when i use hyperdia to calculate teh fare based on the itinerary, it passes 1000 yen, like going from shinjuku to disneysea and back exceeded 1200 yen, do you think i should buy day pass for that?
    also, i would like to go to kawasaki area to fujio museum, it uses JR, do you think it will be alright to pay the ticket or use pass?
    thank you

  8. kolaxiong says:
    March 20, 2014 at 12:04 am

    Hi takeshi ,
    Like to check , when using hyperdia , does it give the best options ? cos i am trying to plan from nagoya to hakodate , and even though i choose 7 am , they give me 10.27 am earlier train , but when i click on the station timetable , there are actually earlier Hikari trains ( cos am on JR pass )

    10:27
    begin NAGOYA [ Departure track No.14 ]
    SHINKANSEN HIKARI 514
    12:10
    12:20
    transfer TOKYO
    [ Arrival track No.14 / Departure track No.20 ]

    [189 Min]
    through
    SHINKANSEN HAYABUSA 19
    15:29
    15:39
    transfer SHIN-AOMORI [ Arrival track No.12 ]
    [136 Min]
    through
    LTD. EXP SUPER HAKUCHO 19
    17:55 end HAKODATE

    I check the station timetable
    SHINKANSEN HIKARI 504 SHIN-OSAKA – TOKYO it will stop at nagoya at 7.18 am and will reach tokyo at 9.10 am
    Then i check on tokyo station time table
    SHINKANSEN HAYABUSA 11 TOKYO 9.36 am – SHIN-AOMORI 12.36
    OR
    SHINKANSEN HAYABUSA 13 TOKYO 10.20 am – SHIN-AOMORI 13.29 reach shin-amori
    and at shin-amori
    LTD. EXP SUPER HAKUCHO 5 SHIN-AOMORI 11.30 – HAKODATE 13.42

    So my question is , any idea how the plan the route ? and should I just built my trip/transfer like what did ( is it safe to do this way ) , part by part or follow the first one by hyperedia ? I realised of cos the one plan by hypermedia there is very min transfer time

    • JPRail says:
      March 20, 2014 at 12:41 am

      Hi kolaxiong,

      When I checked, Nagoya to Hakodate, depart at 7:00 am, I got the following result:
      07:42
      begin NAGOYA
      [ Departure track No.15 ]
      [101 Min]
      through
      SHINKANSEN NOZOMI 104
      09:23
      09:36
      transfer TOKYO
      [ Arrival track No.14 / Departure track No.21 ]
      [179 Min]
      through
      SHINKANSEN HAYABUSA 11
      12:35
      12:45
      SHIN-AOMORI
      [ Arrival track No.14 ]
      [133 Min]
      through
      LTD. EXP SUPER HAKUCHO 11
      14:58
      HAKODATE

      But JR Pass does not cover Nozomi. So we have to find Hikari.
      Sometimes Hyperdia works funny. As you tried, we sometimes have to check section by section. It’s better way to find better route and connection.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JP Rail

  9. ali says:
    February 24, 2014 at 10:05 am

    I am arriving at Narita at 3.30 pm on April 12th and need to get to Kyoto.
    For return I am departing narita for USA at 5.00 pm on April 17th.
    Could you please advise me the best train connections from Narita to ? to Kyoto. I will have one large suitcase. Also please advise return train connections for April 17th.
    Thanks very much.
    Ali

  10. Japan Rail Pass and rail travel in Japan complete guide – JPRail ... | Project DownloadX says:
    November 28, 2013 at 12:38 am

    […] Visit link: Japan Rail Pass and rail travel in Japan complete guide – JPRail … […]

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