Hyperdia perfect guide, train timetable and route search engine

You will get five results.Fare table
2013.11.26
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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.

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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. Ara says:
    August 6, 2016 at 5:21 pm

    Hi,

    I will be arriving in Fukuoka evening of sept 8 and planning to go to osaka the next day and be back at Fukuoka on Saturday what’s the best route please.

    Thank you in advance for your help.

    Ara

  2. Claire says:
    August 3, 2016 at 6:56 am

    Hi Takeshi-san

    For the Yamaguchi Hiroshima Pass and JR Northern Kyushu Pass, can we activate them at the Fukuoka airport and start using it from the airport to Hakata station. Thank you

  3. Jitka says:
    July 5, 2016 at 1:57 am

    Hello, sorry for the confusion but where/how can one purchase tickets in advance online? I cannot see any link on the Hyperdia website?

    Thank you

  4. AnneMarie says:
    July 1, 2016 at 4:28 am

    Hello Takeshi-san,
    We travel from Nagiso to Shinagawa on Aug11th, with 5 persons. We allready have a JRpass. Do we have to book extra tickets (someone told us, because of Obon we wouldn’t be able to reserve our seats? He offered us tickets of 24.000 yen p.p.) or can we make seat reservations on our regular JRpass. Do we have to pay extra by then ( or must we make reservations for Green seat?)
    I hope you’ll understand my questions…

  5. Alice says:
    June 16, 2016 at 4:59 am

    Hi Takeshi
    I m planning to visit hokkaido in mid July this year. This is my first time going to hokkaido. I will like to visit places like sapporo , furano, Lake toya , noboribetsu n Hakate. I m travelling with my daughter. Both of us cannot drive. Hence I will like to find out whether JR train can bring us to all these places from sapporo or do I need to stay at different hotel at different places. Can I take train from sapporo n come back on the same day. I can visit one place a day . Planning to stay in hokkaido for 8 days . Thanks

  6. Cherrilyn says:
    May 25, 2016 at 4:00 pm

    Hi I am in minsami- gyotuku and need to get to Tokyo. Will I get a train from here to Otemachi and transfer onto the marunouchi line to Tokyo. After that I am going to Osaka with a JR pass. Is this what I have to do. Thanks in advance. Cherilyn

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      May 25, 2016 at 4:19 pm

      Hi Cherrilyn,

      The route is correct. But actually you can walk from Otemachi to Tokyo station. It takes about 10 minutes. Just follow the signage and you will get Tokyo station. Of course you can change the train to Marunouchi line if you want.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

  7. Andrew says:
    May 16, 2016 at 4:29 pm

    Dear Takeshi-san,

    I be arriving at haneda airport 10.30pm and I need to get to kawasakidaishi station. The site you have provided is very useful and it shows that i can take Haneda-Keikyu line to Keikyu Kawasaki station instantly then from Keikyu Kawasaki Station to the Daishi Line to Kawasakidashi Station. In addition, what time is the last train for the transfer from keikyu kawasaki to kawasakidashi station?

    Thank you

    Andrew

    • Takeshi / JPRail.com says:
      May 16, 2016 at 8:11 pm

      Hi Andrew san,

      It’s very very tough. You have to take 23:31 departure. If you miss, you still can get Kawasaki but you cannot get Kawasakidaishi.
      You have to take taxi from Kawasaki to Kawasakidaishi. But I have no idea about taxi fare. The last one to Kawasaki is 00:14 departure.

      You can input Haneda Airport International Terminal and Kawasakidaishi on hyperdia and you can find the schedule.

      Cheers,

      Takeshi / JPRail.com

      • Andrew says:
        May 17, 2016 at 5:26 am

        Hi Takeshi-san,

        Thank you for the feedback. Does it mean I need to depart from Haneda airport by 23.31 in order for me to catch the train from kawasaki to kawasakidaishi? I have run through the hyperdia and it says the latest i need to board is by 23:42 where the latest train from kawasaki to kawasakidaishi i need to catch is before 00:03.

        Thank you.

        Andrew

  8. Frances T says:
    March 1, 2016 at 11:30 pm

    Hello Takeshi san,
    I have tried to figure out the actual sequence of subway/trains to go from Namba to Himeji and am very confused as to what station to begin the trip. I am planning to use the Kansai Area Pass to make this trip.
    Since I am staying in Namba (Hotel Monterey Grasmere), where do I go to catch the Special Rapid service train? Do I have to use subway to get to a particular station?
    Thank you for your help.

  9. Nina says:
    February 8, 2016 at 1:48 am

    Hello Takeshi-san

    I find this site very useful because you have a very good way of organising and sharing information. Unfortunately I still cannot decide whether the JR Rail pass is good for me.

    I arrive 19 Feb (Kansai Airport) and will stay in Kyoto ( i have been advised to follow these directions to my accomodation (Kansai Airport Station > Kyoto Station (via Haruka towards Kyoto) – Kyoto Station> Tofukuji Station (via Nara Line towards Joyo) – Tofukuji Station -> Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (via Keihan Line towards Demachiyanagi) . On 20 Feb & 21 Feb I plan to visit Arashimaya / Nishiki market / Gion/Pontocho /Kiyomizu-dera (not in that sequence) and on 22 Feb I plan to leave for Osaka to stay for one day to see some sights and then on 23 Feb I will leave Osaka for Tokyo where i will stay near the Shibuya area. When in Tokyo I want to also make a day trip to Mount Fuji & a day trip to DisneySea So i think i want to buy the 7 days JR rail pass because i see that I can experience teh Shinkansen too. So, my question is whether you think it is value for money that I buy the 7 day JR Rail pass and if yes, is it the green or ordinary one. I don’t know how it works with reserving seats. I have checked Hyperdia & can see that on the Shinkansen, there are seat resevation options. Thanks. Again, keep up your excellent work helping people like me on this site.

  10. cassidy says:
    January 27, 2016 at 2:31 pm

    Hello. I am planning a trip during April in Japan. I plan to travel top the following areas (hopefully in this order) Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Beppu, Miyagi, and maybe Hokkaido. This is all within a 19 day period. Does anyone have any suggestions?

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