Taking the Hida Limited Express

Japan is known for its safe and fast rail system. In addition to getting from place to place, many travelers wish to enjoy the ride – especially when it takes them past beautiful, picturesque scenery of the Japanese countryside.

The Hida Limited Express is a train that does just that. It is named after the former Hida Province on the west side of the Hida Mountains, which is now the northern expanse of the Gifu Prefecture in Chubu. Today, it is the primary means of reaching Takayama.

This route has become extremely popular with international travelers. Check out this handy guide to navigating the Hida Limited Express.

Note on Golden Week: Please note that between April 24 and May 6, 2026, the Limited Express Hida trains will operate with all reserved seating. Be sure to book your free reserved-seat ticket with your JR Pass prior to boarding!

The New HC85 Hida Limited Express

Formerly known as the “Wide View Hida” (operated by the now-retired KIHA-85 series), the service was entirely upgraded between 2022 and 2023. It now uses the state-of-the-art HC85 series hybrid trains. While the “Wide View” moniker was officially retired, the new trains still feature expansive windows that offer a panoramic view of the passing scenery. From this vantage point, you will see the charming countryside as well as well-preserved historic structures, all while enjoying a quieter, smoother, and more eco-friendly ride.

Routes and Stops

The Hida Limited Express services two distinct, though connected, routes departing from two different points, Osaka and Nagoya. You may be interested in exploring or staying at some of the towns that you will stop at along the way.

Buy your JR Pass

From Nagoya to Toyama

The Hida Limited Express departs from Nagoya Station around ten times each day.

Most trains terminate at Takayama Station, while a few continue further to Hida-Furukawa or Toyama. If you wish to go as far as Toyama, make sure you are boarding the correct Hida Limited Express service.

Read more: Nagoya travel guide

The train from Nagoya to Toyama stops at:

• Nagoya station (departing station)
• Owari-Ichinomiya station (a few trains stop at this station)
• Gifu station
• Unuma station (a few trains stop at this station)
• Mino-Ota station
• Shirakawaguchi station (a few trains stop at this station)
• Hida-Kanayama station (half of the trains stop at this station)
• Gero station
• Hida-Hagiwara station (half of the trains stop at this station)
• Hida-Osaka station (a few trains stop at this station)
• Kuguno station (a few trains stop at this station)
• Takayama station
• Hida-Furukawa station
• Inotani station
• Etchu-Yatsuo station
• Hayahoshi station (a few trains stop at this station)
• Toyama station (final station)

The entire trip to Toyama Station takes about four hours, while the journey to Takayama takes roughly 2.5 hours.

From Osaka to Takayama

One round-trip service is offered per day from Osaka Station to Takayama Station (Hida #25).

Read more: Osaka travel guide

Stops occur at Shin-Osaka, Kyoto station, Kusatsu, Maibara, and Ogaki Stations, before coupling with the Hida Limited Express from Nagoya at Gifu Station:

• Osaka station (departing station)
• Shin-Osaka station
• Kyoto station
• Kusatsu station
• Maibara station
• Ogaki station
• Gifu station (continues the same way from Nagoya to Takayama)

Stops then occur at Unuma, Mino-Ota, Shirakawaguchi, Hida-Kanayama, Gero, Hida-Hagiwara, Hida-Osaka, and Kuguno Stations before reaching Takayama Station. The entire trip from Osaka to Takayama Station takes around 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Read More: Takayama and the Japanese Alps

Accommodations

The Hida Limited Express now operates using the modern HC85 series hybrid train. This upgrade brought major improvements in passenger comfort, accessibility, and environmental impact.

The train offers both Ordinary cars and a Green car (First Class). The Green car features a spacious 2+2 seat configuration with highly comfortable, reclining seats and ample legroom. Access to the Green Car requires a specific reservation and a Green Pass.

On each train car, you will have access to free Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, modern restroom facilities, wheelchair-accessible spaces, and a folding tray table on the back of the seat in front of you.

Prices and Schedule

The Hida’s limited express service is completely covered by the Japan Rail Pass. However, if you are not using a JR Pass, you can expect to pay around 7,500 yen for the trip from Nagoya to Toyama and roughly 8,450 yen for the trip from Osaka to Takayama (prices may vary slightly depending on whether you book reserved or unreserved seats).

Generally, the Hida Limited Express from Osaka runs once per day, while the Hida from Nagoya departs approximately once per hour.

Buy your JR Pass

Timetable

At Nagoya Station, you will find the Hida Limited Express departing every one to two hours. Because this does not always occur exactly on the hour, you will need to plan for the exact departure times. Likewise, the Hida from Osaka departs once per day in the morning. Please see the representative timetable below for approximate departure times.

From Nagoya to Toyama

From Osaka to Takayama

From Takayama to Osaka

Using the JR Pass

You can use your JR Pass to travel on the Hida Limited Express without incurring any additional fees. This is true for both the Nagoya to Toyama and Osaka to Takayama routes.

There are lots of exciting activities to take part in and places to explore along the Hida Limited Express route. You may wish to take excursions into Gifu, with its central castle atop Mount Kinka; the onsen hot springs of Gero; the historic structures of Takayama; the canals and breweries of Hida-Furukawa; or Toyama’s castle and boating on the Matsukawa River.

Wherever you go, you will be equipped to explore with your JR Pass in hand.