The Hida Express, officially called the Wide View Hida, is one of Japan’s most scenic train routes.
Operating between Nagoya and Takayama, with some services extending to Toyama, it trundles through the heart of the Japanese Alps. With its expansive windows and sleek design, the Hida Express transforms a simple way of getting from A to B into a spectacular journey through Japan’s Alpine heart.
It had been on my bucket list for some time so I was delighted to include it in my Japan winter itinerary, travelling from Nagoya to Takayama. In this article, I’ll give you the lowdown on the train, its route, what to expect, top tips and all the practical information you’ll need to make this trip happen.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
Introducing the Wide View Hida Express Train
Operated by JR Central, the Hida Express is a Limited Express service specifically designed for scenic travel. Its standout feature is its “Wide View” design, carriages with large windows that let you fully enjoy the passing scenery.
The train primarily runs from Nagoya to Toyama with some services terminating at Takayama. It offers ordinary or Green Car (first-class) seating.
My Experience of the Wide View Hida Express
I travelled in ordinary class from Nagoya to Takayama on a crisp February day. The journey time was 2 hour 30 minutes.
The Hida Express train had eight carriages (cars). Car 1 was the Green Car. The remaining cars offered reserved seating for ordinary class passengers, except for car 4 which had non-reserved seats.
The train was squeaky clean, had comfortable seats with generous legroom, and accessible toilets. There were luggage racks at the end of the carriage and ample storage space above the seat.
Decent free wifi was available (user registration required). Thanks to charging points under the armrests, my devices didn’t run out of juice.
Screens at the ends of the carriage provided English language information. There was also a commentary on key spots along the line.
We set off on time, rattling through the suburbs of Nagoya along the old pre-Shinkansen Tokaido Main Line. At Gifu, twenty minutes into the journey, the train switched to the Takayama Line, which connects the Pacific Ocean to the Sea of Japan.
The Hida Express passed blue-green mountain rivers, forested hillsides, settlements that looked like Japanese model towns and even a hilltop castle. A highlight was the national monument of Hisui Gorge, featuring giant potholes carved by water erosion
Weaving its way through a series of rough-hewn mountain tunnels, the train reached the onsen town of Gero where many people hopped off. For the final stretch into Takayama, the landscape became increasingly snowy, a sensational winter wonderland.
My Top Travel Tips
Key Stops to Explore
Practical Information
The Hida Limited Express train runs ten times a day between Nagoya and Takayama, with some services continuing to Toyama. There are a few additional services at the weekend. Check timetables at Navitime.
There is one round-trip service per day between Osaka / Kyoto and Takayama.
The service is covered by the Japan Rail Pass. If you are wondering if it is worth buying a train pass, check my review of the JR Pass.
I made my ticket reservation via Klook before leaving the UK which was quick and easy. Alternatively, buy your ticket at any Japanese rail station when you arrive in the country.
Ready to Ride the Wide Hida Express?
The Limited Express Hida is your best bet for reaching Takayama and Shirakawa-go and an opportunity to experience Japan’s natural beauty from the comfort of a train. It will be a journey you will remember.
Have you travelled on this scenic train? Share your experience in the comments to inspire others to do the same.
About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.