How to get from Nagoya to Gero Onsen | Explanation of Hida Limited Express train fares, reservations, and travel time

2026.09.10

This guide explains how to get from Nagoya to Gero Onsen. It covers everything from the Hida Limited Express train fare, travel time, booking methods, IC card usage requirements, and access from Chubu Centrair International Airport.

The "Hida" limited express train is convenient for traveling from Nagoya to Gero Onsen.

If you're traveling from Nagoya to Gero Onsen, the easiest and most convenient way is to take the JR Limited Express "Hida" train.

I boarded the train at JR Nagoya Station and got off at JR Gero Station.

This route generally requires no transfers, making it easy to travel even for those with large luggage or travelers unfamiliar with Japanese railways.

Nagoya Station → Limited Express "Hida" → Gero Station

According to the Gero Onsen Tourism Association, the journey from Nagoya to Gero Station takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Actual travel times may vary depending on the train, so please check the timetable before boarding.

As the train leaves Nagoya, the scenery outside the window unfolds with mountains and riverside views. The journey itself is one of the pleasures of traveling to the Hida region.

To use the Limited Express "Hida," you basically need the following two things:

① A train ticket from Nagoya Station to Gero Station ② A limited express ticket for using a limited express train

The reference fares for one adult, one way, as listed in the JR Tokai Group's information are as follows:

item	One adult, one-way
Nagoya to Gero train ticket	2,310 yen
Limited express ticket for reserved seats in ordinary cars	2,390 yen
total	4,700 yen

Therefore, if you use a regular reserved seat in ordinary class, the estimated one-way fare is 4,700 yen .

Express train fares may vary depending on the product purchased, seat type, and usage conditions. Please check the actual payment amount on the reservation screen or at the station ticket counter.
JR Tokai: Limited Express Ticketless Service for Conventional Lines
JR Tokai Tours: Reference fare for Nagoya to Gero

Some items are available for early purchase if certain conditions are met.

JR Tokai Group's information also includes reference prices for the "Limited Express Ticketless Early Bird 7" which can be used if certain conditions are met.

・Train ticket from Nagoya to Gero: 2,310 yen
・Limited Express Ticketless Early Bird 7: 1,510 yen
Total: 3,820 yen

Compared to the reference fare for a regular reserved seat in ordinary class, there is a difference of 880 yen for a one-way trip.

However, this product is not available to everyone under the same conditions. There are usage requirements, such as having booked the eligible Shinkansen train through the EX service and making the reservation by a specified deadline.

Those traveling only from Nagoya to Gero may not necessarily be eligible, so please check the eligible products and conditions before purchasing.
JR Tokai Tours: Information on early purchase products

How to buy a ticket for the Limited Express "Hida"

There are two main ways to purchase train tickets: buying them at the station or booking them online.

Purchase tickets at the ticket counter or designated seat ticket vending machines at Nagoya Station.

If you're using it for the first time, the easiest way to purchase tickets is at the ticket counter or reserved seat ticket vending machine at JR Nagoya Station.

At the counter, it will be smoother if you say the following:

"I'd like a reserved seat on the Limited Express Hida from Nagoya to Gero, please."

If you tell them your desired travel date, departure time, and number of passengers, they will recommend a train that meets those conditions.

When using a reserved seat ticket vending machine, select your travel date, departure station, arrival station, train, etc., according to the instructions on the screen.

According to JR Tokai's information for international visitors, the designated reserved seat ticket vending machines offer displays in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean. However, functions may vary depending on the station and vending machine, so please check with station staff if you have any questions.
Tourist Pass: Instructions for using the reserved seat ticket machine

Use the online reservation system "e5489".

Ticketless express tickets for the "Hida" express train can be purchased through JR West's internet reservation service, "e5489".

According to JR Tokai's information, reservations can generally be made from one month prior to the date of travel, and on the day of travel, up to two minutes before the train's departure time .

By purchasing a ticketless express train ticket, you can use your reserved seat while checking your reservation details on your smartphone or other device.

However, you cannot board the train with only a ticketless express ticket.

You will also need a train ticket from Nagoya to Gero, or a valid transportation IC card that meets the usage requirements.
JR Tokai: Limited Express Ticketless Service for Conventional Lines

Can I use a transportation IC card at Gero Station?

Previously, it was sometimes stated that "transportation IC cards cannot be used" when traveling to Gero Station.

However, according to current JR Tokai information, TOICA can be used at Gero Station if certain conditions are met.

For example, if you are traveling from Nagoya Station to Gero Station on the Limited Express "Hida," you can use TOICA instead of a regular train ticket.

However, IC cards can generally only be used to pay fares equivalent to train tickets.

Please purchase your express train ticket separately.

The usage scenario is as follows:

1. Purchase a limited express ticket for the "Hida" limited express train at the station or through "e5489".
2. At Nagoya Station, enter the ticket gate using a compatible transportation IC card.
3. Take the Limited Express "Hida" to Gero Station.
4. Exit the ticket gate at Gero Station using your IC card.

However, IC cards cannot be used at all stations on the Takayama, nor can they be used in all modes of travel.

JR Tokai provides individual information on the conditions for using the service at Gero Station, Takayama Station, and Hida-Furukawa Station. Please check in advance if you plan to combine local trains or get on and off at intermediate stations.

If you plan to use a transportation IC card other than TOICA, it's best to check with station staff to see if it's accepted. JR Tokai: TOICA usage conditions at Gero Station, Takayama Station, and Hida-Furukawa Station

Limited Express Hida Timetable

Nagoya to Gero

Limited Express Hida	Weekday departure from Nagoya → Gero	Departures from Nagoya on weekends and holidays → Arrivals in Gero
No. 1	7:43 → 9:25	7:43 → 9:25
No. 3	8:43 → 10:14	8:43 → 10:14
No. 5	9:39 → 11:29	9:39 → 11:29
No. 7	10:48 → 12:27	10:48 → 12:27
No. 9	11:43 → 13:26	11:43 → 13:26
No. 11	12:48 → 14:28	12:48 → 14:28
No. 13	14:48 → 16:28	14:48 → 16:28
No. 15	16:03 → 17:58	16:03 → 17:58
No. 17	18:12 → 20:04	18:12 → 20:04
No. 19	20:17 → 22:02	20:17 → 22:02

Gero to Nagoya

Limited Express Hida	Weekday Gero → arrival in Nagoya	Departure from Gero on weekends and Gero → Arrival in Nagoya
No. 2	7:31 → 9:12	7:31 → 9:12
No. 4	8:45 → 10:34	8:45 → 10:34
No. 6	10:27 → 12:04	10:27 → 12:04
No. 8	12:22 → 14:04	12:22 → 14:04
No. 10	13:21 → 15:04	13:21 → 15:04
No. 12	14:22 → 16:09	14:22 → 16:09
No. 14	15:32 → 17:05	15:32 → 17:05
No. 16	16:18 → 18:06	16:18 → 18:06
No. 18	17:22 → 19:06	17:22 → 19:06
No. 20	19:30 → 21:03	19:30 → 21:03

Please be careful when securing reserved seats from September 18th to 23rd, 2026.

From September 18th to September 23rd, 2026, the "Hida" limited express train will have all seats reserved.

During this period, you cannot simply board in the unreserved section; you must reserve a seat in advance.

Even when using a sightseeing pass for visitors to Japan, simply possessing the pass does not automatically guarantee a reserved seat. Please obtain the necessary reserved seat ticket from a station ticket window or reserved seat ticket machine before boarding.

If you're planning to visit Gero Onsen or Takayama during the September long weekend, it's best to make reservations as early as possible.
Tourist Pass: Reserved seat information for the Limited Express "Hida" in September 2026

How to get from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Gero Onsen

If you arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport from overseas, such as Taiwan, you will travel to Gero Onsen via Nagoya Station.

The basic route is as follows:

Chubu Centrair International Airport Station → Meitetsu Nagoya Station → JR Nagoya Station → JR Gero Station

First, take the Nagoya Railroad from the airport to Meitetsu Nagoya Station.

According to official information from Chubu Centrair International Airport, the fastest travel time between the airport and Nagoya is 28 minutes using the limited express train "μ-SKY".

Since all cars on the "μ-SKY" train are special class, in addition to your regular ticket, you will need a special car ticket called a "μ-Ticket". Chubu Centrair International Airport: Access by train

Once you arrive at Meitetsu Nagoya Station, transfer to JR Nagoya Station and take the Limited Express "Hida" train.

Meitetsu and JR lines are located around the same Nagoya Station, but they have separate ticket gates. If you have large luggage or are using Nagoya Station for the first time, be sure to allow ample time for transfers.

After the aircraft arrives, immigration procedures and baggage claim also take time.

Instead of simply booking the next "Hida" express train based on your flight's arrival time, it's recommended to plan your trip taking into account airport transfers and transfers at Nagoya Station.

If you plan to visit Takayama and Shirakawa, compare sightseeing passes.

If you plan to visit not only Gero Onsen but also Takayama, Shirakawa, Kanazawa, and other areas, a travel pass designed for international tourists may be helpful.

The "Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass" is a 5-day pass that allows you to use JR lines and designated buses within the designated area.

The prices listed on the official website are as follows:

Adults: 19,800 yen

Children: 9,900 yen

The eligible sections include JR lines from Nagoya towards Takayama. There is also a limit to the number of times you can use reserved seats.

However, for a simple round trip between Nagoya and Gero Onsen, it may be cheaper to buy a regular ticket.

Determine whether the pass is right for you based on how you plan to visit places like Gero Onsen, Takayama, Shirakawa, and Kanazawa.

Before purchasing, be sure to check the official website for eligibility requirements, applicable routes, and seat reservation methods. Tourist Pass: Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass

How to get from Gero Station to the hot spring town

Once we arrive at Gero Station, we'll head to the hot spring town.

There are accommodations near the station, and depending on your destination, you can travel on foot.

Some inns and hotels offer shuttle services from Gero Station. If you have already decided on your accommodation, it's a good idea to check in advance whether shuttle service is available, how to make a reservation, and where the meeting point is.

To get to Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura, you can walk or take a local bus.
According to the Gero Onsen Tourism Association, it takes about 20 minutes to walk from Gero Station to Gassho Village, or about 6 minutes by bus.
Gero Onsen Tourism Association: Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura

If you have a lot of luggage, you can leave it at your accommodation first and then explore the hot spring town, making sightseeing much easier.

Enjoy foot baths, street food, and sake tasting in the hot spring town.

The appeal of Gero Onsen isn't limited to just soaking in the hot springs.

The hot spring town is dotted with free footbaths, perfect for a casual stop during your stroll. You can also enjoy local cuisine such as Hida beef and sweets. Gero Onsen Tourism Association: About Gero Onsen

Furthermore, the "Gero Masu Sake Walk, " scheduled to be held from September 1st to October 31st, 2026 , will allow you to enjoy local sake while strolling through the hot spring town.

This experience involves visiting participating establishments and sampling sake while holding a special masu (wooden sake cup). Combined with hot springs and food tours, it's a great opportunity to discover the town of Gero and its local sake culture.

If you arrive in Gero from Nagoya by the limited express "Hida" train, why not take a stroll through the hot spring town and enjoy a Gero experience?

*Drinking alcohol is only permitted for those 20 years of age and older. Driving a car or bicycle after drinking is prohibited.

Summary of access information from Nagoya to Gero Onsen

If you're traveling from Nagoya to Gero Onsen, the route using the limited express train "Hida" is convenient.

From Nagoya Station to Gero Station: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Estimated one-way fare for adults: Basic fare 2,310 yen + reserved seat express ticket 2,390 yen = 4,700 yen.

If you meet the conditions, you may be able to take advantage of early purchase offers.

If you are using the Limited Express "Hida," there are conditions under which you can use TOICA at Gero Station.

From September 18th to 23rd, 2026, all seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required.

From Chubu Centrair International Airport, you will need to go via Meitetsu Nagoya Station and JR Nagoya Station.

If you plan to tour Takayama and Shirakawa, you should also compare sightseeing passes designed for international visitors.

Fares, schedules, and seat reservation conditions are subject to change. Please check the official information from JR Tokai and other transportation companies before departure.