This article compares two ways to get to Gero Onsen from Osaka and Kyoto: the direct "Hida" limited express train with no transfers, and a route involving the Shinkansen (bullet train) and a transfer in Nagoya. It covers fares, travel time, schedules, booking methods, directions from Kansai International Airport, and important points to consider during winter travel.
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We introduce the lesser-known charms and unique local experiences of various regions throughout Japan, including Gero Onsen. Hot springs, sake, local cuisine, beautiful nature, and encounters with local people. We introduce trips that go beyond simply "seeing" tourist destinations, allowing you to experience the local lifestyle and culture.
When traveling to Gero Onsen from Osaka or Kyoto, a common dilemma is whether to take a direct train without transfers, or to take the Shinkansen to Nagoya and transfer there.
In conclusion, here's how to choose:
・For those who want to travel easily without transfers and want to keep costs down → Take the "Hida 25" limited express train, which runs directly from Osaka and Kyoto.
・For those who want to choose their own departure time or want to arrive as early as possible → Take the Shinkansen to Nagoya and transfer to the Limited Express "Hida".
Since there is only one round trip per day on the direct "Hida" limited express train, the first hurdle is whether the timing works for you. This article compares the fares, travel times, and schedules of the two routes, and also covers how to buy tickets, how to get there from Kansai Airport, and important points to keep in mind during winter.
*The fares and times are based on information obtained from the JR West official website on November 13, 2026. Please be sure to check the latest information before boarding.
[Comparison Table] From Osaka/Kyoto to Gero Onsen | Direct and Shinkansen Routes
From Osaka Station
| Direct "Hida No. 25" | Shinkansen + transfer at Nagoya | |
| Fare (Adult, One-way, Reserved Seat in Standard Car) | 7,460 yen | 11,160 yen |
| Travel time (example) | 3 hours 31 minutes (weekdays) | 2 hours 44 minutes |
| Transfers | None | 2 (Shin-Osaka and Nagoya) |
| Trains per day | 1 per day | Many (choose your time) |
| Pros | Cheaper; stay seated all the way to Gero | Faster; choose your departure time |
| Cons | Only one, in the morning | More expensive; transfer at Nagoya |
From Kyoto Station
| Direct "Hida No. 25" | Shinkansen + transfer at Nagoya | |
| Fare (Adult, One-way, Reserved Seat in Standard Car) | 6,690 yen | 10,500 yen |
| Travel time (example) | 2 hours 58 minutes (weekdays) | 2 hours 13 minutes |
| Transfers | None | 1 (Nagoya) |
| Trains per day | 1 per day | Many (choose your time) |
| Pros | Cheaper; no transfers | Faster; choose your departure time |
| Cons | Only one, in the morning | More expensive; transfer at Nagoya |
*Prices are based on a regular season example (searched for travel on December 4, 2026). Reserved seat express train fares vary depending on the season.
*Example Shinkansen route: Depart Osaka Station at 7:30 (rapid train to Shin-Osaka) → depart Shin-Osaka at 7:45 on the "Nozomi" → depart Nagoya at 8:43 on the "Hida No. 3" → arrive at Gero at 10:14. From Kyoto, take the "Nozomi" departing at 8:01 and make the same connection.
Recommended by purpose
For those who want to travel easily without changing trains → Take the direct "Hida No. 25" train.
When you have a lot of luggage, are unfamiliar with Japanese trains, or are traveling with children or elderly family members, a direct train that doesn't require you to transfer to Gero is a safer option. It's also about 3,700 yen cheaper (from Osaka) than the Shinkansen route.
For those who want to choose their departure time or want to arrive early → Shinkansen (bullet train) + transfer in Nagoya
There is only one direct train in the morning. If you want to depart at any other time, or if you want to arrive in Gero in the morning to sightsee, the Shinkansen (bullet train) route is convenient. It takes about 47 minutes faster from Osaka Station and about 45 minutes faster from Kyoto Station (in the example above).
On the day you want to see the evening events → Stay in Gero
The direct return train, "Hida No. 36," departs Gero at 16:18. If you plan to see the winter fireworks (starting at 20:00) or the Gassho Village light-up (starting at 18:00), we recommend staying at Gero Onsen.
Timetable for direct limited express trains "Hida 25" and "Hida 36"
The limited express "Hida" connects Osaka/Kyoto and Gero without transfers only once a day in each direction: the outbound No. 25 and the return No. 36.
Outbound: Hida No. 25 (Osaka → Gero/ Takayama)
| Station | Weekdays | Saturdays and holidays |
| Osaka | Departure at 7:58 | Departure at 8:02 |
| Shin-Osaka | Departure at 8:04 | Departure at 8:07 |
| Kyoto | Departure at 8:31 | Departure at 8:34 |
| Gero | Arrive 11:29 | Arrive 11:29 |
Return trip: Hida No. 36 (Gero → Kyoto/ Osaka)
| Station | Time |
| Gero | Departure at 16:18 |
| Kyoto | Arrive at 19:17 |
| Shin-Osaka | Arrive at 19:44 |
| Osaka | Arrive at 19:50 |
*Based on JR West train timetables as of November 13, 2026. Temporary cancellations and schedule changes may occur.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
The journey from Osaka to Gero takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. If you go all the way to the final stop, Takayama, it takes approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes from Osaka(arriving in Takayama at 12:14). Those going to Gero should be careful not to confuse the arrival time in Takayama with the Takayama arrival time.
Train No. 25 connects with "Hida No. 5" coming from Nagoya at Gifu Station. You can travel all the way to Gero in the same carriage, so there is no need to change trains in Gifu.
The "Hida" trains departing from and arriving in Osaka only have standard class cars; there are no Green Cars (first class). There are both reserved and unreserved seats.
From December 25, 2026 to January 5, 2027, all seats will be reserved . Please be sure to reserve your seats during this period.
You can check the latest train schedules on the JR West Japan train timetable. → JR West Japan: Timetable for Limited Express Hida No. 25
Shinkansen + Nagoya transfer route
From Osaka Station or Kyoto Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station, then transfer to the Limited Express "Hida" train.
Osaka Station → (JR Kyoto Line) → Shin-Osaka Station → (Tokaido Shinkansen) → Nagoya Station → (Limited Express "Hida") → Gero Station
There are 10 "Hida" limited express trains a day from Nagoya to Gero, which is an advantage as it allows you to choose a departure time. When transferring at Nagoya Station, you will need to exit the Shinkansen ticket gate and move to the conventional line platform. Choose a combination that allows you ample time.
This article provides detailed information on the timetable for the "Hida" limited express train from Nagoya to Gero, early purchase discounts, and direct buses.
Breakdown of charges
To ride the Limited Express "Hida," you need two tickets: a "basic fare ticket" and a "limited express ticket."
| Route | Basic fare ticket | Limited express ticket (reserved seat in ordinary car) | Total |
| Osaka → Gero (direct) | 4,510 yen | 2,950 yen | 7,460 yen |
| Kyoto → Gero (direct) | 3,740 yen | 2,950 yen | 6,690 yen |
| Osaka → Gero (Shinkansen route) | 5,500 yen | Shinkansen 3,270 yen + Hida 2,390 yen | 11,160 yen |
| Kyoto → Gero (Shinkansen route) | 4,840 yen | Shinkansen 3,270 yen + Hida 2,390 yen | 10,500 yen |
*Example for one adult, one-way, during normal season. Confirmed using JR West's timetable and fare search (travel date: December 4, 2026).
*The limited express fare for reserved seats varies depending on the date of travel (for example, a search for travel on December 3, 2026 showed that a direct limited express ticket was 2,750 yen, which is 200 yen cheaper).
*Using unreserved seats may result in a cheaper express train ticket.
How to buy/reserve tickets
Buy at the station
You can buy tickets at the "Midori no Madoguchi" (JR ticket office) or reserved-seat ticket machines at Osaka, Shin-Osaka and Kyoto stations. At the ticket office, saying "Osaka to Gero, a reserved seat on the Limited Express Hida No. 25, please" works well. For the Shinkansen route, say "To Gero, changing at Nagoya," and staff will arrange both the basic fare ticket and the limited express tickets.
Book online
・JR West Japan "e5489 (iigoyoyaku)" : This is a reservation website in Japanese.
・JR-WEST ONLINE TRAIN RESERVATION : This is a reservation website for tourists visiting Japan, available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and Korean. Reserved tickets can be picked up at ticket vending machines at stations.
Reserved seats can be booked from 10:00 AM, one month prior to the date of travel. There is only one direct "Hida 25" train per day, so those traveling for winter fireworks, during the New Year holidays, or on weekends should book early.
Can I use an IC card (such as ICOCA)?
You cannot travel from Osaka or Kyoto to Gero using only transportation IC cards such as ICOCA. This is because Osaka and Kyoto are within JR West's "ICOCA" area, Gero is within JR Tokai's "TOICA" area, and in principle, you cannot use the same card across both areas.
Purchase your ticket to Gero at your departure station before Gero. → JR West: ICOCA usable area
How to get from Kansai Airport to Gero Onsen
If you are arriving at Kansai International Airport from South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or other countries and heading to Gero Onsen, the basic route is to first travel towards Osaka or Kyoto and then transfer to the Shinkansen and the Limited Express "Hida" train.
Kansai Airport → (Limited Express "Haruka") → Shin-Osaka → (Shinkansen) → Nagoya → (Limited Express "Hida") → Gero
Example connection (weekdays): Kansai Airport 12:44 on the "Haruka No. 24" → Shin-Osaka 13:51 on the "Nozomi" → Nagoya 14:48 on the "Hida No. 13" → arrive at Gero 16:28
Duration: Approximately 3 hours 44 minutes / Price: 13,990 yen (Example: Adult, one-way, reserved seat)
The direct "Hida 25" train departs Osaka in the early morning (around 7 AM), so you can't catch it on the same day you arrive at the airport. If you want to use the direct train, you can stay overnight in Osaka or Kyoto and take it the following morning.
Since immigration and baggage claim can take time after disembarking from the plane, book your train tickets well in advance.
If you plan to visit Takayama and Shirakawa go, check the sightseeing pass.
The "Takayama/Hokuriku Area Pass" for international visitors is ideal for a round trip from Kansai Airport or Osaka to Kanazawa, Shirakawa-go, Takayama, Gero, and Nagoya. However, the official covered section does not include the section from Osaka/Kyoto through Maibara to Gifu, so the direct "Hida 25" train from Osaka to Gero is not covered by this pass alone. The Shinkansen from Kyoto to Shin-Osaka is also excluded.
→ Tourist Pass: Takayama /Hokuriku Area Pass
Here is a itinerary that combines Takayama and Gero . → Nagoya Departure | 2-Night, 3-Day itinerary for Visiting Takayama and Gero Onsen
Points to keep in mind when traveling in winter
On snowy days, there may be delays or cancellations on the Takayama. Please check the JR West and JR Tokai service information before departure.
The direct "Hida" train only runs once a day in each direction, so if it's cancelled, there's no alternative direct train. In that case, consider taking the Shinkansen and transferring in Nagoya.
During the New Year's holiday period (December 25, 2026 to January 5, 2027), all seats on the Limited Express "Hida" will be reserved seating only.
For information on what to wear and how to walk on snowy paths in Gero Onsen during winter, click here. → [Winter 2026] What to Wear in Gero Onsen | Temperatures and Snow Tips for December, January, and February
Events to enjoy in Gero Onsen during winter
・Gero Onsen Winter Fireworks : Saturdays 5th, 12th, and 19th December 2026, starting at 8:00 PM. Thursday, December 24th will feature a special Christmas performance. → [December 2026] Gero Winter Fireworks | 1-Night, 2-Day itinerary with a Ryokan Stay
* Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura Winter Illumination : January 18th (Mon) - 22nd (Fri), 2027, 18:00-21:00. Free shuttle bus available from the hot spring town. → [January 2027] Limited to 5 days! Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura Winter Illumination | Free Shuttle Bus
・Gassho Village Light-up (Geiko and Maiko Dance and Ryujin Taiko Drum Performance) : February 1st (Mon) - 12th (Fri), 2027, 18:00-21:00 → [February 2027] Gero-Onsen Gassho-mura Light-up | Geiko and Maiko and Ryujin Taiko Drum Performance
Since all the events are held at night, you won't make it in time for the direct "Hida 36" train back (departing Gero at 16:18). It's recommended to stay overnight in Gero Onsen and return the next day.
FAQ
Q. Is it possible to travel from Osaka to Gero Onsen without changing trains?
A. Yes, you can. The limited express "Hida No. 25" runs directly from Osaka Station to Gero Station (one train per day, departing Osaka at 7:58 AM, and 8:02 AM on weekends and holidays).
Q. How long does it take to get from Osaka to Gero Onsen?
A. The direct "Hida 25" train takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. The route using the Shinkansen and transferring in Nagoya takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on the transfers.
Q. Can I take a direct express train from Kyoto Station?
A. Yes, you can take it. "Hida No. 25" stops at Kyoto Station (departing at 8:31 on weekdays and 8:34 on weekends and holidays).
Q. What's the cheapest way to get there?
A. Among the options using limited express trains, the direct "Hida No. 25" is cheaper than the Shinkansen route (7,460 yen for a reserved seat from Osaka, based on a regular season example).
Q. Can I take a direct train back as well?
A. The "Hida 36" train departs Gero at 16:18, arrives in Kyoto at 19:17, and in Osaka at 19:50. If you are returning at any other time, you will need to transfer to the Shinkansen in Nagoya.
Q. Can I get to Gero from Kansai Airport on the same day?
A. Yes, you can. You'll need to take the Limited Express "Haruka," the Shinkansen, and then the Limited Express "Hida." Depending on your arrival time, you could comfortably travel there if you stay one night in Osaka or Kyoto.
summary
If you're traveling from Osaka or Kyoto without changing trains, take the direct limited express "Hida No. 25" (one train per day, departing in the morning).
If you want to choose your departure time or arrive early, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya and transfer to the Limited Express "Hida".
- You cannot ride the train from Osaka/Kyoto to Gero using only an IC card such as ICOCA; you must purchase a ticket.
If you plan to enjoy evening events, staying at Gero Onsen is recommended.
Fares, times, and service status are subject to change. Please check the latest information on the official websites of JR West and JR Tokai before departure.
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