Nagoya Station (Train Station): Departures and guide

Nagoya Station Complete Guide

Nagoya Station, located in the heart of Aichi Prefecture, is the largest terminal station in the area and a vital hub on the Tokaido Line. Connecting Tokyo and Osaka, this massive Nagoya train station makes the city an ideal starting point or day-trip destination for travellers exploring Japan. As you arrive, you will immediately notice the impressive Nagoya Station skyline, dominated by major commercial buildings like the JR Central Towers and JR Gate Tower.

Where is the Shinkansen at Nagoya Station?

If you check a Nagoya Station map, you will see that the Tokaido Shinkansen platforms are located on the Taiko-dori side of the station. Passengers entering from outside should follow the blue signs marked "Shinkansen" and use either the Shinkansen North Gate or Shinkansen South Gate, which are close to the Taiko-dori Exit.

The Tokaido Shinkansen is the busiest line in Japan, offering tremendous flexibility for your journey.

• Platforms 14 and 15: Serve trains heading towards Shizuoka, Shin-Yokohama, and Tokyo.
• Platforms 16 and 17: Serve trains heading towards Kyoto and Shin-Osaka.

Popular Train Routes From and to Nagoya Station

Due to its central geographical advantage, travelling to major cities from Nagoya is incredibly fast. For those with a Japan Rail Pass, Hikari and Kodama trains are fully covered.

Tokyo Connections

The route from Tokyo to Nagoya (and Nagoya to Tokyo) is one of the most travelled in the country.

• Distance: The Tokyo to Nagoya distance and Nagoya to Tokyo distance is approximately 366 km.
• Journey Time: A direct train from Tokyo to Nagoya takes as little as 1 hour 35 minutes.
• Services: You can easily catch a Tokyo to Nagoya Shinkansen or a Nagoya to Tokyo Shinkansen. This Tokyo to Nagoya bullet train (or bullet train Tokyo to Nagoya) operates frequently. Whether you are travelling from Tokyo Station to Nagoya Station or taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagoya, the route is seamless. You can also book a standard Tokyo to Nagoya train or Nagoya to Tokyo train depending on your pass.
• Fares: The standard Tokyo to Nagoya Shinkansen price (and Tokyo to Nagoya Shinkansen fare) is ¥11,300 for a reserved seat. The Nagoya to Tokyo Shinkansen price remains the same.

Osaka Connections

The journey connecting Osaka to Nagoya or Nagoya to Osaka is short and highly convenient.

• Distance: The Osaka to Nagoya distance and Nagoya to Osaka distance is roughly 187 km.
• Journey Time: The Osaka to Nagoya train takes about 50 minutes.
• Services: Taking the Osaka to Nagoya Shinkansen or Nagoya to Osaka Shinkansen is the preferred method. Passengers travelling from Shin Osaka to Nagoya will find the Shin Osaka to Nagoya Shinkansen (or Shinkansen Osaka to Nagoya) perfectly tailored for quick business or leisure trips.
• Fares: The Osaka to Nagoya Shinkansen price is ¥6,680 for a reserved seat.

Kyoto Connections

Travelling from Kyoto to Nagoya or Nagoya to Kyoto is extremely fast via the Tokaido Line.

• The Kyoto to Nagoya train takes only about 33 minutes on the fastest Nozomi service.
• Travellers frequently use the Kyoto to Nagoya Shinkansen and the Nagoya to Kyoto Shinkansen for rapid day trips.

Takayama Connections

Nagoya is the perfect gateway to the historical castle town of Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.

• The route from Nagoya to Takayama (and Takayama to Nagoya) covers about 167 km.
• The Nagoya to Takayama train (Limited Express Hida) takes around 2 hours 20 minutes.

Airport Transfers and Highway Buses

Airport Transfers

Getting from Nagoya airport to Nagoya Station is highly efficient. The fastest option is the Meitetsu u-SKY Limited Express, which reaches Meitetsu Nagoya Station in just 28 minutes. Alternatively, standard Meitetsu Limited Express trains take 35-40 minutes.

Highway Buses

For budget-conscious travellers, buses can cost up to 80% less than the Shinkansen.

• To/From Tokyo: You can take a Tokyo to Nagoya bus, bus from Nagoya to Tokyo, bus Nagoya to Tokyo, or a Nagoya to Tokyo bus. The journey takes 5-7 hours and normally arrives at Busta Shinjuku or Tokyo Station.
• To/From Osaka: The Osaka to Nagoya bus, bus from Osaka to Nagoya, or Nagoya to Osaka bus takes around 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours.
• To/From Kyoto: A Kyoto to Nagoya bus or Nagoya to Kyoto bus takes approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Nagoya Station Lockers and Luggage Storage

Travelling around Japan with heavy bags is easier thanks to excellent luggage storage Nagoya Station provides.

• Coin Lockers: JR Nagoya Station alone features 12 main coin-locker areas. Additional Nagoya Station lockers can be found at Meitetsu Nagoya Station, Kintetsu Nagoya Station, the subway station, and the Meitetsu Bus Center.
• Staffed Storage: If you require long-term Nagoya Station luggage storage for oversized bags that do not fit in lockers, the Takashimaya Service Counter (first floor of JR Nagoya Takashimaya) provides staffed storage, generally operating from 10:00 to 20:00.

Facilities and the Local Area

The Nagoya Station area is a major shopping and dining destination in its own right. It is surrounded by sprawling underground shopping streets, luxury hotels, and massive department stores.

If you are looking to eat, the restaurants Nagoya Station hosts are famous for local specialities. Whether you are grabbing a quick meal before boarding your train or sitting down for a feast in the JR Central Towers, you will find excellent dining options right at the station.

Explore More of Japan

Japan’s extensive rail network makes it incredibly easy to discover the diverse cultures across different regions. For seamless arrivals from overseas, consider booking your airport transfers in Japan in advance.

From vibrant urban centres to serene coastal towns, you can explore:

• Tokyo
• Kyoto
• Osaka
• Trains in Japan

FAQs About Nagoya Station