Nagakute to Kawasaki train with JR Central

Information about the Nagakute to Kawasaki train route

The train from Nagakute to Kawasaki connects two very different corners of Japan, the leafy, suburban city of Nagakute in Aichi Prefecture with the bustling urban hub of Kawasaki in Kanagawa Prefecture. While not as frequently searched as major bullet train corridors, this route is a genuinely practical and rewarding journey for travelers exploring central and eastern Japan.

The journey begins at Nagakute Kosenjō Station (Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1118), a station on the Linimo maglev line, Japan's first commercially operating magnetic levitation urban transit line, and a quiet highlight in itself. From Nagakute, travelers typically make their way into central Nagoya before picking up the Tokaido Shinkansen eastward toward Kawasaki. The final destination, Kawasaki Station (1-1 Ekimae Honcho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture 210-0007), sits on the JR Tokaido Line and is exceptionally well connected within the Greater Tokyo area.

Nagakute is best known as the home of Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park), as well as the celebrated Ghibli Park, which opened in 2022 and has quickly become one of the most sought-after attractions in the Chubu region. Travelers departing from Nagakute Kosenjō Station are often visiting or returning from Ghibli Park, making this route a particularly popular one for fans of Studio Ghibli's work.

Kawasaki, meanwhile, is a city that surprises many first-time visitors. Sandwiched between Tokyo and Yokohama, it has a vibrant identity of its own, from the riverside Kawasaki Daishi temple, one of Japan's most visited Buddhist sites, to the lively Kawasaki Shinkansen passageway shopping arcades and the industrial heritage of Kawasaki Mazekoze Town (Industria). It is also a major gateway for those connecting onward to central Tokyo or Yokohama.

We recommend using the JR Pass for traveling in trains all around Japan to save more money if you plan to do many trips. You can check the correct prices for every station or shinkansen connection in Omio's JR Pass information.

Nagakute to Kawasaki by train: what to expect on board

The nagakute to kawasaki by train experience is a multi-stage journey that gives travelers a genuine cross-section of Japanese rail travel, from the smooth, futuristic glide of the Linimo maglev out of Nagakute to the high-speed precision of the Tokaido Shinkansen from Nagoya.

The Linimo leg

The first stretch from Nagakute Kosenjō Station aboard the Linimo is short but memorable. The driverless maglev runs almost silently, hovering above its guideway through a pleasant mix of parkland and suburban scenery. It is a calm and novelty-filled start to what becomes a more fast-paced journey.

The Shinkansen leg

Once in Nagoya, the nagakute to kawasaki bullet train experience truly begins. The Tokaido Shinkansen departs from Nagoya Station's dedicated Shinkansen platforms and heads northeast toward Shin-Yokohama, the most practical stop for onward travel to Kawasaki.

Best seats for the view

This route passes through some of central Japan's most scenic landscapes. To make the most of it:

• Sit on the right-hand side of the train (D or E window seats) when traveling from Nagoya toward Tokyo, this is your best chance of catching Mount Fuji on a clear day.
• The mountain typically comes into view roughly 30 to 40 minutes after departing Nagoya, around the Shizuoka area.
• October through February offers the clearest views, with snow on the summit adding to the drama on crisp days.

On-board comfort

Shinkansen carriages are quiet, immaculately clean, and well-equipped for a comfortable journey. Seats recline without encroaching on the passenger behind, and there is reasonable legroom across all classes. A trolley service passes through with drinks, light snacks, and hot drinks, but seasoned travelers recommend picking up an ekiben (a regional station bento box) at Nagoya Station before boarding, the city is famous for its distinctive cuisine, including miso katsu and hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice), and station vendors often stock excellent local versions.

Best time of year to travel

• Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossoms are spectacular along much of the route, and Ghibli Park is at its most photogenic. Trains and attractions fill quickly, advance planning is essential.
• Autumn (mid-October to late November): Autumn foliage transforms the landscapes between Nagoya and the Kanto plains. Comfortable temperatures make this one of the most enjoyable travel seasons.
• Winter (December to February): Crowds thin out considerably, and the odds of a clear Mount Fuji sighting from the train are at their highest. A great season for budget-conscious travelers.
• Summer (July to August): Busy throughout Japan, with the Obon period in mid-August causing particularly high demand on Shinkansen routes. Book ahead and expect a livelier atmosphere on board.

Getting to Kawasaki and beyond

Kawasaki Station (1-1 Ekimae Honcho, Kawasaki-ku) is one of the most connected stations in the Greater Tokyo area, serving as a hub for several JR and private rail lines that fan out across the Kanto region.

Within Kawasaki

From Kawasaki Station, the city's main attractions are accessible on foot or by a short bus or taxi ride. The Kawasaki Daishi temple is reachable via the Daishi Line from Kawasaki-Daishi Station, just a short walk from the main JR station. The city's central shopping and dining areas extend directly from the station's east exit, making orientation easy from the moment you arrive.

Onward connections from Kawasaki

Kawasaki's position on the Tokaido Line makes it a natural springboard for the wider Kanto region:

• Tokyo (Shinagawa or Tokyo Station), just a few minutes by JR Tokaido or Keihin-Tohoku Line, placing you at the heart of the capital with ease.
• Yokohama, one stop south on the JR Tokaido Line, giving quick access to Yokohama's waterfront, Chinatown, and Minato Mirai district.
• Kamakura, reachable in under an hour via the JR Yokosuka Line from Yokohama, making it a popular half-day trip.
• Haneda Airport, accessible via the Keikyu Line from Keikyu Kawasaki Station (a short walk from JR Kawasaki), making this route a practical choice for those flying in or out of Tokyo.

For travelers holding a JR Pass, the JR Tokaido and Keihin-Tohoku Lines from Kawasaki are both covered, keeping onward travel straightforward and cost-effective.

What to expect when you arrive in Kawasaki

Kawasaki Station is a large, modern interchange with well-signed exits, extensive underground shopping, and a clear layout that makes navigating easy even for first-time visitors to the city.

Practical information at the station

• Tourist information: Kawasaki City's tourist information is available near the central exit of Kawasaki Station, with English-language maps and guidance on local attractions and transport connections.
• Luggage storage: Coin lockers of various sizes are available throughout the station concourse. For oversized luggage, takuhaibin (luggage forwarding) services are available and can deliver bags directly to your next accommodation, particularly useful if you are continuing on to Tokyo or Yokohama.
• Currency and connectivity: International-friendly ATMs can be found inside the station at convenience store branches (7-Eleven and similar). Free Wi-Fi is available within the station building and across many of the connected shopping areas.

Arriving in Kawasaki for the first time

Kawasaki often plays second fiddle to its famous neighbors, Tokyo and Yokohama, but this works in the traveler's favor. The city is less crowded, more affordable, and full of genuine character. The east exit leads into the lively La Cittadella entertainment and dining complex, while the west exit opens toward the city's more residential and commercial neighborhoods.

For those arriving after dark, Kawasaki's nightlife and dining scene is vibrant and stays active late into the evening, particularly around the station's eastern side. The city also hosts the famously exuberant Kawasaki Halloween Parade each October, one of the largest in Japan, which draws visitors from across the country and is well worth timing a visit around if the season aligns.