How To Get From Tokyo to Nagoya

Nagoya, the capital of Aichi Prefecture, is one of the largest cities in Japan. It became an industrial hub following the Meiji Restoration of 1868 and remains an important center for the automotive, aviation, and technology industries.

Transiting through Nagoya is common for travelers visiting smaller cities and towns in central Japan. With a vibrant history and array of cultural experiences to explore, from traditional theater and music to local noodles, Nagoya makes an exciting addition to any Japan itinerary.

Below, we offer you a full suite of options for traveling from Tokyo to Nagoya so you can decide which mode makes the most sense for your schedule and group preferences. Don’t forget to check out the range of hotel deals available for Tokyo and Nagoya on Rakuten Travel.

The shinkansen (bullet train) offers speedy and reliable service between Tokyo and Nagoya and is arguably the most effective mode of transportation. The journey takes just over an hour and a half from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station and usually costs around 10,560 JPY. Up to ten or more departures per hour are available every day of the week, starting at 6:00 a.m. and ending at 10:00 p.m.

You can easily purchase bullet train tickets directly from Rakuten Travel or consider getting a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited train trips around the country.

Several bus companies operate services directly to Nagoya Station, with tickets starting from around 2,000 JPY. These buses leave around Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station, including overnight options, and arrive in Nagoya early in the morning.

A bus journey takes an average of six or seven hours. Some trips may be longer, depending on the time of day and the exact route the company uses, so it’s best to come prepared with entertainment or prepare for a long snooze. You can purchase bus tickets online through individual operators or inquire at the bus terminal of major stations.

If you’re on a tight budget and do not have a lot of bulky luggage to carry around, the bus is a viable and cost-effective option.

Non-resident foreigners with a valid international driving permit from their home country are eligible to rent cars in Japan. If you drive from Tokyo to Nagoya, the journey should take around five hours, not including any pit stops. You can book a car in Japan directly through Rakuten Travel to secure great deals.

Familiarize yourself with traffic safety rules and regulations in advance. Remember that most cars in Japan have the driver’s seat on the right side of the vehicle, and you drive on the left side of the road, just like in the United Kingdom, Australia, and a handful of other countries worldwide.

Car rentals begin at roughly 5,000 JPY a day for compact cars, but the total cost may depend on the time of year and other factors. You’ll also have to pay for gas, highway tolls, etc.

If you’re an adventurous traveler who values freedom and flexibility, renting a car may be the ideal choice for you.

Nagoya is served by Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO). The airport is located half an hour by train from the city. Factor in the hour-long flight from Tokyo Haneda or Narita to NGO, and it’s essentially the same amount of time as traveling directly by shinkansen from Tokyo—or even longer since you need to check in and go through airport security.

Given that direct flights usually cost around 11,000 JPY or more, this option may not be the best—unless you’re an aviation buff! Plane tickets can be purchased through your website of choice.

Once you arrive in Nagoya, you can explore the city by tapping an IC transport card, like Suica or Pasmo, that you use in Tokyo. There are also one-day subway and subway/bus passes exclusive to Nagoya that you can purchase easily at the station. If you plan to use Nagoya as a base to explore different regions, the Kintetsu Rail Pass could be a good option, allowing you to explore neighboring cities, including Kyoto, Osaka, and more.

Hotels in Tokyo

Hotels in Nagoya