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  • 2025.06.24

How to Rent a Bicycle in Hida Furukawa! / Furukawa Set Ticket by Bus


Compared to the more city like atmosphere of Takayama, in Hida Furukawa you can experience a more authentic and slower paced countryside life. Hida Furukawa is most famous for its two national award winning sake breweries (Watanabe Shyuzoten and Kaba Sake Brewery), for inspiring the anime move “Your Name”, and for its many bars, cafes, and restaurants.


*To get the full countryside experience, Nohi Bus offers a Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set (a one day bus pass) which includes bus fare, a sake souvenir voucher, and voucher to dine at a variety of Furukawas eateries, allowing you to experience the life of a true local.

Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set


If you’re coming to Hida Furukawa from Takayama, the best way to experience the area fully is by going via the Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set. If you’re a sake lover, this ticket covers your transportation, dinner, and even a sake souvenir (of your choice).


A majority of the bars serving dinner open 4-6 PM, which is right when bicycle rentals close for the day. After exploring town alongside the locals, you can dine/ drink at some of the popular local joints in town. The last train back to Takayama is at 9PM whereas the bus runs later (up to 12:10AM)!

How to rent a bike


Bicycle rental receptions take place inside the Furukawa Festival Hall. The Furukawa Festival Hall is located at the Festival Square, just a 5 minute walk from the station and next to the Koi Fish ponds. There are late fees, so be aware of the return time written on your form. When returning the bicycle, you can leave the bicycle at the stand outside, but make sure to inform the shopkeeper.

Rental Information

Bicycle Reception: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last rental at 3:00 PM)

►1 hour/ 300 yen
►All day/ 1000 yen

Note:
*500 yen fee per hour late
*5,000 yen fee if not dropped off by 4:00 PM

Bicycle Information

After filling out the form, you can choose between two bicycle types: A sports type bicycle or a regular bicycle with a basket. There are no e-bikes for rental and there are no extra costs based on which bicycle you choose. There are a total of 8 bicycles in total every day (4 of each type).

REGULAR BICYCLE (with a basket, bell, gear shift [1-3] )

In Japan, bicycles are classified as vehicles, so there are few rules to follow when riding.

Bicycle Rules:
1. Ride on the left side of the lane
2. At intersections follow the traffic lights and stop signs
3. No drinking and riding

SPORTS BICYCLE (with a headlight, bell, gear shift [1-6] )


The sports style bicycle is a Bridgestone LB764, and comes with a bell, headlight, a gear shift (1-6). Total amount of bikes: 4

Furukawa Bike Routes


We recommend the biking to the following landmarks:
► Keta Wakamiya Shrine (the town’s main shrine which inspired “Your Name”) [~7 minutes]
► Atayuta Shrine (a shrine surrounded by beautiful red bridges, rivers, and rice fields) [~25-30 minutes]
► Ankokuji Temple (a popular Buddhist temple with a beautiful aerial view of the area) [~45 minutes]

Keta Wakamiya Shrine
Atayuta Shrine
Ankokuji Temple

Furukawa Bicycle Map



Around Furukawa are many cafes accessible by bicycle. If you get hot, cool down with ice cream, drinks, or desserts around the area.

Rice Field Forecast


Hida Furukawa is a landlocked area, surrounded by mountains and is relatively flat with no steep hills. There are also many river basins and trees surrounding the area. If you rent a bike from June-September, you can see the rice fields that surround the entire town. In September, the rice fields turn a golden yellow color and are harvested soon after. By October, most rice fields will be gone.

June: 🌱
(rice is freshly planted with beautiful water reflecting the sky)

July: 🌾🌾
(rice is growing and you can start to see the green stalks)

August: 🌾🌾🌾
(rice is growing tall and green)

September: 🌾🌾🌾🌾
(rice begins to turn yellow and will be harvested late September)

Tips & Advice

  1. Rent the bike all day
    • A good amount of time to have the bicycle is for 3 hours, but that amounts to 900 yen. In the case that you want to leisurely spend time at some cafes, its worth to pay the extra 100 yen to not worry about time.
  2. Pick up souvenirs after returning you bike
    • Most stores in Furukawa begin to close around 5PM. The town itself is small, so you can enjoy the town and pick up souvenirs without worrying about lugging it around.
  3. Have an early dinner with the Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set
    • Enjoy sake and dinner at the restaurants and pubs in town and take the bus back to Takayama. The last bus is at 12:10 AM! Check the time table here.

➤For bus reservations and detailed travel itineraries learn more:  here
➤For access from Nagoya to Takayama and Shirakawago learn more: here
➤For transportation information in Nara learn more: here

  • 2025.06.18

Complete Kobe Airport Access Guide- Optimal Destinations and Routes!


On April 18, 2025, the long-awaited Terminal 2 opened at Kobe Airport, marking the start of international flight operations in Kobe!

Kobe Airport has become even more convenient with improved accessibility from both domestic and international locations. For travelers planning trips to the Kansai and Shikoku regions, we’ll introduce various destinations you can get to from the airport.

►25 minutes to Sannomiya Station (Kobe’s City Center)

Kobe Airport is located just about 8km from Kobe’s city center “Sannomiya Station,” and is accessible approximately 25 minutes via bus, making it an extremely convenient airport. Nearby is also the area’s Shinkansen, which can be reached by direct bus from the airport.

►Kobe Airport now connects to major Asian cities including:

– Incheon International Airport (Seoul, South Korea)
– Taoyuan International Airport (Taipei, Taiwan)
– Nanjing Lukou International Airport (Nanjing, China)
– Shanghai Pudong International Airport (Shanghai, China)


Kobe Airport is very compact, with only about 250 meters between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. It takes just about 3 minutes to walk between them. For smooth travel from Kobe Airport to tourist destinations, we will introduce various transportation methods including trains, buses, and cars (rental cars) below.

Direct Bus to Major Kobe Attractions (via the City Loop Bus)

From Kobe Airport, you can directly access major tourist attractions such as: Sannomiya Station, Chinatown, Motomachi Shopping Street, Meriken Park, and Kobe Port Tower using the City Loop Bus.
The City Loop Bus operates through the city center in 15-minute intervals, with some morning services departing from Kobe Airport.

Kobe Airport ↔ Sightseeing Areas (via the CITY LOOP BUS)

How to USE the City loop bus:


Boarding Area:
Kobe Airport Bus Stop #5 (Terminal 1)

Boarding Info:
You can buy a 1-day pass at the convenience store (Family Mart) on the second floor of the airport’s Terminal 1, or board directly.

Check the complete timetable: here

■ Kobe (Sannomiya Area)


Sannomiya is the center of Kobe City and is very convenient as a transportation hub. Major railways departing for Himeji, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara operate from Sannomiya Station, making it a major transportation spot. Additionally, there are countless of express buses going to Sanda Premium Outlets, Arima Onsen, Awaji Island, and Shikoku, making it a very attractive base for tourism and shopping.

Access:

Google Map: here

  • Express Bus (Marine Air Shuttle): Via Sannomiya to Shin-Kobe – about 25 minutes (fare 340 yen)
    Platform 5 (Terminal 1)
    Details/Timetable: here
  • City Loop Bus (City Loop): Kobe City regular sightseeing route – about 25 minutes (fare 300 yen) Platform 5 (Terminal 1)
    Timetable: here
  • Train (Port Liner): Direct to “Sannomiya Station” – about 18 minutes (fare 340 yen)
    Timetable: here
  • Taxi: About 20 minutes (around 2,000 yen)

■ Meriken Park, Harborland, Nankinmachi, Kitano-cho Ijinkan District


Around Kobe Port, there are many tourist spots where you can fully enjoy Kobe’s charm. The open seaside “Meriken Park” or “Harborland”, is abundant in both shopping and gourmet options. At “Nankinmachi”, you can enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine and at the exotic “Kitano Ijinkan-Gai”, you can enjoy retro Western-style buildings.

Access:

Google Map: to Minato Motomachi to Kobe Station

  • City Loop Bus (City Loop): Kobe City regular sightseeing route – 60 minutes (fare 300 yen) Platform 5 Timetable: here
  • Train: Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station →
    • Meriken Park: Subway Kaigan Line to “Minato Motomachi”
    • Harborland: JR to “Kobe” Travel time: 30-40 minutes (fare about 500 yen)

■ Sanda Premium Outlets


Sanda Premium Outlets is the largest outlet mall in the Kansai region.

Access:

Google Map: here

  • Express Bus (via Sannomiya): About 60 minutes from Sannomiya (fare 700 yen)
    Express Bus (Marine Air Shuttle) or tram to Sannomiya Station → Express bus from Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Shinki Bus)
    ►Details: here
    Timetable: 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
  • Direct Airport Bus (Marine Air Shuttle): About 1 hour 40 minutes (fare 910 yen)
    Board at Kobe Airport Terminal 1 Platform 5
    Timetable: 12:35, 13:25, 14:25

    Google Map (Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal): here

■ Arima Onsen


Access:
Google Map: here

  • Express Bus (via Sannomiya): About 30 minutes from Sannomiya (fare 600 yen)
    Express Bus (Marine Air Shuttle) or tram to Sannomiya Station → Express bus from  Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Shinki Bus)
    ►Details: here
    Timetable: 9:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 11:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 14:30 15:00 16:00 17:00
  • Direct Airport Bus (Marine Air Shuttle): About 1 hour (fare 810 yen)
    Board at Kobe Airport Terminal 1 Platform 5
    Timetable: 12:25, 13:25, 14:25, 16:25

■ Shin-Kobe Station (Shinkansen Access)


A major station with a Shinkansen that connects to Kansai and the rest of Japan.
Travel time: About 30 minutes

Access:

Google Map: here

  • Express Bus (Marine Air Shuttle): Via Sannomiya to Shin-Kobe – about 40 minutes (fare 340 yen) Platform 5 (Terminal 1)
    Timetable: here
  • City Loop Bus (City Loop): about 40 minutes (Fare: 300 yen) Platform 5 (Terminal 1)
  • Local Bus (JR Bus/Honshi Bus): Express bus to Tokushima – about 30 minutes (fare 340 yen) Platform 7 (Terminal 1)
    Timetable: here (Japanese)
  • Subway (via Sannomiya): Local bus or train to Sannomiya → Subway Seishin-Yamate Line to “Shin-Kobe Station”


■ Himeji (World Heritage Himeji Castle)


Himeji is a historic city widely known for having Japan’s representative castle “Himeji Castle (White Heron Castle).”

Access:

Google Map: here

  • By train (via Sannomiya): Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station: About 60 minutes by rapid service
    Sannomiya Station → Direct on JR Kobe Line to “Himeji Station”

◆ Himeji Castle Loop Bus One-day Ticket: here
◆ Visit the samurai city of Himeji as a day trip. You’ll regret it if you don’t!: here

■ Awaji Island (Nijigen no Mori, HELLO KITTY SMILE, etc.)

Awaji Island is a popular tourist island where both rich nature and anime entertainment are combined.

◼Nijigen no Mori

Google Map: here

  • Bus (via Sannomiya): Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station → From Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal, take Kita-Awaji West Coast Line (bound for Iwaya, Nojima, Tomishima) express bus to Prefectural Awaji Island Park (Nijigen no Mori F Parking) – 1 minute walk
    ►Details for Kita-Awaji West Coast Line: here

◼HELLO KITTY SMILE

Google Map: here

  • Bus (via Sannomiya): Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station → From Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal, take Kita-Awaji West Coast Line (bound for Iwaya, Nojima, Tomishima) express bus to Nojima Oishi [in front of Miele] – 8 minute walk
    ►Details for Kita-Awaji West Coast Line: here
  • Bus (via Kobe Airport): From Kobe Airport bus stop 7, take the express bus bound for Takadaya Kahei Park to Kita Awaji Interchange Transfer to local bus (Awa-jin Awa-hime Bus ① clockwise) and get off at “Nakamura” – 1 minute walk

■ USJ (Universal Studios Japan)

Travel time: About 70-90 minutes

Access:

Google Map: here

  • Direct local bus: About 60 minutes, fare 900 yen
    ►Details/Reservations: here
  • Bus (via Sannomiya): Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station → Express bus from Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Shinki Bus) – about 40 minutes from Sannomiya (fare 700 yen)
    ►Details: here
  • Train (via Sannomiya): Sannomiya Station → JR Kobe Line to “Osaka Station” → JR Loop Line/Yumesaki Line to “Universal City Station”

■ Osaka Kansai Expo Venue

The venue for the 2025 “Osaka Kansai Expo” is Yumeshima, an artificial island located in Osaka Bay.
Travel time: About 90 minutes

Access:

Google Map: here

  • Express Bus (via Sannomiya): About 50 minutes from Sannomiya (fare 1,000 yen)
    Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station → Express bus from Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Shinki Bus)

    ►Details/Timetable: 7:30, 7:45, 8:00, 8:15, 8:30, 8:45, 9:00, 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 1:15, 2:15, 3:15, 4:15
    ►Google Map (Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal): here
  • Direct express bus (via Kobe Airport): About 1 hour 25 minutes (fare 1,210 yen)
    Board from: Kobe Airport bus platform 7
    ►Details/Timetable: 8:40, 12:40

■ Shikoku (Tokushima, Takamatsu, Matsuyama, Kochi)

The Shikoku area is a tourist destination packed with diverse attractions including scenic driving courses on the Shimanami Kaido, authentic Sanuki udon tours, and Dogo Onsen and Konpira Onsen hot springs! Express buses operate from Kobe Sannomiya to major cities, providing reasonable and comfortable access.

● Tokushima

Google Map: here

  • Express bus (via. Sannomiya): About 2 hours from Sannomiya (fare 3,100-3,600 yen)
    Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station → Express bus from Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Shinki Bus)
    ►Details/Reservations: here
  • Direct bus (via Kobe Airport): About 3 hours (fare 3,600-3,800 yen)
    Express bus from Kobe Airport bus platform 7
    ►Timetable: here

● Takamatsu


Travel time: About 3 hours

  • Express bus (via Sannomiya): About 3 hours from Sannomiya (fare 4,300~4,640 yen)
    Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station → Express bus from Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Shinki Bus)
    ►Details/Reservations: here
  • Shinkansen + Train (via Shin-Kobe Station): About 1 hour 30 minutes from Shin Kobe (8,860 yen)
    Local bus or subway to Shin-Kobe Station → Shinkansen to Okayama Station → Train to Takamatsu Station

● Matsuyama


Travel time: About 5 hours

  • Express bus (via Sannomiya): About 4 1/2 hours from Sannomiya Station (fare 7,000 yen)
    Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station → Express bus from Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Shinki Bus) → Matsuyama City Station

    ►Details/Reservations: here
    *Only 4 services per day

● Kochi


Travel time: About 5 1/2 hours

  • Express bus (via Sannomiya): About 4 hours from Sannomiya Station (fare 6,400 yen)
    Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station → Express bus from Shinki Bus Kobe Sannomiya Bus Terminal (Shinki Bus) → Kochi Bus Terminal

    ►Details/Reservations: here

Train 🚉

■ Kobe Animal Kingdom


Travel time: About 5 minutes

Kobe Animal Kingdom is an interactive theme park where you can enjoy interacting with animals in a natural space surrounded by flowers and greenery! It’s highly popular among families and is an all-weather facility, meaning you can enjoy it safely even on rainy days.

Access:

Google Map: here

  • Train (Port Liner): Get off at “Keisan Kagaku Center Station (Kobe Animal Kingdom)” – immediate arrival (fare 250 yen)
    ►Timetable: here

■ Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe (Tarumi)


Mitsui Outlet Park Marine Pia Kobe is a popular outlet mall due to its attractive seaside location.

Access:

Google Map: here

  • Train (via Sannomiya Station): Local bus or train to Sannomiya Station → From Sannomiya Station, take JR Kobe Line to “Tarumi Station” or Hanshin Main Line/Sanyo Electric Railway to “Sanyo Tarumi Station,” then walk about 10 minutes

    ►Travel time: About 60 minutes Fare: 660 yen when using JR Kobe Line, 810 yen when using Sanyo Electric Railway

Summary: Kobe Airport is the gateway to Kansai and Shikoku. Choose from a variety of convenient access options to match your travel style!

Kobe Airport is very convenient due to its direct connection to Kobe’s center, Sannomiya Station, via Port Liner (about 20 minutes), and access to various areas in Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto, Himeji) and Shikoku (Tokushima, Takamatsu, etc.). Kobe Airport has a range of diverse transportation methods including trains, express buses, and ferries.

With international flights launching in 2025, Kobe Airport provides clear guidance for international travelers and seamless connections. Whether you’re visiting for tourism, business, or events, choose the route that best fits your needs and enjoy a smooth journey!

  • 2025.06.11

Gero Onsen Day Trip from Takayama!

Did you know one of Japan’s top 3 onsen towns is only one hour from Takayama?


♨️Gero Onsen is a stylish sweets haven also more commonly known as one of the top 3 hot spring towns in all of Japan. Gero in Japanese directly translates to “ribbet”, and because of that, a lot of tourist attractions are frog themed. Conveniently located around an hour south of Takayama, it makes a perfect day trip for those wanting to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery of the Gifu Area for under 2200 yen!

1. Board the bus at Takayama Station for Gero
2. Buy a Yumeguri Pass (Onsen pass!)
3. Frogs, Nature, and Shopping!
4. Rental Bikes
5. Gero’s Ultimate Attraction: the Slide
6. Enjoy Gero Gourmet Foods
7. Board the bus back to Takayama

1. Board the bus at Takayama Station for Gero


There are two modes of transportation to Gero Onsen, train or bus. The bus runs to Gero hourly while the local train runs every other hour. Alternatively, there are express trains that come hourly, however these cost up to 2000 yen one way, making the trip cost double the amount while taking the same amount of time as the bus. If you plan on returning to Takayama, we recommend taking the earliest bus at 8AM and then the last bus back at 5:00PM. Most of the restaurants are closed in Gero by that time.

If you are based in Takayama, we recommend buying the “Gero Onsen 2-Day Ticket” by Nohi Bus. This pass allows unlimited bus usage from Takayama Nohi Bus Center to Gero for 2 days for only 2,040 yen. This is the regular price of the roundtrip bus–reservations are made online and you can board with an online voucher.

How to ride the bus to Gero:

① Board from Takayama Nohi Bus Center and simply wait at bus stop 1 and get on the bus. Get off at the Gero Station bus stop after paying 1,060 yen (cash/coins only).

②If you buy the “Gero Onsen 2-Day Ticket”, buy it online through this website. You will receive the voucher digitally. Go to bus stop 1 and board the bus normally and show the bus driver your voucher when you get off.

►Boarding times from Takayama Nohi Bus Center:
8:05, 9:05, 10:05, 11:05, 12:05, 1:05, 2:05, 3:05, 4:05, 5:05, 6:05, 7:05
Price: 1,060 yen (one way)

Get off at Gero Station


After getting off at Gero Station, there is a locker space along with some souvenir stores, a bathroom, and information center. Past the information center and the bathrooms is an underground stairway that leads to the main part of Gero.

2. Buy a Yumeguri Onsen Pass!


The Yumeguri Onsen Pass is highly recommended for onsen (hot spring) lovers. This pass allows you to enter any 3 participating hot springs in Gero for only 1,500 yen! Its a great deal as some onsen can cost up to 1,500 yen on its own. Plus, you can save the pass and use it any time within 6 months. Entrance time differs per hotel, which you can check here (Japanese only). Otherwise, please refer to this time chart.


For the sake of time , we recommend going to the following hot springs immediately after arriving in Gero. The onsen are open only during small time windows that are easy to miss. We recommend going to: Suimeikan, Ogawaya, Yamagataya, Bosenkan (12-2 PM on weekends only) before their service ends for the day at 2PM. Each of these hotels have usual entrance fees of 1500 yen each, so to get the most money out of your pass we recommend going to these more expensive and larger inns.

Where to buy the Yumeuri Pass?


You can buy the Yumeguri pass at several locations such as Daily Mart convenience stores or Japanese inns. On the path to the main town, the souvenir store Sakuraen sells it along with the Gero City Tourism & Cultural Center.

Full list of sellers (Japanese Only): here


When entering an onsen, the attendant will peel 1 out of 3 stickers on the back of your pass. Generally each bather needs their own pass, but if you are accompanied by children aged 4-12, you can use the same pass. Whether its one or two children, if accompanied by an adult, they will account for only 1 sticker. Also, if you have a child less than 3 years old, the child can bathe for free.

3. Frogs, Nature, and Shopping!


No matter where you go around Gero, you’re going to see everything from posters, statues, and manholes, all in frog form. If you have a phobia of frogs–beware. 🐸 Gero in Japanese directly translates to “ribbet” and this town really went with that theme and ran. Everything frog themed was so cute and personally I felt happy finding frog versions of everything everywhere I went. There’s even a frog shrine!


Aside from cool frogs, Geros natural scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Crossing the bridge to the town, you can get a glimpse of the mountains and the large park where the town holds frequent firework shows, especially in the summer. There are also a bunch of foot baths to rest your feet throughout the town. The shopping street has not only snacks but ceramics and games to enjoy, making it fun for anyone of any age.


Foot baths around Gero are almost all free. You can find them on regular streets or even inside hotels. Just make sure not to bathe in them as they are strictly just for your feet!

4. Rental Bikes in Gero


Next to the Tourist Information Center, Gero provides stylish E-bikes for rental. While most of the town is walkable, the deep nature really is beautiful and fun to bike around. The bikes can be rented by downloading an app or paying by cash. If you want to pay by cash, you have to speak to the receptionist at the information center (open until 5:30 PM).

Bike Rental Info:
Rental time: 24 hours
6 hours: 1,000 yen
12 hours: 1,500 yen

5. Ride Gero’s Infamous Slide


One of Gero’s most popular attractions is the slide that overlooks Gero City. This slide isnt just for kids–actually when I went only adults were riding it! The slide is high speed and lasted up to a minute going down. At the curves it could be quite scary at times, but the thrill was worth it. The slide is guarded by protection rails and has cushions for landing.


To get to the Gero Slide, you have to go through the Gero Onsen Gassho Village and pay the entrance fee of 800 yen. The Village is similar to Shirakawago with a lot of displays and even a very modern foot bath. There are cafes, funny and cute statues, and even a shrine dedicated to cooking. Once you reach the other side of the mountain, you have to pay 100 yen to use the slide.

6. Enjoy Gero’s Gourmet Foods

Gero has a lot of delicious food, but they excel in desserts (especially parfaits). Sakae-machi dori is a stylish street by the station with many cafes and souvenir stores. Here you can find many parfait or other sweets stores. Other popular foods are butter ramen (ramen cooked with a butter and milk broth), frog themed tiramissu, pudding, crepes, and more!


One of the more popular souvenirs to buy in the area is Gero butter sandwiches, a butter cookie made out of fresh milk from the area. Around the area is a lot of finger food and desserts, but for a bigger lunch the town offers a lot of international foods in additional to traditional Japanese like German and Italian.

7. Going from Gero back to Takayama


To get back you can take the train or the bus. Trains leave at the 30 minute mark each hour, where as buses leave 30 minutes prior to the train. The last bus back to Takayama from Gero is at 5PM. By this time, a lot of the restaurants and souvenir stores have closed up, so we recommend going back at this time. To ride back, simply hop on the bus or show your pass if you had purchased the Geron-Onsen 2 Day Pass. Payment is when you get off.

How to board the bus back to Takayama

① Board from Gero Station bus stop

Boarding times for Takayama Nohi Bus Center:
6:00, 7:00, 7:42, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00. 5:30
Price: 1,060 yen (one way)



OR

②Board from Shirasagaibashi Bridge bus stop (center of town in front of Lawson)

Boarding times for Takayama Nohi Bus Center:
7:01, 8:01, 9:01, 10:01, 11:01, 12:01, 2:01, 4:01
Weekends only: 6:01 AM, 3:01 PM, 5:01 PM
Price: 1,060 yen (one way)

➤To check the cheapest ways to get around Japan and the Takayama/Hida area, check out this page for detailed routes, pricing, and travel ideas!
➤For Nagoya access to Takayama and Shirakawago learn more: here
➤For information about transportation in Nara learn more: here



  • 2025.06.02

Hiking Mt.Anbou in Hida Furukawa!

Hida Furukawa Above the Clouds

Mt.Anbou (also spelled Mt.Ambo) is the most popular hiking route in the city of Hida Furukawa. Its easy accessibility and stunning views is widely loved amongst both locals and travelers. From the mountain summit, you can see all of Furukawa, stretching to parts of Takayama. Furukawa is a landlocked town with an elevation of 495 meters (1624 ft). If you do an early morning hike (often before 10 AM), clouds form above the town, creating a blanket that makes you appear as if you are standing above the clouds. After the morning fog clears, you can see the basin of the town appear.

Hiking Details

Level: Beginner/ Lower Intermediate

Total time: 1 hour ~ 1hr 15 mins (ascent),
50 minutes (descent)

Elevation: 1,058m (3,471 ft)

Toilet: Available (at summit and entrance)

Other: *Wifi/Data is usable on the summit peak (no free wifi available)
*If you reach the summit before 10AM there is a chance you can see a layer of clouds

Bathrooms

There is a bathroom at the summit of the mountain. On the left side of the trail, walk three minutes down the concrete road (meant for cars) to reach the bathroom. The bathroom is also located next to a trail that will bring you down the mountain you came up from.

Extra Info

Besides the deck overlooking the town of Hida Furukawa, if you walk down and to the right, there is another photo spot. Here you can hold a commemorative sign and take a picture, or write down your memory in the public journal!

Route Experience

12:30 PM

Before entering the hiking trail, lift the bar from the red gate and put it back in place once you’re inside.

12:40 PM

There is a steep incline but after 10 minutes you should reach the entrance of the hiking trail. From here the hike should take around 1 hour.

1:00 PM

The first 30 minutes of the hike are quite steep, but gets less intense the second half. At the half way point, you’ll find a bear bell and column post. If you’re counting, there are 3 total this entire hike!

1:40 PM

Before reaching the top, a path splits into two. The left route with the column leads directly to the public toilet, and to reach the terrace from there you need to walk an additional 3 minutes on a concrete road.


On the right there is a path with a bear bell which leads directly to the terrace (this route however is very steep).

1:48 PM

Reach the top of the mountain! If you turn backside to the view, on the right side is an additional photo spot and on the left is the public bathroom.

Access

Name: Mt. Anbou/ Mt.Ambo
Address: Hida-shi Furukawa-cho Kamikita / Google Maps Here
Public transportation: Takayama Nohi Bus Center to Hida Furukawa Station /25 minute walk from Hida Furukawa
Parking: There is a parking space located in front of the entrance (for hiking) / Summit parking (if you drive, the roads are narrow and enough for 1 car only so beware)
Facilities: Bathroom at parking lot/ Bathroom mountain peak (3 minute walk from summit)

From Takayama Station to Hida Furukawa Station

At Takayama Nohi Bus Center, board the local bus at Platform 2 for Hida Furukawa.
Times: 6:40, 7:00, 9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40, 4:40, 5:10, 6:10, 6:40PM (380 yen)
Reservations are not necessary, however there are set deals that the local bus company offers.

*From Takayama to Hida Furukawa, you can take the “Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set” which includes roundtrip fares between Takayama Station and Hida Furukawa Station, a 3,000 yen voucher for local eateries, and a voucher for Sake, which the town has won many national awards for.

View the bus routes and special deals: here

Map

Other Things to Do in Town

Hida Furukawa’s’ Onsen:
Nukumori no Yu Spaful

By bus: Hida Furukawa Station → Spa-ful Tougenkyou-Onsen Stop
Times: 8:29, 12:26, 3:30, 6:11 (200 yen)

Rent a bicycle at the town square:
Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall (rentals close at 4PM, last rental 3PM)

By foot: From Hida Furukawa Station, 7 minutes

Local homemade Japanese food deli:
Yamamoto Delicatessen
*We recommend the fried chicken!

By foot: From Hida Furukawa Station, 10 minutes


➤To check the best ways to get around Japan and the Takayama/Hida area, check out this link for detailed routes, pricing, and travel ideas!
➤For Nagoya access to Takayama and Shirakawago learn more: here
➤For information about transportation in Nara learn more: here



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  • 2025.05.23

Nagoya Chubu Centrair Airport Access | Route Access from Nagoya and Gifu, Takayama


If you are trying to get to Nagoya Chubu Centrair Airport, the most common way is to transfer there via the Meitestu Line from Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Currently the only way to get there is by train or by taxi/rental car. If you are boarding from Takayama, the discounted set ticket can only be bought in person from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center. Below, well show you detailed instructions on how to get to Nagoya Centrair Airport.

TypeTime RequiredTransfersCostBoarding Area
By bus (from Takayama)3 hours14400 yen (one way)①Nohi Bus Center Platform 3
②Meitetsu Gifu Station Platform 2
By train
(from Meitetsu Nagoya Station)		40-50 minutes (Rapid Limited Express Train)0980 yen (one way)Meitetsu Nagoya Station Platform 4
By taxi (from Nagoya Station)76 minutes0~18,600 yen (toll fees included)Nagoya Station

Make bus reservations in Japan at: highway-bus.jp


By Taxi


In Japan, the apps for taxis are called GO and DiDi. You can make reservations and pay by card directly through the app without speaking to anyone. The cost of a taxi ride from JR Nagoya Station to Chubu Airport may around 18,600 yen with the toll road fare included. Please check the app for a more precise estimate. Most of the time there are no bigger sized cars for rental.

By Train


There are two types of trains headed to the Nagoya Centrair Airport. There is the Rapid Ltd. Exp., Limited Express (RED, cheaper, and can purchase from the ticket machines) and the SKY Limited Express (BLUE train with reserved seating, faster service) and other express/local trains. We rode the Rapid Ltd. Exp. and will explain how to do so below.

How to use the train:

Step ①
The train leading to Nagoya Centrair Airport is located at Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Follow for signs pointing to the Meitetsu Line. If you exit JR Nagoya station, Meitetsu Nagoya Station will be on the right side of the station past the Starbucks.

Step ②
At the ticket machine, you can purchase the ticket by:

  1. Change the language to English
  2. Press “Ticket”
  3. Press the green button “Select by line name”
  4. Press “Cent Japan Int’l Airport”
  5. Pay 980 yen

Step ③
Enter the Central gate and follow the signs for Platform 4. At platform 4 there are seats by the vending machine, a Family Mart convenience store, and even Yoshinoya restaurant.

Step ④
To board on the train headed for the airport, line behind the green line. You will know your train has arrived when the green sign saying Cen. Japan Airport begins to flash. Board the train and you’re set!

By Bus (from Takayama)

If you are departing from Takayama, the best kept way to get to the airport is through Gifu City (at Meitetsu Gifu Station). This is the very first train stop before the airport, meaning you get first dibs on seating before the train reaches Nagoya. It also means less commute time and walking and is generally less crowded and confusing than Nagoya Station, so I highly recommend this route.

How to use the bus and train:

Step ①
Purchase a ticket online heading for Meitetsu Gifu (LOFT) here. You can also go to the ticket office at Takayama Nohi Bus Center and buy one there. The reception opens as early as 6 AM. After buying the ticket board the bus at bus stop #3.

Step ②
Upon reaching Meitetsu Gifu, buy a ticket at the machines or from the ticket office by the Central Gates. There is a family mart and resting area after entering the gates.

Step ③

  1. Change the language to English
  2. Press “Ticket”
  3. Press the green button “Select by line name”
  4. Press “Cent Japan Int’l Airport”
  5. Pay 1,150 yen


Step ④
Head towards Platform #2. There will be signs that say “for Central Japan Int`l Airport”. It will be nonstop so stay on board until they announce the final stop!

TIP:

Car #1 and #2 of the train are by reservation only (including an extra fare) and the rest are for regular passengers. The other cars are standard seats but if you go to car #3 there are single and double seats that can be adjusted.

Departing from Nagoya Airport

Nohi Bus provides a discounted set ticket which covers the bus fair to Meitetsu Gifu where you can board the train to Nagoya Centrair Airport. To use this set ticket you can purchase it from the ticket counter. If you purchase this ticket set, you will have to get off at Meitetsu Gifu and transfer by bus to get to Takayama.

How to board the train from Nagoya Airport

Step ①
If you are coming from Terminal 1 or Terminal 2, make your way for the main lobby where you can buy tickets. Buy a ticket for Nagoya Station or Gifu Meitetsu Station.

Step ②
If you are going to Nagoya or Gifu, take Track 2 which is on the left side and marked as red.

Step ③
Depending on your stop, get off at Meitetsu Nagoya Station or if you’re trying to go to Takayama, get off at Meitetsu Gifu Station (the last stop).

Step ④
After exiting the gates, turn left and go down the escalators. Across the street to the left is bus stop #6 in front of the Gifu Bus Information Office. To make a seat reservation, go into the office and reserve a seat. If already done, you can line up and board the bus for Takayama!

Hotels near Nagoya Airport

In the case that you have an early flight, Nagoya Airport has a actually very clean and modern capsule hotel called Tube Square, located on the B1 floor of Terminal 1. Rooms are separated by gender and come with a shower. You can book a room in time increments of 9 hours or 12 hours and reception runs late so you don’t have to worry about rushing! Off the premises are also a few hotels close by if you want a bigger room.

 

Nagoya as a Base

Nagoya is an ideal spot as a base to travel to famous towns such as Takayama, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Nara, and more! It’s abundant transportation network, central location, and cheap hotel prices make it a great option for savvy travelers.

Read more

Nagoya Chubu Airport Shopping/Dining


Before the boarding gates, located in Terminal 1 is a large shopping and dining area with a European/Japanese outdoor theme. You can grab your last minute souvenir snack shopping on the first floor while the second floor has a dining area with kebabs, curry, ramen, sandwiches, onigiri and even a Uniqlo! The spacious area boasts local food stalls, stage, a piano, and plenty of seating. Outside the dining you can even step onto the outdoor deck and watch planes fly off.

Nagoya Flight of Dreams

Nagoya Flight of Dreams is located in Terminal 2 of the airport. There are fewer flights departing here (often domestic flights). We recommend to budget an extra 30 minutes to get to this terminal because it is quite a lot of walking! The Flight of Dreams is a stylish area with bars, shopping, and a starbucks overlooking a massive real life sized airplane!

The airplane is available for all visitors to get close to. You can even enter the airplane and view the cockpit. It’s a great way to pass time in case you get there too early!