Kiso Valley: Getting there and around

Take the JR Hida limited express from Takayama to Nagoya and transfer to the JR Shinano limited express from Nagoya into the Kiso Valley. For Magome, get off at Nakatsugawa Station (4 hours, about 9000 yen one way). For Tsumago get off at Nagiso Station (4.5 hours, about 9000 yen, not all limited express trains stop at Nagiso). For Narai, get off at Narai Station (5.5 hours, around 10,500 yen, not served by limited express trains, must transfer to local train). The Japan Rail Pass is valid on all these trains.

From Takayama, take the JR Takayama Line to Mino-Ota Station, then take the JR Taita Line to Tajimi Station and then the JR Chuo Line into the Kiso Valley. Although more complicated, travel along this route is usually faster than travel via Nagoya. It is also about 3000 yen cheaper. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on all these trains.

From Takayama, take a local train (80 minutes, 990 yen), limited express train (45 minutes, 1650 yen for a non-reserved seat) or bus (85 minutes, 1060 yen) to Gero, transfer to a bus to Kashimo Sogojimusho-mae (加子母総合事務所前, 35 minutes, 1080 yen, every 2-4 hours), and transfer to another bus to Nakatsugawa Station (one hour, 1370 yen, every 2-3 hours).

Nohi Bus operates one bus round trip per day between Takayama, Gero Onsen, Magome and Tsumago from April 1 to May 31 and from July 19 to August 24, 2025. The fare between Takayama and the Kiso Valley is 5000 yen one way or 9000 yen for a round trip.