Takayama is the major transport hub of the Hida region.
By train
Hida-Takayama's train station, Takayama, is located on the JR Takayama Line.
From Tokyo Station, you can reach Takayama by taking a Tokaido Shinkansen train (Nozomi or Hikari) to Nagoya and then transfer to the Wide View Hida Limited Express train for the run to Takayama. The ride takes just over 4 hours via Nozomi with a good connection, and costs �14800. By Hikari it takes 4 1/2 hours, but the ride is fully included in the Japan Rail Pass. From Kyoto or Osaka, you can take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, then the Wide View Hida, but there is also a morning Wide View direct from Osaka and Kyoto, slightly slower but more convenient.
Another option is to travel from Shinjuku in Tokyo to Matsumoto on the Azusa/Super Azusa limited express train, then walk to Nohi Bus at the Matsumoto Bus Terminal and travel by express bus to Takayama. Holders of the JR East Rail Pass can use the Azusa at no charge and are eligible to purchase a round trip bus ticket between Matsumoto and Takayama at the discounted charge of �2500 (normally �5500). The trip takes approximately 5 1/2 hours each way depending on connections in Matsumoto. The downside is that you can only buy these tickets at the JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita or Haneda Airports, or in Takayama at the Nohi Bus Center. Those with a JR East Pass that are already in Tokyo will need to take the Tokyo Monorail to Haneda Airport (free with the pass) and visit the JR East counter during business hours to purchase this bus ticket.
By bus
Buses from Shinjuku in Tokyo go straight to Takayama (5.5h, �6500). Great views along the way!
Buses to and from the Oku-Hida Onsen Villages leave from the bus station adjacent to JR Takayama station.
If you go the mountain route, there is a bus from Matsumoto (with some mountain village like Kamikochi on the way)
