Kyoto to Nagakute train with JR Central

Information about the Kyoto to Nagakute train route

The train route from Kyoto to Nagakute is a rewarding journey that takes you from one of Japan's most celebrated historic cities to a quieter, modern destination in Aichi Prefecture, home to the EXPO 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park) and the Ghibli Park that has drawn significant attention from travelers in recent years. The journey begins at Kyoto Station (Higashishiokoji Kamadacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 600-8216) and ends at Nagakute Kosenjō Station (Yokomichi, Nagakute, Aichi 480-1118), which sits on the Linimo line, Japan's first commercial magnetic levitation urban transit system.

This is not a single direct Shinkansen connection, but rather a multi-leg journey combining the Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya, followed by a transfer to the Higashiyama Subway Line and then the Linimo line toward Nagakute. Despite the connections involved, the route is well-signposted, manageable even for first-time visitors, and offers a fascinating contrast between high-speed rail travel and futuristic magnetic levitation technology.

A tip for planning your trip: Nagakute is a relatively compact city, so most travelers visit as a day trip from Nagoya or as a stop between Kyoto and other destinations. Planning your Nagakute visit on your way between Kyoto and Tokyo, or as a detour mid-itinerary, is a smart way to make the most of your travel time in the Chubu region.

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.

Kyoto to Nagakute by train: what to expect on board

The Kyoto to Nagakute journey involves two distinct travel experiences, the world-famous Tokaido Shinkansen leg from Kyoto to Nagoya, and the unique Linimo maglev ride into Nagakute itself.

On the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya

The Shinkansen portion is smooth, fast, and quintessentially Japanese in its punctuality and cleanliness. Trains depart from Kyoto Station's dedicated Shinkansen platforms on the station's south side, clearly marked in English. Seating options include standard reserved and unreserved carriages, as well as the more comfortable Green Car if you'd like a quieter ride with additional legroom, a worthwhile upgrade if you're traveling with luggage or simply prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

Best seats on board

• Sitting on the left-hand side of the train (A window seats) when traveling from Kyoto toward Nagoya gives you views across the Nobi Plain and the wider Tokai region.
• The Kyoto to Nagoya leg is short, so there is less opportunity for extended sightseeing out of the window compared to longer Shinkansen journeys, but the landscape is pleasant and the ride itself is part of the experience.

On the Linimo from Fujigaoka to Nagakute Kosenjō

The Linimo maglev line is a highlight in its own right. Running almost silently and with a noticeably smooth glide, it is unlike any other urban rail experience in Japan. The elevated track offers open views across the Aichi countryside as you approach Nagakute. Even seasoned Japan travelers tend to find this final leg a memorable one.

Best time of year to travel this route

• Spring (late March to early May): Moricoro Park in Nagakute is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season, and Kyoto is at its most spectacular. Expect high demand, book your Shinkansen seats in advance.
• Autumn (October to November): Autumn foliage transforms both Kyoto and the parks around Nagakute. A popular time for domestic travelers.
• Winter (December to February): Fewer crowds in Nagakute and lower overall visitor numbers in the region. Ghibli Park tickets may be slightly easier to secure outside of peak holiday periods.
• Summer (July to August): Hot and humid throughout the Tokai region. The Obon holiday period in mid-August brings significant congestion on all Shinkansen routes, book well ahead if traveling at this time.

Getting to Nagakute and beyond

Nagakute Kosenjō Station is one of the key stops on the Linimo (Tobu Kyuryo Line), which connects the city to Fujigaoka Station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway Higashiyama Line. From Fujigaoka, the subway takes you directly into central Nagoya, making the wider city very easy to reach.

Onward connections from Nagakute

• Nagoya, the most practical base for exploring the broader region, with direct subway access via Fujigaoka. Nagoya offers its own castle, food culture (try miso katsu and hitsumabushi), and excellent Shinkansen connections onward.
• Toyota City, easily reachable from Nagoya by the Meitetsu Toyota Line, of interest for automotive and industrial heritage enthusiasts.
• Inuyama, a scenic castle town north of Nagoya, approximately 30 to 40 minutes from Nagoya Station by the Meitetsu Inuyama Line.
• Gifu, around 20 minutes from Nagoya by Shinkansen or regional JR train, with the famous cormorant fishing on the Nagara River in summer months.

Back toward Kyoto or onward to Tokyo

Nagoya Station is one of the most important Shinkansen hubs on the Tokaido line, meaning connections back to Kyoto or onward to Tokyo are frequent and fast. If you are building a broader Japan itinerary, Nagakute fits neatly into a Kyoto–Nagoya–Tokyo corridor without requiring any significant detour.

What to expect when you arrive in Nagakute

Nagakute Kosenjō Station is a modern, well-maintained station on the elevated Linimo line, positioned to serve the EXPO 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (Moricoro Park) and the surrounding Nagakute area. The station environment is clean, accessible, and straightforward to navigate even without Japanese language skills.

Key attractions near the station

• Ghibli Park, located within Moricoro Park, Ghibli Park is one of Japan's most sought-after new attractions, inspired by the works of Studio Ghibli. Unlike a traditional theme park, it is a quieter, more immersive experience spread across the park's landscape. Advance ticket booking is essential, tickets sell out weeks in advance and cannot be purchased at the gate.
• Moricoro Park (EXPO 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park), the wider park surrounding Ghibli Park is a spacious, pleasant green space with walking routes, seasonal flowers, and the preserved EXPO Dome structure. Worth exploring even outside of a Ghibli Park visit.
• Nagakute City Historical Museum, a short distance from the station, offering insight into the history of the Nagakute area, including the famous 1584 Battle of Nagakute.

Practical tips for arriving in Nagakute

• The station area is walkable to the park entrance, but the park itself is large, comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.
• English signage is available at Nagakute Kosenjō Station and throughout Moricoro Park, making navigation accessible for international visitors.
• Facilities including coin lockers are available at Fujigaoka Station (the Linimo–subway interchange point) if you need to store larger bags before continuing on to Nagakute.
• Nagakute is primarily a daytime destination, most visitors return to Nagoya in the evening, where accommodation options and dining are far more plentiful.