A Guide to Destinations Near Chubu Centrair International Airport: Nagoya, Gifu, and More

• Table of Contents
• Best Travel Methods from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Various Destinations!
• Nagoya: The Largest Gourmet and Shopping Hub in Chubu
• LegolandⓇ Japan: A Popular Theme Park for Family Trips
• Inuyama: A Historic Castle Town and National Treasure Keep
• Gifu: A Historic City Defined by the Nagara River and Gifu Castle
• Hida Takayama: An Unspoilt Japanese Landscape Awarded Three Michelin Stars
• Gero Onsen: Enjoy Beautiful Skin at One of Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs
• La Collina Omihachiman: A Popular Confectionery Combining Nature and Architecture
• Tips for Comfortable Travel from Chubu Centrair International Airport
• Optimize Time by Traveling Smart! Choose the Best Travel Method for You

Best Travel Methods from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Various Destinations!

Chubu Centrair International Airport (Nagoya, NGO), located about halfway between Tokyo and Osaka, is a very convenient hub for traveling in the Chubu region. It offers smooth access to a wide range of tourist destinations, from Nagoya City to Gifu, Hida Takayama, Gero Onsen, and even the Shiga area.

In this article, we’ve organized transportation options (train, bus, and car) for each tourist destination in a way that makes it easy to choose the best option for your travel style.

Access Plaza: The First Stop After Landing at the Airport

When you arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport, the first place you should head to is Access Plaza located next to Terminal 1.

Access Plaza is a transportation hub within the airport where you’ll find Central Japan International Airport Station, the nearest station on the Meitetsu Line, and the main terminal for express buses and taxis. It serves as the starting point for travel from the airport to Nagoya and various tourist spots.

Photo by PIXTA

If you are arriving at Terminal 2, some routes and bus stops for specific facilities are located in Terminal 2, however most buses to tourist destinations will depart from and arrive at Access Plaza. Therefore, after arriving at Terminal 2, you should use the connecting walkway to get to Access Plaza.

Nagoya: The Largest Gourmet and Shopping Hub in Chubu

Nagoya is a city where historical sites such as Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Shrine coexist with modern, vibrant areas such as Oasis 21 and Osu Shopping Street. With easy access from Chubu Centrair International Airport, it is chosen by many travelers as a base for exploring the Chubu region. Nagoya is also home to a unique selection of fermented foods, such as misokatsu (pork cutlet in a miso sauce) and hitsumabushi (chopped grilled eel over rice), so you can enjoy some great food in between sightseeing.

By Train

Photo by PIXTA

The quickest and most common way to get from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya is to take the Meitetsu Railway from Central Japan International Airport Station.

All seats on the Meitetsu μSKY are reserved and large luggage storage areas are located near the entrance and exit of the train. If you have a large suitcase, this is the clear choice.

If your destination is near Nagoya Station, you can get there on one train without any transfers. However, if you're heading towards Sakae, you'll need to get off at Kanayama Station and transfer to the Meijo Subway Line.

By Bus

It’s possible to access major areas without any transfers by taking the airport bus to Nagoya. 

Buses depart from and arrive at different locations depending on the route, with most buses departing from Terminal 1 and other routes departing from in front of Terminal 2. Be sure to check the departure location in advance according to the route you will be using.

Look Up Bus Routes

By Car

Renting a car from Chubu Centrair International Airport is also a convenient option. It is a comfortable and flexible means of transportation for those who want to travel freely around the Chubu area or for those traveling with a group.

Travel time: 50 minutes

Expressway toll: 1,200 yen

LegolandⓇ Japan: A Popular Theme Park for Family Trips

©2026 The LEGO Group.

This is a theme park based on the world-famous LEGOⓇ blocks that is perfect for families. Miniland, an area that has recreated major Japanese cities using LEGOⓇ, is sure to impress adults with its overwhelming quality. 

By Train

First, take the Meitetsu Line from Central Japan International Airport Station to Nagoya Station, then transfer to the Aonami Line. 

The nearest station to LEGOLANDⓇ Japan Resort is Kinjofuto Station.

When transferring at Nagoya Station (from the Meitetsu Line to the Aonami Line), you will be traveling from one end of the station to the other, so it is a bit of a distance. Make sure to carefully check for Aonami Line signs inside the station.

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (this may vary slightly depending on transfer and waiting times)

Fare: 1,340 yen

By Car

The easiest way to get to LEGOLANDⓇ Japan is via the Isewangan Expressway. You will see signs pointing you towards LEGOLANDⓇ and Maker’s Pier once you exit the expressway at Meiko-Chuo Interchange (IC), before shortly arriving.

LEGOLANDⓇ Japan does not have its own parking lot. The closest paid parking lot is the Kinjofuto Parking Lot , which is within walking distance of the LEGOLANDⓇ entrance and is an easy distance for families to travel.

Travel time: 40 minutes

Expressway tolls: Starting from 1,750 yen

Inuyama: A Historic Castle Town and National Treasure Keep

Inuyama Castle, one of only five national treasures in Japan, is a surviving wooden keep built approximately 480 years ago. From the corridor on the top floor, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kiso River and the surrounding townscape, a view unique to Inuyama. In the castle town area leading to the castle, renting a kimono to stroll around and enjoying gourmet street foods such as skewered sweets and local cuisine are popular activities.

Also nearby are Museum Meiji-Mura, a collection of traditional Japanese homes and modern architecture, and the Little World Museum of Man, which introduces the lifestyles and cultures of countries around the world. The Inuyama area offers a full-day of sightseeing where you can experience a wide range of Japanese culture.

Inuyama Castle Town

12 Inuyama Kita Koken, Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture 484-0081 (Inuyam...

Inuyama Castle Town was developed alongside the construction of Inuyama Castle by organizing the existing town. Merchants and craftsmen of the same trade were encouraged to live nearby, promoting the town’s growth. This legacy remains visible in district names such as Kajiya-machi (Blacksmith Town) and Uoya-machi (Fishmongers’ Town). The central part of the town was designated for townspeople, surrounded by samurai residences, and the entire castle town was fortified with gates, moats, and earthen walls. Today, the town layout remains unchanged since the Edo period, with historical buildings from Edo through Showa eras standing along the streets. Most notably, don’t miss the two National Treasures in this town: Inuyama Castle and the Jo-an tea house in Yūraku-en. It is quite rare for a single town to have two National Treasures.

By Train

Inuyama Station (photo by PIXTA)

Depending on the time of day, direct express trains to Inuyama are available from Central Japan International Airport Station.

Travel time: 1 hour

Fare: 1,510 yen - 1,960 yen

When there are no direct trains, it’s most convenient to transfer at Kanayama Station to a train bound for the Meitetsu Inuyama Line. This transfer route operates frequently and is the easiest to use.

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes

Fare: 1,510 yen

When visiting Inuyama Castle, we recommend getting off at Inuyama Station to enjoy the atmosphere of the castle town while walking to the castle.

By Car

From Chubu Centrair International Airport, travel on the Chita Peninsula Road, Nagoya Expressway, and Meishin Expressway, then exit either the Komaki IC or Komaki-Kita IC, and head towards Inuyama City.

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Expressway tolls: Starting from 2,140 yen

Gifu: A Historic City Defined by the Nagara River and Gifu Castle

From the summit of Gifu Castle, a symbolic presence to Gifu, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. At the foot of the mountain on Nagara River, the 1,300-year-old tradition of cormorant fishing creates a magical night every year from May 11th to October 15th. The Kawaramachi area, where its old townscape still remains, is a charming town where you can experience the craftsmanship of Japan's most iconic traditional crafts, such as Japanese umbrellas and paper lanterns.

By Train

Depending on the time, you can take a direct train to Meitetsu Gifu Station on the limited express from Central Japan International Airport Station to central Gifu. 

Travel time: 1 hour

Fare: 1,510 yen (prices vary depending on whether you choose a reserved or unreserved seat on the express train)

If there are no direct trains, the most convenient option is to take the Meitetsu Limited Express to Kanayama Station, then transfer to a train bound for Meitetsu Gifu. From Kanayama Station, you can transfer to the JR Tokaido Line to get to Gifu.

Travel time: 1 hour

Fare: 1,910 yen (prices vary depending on whether you choose a reserved or unreserved seat on the express train)

If you are going to Gifu Castle, get off at Meitetsu Gifu Station, the last stop, and take the bus bound for Gifu Park and the Museum of History from the bus stop in front of the station.

By Car

To get to Gifu City, the most common way is to take the Chita Peninsula Road, Nagoya Expressway, and Meishin Expressway. Depending on your destination, it is most convenient to exit the expressway at either Gifu-Hashima IC or Ichinomiya IC.

Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Expressway toll: 2,750 yen (Gifu City)

The roads around Kawaramachi, the site of cormorant fishing, are very narrow, so it is safest to use Gifu Park’s large parking lot.

Hida Takayama: An Unspoilt Japanese Landscape Awarded Three Michelin Stars

Hida Takayama is a tourist destination with beautiful traditional townscapes that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period and has been designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings by the national government. It is also known as the gateway to Shirakawa-go, and many people visit it in conjunction with the gassho-style village. Surrounded by the Northern Alps, you can enjoy the idyllic Japanese scenery and a quiet moment just by walking along streets lined with traditional townhouses, sake breweries, and craft shops.

By Train

photo by PIXTA

The closest station to the traditional town of Hida Takayama is Takayama Station on the JR Takayama Main Line. There are no direct trains, so you will need to transfer at Nagoya Station.

From Central Japan International Airport Station, take the Meitetsu Line to Nagoya Station, then transfer to the JR Hida Limited Express for Takayama Station. 

Travel time: Approximately 3 hours

Fare: Starting from 6,800 yen (prices vary depending on whether you choose a reserved or unreserved seat on the express train)

By Bus

There are currently no direct buses from Chubu Centrair International Airport, so you will need to go to Nagoya Station first. The Meitetsu Bus Center at Nagoya Station is directly connected to the Meitetsu station, making it easy to get around even on rainy days.

From Chubu Centrair International Airport, take the Meitetsu Line to Nagoya Station, then board a bus bound for Takayama from the Meitetsu Bus Center.

Travel time: Between 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours

Fare: 4,500 - 5,000 yen

By Car

If you are driving to Takayama from Chubu Centrair International Airport, the most common route is to take the Isewangan Expressway to the Tokai-Kanjo Expressway, head north on the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway and exit at the Hida-Kiyomi IC.

Travel time: Between 2 hours and 40 minutes to 3 hours

Expressway toll: Approximately 5,500 yen

Although driving provides greater flexibility, travel during the winter (December - March) requires navigating through deep, snowy roads, so it is essential to use a vehicle equipped with studless tires.

Gero Onsen: Enjoy Beautiful Skin at One of Japan's Three Famous Hot Springs

Gero Onsen, one of Japan's three most famous hot springs, is beloved as a hot spring for beautiful skin due to providing smooth, velvety skin after a bath. The hot spring town, stretching along Hida River, is dotted with footbaths that anyone can enjoy for free, and the best part is strolling around with a glass of local milk or sweets in hand after a bath. As it’s located en route to Takayama, it's the perfect place to stay to relieve your travel fatigue.

Gero Onsen

509-2202Gifu Gifu Prefecture, Gero City, Mori

Located in Gero City, Gifu Prefecture, Gero Onsen is considered one of Japan’s three most famous hot springs. It is known for its smooth, alkaline simple thermal water and is often referred to as “the hot spring of beauty” for its skin-smoothing effects. The hot spring town features numerous free foot baths, allowing visitors to enjoy the onsen experience while strolling around. At Gero Onsen Gassho Village, a cultural attraction that reflects the traditions of the Hida region, visitors can admire traditional gassho-style houses and enjoy a nostalgic Japanese atmosphere. In winter, the snowy landscape is stunning, and the view from open-air baths is truly special. With convenient access from Nagoya—just about an hour and a half by train or bus—Gero Onsen is an ideal destination for weekend getaways or graduation trips.

By Train

Photo by PIXTA

Similar to Takayama, the most common route is to transfer to the JR Line at Nagoya Station.

From Central Japan International Airport Station, take the Meitetsu Line to Nagoya Station, transfer to the JR Hida Limited Express and get off at Gero Station. All Hida Limited Express trains stop at Gero Station.

Travel time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Fare: 4,500 yen (prices vary depending on whether you choose a reserved or unreserved seat on the express train)

There are shuttle buses for many of the hot spring inns waiting right outside the station, making it easy to travel to any lodging.

By Car

To get to Gero Onsen from Chubu Centrair International Airport, travel on the Nagoya Expressway, Tokai-Kanjo Expressway, and Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, and exit at Gero IC for Gero Onsen. Using the expressway allows for smooth travel through mountainous areas. As with Takayama, studless tires are essential in winter.

Travel time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Expressway tolls: Starting from 3,510 yen

La Collina Omihachiman: A Popular Confectionery Combining Nature and Architecture

This is the flagship store of Taneya, a Japanese confectionery shop, and Club Harie, a Western confectionery shop, featuring strikingly lush thatched roofs that feel as if you've wandered into a fairy tale world. The unique design by architect and architectural historian Terunobu Fujimori is photogenic from every angle and is becoming increasingly popular.

On the vast grounds, you can experience Japan's rich nature and craftsmanship while enjoying freshly baked mini Baumkuchen and Japanese sweets available only here.

La Collina Omihachiman

615-1 Kitanoshocho, Omihachiman City, Shiga Prefecture 523-8533

Opened in 2015, this is the flagship store of Japanese confectionery shop Taneya and Western confectionery shop Club Harie. La Collina's concept is "learning from nature." The store is filled with attention to detail and a playful spirit so that you can enjoy both sweets and nature. This is a place where you can make new discoveries with every visit. Whether it's an overgrown building, a path into the forest, or the tiny creatures of the rice fields, we're sure you'll find your own favorite La Collina.

By Train

From Central Japan International Airport Station, go to Kaneyama Station and take the Tokaido Line for Maibara. From Maibara Station, take the special rapid train on the Biwako Line, which will take you to Omihachiman Station in three stops.

Travel time: 2 hours and 15 minutes

Fare: Starting from 2,890 yen (prices vary depending on whether you choose a reserved or unreserved seat on the express train)

Alternatively, you can go to Nagoya Station from Central Japan International Airport Station and take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Maibara Station.

Travel time: Approximately 2 hours

Fare: Starting from 5,000 yen (prices vary depending on whether you choose a reserved or unreserved seat on the express train)

To get to La Collina Omihachiman from Omihachiman Station, take the Ohmi Bus for about 10 minutes. As there are a limited number of buses that operate from the station to La Collina, another option is to take a taxi from the station entrance.

By Car

The most common route from Chubu Centrair International Airport to La Collina Omihachiman is via the Chita Peninsula Road, Nagoya Expressway, and Meishin Expressway, exiting at Ryuo IC or Hikone IC and continuing on local roads. Using the expressways allows you to smoothly pass through the Nagoya metropolitan area.

Travel time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

Expressway toll: 2,500 - 3,500 yen

Tips for Comfortable Travel from Chubu Centrair International Airport

Japan's public transportation system is punctual and convenient, but it can also feel a little complicated for first-time visitors. If you keep the following points in mind, you'll be able to get your trip off to a smooth start.

Reserve μSKY Seats Online

All seats on μSKY (MyuSKY), a limited express train bound for Nagoya Station, are reserved.

Even if the ticket counter at the station is packed, you can use the Meitetsu Online Reservation Service to select and purchase your seat with your smartphone.

Identifying Train Type and Color

Various trains with different destinations and types stop at the platforms of Central Japan International Airport Station. Please keep the following points in mind.

μSKY: Trains have a blue and white design

Limited express and express trains: Trains have a red and white design

To avoid confusion, check the platform markings at your feet and the color-coded display boards overhead (blue = μSKY, red = express).

Optimize Time by Traveling Smart! Choose the Best Travel Method for You

Photo by PIXTA

From Chubu Centrair International Airport, you can easily access popular tourist destinations in the Chubu region, such as Nagoya, Takayama, and Gero Onsen, by train, bus, or car. Knowing the route, travel time, and fare in advance will ensure a smooth journey.

Refer to this article to choose the best mode of transportation for you and enjoy your trip to the Chubu area to the fullest!