Getting from Nagoya Station to Ghibli Park is straightforward once you know the system — but Nagoya Station itself is a whole experience. There are two options: train or highway bus. I’ve used both, and this guide covers everything you need to navigate either one with confidence.
What you’ll learn in this article:
- How long each option takes, and roughly what it costs
- How to navigate Nagoya Station without losing 20 minutes to confusion (like I did)
- Why I recommend the train for most visitors — and when the bus makes sense instead
- The March 2026 access route change for the highway bus terminal
- How to pay for the bus as an international visitor
Option 1: By Train 🚃 (Recommended)
The train is cheaper and, once you know the layout, more reliable than it looks. Here’s the overview:
Estimated Train Travel Times to Ghibli Park
The Higashiyama Line and the Linimo are two separate transit systems operated by different companies. You’ll transfer at Fujigaoka Station.
Nagoya Station: Possibly Japan’s Most Confusing Hub
Here’s something I genuinely didn’t anticipate: heading to Ghibli Park in the morning means walking straight into peak commuter rush hour on the Higashiyama Line — and the crowds are on a completely different level.
The platform gets so packed that the queue backs up all the way to the ticket gates. Think Shinjuku-level crowding. Maybe worse. But trains run every 2 minutes, so you’re really only waiting one or two trains once you’re in position. And despite the chaos, everyone queues with this incredible calm discipline — I was equal parts impressed and just desperately trying not to get in anyone’s way. 😅
The good news: the really packed stretch is only Nagoya → Fushimi → Sakae. After Sakae, you can usually find a seat.
One more quirk worth knowing: the inbound and outbound Higashiyama Line platforms at Nagoya Station are offset from each other — not directly across. I was confused by this for a while. Give yourself extra time on the first morning.
- 🚇 For the Higashiyama Subway Line: Head to the Sakura-dori Exit (south side). Look for the Golden Clockinside the station — it’s the classic orientation landmark everyone uses. From Sakura-dori, step outside briefly, then re-enter via stairway #8 or #9 to reach the ticket gates.
- 🏨 For Gate Tower Hotel (15F): Sakura-dori Exit → use the 1F elevator on the Sakura-dori side. Most elevators in the building only go to 2F, so use the 1F one if you have luggage.
- 🎁 Donguri Republic (Studio Ghibli’s official merchandise chain): located on the 1F of Gate Tower. From Sakura-dori Exit, turn left.
- 🚌 For the highway bus to Ghibli Park: Hiroko-ji Exit → see the bus section below for updated directions.
It’s an absolute lifesaver being able to drop off my bags!
A Hotel That Changes Everything!
If you can swing it, I’d strongly recommend booking a hotel with direct access to Nagoya Station. I stayed at the Nagoya JR Gate Tower Hotel — built directly on top of the station, with the Higashiyama Line just an elevator ride away — and it made the whole three-day trip dramatically easier.
- Dropped shopping bags off between sessions without hunting for coin lockers
- On the final day, the hotel held my suitcase after checkout so I could stay at the park until close
- Still made a 7pm Shinkansen home with time for a proper station dinner
My strong recommendation!!
All Aboard the Linimo 🚇
After transferring at Fujigaoka Station, you’ll board the Linimo — and honestly, it’s a bit of a highlight in itself.
The Linimo is a fully automated, driverless maglev train (actual magnetic levitation!) running on an elevated track through the suburbs northeast of Nagoya. It glides smoothly and silently, and there’s something wonderfully fitting about arriving at Ghibli Park on a futuristic floating train.
The station signs along the Linimo line are all individually illustrated — reportedly designed by faculty from the nearby Aichi Prefectural University of the Arts. Look out for the unique design at each stop!
En route, you’ll pass an AEON Mall and an IKEA — good landmarks for getting a sense of how far out into the suburbs you are. By the time you arrive at Aichi Expo Memorial Park Station, the park mood has already begun.
Option 2: Highway Bus 🚌
The highway bus costs more than the train, but it skips the subway rush hour entirely, requires less navigation, and is slightly faster door-to-door. If you’re traveling with luggage or just want a stress-free morning, it’s a solid option.
That said, I’ll be honest: bus seats are limited, standing isn’t allowed (it’s a highway bus), and most visitors end up on the train. So I’ll keep this section practical rather than exhaustive.
Getting to the Bus Terminal (Updated: March 2026)
The Meitetsu Bus Center is located in what was formerly the Meitetsu Department Store building, accessible from the Hiroko-ji Exit of Nagoya Station.
From the Hiroko-ji Exit, proceed to street level and look for the 1F entrance of the former Meitetsu building. Signage for “名鉄バスセンター入口（1階）” marks the new entry point.
For the Ghibli Park-bound bus, proceed to Gate 24 on the 4th floor once inside.
Meitetsu Express Bus Official Website: timetable and price
Returning to Nagoya by Bus
The return bus stops near the Global Center (地球市民交流センター) at the park’s North Gate — it’s tucked behind the building, so budget 10 minutes to find it.
Please note that there are three direct buses from the park to Nagoya Station around 17:00, but only one from 12:00 to 16:00. If the seat is full, you will not be able to get on. ( It seems that you can’t stand up because you’re on the highway.)
I also took the express bus home only once. To be honest, it was very easy!!
Paying for the Bus: IC Cards
Use an IC contactless card if at all possible — the process is simple: tap on boarding, tap again to pay on exit.
Most international visitors I’ve seen on the bus use Suica. If you don’t have one yet, there’s a Welcome Suica option designed for visitors to Japan:
💳 Physical card: Available at major JR stations, top up with cash.
📱 Mobile app (recommended): Top up via Apple Pay — no cash needed. iPhone only.
🛬 Flying into Centrair Airport?
If you’re landing at Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) rather than Tokyo or Osaka, there’s a direct highway bus from Terminal 1, Access Plaza Floor 1 to Ghibli Park (via Fujigaoka). Check the Meitetsu Bus official site for current timetables and fares.
Note: This section is based on official information — I haven’t personally used this route.
Full Ghibli Park Map
Tips for using the map:
- Tap the layers icon (top-left) to expand the full location list
- Hide the “Free Area Spots” layer if you want to discover those on your own 🐾
- The interior of Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse is intentionally not included — explore it yourself!
More Ghibli Park Guides
This model course created from our failure has an overwhelming response.
We introduce clothing coordination inspired by Ghibli’s anime works. In fact, there are a lot of them in the park of Ghibli Park! Coordination that is not cosplay is called “Gainen Coordination (conceptual coordination)” in Japan. Please refer to it.
Update
- 2026/06/11 Posted.