The Chuo Main Line for Tajimi, Ena, and Nakatsugawa

The Chuo Main Line runs between Nagoya and Tokyo, but no single train runs along the complete length of the line. From Nagoya Station, most Chuo Main Line trains run eastward as far as Nakatsugawa Station or to stations between Nagoya and Nakatsugawa.

The Limited Express Shinano continues beyond Nakatsugawa to Shiojiri Station before running via the Shinonoi Line and Shinetsu Main Line to Nagano. JR Central operates the section between Nagoya and Shiojiri. JR local and rapid services, as well as ordinary-car travel on the Limited Express Shinano, are covered by the Japan Rail Pass. Private connecting railways listed below are not covered, and seat reservations are required on the Shinano during published all-reserved periods.

At Nagoya Station, Chuo Main Line services normally depart from platforms 7, 8, 10, and 11, but passengers should confirm the platform on the departure board.

Key Destinations

Chuo Main Line services from Nagoya Station stop at the following stations:

Nagoya – Kanayama – Tsurumai – Chikusa – Ozone – Shin-Moriyama – Kachigawa – Kasugai – Jinryo – Kozoji – Jokoji – Kokokei – Tajimi – Tokishi – Mizunami – Kamado – Takenami – Ena – Mino-Sakamoto – Nakatsugawa

Below are the key destinations and transfers on this line, with current adult paper-ticket fares and representative local or rapid train times from Nagoya Station. Journey times vary by service, and IC-card fares may differ. Travel on the Limited Express Shinano requires an additional limited express ticket unless covered by a qualifying rail pass.

Kanayama Station

Transfer here to the JR Tokaido Main Line, to Meitetsu Railway services, and to Nagoya Municipal Subway’s Meijo and Meiko lines. Kanayama Station is an important transportation hub in Nagoya, and Meitetsu Railway express train services to and from Chubu Centrair Airport stop here.

Tsurumai Station

Exit here for Tsuruma Park, which is a popular cherry blossom viewing location in the spring. Transfer here to Nagoya Municipal Subway’s Tsurumai Line.

Chikusa Station

Exit here for Takamu Shrine and its ancient well, Koi no Mizu, or “Love Water.” According to local legend, the spring water of the shrine will bring romance to those who drink it. Transfer here to Nagoya Municipal Subway’s Higashiyama Line.

Ozone Station

Exit here for Tokugawaen Garden and the Tokugawa Art Museum, both about a 10-minute walk south from the JR South Exit. Transfer here to Nagoya Municipal Subway’s Meijo Line and to the Meitetsu Seto Line.

Kachigawa Station

Transfer here to the Johoku Line. The Johoku Line’s Kachigawa Station is separate from the JR station and requires an outdoor walk of about 500 meters. The Johoku Line is operated by JR-Central Transport Service Company, and a separate fare is required; the Japan Rail Pass is not valid on this line.

Kozoji Station

Transfer here to the Aichi Loop Railway for services toward Seto, Toyota, and Okazaki. A separate fare is required on the Aichi Loop Railway.

Tajimi Station

Tajimi’s attractions include the beautiful Zen temple and garden of Kokeizan Eihoji, which was founded in 1313, the traditional pottery stores of Honmachi Oribe Street, and the Museum of Modern Ceramic Art, Gifu. Transfer here to the Taita Line.

Ena Station

Exit here for the scenic Ena Gorge and the Nakasendo Hiroshige Museum of Art. Ena is also a good base for hiking on the historic Nakasendo highway. Transfer at Ena Station to Akechi Railway’s Akechi Line for the castle town of Iwamura and Akechi, where Japan Taisho Village preserves the atmosphere of the Taisho era. A separate fare is required on Akechi Railway, and the Japan Rail Pass is not valid.

Nakatsugawa Station

Nakatsugawa is another good base for hikes along the scenic Nakasendo highway. There is a Nakasendo History Museum in the city, and preserved post-town streets and buildings can be found in Nakatsugawa-juku, Ochiai-juku, and Magome-juku. Nakatsugawa is also famous for its four local kabuki playhouses and for autumn chestnut confectionery, particularly kurikinton. Transfer here to Chuo Main Line services bound for Kiso-Fukushima in Nagano Prefecture.

Useful Links

To look up train times and connections on this line, use the official JR Central Access Search or Jorudan. JR Central also provides English travel information for its rail services.

Article and original photos by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 13-Jul-2026.