The Hida is a limited express train service operated byCentral Japan Railway Company along the Takayama Main Line in central Japan since 1958, which connects and in just over 2 hours, and in 4 hours 15 minutes and and in 4 hours. The Hida serves various locations en route such as and. The best feature for many of Limited Express Hida trains is the window that wraps around the cockpit offering un-interrupted views of the tracks in front of behind the train. Note this window is located in one of the Green Cars, request the car with 2+1 seating.
Overview
5 round trips operate from to Takayama, and five more continue past to Toyama. Additionally, one service runs from to. This service runs from to Gifu before coupling with a Hida service from and continuing to. Trains operate at a maximum speed of.
Stations called at
Brackets denote stations that not all Hida services stop at. – – – – – – – – – – – Some services continue to Toyama: – – – – Osaka service: – – – – – – - – – – – – - – –
Facilities
Standard class and Green class is available on this service, although not all services carry a Green car. Seat reservations can be made for an extra fee. There is one or more universal access toilets, as well as normal toilets, depending on how many carriages are being used for the service. There are also wheelchair spaces. No catering facilities are available on this train. There is a vending machine onboard, which provides a small selection of drinks. Complimentary WiFi is also available.
History
The service began on 1 March 1958. After Typhoon Tokage in 2004, the track suffered major damage from flooding. As a result, instead of going all the way to Toyama Station, trains could only go as far as Hida-Furukawa Station until September 8, 2007, when the track was repaired and again reached all the way to Toyama Station.
Rolling stock
All trains are formed of KiHa 85diesel multiple unit sets, usually as 3-, 4-, 6-, or 7-car formations, or occasionally 10-car formations, especially during busy seasons. KiHa 80 series DMUs were used from the start of operation in 1958 until 1990. KiHa 85 series trains have been used since 1989. New HC85 series hybrid trains are planned to be introduced on the service in 2022.
