Handa has two main train stations: JR Handa Station and Meitetsu Chita-Handa Station.
JR Handa Station is slightly more convenient for some major sightseeing spots, such as Handa Canal and the MIZKAN MUSEUM. However, Chita-Handa Station can be easier to use if you are traveling from Centrair, Tokoname, or Otagawa.
Rather than choosing one station as the “best” option, it is better to choose between JR and Meitetsu based on where you are coming from.
This guide explains how to get to Handa from Centrair, Tokoname, Nagoya, Kanayama, and Otagawa.
Handa Station or Chita-Handa Station: Which Should You Use?
First, it is important to know that Handa Station and Chita-Handa Station are different stations.
| Station | Railway Company | Main Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Handa Station | JR | Convenient for Handa Canal and the MIZKAN MUSEUM area |
| Chita-Handa Station | Meitetsu | Convenient from Nagoya and Otagawa Also easy to use from Centrair and Tokoname |
The two stations are not very far apart, and you can explore central Handa from either one.
You do not necessarily need to choose JR just because Handa Station is slightly closer to some sightseeing spots.
If Meitetsu is more convenient for your overall route, such as when traveling from Centrair or Tokoname, simply use Chita-Handa Station.
Recommended Routes to Handa by Departure Point
First, check the route that matches where you are starting your trip.
| From | Recommended Railway | Arrival Station | Approx. Travel Time | Main Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centrair | Meitetsu | Chita-Handa Station | About 50-60 min | You can start directly from the airport on Meitetsu |
| Tokoname | Meitetsu | Chita-Handa Station | About 40-50 min | Meitetsu is the simplest option |
| Nagoya | Meitetsu / JR | Chita-Handa / Handa | About 35-40 min / About 45-60 min | Both railways are available |
| Kanayama | Meitetsu / JR | Chita-Handa / Handa | About 35-40 min / About 40-50 min | Be careful: both JR and Meitetsu use Kanayama Station |
| Otagawa | Meitetsu | Chita-Handa Station | About 20-30 min | Easy access via the Meitetsu Kowa Line |
Travel times vary depending on the train and transfers.
From Centrair to Handa
Recommended: Meitetsu to Chita-Handa Station
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Departure | Chubu Centrair International Airport Station |
| Arrival | Chita-Handa Station |
| Railway | Meitetsu |
| Travel Time | About 50-60 min |
| Transfers | Depends on the train |
| Recommendation | ★★★ |
If you are traveling from Centrair, the easiest option is usually to use Meitetsu directly from the airport.
Although JR Handa Station is slightly closer to some sightseeing spots, there is no need to change to another railway just to reach JR Handa Station.
For most travelers, heading to Chita-Handa Station by Meitetsu is the simplest option.
What to Watch For
Not every train leaving Centrair toward Nagoya will take you directly to Chita-Handa Station.
The best transfer route depends on the time of day, so check Google Maps or the official Meitetsu route planner before boarding.
From Tokoname to Handa
Recommended: Meitetsu to Chita-Handa Station
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Departure | Tokoname Station |
| Arrival | Chita-Handa Station |
| Railway | Meitetsu |
| Travel Time | About 40-50 min |
| Transfers | Depends on the train |
| Recommendation | ★★★ |
Meitetsu is also the most practical choice when traveling from Tokoname to Handa.
Tokoname and Handa are relatively close on the map, but the railway lines do not always connect them directly, so you may need to transfer depending on the train.
This route works well if you want to visit Handa after exploring places such as the Tokoname Pottery Footpath.
From Nagoya Station to Handa
From Nagoya, you can reach Handa by either Meitetsu or JR.
| Meitetsu | JR | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Meitetsu Nagoya Station | Nagoya Station |
| Arrival | Chita-Handa Station | Handa Station |
| Approx. Travel Time | About 35-40 min | About 45-60 min |
| Main Advantage | Convenient and generally faster | Convenient for the Handa Canal area |
| Recommendation | ★★★ | ★★ |
Depending on the train, you can travel from Meitetsu Nagoya Station to Chita-Handa Station without changing trains.
Note: Nagoya is also served by subway lines. However, the subway does not go directly to Handa, so use JR or Meitetsu for this trip.
Meitetsu May Be Better If You:
- Want to start sightseeing from Chita-Handa Station
- Plan to travel via Otagawa
- Will use Meitetsu for other parts of your trip
JR May Be Better If You:
- Want to arrive closer to Handa Canal or the MIZKAN MUSEUM
- Are mainly traveling by JR
Either railway works well for sightseeing in Handa.
Rather than focusing too much on a small difference in travel time, choose the route that fits your overall trip best.
From Kanayama Station to Handa
You can also travel from Kanayama to Handa using either Meitetsu or JR.
| Meitetsu | JR | |
|---|---|---|
| Departure | Meitetsu Kanayama Station | JR Kanayama Station |
| Arrival | Chita-Handa Station | Handa Station |
| Travel Time | About 30-35 min | About 40-50 min |
| Recommendation | ★★★ | ★★ |
Note: Kanayama is also served by subway lines. However, the subway does not go directly to Handa, so use JR or Meitetsu for this trip.
Important: Kanayama Has Both JR and Meitetsu
Kanayama is a major transport hub served by several railway lines.
Although both are called “Kanayama Station,” JR and Meitetsu use different ticket gates and platforms.
When checking your route, make sure your destination is shown as either:
- JR Handa Station
- Meitetsu Chita-Handa Station
Kanayama is also one of Meitetsu’s major stations, making it a convenient place to catch trains toward Chita-Handa.
From Otagawa Station to Handa
Recommended: Meitetsu to Chita-Handa Station
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Departure | Otagawa Station |
| Arrival | Chita-Handa Station |
| Railway | Meitetsu |
| Travel Time | About 20-30 min |
| Recommendation | ★★★ |
From Otagawa Station, take the Meitetsu Kowa Line toward Chita-Handa.
Station signs may show destinations such as Kowa or Utsumi rather than Chita-Handa itself.
Because Chita-Handa is located south of Otagawa on the Kowa Line, look for signs for Kowa / Utsumi direction.
After Arriving in Handa: Which Station Is Better for Sightseeing?
Many of Handa’s main sightseeing spots are concentrated around the Handa Canal area.
| Sightseeing Spot | From JR Handa Station | From Meitetsu Chita-Handa Station |
|---|---|---|
| Handa Canal | About 10 min on foot | About 15 min on foot |
| MIZKAN MUSEUM | About 5 min on foot | About 15 min on foot |
| Kunizakari Sake Cultural Hall | About 10 min on foot | About 15 min on foot |
| Handa Red Brick Building | About 15 min on foot | About 15 min on foot |
JR Handa Station is generally more convenient for the Handa Canal area.
However, Chita-Handa Station is still within walking distance of central Handa.
If you arrive by Meitetsu from Centrair, Nagoya, or another nearby area, there is usually no need to switch to JR just to reach Handa Station.
How to Explore Handa on a Half-Day Trip
If you focus on the Handa Canal area, much of central Handa can be explored on foot.
Starting from JR Handa Station
JR Handa Station
→Handa Canal
→MIZKAN MUSEUM
→Historic storehouses and cafés
→Return to Handa Station
Starting from Meitetsu Chita-Handa Station
Chita-Handa Station
→Walk toward Handa Canal
→MIZKAN MUSEUM
→Historic storehouses and cafés
→Return to Chita-Handa Station
If you have more time, consider continuing to places such as the Handa Red Brick Building.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Handa
Are JR Handa Station and Meitetsu Chita-Handa Station the Same Station?
No.
JR Handa Station and Meitetsu Chita-Handa Station are separate stations.
However, both are located in central Handa, and you can walk from either station to the main sightseeing areas.
Which Station Is Better from Centrair?
For most travelers, Meitetsu Chita-Handa Station is the easier choice.
Centrair has its own Meitetsu station, so you can stay on the same railway network.
From Nagoya, Should I Use JR or Meitetsu?
Either option works.
Meitetsu is often convenient and can be faster, while JR Handa Station is closer to the Handa Canal area.
Choose based on the rest of your travel route.
Can I Use an IC Card?
Check the latest IC card information before publishing this section.
Summary: Choose JR or Meitetsu Based on Where You Are Coming From
Handa has two main stations: JR Handa Station and Meitetsu Chita-Handa Station.
Neither station is always the better choice.
If you are coming from Centrair, Tokoname, or Otagawa, Meitetsu is usually the most convenient option.
If you are traveling from Nagoya or Kanayama, you can compare both JR and Meitetsu.
Many of Handa’s main attractions, including Handa Canal and the MIZKAN MUSEUM, are located in the central area and can be explored on foot after you arrive.
For exact train times and the best route on the day of your trip, check a route-planning app before you travel.
