Once you arrive at Chubu Centrair International Airport, it’s time to begin your trip around the Chita Peninsula!
But you may be wondering:
“How should I get around the area?”
“What’s the best and easiest way to explore the local sights?”
This article will guide you through the main transportation options in Chita Peninsula.
The best way for international travelers is to use trains and visit tourist spots that are within walking distance from the stations.
Getting Around Chita Peninsula: Trains (Meitetsu Line) Are the Most Convenient
Chita Peninsula is a nature-rich area located south of Aichi Prefecture, with tourist destinations spread across cities like Tokoname, Handa, and Minamichita.
The main railway in this region is the Meitetsu Line, which conveniently connects with Chubu Centrair International Airport Station. While Aichi also has JR and subway lines, the Meitetsu Line is the best option for exploring the Chita Peninsula.
Meitetsu Has Multiple Train Types – Use an App to Avoid Confusion
There are several types of trains on the Meitetsu Line:
- μ-SKY (Mu-Sky): The fastest limited express between Nagoya and Centrair (requires an extra ticket).
- Limited Express, Express, Semi-Express, Local: No additional fee; stops at major stations.
Popular sightseeing stations like Tokoname and Handa are often served by limited express trains.
Recommended App: Japan Transit Planner（Jorudan Co.,Ltd.）
This app supports English and makes navigating the Japanese train system much easier. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get clear instructions on which train to take.
Despite the complexity of Japan’s railway system, this app makes it simple for foreign visitors.
Buy a “manaca” IC Card at Centrair Station for Smooth Train Travel
We recommend purchasing a manaca IC card for Meitetsu trains. Just tap it on the ticket gate to ride!
In Tokyo, the equivalent card is Suica. In Osaka, it’s PASMO. These cards work similarly across regions.
- You can buy a non-registered manaca card at Centrair station’s ticket machines. No ID is needed.
- Note: Cash only (no credit cards) for both purchasing and charging the card.
Easiest Way to Charge manaca: Use 7-Eleven!
While you can recharge manaca at train station ticket machines, they often have Japanese-only interfaces and can be confusing.
At 7-Eleven, just tell the staff, “Charge, please.”
You can then choose an amount on a touch panel and charge your card easily.
Buses Are Infrequent and Not Ideal for Tourists
Buses in the Chita area are mainly for local residents, not tourists.
They often run once an hour or less, making sightseeing with buses inefficient.
We don’t recommend relying on buses for first-time visitors.
Taxis Are Comfortable but Expensive and Inconvenient
Taxis are available at some major stations like Centrair, Ōtagawa, and Chita Handa.
However, there are few street taxis, and at smaller stations, you may need to ask station staff to call one.
Taxi apps are not widely used in Japan yet, so the process can be clunky.
(We really hope it gets better someday!)
Summary: For Chita Sightseeing, Take the Meitetsu Train and Walk Around!
The best way to explore Chita Peninsula is by taking Meitetsu trains and visiting nearby attractions on foot.
Most sightseeing spots are within 5 to 20 minutes’ walk from the station, allowing you to enjoy the local scenery as you go.
Buy a manaca card at Centrair to travel smoothly,
and use the Jorudan app to plan your train rides!
Enjoy your journey through Chita Peninsula – filled with nature, food, and history – by train! 🚆🌊
