Nagano/Matsumoto Travel Logistics and Destinations
Nagano- Matsumoto Travel Logistics and Destinations
April, 2024
1. Traveling to and from Matsumoto to join Sake Tours Nagano 2024
Tour starts and ends at JR Matsumoto Station.
The tour starts at JR Matsumoto Station at 10:45 AM on Monday Nov 11. You can travel with the tour leader from Shinjuku to Matsumoto on the Limited Express Azusa 5 - JR express train: Shinjuku 8:00 AM - Matsumoto 10:39 AM.
The tour ends at around 4:00 PM on Friday Nov 15 at Matsumoto Station. Planned train for the tour leader is Limited Express Azusa 46: Matsumoto 4:30 PM - Shinjuku 7:00 PM.
Monday: Tokyo to JR Matsumoto
If you are traveling from Tokyo to Matsumoto on Monday, this is the planned train.
We will meet on the platform around 7:45 AM.
8:00 AM Depart from JR Shinjuku Station on Azusa 5 JR Express Train - Arrive at JR Matsumoto at 10:39 AM
If you are already in Matsumoto, please meet the 2nd tour leader at Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel lobby at 10:30 AM
Friday: JR Matsumoto to Tokyo
If you are traveling back to Tokyo, you can catch the following express train with our tour leader or catch a later one.
4:30 PM Depart from JR Matsumoto on Limited Express Azusa 46 - Arriving at JR Shinjuku at 7:00 PM
If you are traveling to Osaka or Nagoya, you will catch the following express train.
4:54 PM Depart from JR Matsumoto on Limited Express Shinano 22- Arriving at JR Nagoya at 8:07 PM - if traveling to Osaka you can get the shinkansen from Nagoya.
If you travel to/from Matsumoto on your own
Matsumoto is a direct train ride from Shinjuku Station, in Tokyo, or Nagoya Station, in Aichi Prefecture. Please review the transportation between Matsumoto and other cities.
JR Shinjuku/Tokyo
JR Matsumoto on JR Limited Express Azusa. It takes about 2 hours and 40 min.JR Tokyo Station - JR Matsumoto via Nagano.
JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano from JR Tokyo Station takes approximately 90 min. Nagano - Matsumoto is on a local train and takes 75 - 90 min.JR Nagoya/Osaka - JR Matsumoto.
Between JR Nagoya and Matsumoto, Limited Express Shinano runs almost every hour and it takes 2 hours and 8 min. Please switch to JR Tokaido Shinkansen to continue on to Kyoto or Osaka.JR Kanazawa - Matsumoto via Nagano
JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano from JR Kanazawa Station takes approximately 60 min. Nagano - Matsumoto is on a local train and takes 75 - 90 min.Takayama - Matsumoto by direct express bus
Takayama Bus Center— Matsumoto Bus Terminal 2 hours 25 min. Alpico and Nohi Buses, six buses every day ¥2,600
https://www.alpico.co.jp/en/timetable/matsumoto/r-takayama-matsumoto/
Google Maps also has a very good timetable of public transport information in English and is very convenient. It is a good idea to have the Google Maps app downloaded on your phone.
For more information about how to get around in or out Matsumoto, please visit: https://visitmatsumoto.com/en/access/
There are various tourist passes to make your trip easy. For more information about train passes, scroll down to the “Purchasing Train Tickets” section.
2. Travel Ideas before/after Sake Tours Nagano 2024
**This is the Highest Travel Season in Nagano**
November is a busy travel season for both international and domestic travelers. Our Nagano Tour (Nov 11 - 15) falls right in the peak season for Nagano and surrounding areas.
Please book your transportation and accommodation in advance.
We recommend allowing yourselves extra time to plan for the trip if you are traveling before/after the sake tours. Please book your accommodation in August. For JR trains, we recommend booking the train two to four weeks in advance. [See below (section 3) for booking trains in advance]
We have received several inquiries on places to explore before or after the tour.
These are some easy-to-travel recommendations if traveling to other areas before or after the Nagano Tour.(Matsumoto Area).
JR East offers some tourist passes and discounts for the exclusive use of visitors from overseas. Scroll down to the “Purchasing Train Tickets” section and see what’s available!
Recommended Sightseeing Spots
Matsumoto:
Matsumoto is full of exciting sightseeing destinations, many walkable from the station.
The city's icon, Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's twelve remaining original castles.
Love Kusama? Contemporary Artist and the polka dot lady Kusama Yayoi is from Matsumoto, and Matsumoto City Museum of Art is a must.
In addition, Matsumoto is a charming city surrounded by the Japan Alps and walking around the town is highly recommended. Stroll around the Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel and find a cute coffee shop, book shop, artisanal jam maker, or the old-style cocktail bars.
Sightseeing Spots in Matsumoto: https://visitmatsumoto.com/en/
Zenkoji Temple:
Zenkoji Temple, near Nagano Station, has a history of about 1,400 years and is the largest wooden structure in eastern Japan. There are as many as 39 sub-temples on the grounds, called shukubo, that allow visitors to experience an overnight temple stay and attend the service early in the morning.
Website: https://www.zenkoji.jp/en/
Obuse for Chestnut Sweets and Art:
Obuse, about 20 kilometers northeast of Nagano, is one of the prefecture’s most picturesque small towns. Streets in the center are laid with blocks of chestnut wood for slow strolls.
Obuse is famous for chestnuts, and the cafes in the area offer amazing chestnut sweets and cakes. If you are in Obuse, please visit Masuichi Brewery’s tasting room, Kurabu Restaurant and Hokusai Museum.
Website: http://www.obusekanko.jp/obuse-guide/about
Hotel Recommendation in Yudanaka: See Masuichi Kyakuden in the next section
Yudanaka Onsen near Nagano:
Yudanaka Onsen is about one hour from Nagano and it is an excellent spot to enjoy the onsen and hike up to see the monkeys relaxing in the steamy bath.
Website: https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/2247/
Hotel Recommendation in Yudanaka: See Kanaguya in the next section.
Kanazawa:
Kanazawa is the capital of Ishikawa Prefecture (adjacent to Nagano Prefecture), on Japan’s central Honshu Island.
From Nagano, Kanazawa is approximately 1.5 hours via Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Kanazawa is a classic city to immerse yourself in history and culture. Enjoy strolling in the Omi Market, visiting the Kenrokuen Gardens, or some of the best museums. If you are into contemporary art, don't miss the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art.
Website: https://visitkanazawa.jp/en/
Recommended Ryokan/Onsen
Tobira Onsen Myojinkan:
Classic ryokan with a private onsen in the room 45 min from JR Matsumoto by scheduled hotel shuttle. Tobira Onsen Myojinkan offers a divinely serene atmosphere in the forest, relaxing baths in the heart of nature, aromatherapy and superb rooms and suites.
Website: https://www.relaischateaux.com/us/hotel/tobira-onsen-myojinkan/
Asama Onsen Area near Matsumoto
This area is approximately 30 min from Matsumoto is known as a quaint onsen town. It is popular among tourists to stroll on the narrow streets.
Matsumoto Jujo
There are two establishments next to each other managed by the same company. Matsumoto Honbako is a western style room with private open air bath. Hotel Koyanagi Matsumoto Honbako is a Japanese ryokan style room with a private open air bath 30 min from JR Matsumoto Station by bus or taxi.
These hotels are the renovated two former Koyanagi buildings that feature a variety of rooms, with their interior that has been finished with natural materials such as diatomaceous earth and solid natural wood.
Website: https://matsumotojujo.com/eng/
Hoshino Resort KAI Matsumoto Onsen resort
Surrounded by mountains, this polished hot spring hotel in a cozy modern building is 4 km from the 16th-century Matsumoto Castle museum and 5 km from Matsumoto train station: takes 30 min from JR Matsumoto Station by bus or taxi.
They offer three types of rooms and these refined rooms feature tatami mats, chabudai dining tables and futons.
Masuichi Kyakuden
Masuichi Kyakuden is a high-class small hotel in Obuse, a town in Nagano highly recognized for Ukiyo-e artisan Hokusai and locally-grown quality chestnuts.
It is easily accessible by train from Tokyo. JR Tokyo Station - [JR Nagano Shinkansen "Asama": 1.5 hrs] - Nagano station. From Nagano Station, you can take Nagano line for 30 mins. From the nearest station, 5 min by taxi
Website: https://www.kyakuden.jp/english/
Kanaguya
KANAGUYA, in the Yudanaka Shibu Onsen area is known as an historical 250+ years old ryokan that sits on a narrow street dating back to the Edo period, in Shibu Onsen, Nagano. An architectural tour at the ryokan gives you a sense of wandering into the world of Ghibli movies. Rooms are simple and modest. Some rooms have baths in the room.
Website: http://www.kanaguya.com/english.html
***Please note***
We hope we have provided enough information to plan your trip to Japan. As you know, Sake Tours is a small, boutique operation with limited resources and at the moment, we are focusing on the coordination of our actual tours.
We would love to be able to assist you with your additional travel plans; however, we need to ask our guests to plan your own itineraries and book your hotels and train tickets for anything before and after the Nagano tour.
We have asked our partnering travel agencies to see if they can provide some travel consulting and private tour booking, but they cannot due to staff shortages. We hope our pointers give you enough clues to plan your trip and book your hotels.
3. Purchasing Train Tickets
**This is the Highest Travel Season in Nagano**
November is a busy travel season for both international and domestic travelers. Our Nagano Tour (Nov 11 - 15) falls right in the peak season for Nagano and surrounding areas.
Please book your transportation and accommodation in advance.
We recommend allowing yourselves extra time to plan for the trip if you are traveling before/after the sake tours. Please book your accommodation in August. For JR trains, we recommend booking the train two to four weeks in advance.
Purchase In-Person:
To purchase train tickets at the JR Ticket Office once you are in Japan.
Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/ticket/purchase.html
Purchase Online:
Update Feb 2024 ~ Now you can book your JR tickets online across all JR companies. You will receive a QR code to issue the physical tickets at JR Station.
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/booking/jr/
user guide
https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/booking/jr/support/operation/
Reserved Seats means - regular/ordinary class
Green means - bigger seats/business class
JR Pass
If you are traveling to many other areas before or after the Nagano Tour, Japan Rail Pass is perfect and gives you so much flexibility.
You can now purchase the JR Pass online and reserve your seats online. (You must pick up the pass at a ticket office in Japan with your passport.)
For more information, please visit:
JR East Pass (Nagano, Niigata Area) :
The JR East Pass is perfect for trips to Nagano, Niigata, and destinations around Tokyo such as the Nikko area, the Izu Peninsula, and Chiba. Be aware that the JR East pass cannot be used on the JR Chuo West Line that runs through Kiso or the Iida Line that runs through southern Nagano.
How to purchase and use a pass
Purchase your pass
Purchases can be made online via JR-EAST Train Reservation, at ticket offices in Japan, or at travel agencies outside of Japan.
Picking up your pass
You can pick up or purchase a pass at major airports and train stations.
Use your pass
You can use your pass for 5 days starting on the date you indicated when purchasing the pass. Please use automatic ticket gate machine.
Details:
Duration: 5 Days
Price: Adults: 18,000 JPY / Children: 9,000 JPY
Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/eastpass_n.html
Hokuriku Arch Pass:
This pass is highly convenient for visitors wanting to explore multiple regions of Japan. The Hokuriku Arch Pass covers routes along the Hokuriku Shinkansen and the limited express Thunderbird from Tokyo to Nagano, Toyama and Kanazawa, as well as routes along the limited express Thunderbird routes to Nagano, Toyama, from Kanazawa, to Kyoto, and up to Osaka.
The Hokuriku Arch Pass also includes routes between Tokyo and Narita Airport, as well as routes between Kansai International Airport and Osaka. Some train lines in the Tokyo and Osaka areas are also covered by this pass, so be sure to check your route in advance.
How to purchase and use a pass
Purchase your pass
Purchases can be made online via JR-EAST Train Reservation, at ticket offices in Japan, or at travel agencies outside of Japan.
Picking up your pass
You can pick up or purchase a pass at major airports and train stations.
Use your pass
You can use your pass for 7 days starting on the date you indicated when purchasing the pass. Please use automatic ticket gate machines.
Details:
Duration: 7 Days
Price: Adults: 25,500 JPY / Children: 12,750 JPY
Website: https://www.jreast.co.jp/multi/en/pass/hokurikuarch.html
2-Day Free Passport Kamikochi/Norikura/Matsumoto:
Offered by Alpico, this reasonable pass offers unlimited travel on Alpico trains and select bus lines in Matsumoto City, covering such major destinations from the Northern Japan Alps (incl. Kamikochi, Norikura and Shirahone Hot Springs) in the west to Utsukushigahara Highlands in the east.
Details:
Duration: 2 Days
Price: Adults 7,000 JPY / Children 3,500 JPY
Website: https://www.alpico.co.jp/en/2day-free-passport/
** 4-Day Pass including Hida-Takayama and beyond also available: https://www.alpico.co.jp/en/alps-wide-free-passport/
Find out other passes that are available from:
https://www.go-nagano.net/en/travel-guide/transportation/passes/
4. Flights to/from Matsumoto Airport
Flying to another city might be one of the options after you enjoy Nagano. It takes about 20 mins by taxi/bus from JR Matsumoto to the Airport.
These are the cities with flights from Shinshu Matsumoto Airport
https://www.matsumoto-airport.co.jp/schedule
Kobe
Osaka (Itami)
Sapporo (Chiotose)
Fukuoka
Suica/Pasmo Cards.
Suica/Pasmo is an IC transport card which can be used on JR and most subways in Tokyo.
In August 2023, there was an announcement that SUICA and PASMO card sales will be suspended indefinitely due to limited availability of the IC chip.
What does it mean to you?
If you have a SUICA/PASMO/ICOCA IC transport card from previous travel, please make sure to bring it. They do not expire for a long time.
If you do not have one or if you are visiting Japan for the first time, you can purchase a time limited Welcome SUICA or PASMO PASSPORT which will expire after 28 days.
Welcome SUICA or PASMO PASSPORT are sold at limited locations. It is best to obtain one at Narita or Haneda Airport. We will update you on where and how to purchase Welcome SUICA or PASMO PASSPORT.
Onboard Snack Cart services to cease on Tokyo - Osaka (and return) Shinkansen from October 31st 2023
As above - so be sure to get some drinks or snacks for your trip from the station before you leave.