Matsumoto Station
Matsumoto Station is a small station connecting the city to nearby destinations including Nagano City, Nagoya, and Tokyo via Shinjuku Station. On this page you will find the following information:
— Train Lines / Services to Matsumoto Station
— Travel Passes Covering Travel to Matsumoto
— Purchasing & Activating a JR Pass
— Getting to & from Matsumoto Airport
— Group / Private Tours from Matsumoto
— Matsumoto Station Tourist Information
— Accommodation In & Around the Station
— 25 Things to Do Around Matsumoto & Where to Stay
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
Located in the centre of Matsumoto, the station allows easy access on-foot to the city’s attractions such as Matsumoto Castle and the Matsumoto City Art Museum. One of Japan’s most historic and pleasant cities, Matsumoto is worth exploring for a day before heading to one of the many nearby destinations, including the alpine valley of Kamikochi, the historic towns of Takayama and Shirakawa-go, the ski resorts of Hakuba, and Nagano City. And of course, the Jigokudani Monkey Park!
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator offering both group and private tours to the park along with the option of just transport and/or accommodation. Our vehicles and drivers are all fully certified and our guides are all locally-based. For more information, click HERE.
TRAIN LINES / SERVICES TO MATSUMOTO STATION
It is important to note that Matsumoto Station is not on any shinkansen line. The nearest shinkansen stations are: 1. Nagano Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line and 2. Nagoya Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. Several train lines run to and from Matsumoto Station. Both Nagano and Nagoya are readily accessible from Matsumoto Station using the relevant line (as listed below). These services will be of primary interest to international visitors:
1 / LIMITED EXPRESS AZUSA (on the Chuo Main Line) to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo
2 / LIMITED EXPRESS SHINANO (on the Shinonoi Line) to Nagano, Kiso Valley and Nagoya
3 / OITO LOCAL LINE to Azumino, Hakuba and Minami-Otari
4 / KAMIKOCHI LOCAL LINE for Shin-Shimashima (the nearest train station to Kamikochi)
The Limited Express Azusa and Limited Express Shinano are used by many international visitors wanting to explore Central Japan. Many visitors coming to Matsumoto will do so by train from Nagano and Tokyo. Both can be reached using these lines. Let’s start with how to get to Matsumoto from Nagano:
LIMITED EXPRESS AZUSA
Running between Shinjuku Station and Matsumoto Station, the Limited Express Azusa connects Matsumoto to Tokyo. Running along the Chuo Main Line, the service departs Shinjuku approximately every 30 minutes and stops at the following stations:
Matsumoto / Shiorji / Okaya / Shimo-Suwa / Kami-Suwa / Chino / Fujimi / Kobuchizawa / Kofu / Otsuki** / Hachioji / Tachikaawa / Shinjuku*
*Please note, stations marked in bold / red on the map are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day.
**While some Azusa services stop at Otsuki Station allowing passengers to transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line headed to Mount Fuji, most services do not. To reach Otsuki it will usually be easiest to transfer from the Azusa and either Hachioji or Kofu and take the Limited Express Kaiji service onto Otsuki. A one-way fare from Shinjuku costs JPY6,620 and takes around 160 minutes to reach Matsumoto.
LIMITED EXPRESS SHINANO
Running from Nagano to Nagoya, the Limited Express Shinano is a convenient and picturesque to make the journey between two of the region’s major cities. Starting from Nagano, stops include:
Nagano – Shinonoi – Hijiri-Kogen – Akashina – Matsumoto – Shiojiri – Kiso-Fukushima – Agematsu – Nagiso – Nakatsugawa – Ena – Taijimi – Chikusa – Kanayama – Nagoya*
*Please note, stations marked in bold / red on the map are stops on all services. Those not marked in bold are only serviced by certain services throughout the day.
The Limited Express Shinano runs along the Chuo and Shinonoi Lines – although services are direct without the need to transfer – and operates once an hour and takes around 50 minutes / JPY2,370 to reach Nagano from Matsumoto or 120 minutes / JPY5,610 to reach Nagoya from Matsumoto. The stations of Kiso-Fukushima and Nakatsugawa are the nearest access points to the Nakasendo Trail. For further details including daily timetable, see our ‘Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable’ page.
OITO LOCAL LINE
The local Oito Line runs north from Matsumoto and includes stops at Hotaka Station – the most convenient stop for people heading to Azumino – along with Hakuba Station – for the Hakuba Valley ski resorts – and finally terminating at Minami-Otari. A one-way journey from Matsumoto will require: 25 minutes / JPY330 to Hotaka Station; 100 to 110 min / JPY1170 to Hakuba Station; and 120 to 130 min / JPY1340 to Minami-Otari Station. For further information including timetables, see our ‘Oito Line inc. Hakuba Train Services’ page.
KAMIKOCHI LOCAL LINE
The Local Kamikochi Line connects Matsumoto with Shin-shimashima Station, the nearest station to Kamikochi. A one-way trip from Matsumoto takes approximately 30 minutes and costs JPY710. Once at Shin-shimashima Station, visitors heading to Kamikochi will need to transfer onto a bus. For further details, please refer to our ‘How to get to Kamikochi’ page.
TRAVEL PASSES COVERING TRAVEL TO MATSUMOTO
There is no escaping the fact that travel using the shinkansen and other rapid services is expensive. Given the speed and distances covered by these trains, travelers should think of them much like taking a flight, with tickets accordingly priced. International visitors to Japan have the option of purchasing one of several passes which allow for unlimited use of the Hokuriku along with other services:
JAPAN RAIL (JR) PASS
Covering all 9 shinkansen lines in Japan and many other train services, the JR Pass is a great option for visitors planning to use the shinkansen more than a handful of times and/or travel large distances. Travelers have the option of 7, 14 and 21-day passes covering either Ordinary or Ordinary and Green Cars. The JR Pass allows for use of almost any shinkansen service and other major rapid services at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost).
JAPAN RAIL (JR) EAST PASS / NAGANO & NIIGATA
This pass covers the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines serving Nagano and Niigata, along with other regional services. There is only one option of pass, covering 5 days of consecutive use. Notably cheaper than the JR Pass, this is a great option for visitors staying within Nagano and Niigata. Much like the JR Pass, it allows for use of any service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office or ticketing machine (at no additional cost).
PURCHASING & ACTIVATING A JR PASS
Passes can be purchased via the official website or via a JR-affiliated overseas sales office. Once you completed have payment, you will receive an exchange order. This is a proof of payment and looks almost like a flight ticket with your personal details, type of pass, and validity (three months from the date of issue). It is important to note that the exchange order is not your actual pass and will need to be exchanged for your pass once in Japan. Whatever you do, do not lose the exchange order and prioritise exchanging it for your pass when you arrive. For full details please refer to the specific page for each pass (as listed above).
Once you arrive in Japan and prior to using your pass, you must actually get your hands on it by exchanging the order/proof of purchase you received online. This can be done a numerous JR Pass Exchange Offices found at any major train station or airport including Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. If you have time to do so before leaving the airport, you can use the pass immediately.
Tokyo Station is another popular place to exchange and activate a JR Pass at either of these offices:
— JR East Travel Service Center (Marunouchi North Exit): 07:30 to 20:30
— JR Central Ticket Office (Yaesu Central) : 07:30 to 20:30
— JR Central Ticket Office (Yaesu North): 09:00 to 19:00
— JR East Travel Service Center (JAPAN RAIL CAFE): 08:00 to 16:00
— JR Tokai Tours Tokyo Office : 10:00 to 18:00
To exchange/activate your pass you will need your exchange order and passport. Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date). In addition to visiting a JR service counter, you may exchange your pass using a ticketing machine equipped with a passport scanner. Most large JR stations in Tokyo will have one of these machines, including at Narita Airport. Matsumoto Station has also recently been equipped with one as well, and so you may exchange your pass at this machine without needing to talk to anyone. This machine can be found at the Midori-no-Madoguchi, which is immediately outside and to the right of the ticket gates. Passes can also be exchanged at the JR EAST Welcome Center MATSUMOTO in Matsumoto Station (Open from 09:00 – 16:00)
GETTING TO & FROM MATSUMOTO AIRPORT
For visitors heading to or from Matsumoto Airport, the airport shuttle bus operates to and from Matsumoto Bus Terminal (adjacent to Matsumoto Station). The bus takes around 30 minutes and costs JPY600. Alternatively, taxis are also available – usually around 25 minutes / JPY4000 – to reach the airport from the station/central Matsumoto with rental cars also available.
Breathe in fresh mountain air and stretch your legs in Kamikochi!
Based in Central Japan and operating all-year-round, we offer a highly entertaining group-tour of Matsumoto and Kamikochi that is sure to please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and combine a visit to several places-of-interest in Matsumoto with a hike in the breathtaking Kamikochi valley. Our tours are fun, interactive and family-friendly. For more information, or to book a tour, click on the banner or button below.
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
Of course, we also offer private tours and transport in and around the Matsumoto/Kamikochi area, and other regional destinations. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from your preferred destinations in combination with any activity that suits your schedule. All vehicles are well-maintained and in good condition, allowing you to relax and enjoy your ride to wherever you are going.
We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Private Tour
| [START FROM NAGANO/MATSUMOTO] Private Kamikochi Tour | |
| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – Nagano Area 09:45 – Matsumoto Area |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Area Matsumoto Station Area |
| Price | ¥172,100 ~ / group |
Got a question about visiting Matsumoto or Kamikochi? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
Got a question about visiting Nagano and Central Japan from Matsumoto? Head to our ‘Charters’ main page or click on the INQUIRY button below, let us know what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
MATSUMOTO STATION TOURIST INFORMATION
Open daily – other than Dec.29 to Jan.03 – from 09:00 to 17:45, tourist information provides general information about attractions, accommodation and transport. Staff may speak some English or other foreign languages however this is not assured. The office is located across from the ticket gates inside the station.
ACCOMMODATION IN & AROUND THE STATION
Visitors coming through Matsumoto might want to consider staying in or nearby the station. As one of Central Japan’s major train stations, there are good options surrounding the station – a great option to avoid having to carry luggage with you and when using the Limited Express Azusa to move to and from Central Japan. For hotel bookings in and around the station, please refer to the following accommodation listings on our ‘Matsumoto Area’ hotel page.
HOW TO GET TO MATSUMOTO
Matsumoto Station is located in the centre of the city, within 30-minutes walk of almost all popular attractions. Serviced by the Limited Express Azusa service running to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo and the Limited Express Shinano service running to Nagano and Nagoya, Matsumoto is easy to reach using the rail network. For more information, see our ‘How To Get To Matsumoto’ page.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND MATSUMOTO & WHERE TO STAY
Many if not most visitors heading to Matsumoto are drawn by its iconic castle, one of the few remaining original castles in Japan and a registered National Treasure. Once in Matsumoto, visitors discover a historic and pleasant city with a thriving folk craft, art and dining scene. So while it’s castle that might attract people to visit, it’s everything else that the city has to offer that makes them want to stay. Matsumoto is also a convenient launching point from where to dive deeper into Central Japan including Mount Norikura, Kamikochi and onto Takayama in the west, the rural enclave of Azumino and ski resorts of Hakuba to the north, or toward Nagano City and the snow monkeys in the east. Our ’25 Things To Do Around Matsumoto & Where To Stay’ page has lots of great tips and suggestions of things to do, including accommodation listings, in and around Matsumoto.
BOOK WITH US! NAGANO’S NO.1 TOUR & CHARTER OPERATOR
1 Day Tour
| 1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle | |
| Period | April to November |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:30 |
| Meeting Place | Nagano Station Matsumoto Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥23,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,900 |
Operating all year round, we are Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator, offering a range of services including group tours, private tours and charters. We can arrange transport including a private vehicle and driver, along with an English-speaking guide, to transport to, from and between any destinations in the region including Matsumotoand beyond. We can arrange both private tours with an English-speaking guide or a private charter, including a private vehicle and driver but without a guide. We’d love to be part of your adventure in Central Japan and help you discover even more!
Why choose us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Nagano and Central Japan.
Got a question about visiting Mastumoto and Central Japan? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
