With the summer holidays in full swing, it’s a great time to visit Central Japan and escape the intense heat and humidity of the coastal cities. Though also hot during the day, Nagano and Central Japan’s generally higher altitude provide it will a notably cooler climate, especially in the evenings and at night when the temperature is pleasant, allowing for a comfortable night’s sleep.
For residents in Japan, our recent ‘Enjoy Nagano in Summer – Open Spaces, Cool Evenings & Lots to Do!’ blog article isted suggestions for things to see and do in the region through August and September – a great time to take advantage of the current ‘Go To Travel’ campaign!
From August 20th 2020 to March 31st 2021, Japan Rail East has announced that many tickets on the shinkansen network will be half-price. For visitors heading to Nagano and other destinations in Central Japan, the Hokuriku Shinkansen is one of the primary modes of transports to and from the region.
Our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen’ page provides information about stations and services on the line, including the daily Hokuriku timetable. Running from Tokyo Station to Kanazawa Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen includes stops at Ueno, Omiya, Takasaki, Karuizawa, Nagano, Iiyama, Toyama and more!
It is important to note that Kagayaki and Hakutaka services on the line will only be discounted by 50% until September 30th 2020. From that date onward, they will be discounted by 30% until the end of March 2021.
The Asama service will however be discounted by 50% from August 20th 2020 until the end of March next year. Stopping at all stations between Tokyo and Nagano, booking a discounted Asama ticket later in the year will be a great option for those heading to Nagano to enjoy it’s fantastic ski resorts and winter attractions.
To take advantage of this offer, you simply need to register through Japan Rail East’s website and follow the directions to book and collect your tickets.
So time to get planning! For our friends overseas, discounted shinkansen tickets are expected to continue until next year. While the borders remained closed at this time, we hope that you will also be able to take advantage of the discounted travel and return to Japan as soon as possible.
This information is provided as part of our ‘Clean Green & Healthy’ campaign, allowing you to plan and book your future travel to Japan with peace of mind.
Blessed with some of Japan’s most pristine and beautiful natural landscapes, Central Japan is the perfect place to escape the congestion of the city and the worries of daily life, and get back to your true nature.
Snow Monkey Resorts: Nagano’s No.1 tour and charter operator
When planning and booking your trip to Nagano, it’s important that you can do so with confidence that your intended destinations will be both enjoyable and safe.
As Nagano’s No.1-rated tour and charter operator, we offer a range of services including group tours, private tours and private charters to help you get the most out of your time in the region.
We can arrange transport to and from any destination in the region, with a customised itinerary to suit your travel needs. Our drivers and vehicles are fully certified, allowing us to transport you to and from any destination.
Vehicles are fitted with a protective screen – separating the driver from passenger and luggage area – and our drivers wear protective masks, allowing you to move between your destinations in comfort and safety.
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 that experience and help you discover even more!
Our group tours start and end at Nagano Station – a great option for visitors coming to the region for a day-trip or planning to stay in the city! For further details, please refer to our groups page.
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 Nagano this summer? Feel free to contact us and let’s get planning together!
