Running from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station, the Limited Express Azusa operates on the Chuo Main Line and in doing so, connects the capital to Central Japan. On this page you will fin the following information:
The Azusa Express is one of two convenient services running along the Chuo Main Line. The Azusa Express runs from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Matsumoto Station and in doing so, the service connects visitors to one of Central Japan's most historic cities and a convenient transport hub for exploring the region - see below for details. The other service, the Limited Express Kaiji runs from Shinjuku Station to Kofu Station and is mainly used to head toward Mount Fuji.
LIMITED EXPRESS AZUSA LINE MAP
Most Limited Express Azusa services run to/from Shinjuku Station and Matsumoto Station, with some services extended to stops prior to Shinjuku Station including Chiba – Funabashi – Kinshicho – Tokyo; and after Matsumoto Station including Toyoshina – Hotaka – Shinano-Omachi – Hakuba – Minami-Otari. The following are regular stops:
Shinjuku / Tachikawa / Hachioji / Otsuki** / Kofu / Kobuchizawa / Fujimi / Chino / Kami-Suwa / Shimo-Suwa / Okaya / Shiojiri / Matsumoto*
*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 at either Hachioji or Kofu and take the Limited Express Kaiji service onto Otsuki.
LIMITED EXPRESS AZUSA TIMETABLE
The journey from Shinjuku to Matsumoto takes around 2.5 hours and costs 6620 Yen. There are frequent services throughout the day, typically one or two each hour. All seats are by reservation only. For the daily train schedule, see our 'Limited Express Azusa Timetable' page. The Limited Express Azusa is covered by the full Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS USING THE AZUSA
For many visitors, the Limited Express Azusa service will be their mode of transport to or from Central Japan. Running to Matsumoto Station, using this service opens-up many of the region’s most enjoyable destinations and experiences.
MATSUMOTO AREA
Taking the Limited Express Azusa to Matsumoto, visitors can enjoy one of Japan’s last remaining castles and everything this pleasant little city has to offer. From Matsumoto, you can head high into the mountains and the beautiful alpine valley of Kamikochi. See our '25 Things to Do Around Matsumoto & Where to Stay' page for plenty of great tips and suggestions. From there you can make your way to Takayama and its famous old town before also exploring the World Heritage-listed villages of Shirakawa-go & Gokayama.
KISO VALLEY AND NAKASENDO AREA
Heading south from Matsumoto to the stations of Kiso-Fukushima and Nakatsugawa, visitors can walk the historic Nakasendo Trail and breathe in the tranquility and beauty of the Kiso Valley. For more information, see our '25 Things to Do Around the Kiso Valley / Nakasendo & Where to Stay' page.
Recommended
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Step into the Past on the Nakasendo
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumotoKiso Valley
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
LAKE SUWA AREA
Best accessible from Chino Station, the Lake Suwa area is known for the majestic mountains that surround the lake, hot springs, sake, legendary shrines, museums, and much more. Some may notice the area from one of the most well-known Japanese anime films 'Your Name', or from one of Japan's biggest fireworks festival that takes place during the summer. There are numerous accommodation options in the Lake Suwa area, promising a memorable stay for those who wish to spend a little more time there. Visit our ‘Best Places to Stay in Suwa’ page for more information, from lakeside accommodations to a relaxing stay in the mountain area.
NAGANO CITY AREA
Matsumoto is connected to Nagano City by the Limited Express Shinano service. Taking only 50 minutes to reach Nagano, you have access to destinations including the Jigokudani Monkey Park and the city’s near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple. Located just outside of Nagano City, Togakushi is home to some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, walking trails, ninja museums and villages along with acclaimed ‘soba’ (buckwheat noodles). For suggestions of everything on offer, see our '40 Things to Do Around Nagano & Where to Stay' page.
For visitors coming to the region in winter, the many ski resorts of Nagano – including those that hosted events during the 1998 Winter Olympics – can be accessed from both Matsumoto and Nagano including on our group tours to and from Nagano and Hakuba, along with private tours and charters.
Best Selling
1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow MonkeyHakuba
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityHakuba
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityHakuba
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
The Limited Express Azusa is just one part of Japan’s fantastic rail network. Unfathomable in its size and efficiency, moving around the country by train is easy and comfortable opening-up all regions of Japan for exploration. Our ‘Plan Your Visit’ page has everything you need to know about visiting Japan – from tips on the best time to travel, times to avoid, entering and exiting the country, money matters, staying connected, accommodation, staying safe and healthy and plenty more to ensure that you get the most out of your time here.
TOURS AND CHARTERS AROUND MATSUMOTO
Based in Central Japan and offering a number of tours in both this region and farther flung areas, we are pleased to be able to offer a variety of tours departing from Matsumoto. With culture, natural beauty, and adventure at your fingertips, this is a great place to escape the cities and embrace the wild side.
Popular
1-Day Tour from Nagano and Matsumoto: Kamikochi & Matsumoto Castle
- Spots:
- NaganoMatsumotoKamikochi
- Pick-up:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
- Drop-off:
- Nagano CityMatsumoto
Operating from April through November, 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 above.
For those who want to enjoy Matsumoto City's deep history and lively modern art and crafts scene, this walking tour is the best place to start. With a visit to the city's brand new history museum, and its famous art museum (dedicated to Yayoi Kusama, who was born in Matsumoto), along with a walk and free time at some of its best neighborhoods, there is plenty to do and yet you will not feel rushed at all.
For a little more adventure, this rafting tour from Matsumoto will bring you down to the southern regions of Nagano and the Tenryu River, one of the best areas in Japan for rafting. With a morning of fruit picking, a popular activity in the famous agricultural region of southern Nagano, you will have a full day of hands on activities lined up if you choose to take this tour.
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! Please look HERE for more info on private charters and pricing.
Got a question about visiting Matsumoto or Kamikochi? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below and let’s get planning together!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Is the Limited Express Azusa a bullet train?
A: The Limited Express Azusa is a normal express train, and not a bullet train (or 'shinkansen'). Nonetheless, the interior features a similar layout to the bullet train.
Q: Is there free seating on the Azusa Express?
A: All seats on the Azusa Express are by reservation only. Please purchase a ticket ahead of time, either at the station or online, to reserve your seat.
Q: How long does it take to get from Shinjuku to Matsumoto on the Azusa Express?
A: The journey time varies, but it is around 2.5 hours on most trains. Some departure times include more or less stops, slightly changing the total travel time.
Q: Can tickets for the Azusa Express sell out?
A: Yes, especially on Friday nights or during peak seasons tickets can sell out a week or more in advance. We recommend purchasing tickets online to ensure a seat.
Q: Can I eat or drink on the Azusa Express?
A: You may eat and drink on the train, and all seats have small fold out tables attached. Edible items are also sold on the train itself. Make sure not to bring anything too messy or smelly, however.