Shinano-Omachi Station serves as a central transportation hub in the Northern Alps, offering excellent access to both local attractions and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. While the Hokuriku Shinkansen stops at nearby stations like Nagano and Toyama, Shinano-Omachi Station is the official eastern gateway to the Alpine Route, making it the primary starting point for visitors on the Nagano side. Once at Shinano-Omachi Station, you can easily access the buses that will take you to Ogizawa Station, where your journey on the Alpine Route begins. From Shinano-Omachi Station itself, you can also explore the small town on foot and visit local museums, or take a short bus ride to see the nearby lakes.
Getting to Shinano Omachi Station & Local Lines
It isn't difficult to reach Shinano-Omachi Station but it can take a while if you are coming form one of the major cities. From Tokyo, the most direct route is to take a limited express train like the Azusa from Shinjuku to Matsumoto Station, then transfer to the JR Oito Line for Shinano-Omachi Station. From Osaka, you would first travel on the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Nagoya, and then transfer to the Limited Express Shinano to reach Matsumoto. After arriving at Matsumoto, you can complete your journey to Shinano-Omachi Station by taking a local train on the JR Oito Line.
The JR Oito Line is a scenic railway that connects Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture with Itoigawa in Niigata Prefecture, running along the eastern side of the Northern Japan Alps. It is a single-track line known for its picturesque views of the mountains, lakes, and rivers, particularly between Matsumoto and Hakuba. Along the line, you can find access to popular destinations like the Omachi Onsen-kyo and the ski resorts of the Hakuba Valley.
Getting From Shinano-Omachi Station to Ogizawa Station (the Alpine Route)
The only way to get from Shinano-Omachi Station to Ogizawa Station is by a local bus, which is the official start of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from the Nagano side. The bus journey takes approximately 40 minutes as it winds its way up into the mountains. Buses are frequent and timed to connect with train arrivals, making the transfer seamless for visitors beginning their Alpine Route journey.
The buses to Ogizawa Station from Shinano-Omachi Station leave at 9:25, 10:10, 11:40, 14:10 and 15:40.
The return buses to Shinano-Omachi Station depart Ogizawa Station at 10:30, 12:00, 13:40, 14:10, 15:40 and 17:00.
Keep in mind that these are non-reserved buses and many of them start/end at Nagano Station if you are looking at coming from there.
Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
After departing from Shinano-Omachi Station, your journey on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route begins with a bus ride to Ogizawa, the starting point. From there, the route takes you through dramatic mountain landscapes, with highlights including the awe-inspiring Kurobe Dam, where you can walk across the top of Japan's tallest dam. The journey continues to Daikanbo, where an observation deck provides stunning views of the Ushiro-Tateyama mountain range, before culminating at the Murodo Plateau, where you can walk among the famous snow walls in spring and hike to Mikurigaike Pond. On the other side of the mountain you can walk around the Midagahara Wetlands and see Japan's highest waterfakk, Shomyo Falls!
If you are interested in getting to know more about what is on the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route and around it, please head to our "Top Things to do on the Alpine Route." If you are looking for souvenirs we have a "Best Souvenirs on the Alpine Route" page, too!
Recommended Destinations Near Shinano-Omachi Station
This area is usually just a stepping stone to other more famous tourist sites, such as the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route. Once you're done here you can explore further afield in Kanazawa, Toyama and the greater Nagano region. If you are interested, check out our "Top Things to do in Takaoka" page!
TATEYAMA-KUROBE ALPINE ROUTE
The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is a journey through a spectacular mountain range, with diverse scenery and engineering marvels. As you ascend, you can see the awe-inspiring Kurobe Dam, an immense feat of engineering that holds back a vast artificial lake. Further along, the Daikanbo observation deck offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the pristine lake below, while the final ascent brings you to the Murodo Plateau. Here, visitors are greeted by the magnificent snow walls in spring and the serene beauty of Mikurigaike Pond in summer, all framed by the jagged peaks of the Northern Japan Alps.
It can be complicated to organize all the train and bus transfers so if you're coming from in Nagano we have tours for you to see the Snow Walls in the spring and the alpine views in the green season. Check them out below!
Best Selling
[Spring Only] 1-Day Tour from Nagano: Snow Walls of Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route
- Spots:
- NaganoAlpine Route
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
[Summer/Autumn only] Tateyama-Kurobe Tour: Walking on the 'Roof of Japan'
- Spots:
- NaganoAlpine Route
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
TOYAMA CITY
In Toyama, visitors can experience a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, starting with panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from the Toyama City Hall Observatory. The city's samurai past can be explored at Toyama Castle, while its legacy in traditional medicine is highlighted at the historic Ikedaya Medicine Shop and the nearby Glass Museum. Additionally, the tour extends to Ecchu Yatsuo, a picturesque town renowned for its cobblestone streets and the famous Owara Kaze no Bon festival, offering insights into local traditions and festivals. Sources
Toyama Prefecture also has a amazingly beautiful trolley train through the Kurobe Gorge, the wood carving village of Inami, hiking on Tateyama and some of Japan's tallest mountains and more. If you’re planning a trip to Toyama, be sure to check out our ‘25 Things to Do Around Toyama & Where to Stay’ guide, or risk missing something amazing!
KANAZAWA
Often called the jewel of Japan, Kanazawa is one of the most underrated cities in the country. A city steeped in history, but preserving those traditions as it moves towards modernity, Kanazawa has nature strolls, street food, ancient shrines and world-class museums - many of which are within walking distance of each other. To get more information, check out our guide "30 Things to Do Around Kanazawa and Where to Stay." You can see all of Kanazawa's main sights on our highly-rated walking tour of the city.
If you are looking to go a bit deeper in to the Higashichaya Teahouse district, Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa Castle and Oyama Shrine, we have another day in Kanazawa that may scratch that itch. This tour doesn't go to the Nagamachi Samurai district, but instead will have you go inside the Seisonkaku Villa in Kenrokuen. Check it out below!
Why Choose Us?
Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognized 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 Japan.
Got a question about visiting Kanazawa and Central Japan? Click on the INQUIRY button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Shinano-Omachi Station big?
Shinano-Omachi Station is a relatively small local station, serving as a primary gateway to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route rather than a major urban hub.
Is it difficult to transfer at Shinano-Omachi Station?
As the station is quite small and the transfers are well-signed, transferring at Shinano-Omachi Station is generally not difficult.
Is there food at the station?
While the station itself does not have a wide array of dining options, there are several restaurants, cafes, and bakeries located just a short walk away. You can find a variety of local Japanese food, including soba and ramen, as well as a popular cafe and even a few international options. For a quick bite, some small shops near the station sell bento boxes and snacks.
