Shinkansen

Traveling to Nagano by Shinkansen is more than just a ride—it's part of the adventure! In just 90 minutes from Tokyo, you’ll glide through Japan’s beautiful countryside in comfort and style. With spacious seats, clean interiors, and stunning window views, it’s a fast and scenic way to start your journey into the heart of the Japanese Alps.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train) – Detailed Information

The Hokuriku Shinkansen is a high-speed rail line connecting Tokyo with Nagano and beyond. It provides the fastest and most comfortable access to Nagano Prefecture, making it ideal for tourists and business travelers alike. The line opened in 1997 and has significantly improved travel times between the Kanto region and Nagano.

Route and Major Stations

The Hokuriku Shinkansen runs approximately 228 kilometers from Tokyo to Kanazawa, passing through Nagano Prefecture. Below are the major stations along the route with brief descriptions:

Station Location & Notes

  • Tokyo Station: Starting point in the capital city. Major transportation hub connecting various Shinkansen lines, JR lines, and subway lines.

  • Ueno Station: Located in northeastern Tokyo, convenient for travelers from northern Tokyo and nearby prefectures.

  • Omiya Station: A major hub in Saitama Prefecture, providing access to northern Kanto and connecting with other Shinkansen lines.

  • Takasaki Station: Located in Gunma Prefecture, Takasaki is a key junction for both the Hokuriku Shinkansen and local lines. Popular for transferring to destinations like Kusatsu Onsen.

  • Annaka-Haruna Station: A smaller station serving rural areas in Gunma. Good for travelers interested in visiting local hot springs and nature spots.

  • Karuisawa Station: A famous resort town known for cool climate, shopping, and outdoor activities. Popular for day trips from Tokyo.

  • Sakudaira Station: Gateway to the ski resorts and nature spots of Nagano Prefecture. Convenient for access to areas like Chino and Suwa.

  • Ueda Station: Historic city with samurai heritage and Ueda Castle ruins. Also a transfer point for local trains to Bessho Onsen.

  • Nagano Station: The largest city in Nagano Prefecture, home to Zenkoji Temple and the gateway to many local attractions and ski resorts.

  • Iiyama Station: Located further north, known for traditional festivals and natural beauty.

  • Joetsu-Myoko Station: Bordering Niigata Prefecture, serves as access to Myoko ski resorts and mountain areas.

  • Itoigawa Station: Coastal city along the Sea of Japan, famous for its jade and scenic beauty.

  • Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen Station: Located in Toyama Prefecture, famous for hot springs and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

  • Toyama Station: A regional hub with easy access to the Northern Japan Alps and coastal attractions.

  • Kanazawa Station: Terminus of Hokuriku Shinkansen. Known for historic districts, Kenrokuen Garden, and traditional crafts.

Travel Times and Frequency

  • The fastest trains take about 1 hour 30 minutes from Tokyo to Nagano.

  • Trains run frequently, about every 30 minutes during peak hours.

  • Different service types are available: Kagayaki (fastest, limited stops), Hakutaka (semi-fast), and Asama (all stops).

Tickets and Reservations

  • Tickets can be purchased online via JR East or at stations.

  • The Japan Rail Pass covers travel on this line except for some fastest services (like Kagayaki) without additional fees.

  • Seat reservations are recommended during peak travel seasons.

Additional Tips

  • Luggage storage on trains is limited; use coin lockers at stations if needed.

  • Stations like Karuizawa and Nagano have tourist information centers offering maps and guidance in English.

A table showing service stops at various stations on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line as of March 2024. It indicates which stations are served by all trains (marked with filled circles) and which are served only by selected trains (marked with open circles). The stations listed include Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Tsurugi, and Asama, with destinations such as Tokyo, Ueno, Ômiya, Takasaki, and others.

🔗 Shinkansen Timetables & Tickets

JR East (East Japan Railway Company):
🌐 https://www.jreast.co.jp/e/

📝 Personal Note

From my experience, I highly recommend taking the Shinkansen when traveling to Nagano. While it may be more expensive than the bus, the difference in comfort, speed, and convenience is well worth the cost. The train is clean, spacious, and incredibly efficient—perfect for starting your trip on the right foot. If your budget allows, choose the Shinkansen for a stress-free journey.