Limited Express Shinano (Nagano–Matsumoto–Nagoya)
Running from Nagano Station to Nagoya Station, the Limited Express Shinano connects two of Central Japan’s major cities and travel hubs. On this page you will find the following information:
— Limited Express Shinano Line Map
— Limited Express Shinano Timetable
— Recommended Destinations Using the Shinano
— Book With Us! Nagano’s No.1 Tour & Charter Operator
Running through the heart of Central Japan, the Limited Express Shinano opens-up some of the best destinations in the region including Nagano, Matsumoto, the Kiso Valley and Nakasendo and Nagoya. For details of just what’s on offer and within reach when using the line, see below for further details.
LIMITED EXPRESS SHINANO LINE MAP
Taking its name for the large windows which afford fantastic views of the passing landscape and stops at the following stations:
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.
LIMITED EXPRESS SHINANO TIMETABLE
For complete train schedules, see our ‘Limited Express Shinano Line Timetable’ page. The Limited Express Shinano service operates approximately once an hour and makes the journey between Nagano and Nagoya in approximately 3 hours. From/to Nagano Station, expect the following journey times and costs:
— to Matsumoto: 50 minutes / non-reserved JPY2,370 & reserved JPY3,100
— to Kiso-Fukushima: 90 minutes / non-reserved JPY3,840 & reserved JPY4,570
— to Nakatsugawa: 125 minutes / non-reserved JPY5,280 & reserved JPY6,010
— to Nagoya: 180 minutes / non-reserved JPY6,930 & reserved JPY7,660
This is a popular line for both tourists and local people therefore it can be busy, especially in the morning, evening and on weekends. If you are traveling as a family or large group, reserving seats in advance is a good idea to ensure that you can sit together. This service is covered by the full Japan Rail (JR) Pass.
RECOMMENDED DESTINATIONS USING THE SHINANO
Running from Nagano to Nagoya, the Shinano Line opens-up the heart of Central Japan and some of its most unique and enjoyable destinations. Our tours start and end at Nagano Station, making them a convenient option for any guest in the region. From the station, the Jigokudani Monkey Park can be accessed within around 60 minutes while the city’s near-1400 year old Zenko-ji Temple is nearby and can be visited on-foot.
Lying just outside the city, Togakushi is home of some of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines, ninja museums and some of the country’s best ‘soba’ (buckwheat) noodles. In winter, Nagano’s many ski resorts including those that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics can be reached and from spring to autumn, the Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route opens-up to the world. For suggestions of everything on offer, see our ’40 Things to Do Around Nagano & Where to Stay’ page.
Taking the Shinano Line 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 alpine valley of Kamikochi. 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. For suggestions of what’s waiting for you there, see our ’25 Things to Do Around Matsumoto & Where to Stay’ page.
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 suggestions of what to do in the area, see our ’25 Things to Do Around The Kiso Valley / Nakasendo & Where to Stay’ page.
The line ends at Nagoya Station. As one of Japan’s great metropolises, Nagoya has so much to offer including great food, museums and historic sites. Why not start with our 25 ‘Things to Do Around Nagoya & Where to Stay’ page for some tips and suggestions of what to do while there. All of this and more can be experienced when using the Limited Express Shinano Line.
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
The Limited Express Shinano 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.
Want to visit Narai-juku Post Town and Matsumoto Castle on a group tour?
Based in Central Japan and operating all year round, we offer a highly entertaining group-tour of Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku that is sure to please. All tours are led by locally-based guides and include a visit to the faithfully preserved Matsumoto castle with a walk and seasonal activity in the charming town of Narai-juku. 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: Experience Matsumoto Castle and Narai-juku | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 18:15 |
| 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 and Kiso Valley area, as well as 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!
Got a question about visiting Matsumoto or the Nakasendo? Click the ‘INQUIRY’ button below or contact us and let’s get planning together!
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 Japan.
Got a question about visiting Central Japan? Contact us and let’s get planning together!
