Takasaki Station
Lying 100km to the north-west of central Tokyo, Takasaki Station is an important stop on both the Hokuriku Shinansen Line – bound for Kanazawa via Nagano – and Joetsu Shinkansen Line – bound for Niigata via Echigo-Yuzawa. As such, Takasaki connects two of the Central Japan’s three shinkansen lines – a convenient transit point when moving to and from the capital to Nagano and Niigata. On this page you will find the following information:
— Train Lines / Services to Takasaki Station
— Transferring Shinkansen Lines at Takasaki
— Rail Passes Covering Travel to Takasaki
— Purchasing & Activating a JR Pass
— Private Charters to / from the Station
— Takasaki Tourist Information Center
— 30 Day-trips & Getaways Near Tokyo
Takasaki handles a large amount of daily traffic and as such, the station has a variety of restaurants and shops. The city is most famous for having given rise to the tradition of ‘Daruma’ dolls – a now ubiquitous presence in Japanese life. The main station building has three levels. Conventional train lines are located on the first floor while the shinkansen ticket and transfer gates are located on the second floor, with the shinkansen platforms found on the third floor.
The following page provides information to assist with moving to and from Takasaki Station as you travel through Central Japan. It is not intended to provide complete information about the station or its facilities, but instead, provide some helpful information for travelers enroute to other destinations.
TRAIN LINES / SERVICES TO TAKASAKI
Multiple train lines operate to and from Takasaki – including both rapid and local services. For international visitors, the lines of most use and interest will be:
— HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN: running from Tokyo to Tsuruga via Nagano
— JOETSU SHINKANSEN: running from Tokyo to Niigata via Echigo-Yuzawa
It is easy and fast to transfer between the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen at Takasaki Station – see below for details.
HOKURIKU SHINKANSEN
Running from Tokyo Station to Tsuruga Station, the Hokuriku Shinkansen stops at the following stations:
Tokyo / Ueno / Omiya / Kumagaya / Honjo-Waseda / Takasaki / Annaka-Haruna / Karuizawa / Sakudaira / Ueda / Nagano / Iiyama / Joetsu-Myoko / Itoigawa / Kurobe-Unazukionsen / Toyama / Shin-Takaoka / Kanazawa / Komatsu / Kaga Onsen / Awara Onsen / Fukui / Echizen Takefu / Tsuruga
There are four different services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line – the Kagayaki, Hakutaka, Asama and Tsurugi. All services other than the Tsurugi service Takasaki Station. To see the daily train schedule, please refer to our ‘Hokuriku Shinkansen Line Timetable’ page.
JOETSU SHINKANSEN
Running from Tokyo Station to Niigata Station, the Joetsu Shinkansen stops at the following stations:
Tokyo / Ueno / Omiya / Kumagaya / Honjo-Waseda / Takasaki / Jomo-Kogen / Echigo-Yuzawa* / Urasa / Nagaoka / Tsubame-Sanjo / Niigata
*In winter, some shinkansen services continue onto a winter-only stop at Gala-Yuzawa, directly underneath the ski resort of the same name.
Two services – the Toki and Tanigawa – operate from Echigo-Yuzawa to Tokyo while the Toki only runs from Echigo-Yuzawa to Niigata. For the train schedule, please refer to our ‘Joetsu Shinkansen Timetable’ page.
TRANSFERRING SHINKANSEN LINES AT TAKASAKI
Takasaki Station is a large but easy to navigate. Split over three levels, the shinkansen ticketing offices and gates are located on the second floor, with the platforms located on the third floor and accessible by stairs, escalators and elevators. For travelers wanting to transfer between shinkansen lines at Takasaki, there is no need to come out of the shinkansen area. When you arrive, simply head down to the floor below from the platform and look for the overhead sign directing you to the platform you need. You can then head straight back up to the platform – it should only take a minute or two to transfer platforms.
RAIL PASSES COVERING TRAVEL TO TAKASAKI
There is no escaping the fact that travel using the shinkansen and other rapid services is expensive. Given the speed and distances covered by these trains, travelers should think of them much like taking a flight, with tickets accordingly priced. International visitors to Japan have the option of purchasing one of several passes which allow for unlimited use of the Hokuriku along with other services:
JAPAN RAIL (JR) PASS
Covering all 9 shinkansen lines in Japan and many other train services, the JR Pass is a great option for visitors planning to use the shinkansen more than a handful of times and/or travel large distances. Travelers have the option of 7, 14 and 21-day passes covering either Ordinary or Ordinary and Green Cars. The JR Pass allows for use of any service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen and Joetsu Shinkansen lines at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost).
JAPAN RAIL (JR) EAST PASS / NAGANO & NIIGATA
This pass covers the Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen lines serving Nagano and Niigata, along with other regional services. There is only one option of pass, covering 5 days of use within a 14-day period from its date of activation. Notably cheaper than the JR Pass, this is a great option for visitors staying within Nagano and Niigata. Much like the JR Pass, it allows for use of any service on the Hokuriku Shinkansen or Joetsu Shinkansen at no additional cost but noting that should holders wish to have a reserved seat, they are still required to book a seat at the ticket office (at no additional cost).
HOKURIKU ARCH PASS
Valid for 7 consecutive days from date of activation, the Hokuriku Arch Pass covers train services from Tokyo – including trains from both Narita and Haneda Airports – to Nagano and Kanazawa and then onto Kyoto, Osaka and Kansai Airport. For many international visitors, this pass covers the majority of their intended destinations as the they follow the most popular tourist route from Tokyo to Kanazawa and onto Kyoto and Osaka. Notably cheaper than the full JR Pass, the Hokuriku Arch Pass offers fantastic convenience and savings but it should be noted, that while the pass covers the Hokuriku Shinkansen it does not cover the Joetsu Shinkansen.
PURCHASING & ACTIVATING A JR PASS
Passes can be purchased via the official website or via a JR-affiliated overseas sales office. Once you have completed payment, you will receive an exchange order. This is a proof of payment and looks almost like a flight ticket with your personal details, type of pass, and validity (three months from the date of issue). It is important to note that the exchange order is not your actual pass and will need to be exchanged for your pass once in Japan. Whatever you do, do not lose the exchange order and prioritise exchanging it for your pass when you arrive. The Japan Rail passes listed above are valid for travel to and from Iiyama Station. Before using a pass, it must first be exchanged/activated. It is important to note that JR passes cannot be exchanged/activated at Takasaki.
Exchanging/activating the pass can however be done at numerous offices located at airports – including Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport and Kansai International Airport – and major train stations throughout Japan. If you have the time, we recommend activating your pass while at the airport. Otherwise, passes can also be activated at these stations on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line: Tokyo Station / Ueno Station / Nagano Station / Kanazawa Station.
To exchange/activate your pass you will need your exchange order and passport. Make sure you allow adequate time to exchange and activate your pass if you are intending to use it on the same day or do so a day or two before you plan to start using it (you can always nominate a later activation date). Once you have your activated pass you are free to ride however you can’t insert your pass into the ticket gates. Simply walk through the side booth (permanently attended by station staff) and show your pass. You will be waved through and you can make your way to the platform.
PRIVATE CHARTERS TO / FROM THE STATION
Based in Nagano, we are the region’s No.1 tour and charter operator. Operating all year round, we can provide charters to any destination in Central Japan, with customised itineraries to suit your travel needs and interests. We have the expertise and experience to help you get the most out of your time in the region, including transport to and from any regional destination. 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 interests and schedule. All 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.
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 Nagano and Central Japan from Takasaki? Head to our ‘Charters’ main page or click on the INQUIRY button below, let us know what you need, and we’ll get back to you with a quote.
TAKASAKI TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER
The station’s small Tourist Information Center is located on the station’s second floor and open daily from 09:00 to 20:00. Full-time English-speaking are on hand to assist with enquiries related to sightseeing, accommodation and transportation.
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without providing information on the nearby metropolis and capital of Tokyo! Tokyo is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and hidden pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night. There is so much to see and do in Tokyo, especially fantastic hands on experiences to make your trip extra special. Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you more information on the tours we offer! However, to give you a taste of what we offer, check out the tours below! We hope you book a tour with us!
1 Day Tour
| Tokyo Highlights Tour : Sumo, Sushi, Tea, Temples and Tokyo Tower | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:15 – 16:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside of Hamacho Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 10.30 – 17:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Nippori Station WEST exit |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Asakusa : Traditional Tokyo, Culinary Delights and Nature | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30- 17:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Centre |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our wider recommendations on things to do in Tokyo which includes both the golden tourist attractions and some lesser known activities you can enjoy. Why not check out Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
30 DAY-TRIPS & OVERNIGHT GETAWAYS NEAR TOKYO
While Tokyo has more than enough to keep you entertained for your entire visit, it is also an ideal base from where to escape the city and explore our home region of Central Japan. Boasting the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, verdant forests, open spaces, ancient temples and a slower way of life, Central Japan is easy to acess from Takasaki. Our ’30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways’ page includes some fantastic tips and suggestions of what’s on offer. Here are some examples of the tours we offer outside of Tokyo. We hope it tempts you to explore beyond the city!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Trip to Kamakura and Enoshima : Shrines, Seaside, Temples and Tea | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside of Shinjuku Station South Gate Baskin Robbins |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park | |
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| Period | April – October |
| Time | 08:40 – 19:15 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥18,900 |
1 Day Tour
| Day Trip to Kawagoe : Experience the ‘Little Edo’ of Japan | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 16:45 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Ikebukuro Train Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
PLAN YOUR VISIT TO JAPAN
Takasaki Station 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.
