How to go from Tokyo to Nagano ?

Published on : 22/11/2016
by : Japan Experience

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Nagano, the Japanese Capital of the Winter Sports

Nagano, the Japanese Capital of the Winter Sports, is along the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which opened in March 2015 and connects Toyama and Kanazawa to Tokyo.

Along the Hokuriku Shinkansen

The Nagano Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagano was completed in 1997, in time for the 1998 Winter Olympics and now forms part of the Hokuriku Shinkansen which opened in march 2015 and connects the northern costal town of Toyama and Kanazawa to Tokyo.

This part is covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the JR East Nagano Niigata Pass.

0 km - Tokyo station

In Tokyo Station the shinkansen departure tracks are from 20 to 23.

4 km - 0h05 - Ueno station

Located on the Yamanote Line, this station is very useful for people staying in the north of Tokyo to board the shinkansen without the crowds of Tokyo Station. Almost all of the trains stop here.

65 km - 0H38 - Kumagaya station

For five years until 2012 Kumagaya was the holder of the highest temperature ever recorded in Japan, 40.9°C. Change here for the private Chichibu Railway to Nagatoro, famous for river rafting.

86 km - 0H48 - Honjowaseda station

This stop was built to serve the Honjo Campus of the prestigious Waseda University, as well as the affiliated Waseda University Senior High School.

105 km - 0h49 - Takasaki station

The traditional home of the Daruma doll. When you buy one of these good luck dolls, you paint one eye and make a wish. If your wish comes true then you paint the other eye.

124 km - 0H59 - Annakaharuna station

On the small hills near the station, overlooking Mt. Myogi and Mt. Asama, is found one of the largest plum forests in the Kanto area. Visit in March to try and catch the plum blossoms, which bloom earlier than the cherry blossoms.

147 km - 1H06 - Karuizawa station

If you are a Tokyo urbanite wanting to escape the heat of the summer, Karuizawa is where you will most likelyhead. There are a great many golf courses as well as camps where sports teams, both amateur and professional, train in summer. Just next to the station there is a large shopping plaza for discounted brand goods as well as local souvenirs, and in winter there is a ski slope at the Prince Hotel, just ten minutes walk from the station.

164 km -1H15 - Saku-Daira station

From a sleepy town in the mountains before the Olympic Games, the fast link to Tokyo has transformed Sakudaira into a well-connected town from where many people now commute to Tokyo.

189 km -1H21 - Ueda (Nagano) station

The only castle in Japan to successfully defend itself from attack by the Tokugawa Shogunate, not once, but twice. Unfortunately it was third time lucky for the Tokugawa Shogunate and all that remains are the three turrets located in a pretty park. Ueda Castle is about ten minutes walk from the station.

209 km -1H24 - Nagano

Discover Nagano

What to see ?

Zenko-Ji

Founded in the 7th Century, this is one of the most important temples in Japan and houses the first statue of Buddha, which was brought into Japan in the 6th century. Be sure to find the dark underground passage where the ‘Key to Paradise’, which grants salvation to those who touch it, is to be found.

Nagano Prefectural Shinano Art Museum

This museum was established in 1966 and showcases pieces of art depicting the local area as well as art by local artists. Higashiyama Kaii, a famous Japanese master who was awed by the local scenery, donated nearly 1000 of his works to Nagano Prefecture and to house these the adjacent Higashiyama Kaii Gallery was constructed.

Discover historical and contemporary Japan with one of our Group Tours.

Where to stay ?

Ryokan Biyu No Yado 美湯の宿

2951-1 Hirao, Yudanaka Onsen, Shimotakai-gun,Yamanouchi-machi, Nagano, 381-0401

Tel : 02-6933-4126 / www.yudanakaview.co.jp

Located in the area of Yudanaka hot spring. It is easily accessible from Snow Monkey Park and Shiga Kogen areas. They have English speaking staff. Free shuttle van service from Yudanaka Station.

Hotel Metropolitan Nagano ホテルメトロポリタン長野

1346 Minami-ishido-cho, Nagano, 380-0824

Tel : 026-291-7000 / www.hotelmetropolitan-nagano.jp

An excellent choice as a travel base, as it’s conveniently located near Nagano Station. This urban style hotel provides comfort and ease,serving as a gateway to Shinshu and all of its natural richness.

Kai Alps Nagano 界アルプス

2884-26, Taira, Omachi, Nagano, 398-0001

Tel : 050-3786-0022 / www.hoshinoresorts.com/en/resortsandhotels/kai/alps.html

Near the Tateyama Kurobe alpine route as well as the famous Hakuba ski resort, this hotel welcomes guests with hearty meals, luxurious baths and wholesome treats prepared on the wood-fired stove.

Where to eat ?

Misoya みそ屋

Extremely popular ramen with a miso broth justoutside Nagano Station. Take exit 3 from the station. Look for the bright orange sign just to the right of the traffic light.

Open daily, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Tel : 02-6224-1183

Oyaki Kobo おやき工房

Nagano’s famous oyaki dumplings come stuffed with vegetables in assorted flavors. Sample them at this shop directly inside Nagano Station.

Open daily, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Tel : 026-225-7885/ www.shunsaika.com