Ticket - Train - Kyoto - Matsumoto

Q: How do I exchange and activate my Japan Rail Pass?

What you receive before you leave is an exchange order, not the pass itself. You exchange it once you are in Japan. What to bringYour paper exchange order, along with your passport. Without the exchange order, no exchange is possible: do not leave it at home. Where to exchange itAt an authorised exchange office ("midori no madoguchi"), found in major JR stations and international airports. Not all JR counters handle exchanges, and opening hours vary: find the office nearest your arrival point before you travel. When to exchange itWithin 3 months of your purchase. Allow enough timeWaiting times vary widely depending on the office and the moment: a few minutes at a quiet counter, but more often 30 minutes to an hour in major stations, and up to two hours at an airport when long-haul flights land.If you don't need your pass straight from the airport, exchange your order the next day at a Tokyo station instead. If, on the other hand, you plan to reach the city on the Narita Express, which is covered by the pass, make the exchange on the spot. Choosing your activation dateThe activation date is chosen at the time of exchange and does not have to be the same day. It marks the start of the validity count: the first day counts as day 1, whatever time you activate.

Q: What is the price of the Kyoto Matsumoto train?

The total cost of a train ticket between Kyoto and Matsumoto generally includes a Shinkansen segment and a Limited Express segment. For a reserved seat, the price can be approximately 12,000 to 13,000 yen. This includes approximately 6,500 to 7,000 yen for the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya and approximately 5,500 to 6,000 yen for the Limited Express Shinano from Nagoya to Matsumoto. You can check exact fares on train booking platforms.

Q: Is the JR Pass valid for the Limited Express Shinano?

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass is valid for the journey between Kyoto and Matsumoto. It covers both the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya (Hikari and Kodama services, but not Nozomi) and the Limited Express Shinano from Nagoya to Matsumoto. We recommend reserving seats in advance, especially for the Limited Express Shinano, as these trains can be very busy. Seat reservations with the JR Pass are free of charge.

Q: How long is the journey between Kyoto and Matsumoto?

The total train journey time between Kyoto and Matsumoto is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours, not including transfer time. The Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya takes about 35 to 40 minutes. The Limited Express Shinano from Nagoya to Matsumoto then takes approximately 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. It is advisable to allow approximately 15 to 30 minutes for a transfer at Nagoya Station to change platforms. Seat comfort is standard on Limited Express trains, with sufficient legroom. For large luggage, racks are available above the seats or in dedicated spaces at the front and rear of the cars.

Adults (+12yo)

Children* (< 12yo)

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

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Itinerary Kyoto › Matsumoto

Lowest price

Fastest option

3h05

First/last departure

07:00 / 19:28

Distance

999.00 km

See all schedules

The train line connecting Kyoto to Matsumoto is a route that crosses the heart of Japan, transitioning from the historic Kansai region to the Japanese Alps. The journey via the Limited Express Shinano, after a transfer in Nagoya, offers varied landscapes. This line is particularly appreciated for its passage through the Kiso Valley, a region famous for its ancient Edo period post towns, such as Narai-juku or Tsumago-juku. Although the train does not stop in these localities, the view from the window allows passengers to catch a glimpse of the dense forests and rivers that characterize this more rural part of Japan.

Frequently asked questions

What you receive before you leave is an exchange order, not the pass itself. You exchange it once you are in Japan.

What to bring

Your paper exchange order, along with your passport. Without the exchange order, no exchange is possible: do not leave it at home.

Where to exchange it

At an authorised exchange office ("midori no madoguchi"), found in major JR stations and international airports. Not all JR counters handle exchanges, and opening hours vary: find the office nearest your arrival point before you travel.

When to exchange it

Within 3 months of your purchase.

Allow enough time

Waiting times vary widely depending on the office and the moment: a few minutes at a quiet counter, but more often 30 minutes to an hour in major stations, and up to two hours at an airport when long-haul flights land.

If you don't need your pass straight from the airport, exchange your order the next day at a Tokyo station instead. If, on the other hand, you plan to reach the city on the Narita Express, which is covered by the pass, make the exchange on the spot.

Choosing your activation date

The activation date is chosen at the time of exchange and does not have to be the same day. It marks the start of the validity count: the first day counts as day 1, whatever time you activate.

The total cost of a train ticket between Kyoto and Matsumoto generally includes a Shinkansen segment and a Limited Express segment. For a reserved seat, the price can be approximately 12,000 to 13,000 yen. This includes approximately 6,500 to 7,000 yen for the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya and approximately 5,500 to 6,000 yen for the Limited Express Shinano from Nagoya to Matsumoto. You can check exact fares on train booking platforms.

Yes, the Japan Rail Pass is valid for the journey between Kyoto and Matsumoto. It covers both the Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya (Hikari and Kodama services, but not Nozomi) and the Limited Express Shinano from Nagoya to Matsumoto. We recommend reserving seats in advance, especially for the Limited Express Shinano, as these trains can be very busy. Seat reservations with the JR Pass are free of charge.

The total train journey time between Kyoto and Matsumoto is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours, not including transfer time. The Shinkansen from Kyoto to Nagoya takes about 35 to 40 minutes. The Limited Express Shinano from Nagoya to Matsumoto then takes approximately 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes. It is advisable to allow approximately 15 to 30 minutes for a transfer at Nagoya Station to change platforms. Seat comfort is standard on Limited Express trains, with sufficient legroom. For large luggage, racks are available above the seats or in dedicated spaces at the front and rear of the cars.