Train Tickets from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Matsumoto
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Getting from Tokyo to Matsumoto by Train
Taking the JR Chuo main line from Japan's metropolitan capital, Tokyo, to the historic town of Matsumoto is an escapade made easy by the Azusa express train. The journey starts at the frenetic Shinjuku station, which sees over 3.5 million passengers pass through every day, making it the busiest station in the world! Once you arrive at Matsumoto station in Nagano prefecture, Tokyo's urban bustle gives way to a peaceful atmosphere, enveloped by the majestic Japanese Alps.
NOTE: Tickets returning from the Matsumoto area to Shinjuku cannot be exchanged at Matsumoto Station and must be exchanged within the Tokyo area, at Narita Airport, or other JR West stations like Osaka Station and Kyoto Station. Be sure to exchange for both your outbound and return trip tickets prior to leaving for Matsumoto, if such a case applies to you.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO MATSUMOTO!
Tokyo, undeniably a major destination for visitors to Japan, offers a plethora of exciting activities to discover. With an urban population approaching 14 million, the metropolis abounds with vibrant districts such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, as well as quiet retreats such as Tomigaya and Komaba.
By contrast, Matsumoto, located in Nagano prefecture, offers a completely different experience. With a much more modest population of around 240,000, the town is famous for its historic castle, one of the oldest in Japan, as well as its picturesque streets and soothing hot springs.
After a day exploring Matsumoto, visitors can feast on the renowned culinary specialties of the Nagano region. Local dishes such as Shinshu Soba, Matsumoto Apples and artisan cheeses from the surrounding mountains are not to be missed for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Before immersing themselves in this delicious culinary adventure, travelers can also enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. The Japanese Alps provide a spectacular backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and nature-watching, allowing visitors to recharge their batteries in a majestic setting.
Then, for some well-deserved relaxation, travelers can enjoy the warm hospitality of ryokans, traditional Japanese inns offering authentic accommodation, often complete with natural thermal baths.
Advantages of taking the train from Tokyo to Matsumoto
How to book your Tokyo to Matsumoto train tickets
Train information
To get from Tokyo to Matsumoto, you'll leave from Shinjuku station, one of the busiest stations in the world. Via the JR Chuo main line, you can take the Azusa express train. These trains offer reserved ordinary seats as well as reserved Green Car seats, and the journey takes just over 2 hours and 40 minutes.
Here's a map of the various trains available on the Tokyo - Matsumoto line and their stops:
Why Book your Train Tickets with Japan Experience?
How to exchange train tickets in Japan
When you purchase a train ticket with Japan Experience, you will receive a QR code via email.
To receive your usable tickets, simply scan the QR code at ticket machines located inside stations in Japan and, if asked, enter the phone number associated with your order, which Japan Experience will provide you with.
In lieu of the QR code, the five-digit registration number (beginning with the number “4”) found in the order confirmation email can also be used.
Please find more information below about ticket fares and exchanging your train tickets upon arriving in Japan, whether it is at the airport or at major stations in the city. With your QR code, you will also receive a detailed user guide to guide you through the easy and efficient process of getting your physical train tickets in Japan.
READ MORE ABOUT THE EXCHANGE PROCESS, CONDITIONS, AND VALIDITY OF TRAIN TICKETS BELOW
How far in advance can I book train tickets?
You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure.
Is there a special train ticket fare for children?
Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.
Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on region
In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations.
How to use your train tickets in Japan
To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Shinjuku Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Matsumoto, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Matsumoto Station, and the city is now yours to explore.
Modification and Cancellation
Order Cancellation
Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible.
For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen.
Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines.
Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.
These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.
- If your train is delayed more than 2 hours, then:
If you decide not to use your train tickets to travel to your destination, you can claim a full refund for them by contacting us here or by email at contact@japanexperience.com with your order number and photos of all your tickets (if you have already used your QR code to print your tickets at the machine, if not, no photos are required)
If you were able to take your delayed train to your destination, you can go to the JR counter at your destination with your tickets and request a partial refund (around 85% of the initial ticket price, depending on the current exchange rate). The refund will be made in cash.
If you still plan to travel to your destination, you can go to a JR desk to modify your tickets free of charge. You can change your tickets to a train at a later time or date, but cannot claim for any compensation.
- If your train is canceled, then:
If you decide not to use your train tickets to travel to your destination, you can claim a full refund for them by contacting us here or by email at contact@japanexperience.com with your order number and photos of all your tickets (if you have already used your QR code to print your tickets at the machine, if not, no photos are required)
If you still plan to travel to your destination, you can go to a JR desk to modify your tickets free of charge. You can change your tickets to a train at a later time or date, but cannot claim for any compensation.
Order modification
If you want to modify:
- Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:
Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date.
You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.
Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
- Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking:
Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.
You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.
If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.
Eligibility
All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions on residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply.
Validity of train tickets
Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking and are to be used only on the Tokyo to Matsumoto route.
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