How do I get from Tokyo to Nagano?

The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Kagayaki or Hakutaka) runs from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station in approximately 1 hour 20 minutes (Kagayaki) to 1 hour 40 minutes (Hakutaka). The fare is approximately ¥8,340 as of 2026. JR Pass holders can use the Hakutaka service. The Kagayaki (faster) does not stop at Nagano on all runs — check the timetable. Buses from Shinjuku Bus Terminal also serve Nagano in approximately 3–4 hours at lower cost (approximately ¥2,500–¥4,000).

How do I get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park?

Take the Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station (Nagaden) to Yudanaka Station (approximately 40 minutes, ¥1,290 as of 2026). From Yudanaka, a local Alpico bus runs to the Kanbayashi Onsen stop (approximately 10 minutes, ¥170), from where it is a 30-minute walk through the forest to the park entrance. Snow Monkey Park entry is ¥800 as of 2026. Total journey from Nagano: approximately 1.5–2 hours each way.

Can I use a Suica card in Nagano?

Suica and Pasmo IC cards work on JR trains to and from Nagano. For the Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) to Yudanaka and Jigokudani, a separate ticket must be purchased — Nagaden does not currently accept national IC cards. Have cash or a card for Nagaden fares. Local Alpico buses also require cash or a local IC card.

How do I get from Nagano to Matsumoto?

The JR Shinonoi Line runs from Nagano to Matsumoto in approximately 50 minutes (¥830 as of 2026). Trains run roughly every 30–60 minutes. JR Pass holders travel free. Matsumoto is also accessible from Nagano by highway bus (approximately 1 hour, ¥1,200) — useful as an alternative when trains are busy.

Getting Around Nagano | The Japan Guides

Nagano is the transport hub of the Chubu Highlands, well-connected to Tokyo by Shinkansen and positioned as a gateway to the Japan Alps. Most visitors come for the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park or as a stop on the Hokuriku arch route (Tokyo–Nagano–Kanazawa–Kyoto). Navigating the city itself is simple; getting to the snow monkeys requires a bit more planning.

Getting to Nagano

From Tokyo (Shinkansen — fastest option)

The Hokuriku Shinkansen is the primary connection between Tokyo and Nagano.

Service	Journey Time	Fare (2026 approx)
Kagayaki (direct, limited stops)	1h 20min	¥8,340
Hakutaka (semi-express, JR Pass OK)	1h 40–50min	¥8,340

JR Pass holders: Use the Hakutaka — the Kagayaki is not covered by the standard JR Pass. Trains run approximately every 20–40 minutes during the day.

Budget option: Shinjuku–Nagano highway buses depart from the Busta Shinjuku terminal above Shinjuku Station (operated by Alpico, Willer, and others). Journey time is 3–4 hours depending on traffic; fares start from approximately ¥2,500 one-way. Best booked in advance online.

From Osaka or Kanazawa

The Hokuriku Shinkansen (Hakutaka) connects Kanazawa to Nagano in approximately 1 hour 10 minutes (¥5,690, JR Pass eligible). From Osaka, take the JR Thunderbird to Kanazawa (2h 15min), then change to the Shinkansen to Nagano. Total: approximately 3h 30min.

For private transfers or groups connecting multiple Japan Alps destinations, Kiwitaxi covers the Nagano–Hakuba–Matsumoto corridor with fixed-price vehicles.

Getting to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park

The Snow Monkey Park at Jigokudani Yaen-koen is Nagano’s most famous attraction and requires a multi-stage journey.

Step 1 — Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden)

Board the Nagano Electric Railway from Nagano Station (the Nagaden entrance is inside the JR station building, follow signs for 長野電鉄). Take the Yudanaka Line to Yudanaka Station.

Journey time: approximately 40 minutes
Fare: ¥1,290 (as of 2026; exact cash required — Nagaden does not accept Suica or other national IC cards)
Frequency: approximately every 30–60 minutes

Note: Have cash ready before boarding Nagaden — there are ATMs at Nagano Station.

Step 2 — Bus from Yudanaka to Kanbayashi Onsen

From Yudanaka Station, take the Alpico Bus toward Kanbayashi Onsen.

Journey time: approximately 10 minutes
Fare: approximately ¥170
Frequency: every 30–60 minutes (limited on some days — check the timetable at Yudanaka Station)

An alternative is to walk from Yudanaka to the trailhead (approximately 40 minutes on a flat road), or take a taxi from Yudanaka Station (approximately ¥1,000–¥1,200 to the Kanbayashi Onsen area).

Step 3 — Forest trail to the park

From the Kanbayashi Onsen bus stop, follow the signposted trail through cedar forest to the park entrance. The trail is approximately 1.6km (30 minutes). It is unpaved and involves some slopes — wear shoes with grip. The path is manageable in light snow but can be icy in January and February.

Park entry fee: approximately ¥800 as of 2026 (adults). No reservation required. The park is open year-round; macaque numbers and hot spring bathing are most frequent November to April.

Timing: Arrive by 9:00–10:00 if possible. Midday groups are large in peak season. Late afternoon (after 14:00) tends to be quieter.

Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) — Full Network

Beyond Jigokudani, Nagaden connects Nagano to the Shiga Kogen ski area and the Yudanaka Onsen hot spring town.

Key stations:

Station	Attraction	Distance from Nagano
Zenkoji-Shita	Zenkoji Temple (5 min walk)	3 min
Yudanaka	Jigokudani access, Yudanaka Onsen	40 min
Shiga Kogen	Ski resort access (winter only)	50 min + bus

Note: Cash fares only on Nagaden. Purchase tickets at the station machine before boarding.

JR Trains from Nagano Station

Nagano Station is a major regional hub with good connections across the Chubu region.

Destination	Line	Time	Fare (2026 approx)
Matsumoto	JR Shinonoi Line	50 min	¥830
Karuizawa	Hokuriku Shinkansen (Asama)	25 min	¥2,800
Niigata	JR Shinetsu Line	2h 15min	¥3,190
Nagoya	JR Shinonoi + Chuo Line	3h	¥5,940

JR Pass covers all JR services from Nagano, including the Shinkansen to Karuizawa and onward connections.

Local Buses in Nagano City

Alpico Bus and Kawanakajima Bus operate routes within Nagano city. The key tourist route is the Zenkoji Express Bus that runs from Nagano Station (bus stop 1) directly to Zenkoji Temple.

Fare: approximately ¥190 one-way (IC cards may or may not be accepted — have coins)
Journey time: 10–15 minutes
Frequency: every 15–30 minutes

Zenkoji Temple (善光寺) is also walkable from the station in 30–35 minutes along Chuo-dori — a pleasant walk lined with shops and restaurants.

Walking Nagano City

Nagano’s central sights cluster around two zones: Nagano Station and the Zenkoji approach (Chuo-dori).

Key walking distances:

From	To	Walking time
Nagano Station	Zenkoji Temple	30–35 min (Chuo-dori)
Nagano Station	Nagaden entrance	3 min (inside JR building)
Zenkoji Gate	Main hall	5 min through仲見世 approach

The Monzen-machi (gate town) district around Zenkoji is compact and walkable in 1–2 hours, including the main hall, the san-mon gate, and the morning prayer ceremony (6:00–7:00 daily).

Taxis

Taxis are available from Nagano Station. Standard fares as of 2026:

Station → Zenkoji: approximately ¥700–¥900
Station → Yudanaka (direct, skipping Nagaden): approximately ¥8,000–¥10,000

Nagano taxis accept payment by IC card at most companies. The GO app operates in Nagano Prefecture.

Transport essentials for Nagano: The Japan Rail Pass covers the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Nagano and the Shinonoi Line to Matsumoto — if you’re on the Hokuriku arch itinerary (Tokyo → Nagano → Kanazawa → Kyoto), the pass pays for itself quickly. Have cash for Nagaden and local buses. For private transfers from Tokyo or ski resort connections in winter, Kiwitaxi covers the Nagano area. Snow Monkey Park entry must be paid in cash at the gate.

Plan Your Trip

Flights — Find the best fares to Japan
Travel Insurance — Get covered before you go
eSIM — Stay connected from landing
Car Rental — Compare prices across providers

Getting Around Nagano: Trains, Buses, and Transport Guide

Top-rated experiences in Nagano Travel Guide