How Do You Get to Matsumoto from Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka?
This guide is for visitors who want to reach Matsumoto, the castle city in Nagano Prefecture, from Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka or by air. It follows the routes described by Matsumoto City's official tourism site, which we read on 2026-10-04.
The city's page on getting there was last updated on 2026-03-19, and its first-time guide on 2026-07-15. Times are the city's approximate figures. Check the operators for today's timetable and fares.
By train from Tokyo
The city recommends the train. From the Tokyo area, take the JR East limited express Azusa. It runs direct from Shinjuku Station and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. If you arrive at Haneda or Narita, the city says to go to Shinjuku first and change to the Azusa.
All seats on the Azusa are reserved, and there are no unreserved cars. A Japan Rail Pass holder can reserve a seat at no extra cost. Reserve at a ticket counter or a ticket machine before you board.
By train from Nagoya, Osaka and Kyoto
From Nagoya, take the JR Central limited express Shinano, direct from Nagoya Station. It takes about 2 hours. From Osaka or Kyoto, ride the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya and change to the Shinano. The city's first-time guide puts the Osaka trip at about 3 hours in total.
The Japan Rail Pass can be used on the Shinano. The Shinano has unreserved seats, but the city recommends a reservation so you are sure of a seat.
Tickets and the Japan Rail Pass
The city suggests buying tickets ahead at a ticket office or at a multi-language ticket machine in a station. If you use the Japan Rail Pass, you can pass the automatic gate with the pass, but you still need a separate ticket for a reserved seat on a limited express. The city notes that booking on the official online site and entering with a smartphone screen has become common.
By highway bus
If cost matters most, the city suggests the highway bus. Buses run direct to the bus terminal in front of Matsumoto Station from Narita Airport, Shinjuku, Nagoya, Osaka and Hida-Takayama. Large suitcases go in the luggage space under the bus. The first-time guide gives about 3 hours 20 minutes from Busta Shinjuku. Fares and times are on the operator's site, ALPICO Kotsu, which the city links.
By air
Shinshu Matsumoto Airport lies at 657 metres. The city says you can fly there direct from Sapporo, Fukuoka and Kobe. From the airport, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the city by airport shuttle bus or taxi.
There is also a door-to-door shuttle between Haneda Airport and Matsumoto, run by Chuo Taxi, which delivers you to your hotel without changes. The city presents it as an option for people with heavy luggage.
If you plan to drive
The city strongly recommends public transport in the Matsumoto area. Drive on the left. Matsumoto is a castle town with many narrow lanes and one-way roads, so follow the signs closely. The city links the multilingual guide of the Japan Automobile Federation.
From December to March, the road surface is frozen even where it looks clear, and black ice is a risk. Studless tires are required by law on cars at that time. The city says not to use a rental car if you have never driven on snow, and to choose public transport instead.
Once you arrive
Leave the station by the Castle Exit, on the east side. The Town Sneaker loop bus starts from the rotary in front of the station. Buses to the mountains and the highway buses leave from Matsumoto Bus Terminal, a two-minute walk away. Our guide to getting around Matsumoto explains the difference.
Which way to choose
From Tokyo, the Azusa is the simplest choice because it needs no change, but you must book a seat. From Nagoya, the Shinano is just as direct. From Osaka or Kyoto, the Shinkansen and a change at Nagoya is the city's route, and it adds up to about 3 hours.
The bus is the choice if you want to save money and do not mind a longer ride. The plane makes sense only if you start in Sapporo, Fukuoka or Kobe. In every case, the city says to arrive at Matsumoto Station and use the Castle Exit for the old town.
If you plan to go on to Kamikochi the same day, read the bus rules first. Many mountain buses need a reservation, and the season is short.
What we could not verify, and therefore left out
- Train and bus fares, and the frequency of services.
- Flight schedules and airfares.
- Whether a Japan Rail Pass fits your itinerary. Check the pass operator's terms.
Related guides
- How do you get around Matsumoto and reach Kamikochi?
- What is Matsumoto? The castle, the old streets and the Northern Alps
Sources
All URLs retrieved 2026-10-04.
- How to get to Matsumoto (Matsumoto City official tourism website) — (trains, bus, air, car)
- Access (Matsumoto City official tourism website) — (route finder and links)
- First-time Matsumoto travel guide (Matsumoto City official tourism website) — (bus and rail times)
- Transport in Matsumoto City and Kamikochi (Matsumoto City official tourism website) — (station exits and bus terminal)