Train Tickets from Tokyo to Nagano

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

46 Number
of daily departures
1h24 Shortest
travel duration
$53 Our best
available price
06:16 / 22:08 Earliest / Latest
departure time

More information about your journey to Nagano!

tokyo nagano train map

Tokyo, the capital city of Japan and the most populous metropolitan area in the world, offers a wealth of sights and activities for tourists. Whether in the more laid-back and elegant neighborhoods of Yoyogi Uehara or Kagurazaka or in the bustling urban districts of Shinjuku or Shibuya, there is something for everyone, especially those who like soaking in the city's diverse culture. 

There are a number of Shinkansen train stations to get off at within Nagano due to this large landmass, including Karuizawa Station, Ueda Station, and Nagano Station. It’s the latter that stops directly in the prefecture's capital, Nagano City, the site for the 1998 Winter Olympics. There are plenty of sites to check out in commemoration of the games that closed out the last century at the Nagano M Wave Building. Also, be sure to check out the iconic Zenkoji Temple, right in the city center, to see one of the oldest religious establishments in all of Japan!

Advantages of taking the train from Tokyo to Nagano

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Efficiency

Covering the distance of 220km between Tokyo and Nagano in a little over 1 hour, Shinkansen bullet trains are one of the fastest ways to reach your destination relaxed and worry-free. 

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Comfort

Comfortable seats, plenty of space to relax your legs, regularly cleaned carriages and peace and quiet for a relaxing journey.

shinkansen driver agent jr
Reliability

With hundreds of departures per day and an average delay per train estimated at 24 seconds, the Shinkansen is very reliable. 

shinkansen 700s nozomi eco friendly green
Eco-friendly

Your Tokyo to Nagano itinerary corresponds to 13kg of CO2 emissions by Shinkansen, compared to 100kg by plane on the same journey. Traveling by train is 8 times more eco-responsible than flying!

How to book your Tokyo to Nagano train tickets

Pick your time, date, and seat

You can book up to 9 months prior to your travel date.

Confirm and purchase

Order your train ticket securely online.

Receive your QR code

Get your QR code by email 1 month before departure.

Exchange and enjoy

Follow the instructions received on how to exchange your QR code and enjoy your ride.

tokyo nagano train map new

More information about Tokyo Station and Nagano Station

Types of Shinkansen

Reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more are available on board! You can be sure that traveling by Shinkansen will be both efficient and comfortable. The Hokuriku Shinkansen Line is operated by Japan Railways (JR), the largest rail company in Japan. Tickets booked with Japan Experience are issued through an official partnership with JR West, meaning you are dealing directly with the train operator that will take you from Tokyo to Nagano. The Shinkansen trains that go out to Nagano on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line include the Kagayaki, Hakutaka, and Asama.

How to get to Tokyo Station

The main Shinkansen train departure point in Tokyo, Tokyo Station, is located in the heart of the city at the intersection of several public transportation routes. The Chuo, Keiyo, Sobu, and Yamanote Lines are among the JR lines that stop at Tokyo Station. In addition, Tokyo Station serves as the terminal for several bus routes, the Marunouchi Metro Line, and airport transfers.

Where to go from Nagano Station

Nagano Station is at the center of Nagano City, making it the primary point of transportation within the city and for much of Nagano Prefecture as a whole. There are a number of buses that depart from the station, moving throughout the city and to other locations in the region. The Gururin Bus Route goes around Nagano City, and the Binzuru City Bus Line goes out towards Zenkoji Temple. Out to the temple from the station, it takes only 15 minutes via bus. A bit farther out, the trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park takes about 1.5 hours with a direct bus, home to a large number of Japanese Macaque monkeys that use the onsen hot springs of Nagano to stay warm in winter. Nagano Station is a stop on the Hokuriku Shinkansen that goes between Tokyo and Kanazawa. Other stops within Nagano Prefecture include Ueda and Karuizawa.

Why book your train tickets with Japan Experience

Official seller

Our train tickets are issued through an official partnership with the National Japan Railways Group (JR).

Secure payment

You're in control! We offer different payment options.

Quality at our core

Our team of passionate individuals based in Japan works with you directly, no intermediary needed.

Customer support

We're here to help, 7/7. And available through all channels. 

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

japan train tickets exchange map

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 Tokyo 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 Nagano, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Nagano Station, and the city is now yours to explore. 

You can find the conditions of modification and cancellation of our train tickets in our “Frequently Asked Questions” section at the bottom of the page.

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 Nagano route.

Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan