Tokyo to Matsumoto [Guide] — Best Trains, Prices & Tips

Matsumoto, located just 2.5 hours by train from Tokyo, is Nagano Prefecture’s second-largest city and the gateway to the Japanese Alps.

At first glance, to get to Matsumoto, I thought I needed to take the Shinkansen to Nagano and then transfer to Matsumoto.

But luck struck just in time, and I discovered an easier way to get from Tokyo to Matsumoto: the Azusa train.

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Whether you’re planning a trip to Matsumoto to go skiing in winter (like me!) or to escape to the beautiful Kamikochi region in summer, here’s a quick guide explaining how to get there with several transport options available (bus and train).

In this guide, I’ll cover the best ways to travel from Tokyo to Matsumoto, including my personal experience taking the Azusa train from Shinjuku Station.

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How to Get to Matsumoto from Tokyo

By Train (Recommended): Limited Express Azusa

Train Name: Limited Express Azusa
Route: Shinjuku Station → Matsumoto Station
Duration: 2.5 hours
Cost: ¥6,620 for a reserved seat (about $44 one-way online)
Covered by the Japan Rail Pass? Yes!

Without a doubt, the Limited Express Azusa train that goes directly from Shinjuku Station (Tokyo) is the most convenient and comfortable way to reach Matsumoto.

This direct train isn’t a bullet train, but JR East still operates it, so a JR Pass or specific JR East Pass will cover the fare; however, you may not need a JR Pass at all if you’re slow traveling and staying a few days in Matsumoto without moving onward (as I did).

From Shinjuku Station, it takes around 2.5-3 hours to reach Matsumoto Station, with several brief station stops in between.

You can easily purchase your tickets online and swap out the digital QR code for a physical ticket once at Shinjuku JR Station (at the ticket machines).

Plan to arrive at Shinjuku JR Station at least 30 minutes before your train departure time in case you want to buy bento (Japanese lunch box). Tokyo’s trains leave on the SECOND, so don’t be late!

My Experience Taking Azusa 25

I took the Azusa 25 from Shinjuku, which departed at 1:00 PM sharp and arrived in Matsumoto at 3:37 PM.

The ride was smooth (albeit a bit bumpy at times; challenging to take notes or write), with wide seats and large windows for countryside and village views.

The train passes through Hachioji, Kofu, and the scenic valleys of Yamanashi and Nagano Prefecture, making it an easy and scenic ride.

📸 Tip: If you’re traveling during peak seasons (spring and fall), book your reserved seat in advance to guarantee a window view!

A unique feature of the Azusa 25 Train that I haven’t seen on the bullet trains is the color-coded seat lighting, which indicates if you’re going to have a neighbor next to you for the next leg of the trip.

When reserving your ticket online, you can only book Reserved Seats, which is better if you want to have a guaranteed seat throughout the entire ride!

Otherwise, you’ll need to move seats if a passenger has booked that seat for the next leg of the trip.

Click here to book your azusa train ticket

You can issue tickets for your Klook reservation easily at the machines (in English)

By Shinkansen + Local Train (Faster but More Expensive)

Train Name: Hokuriku Shinkansen + Shinonoi Train to Matsumoto
Route: Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Sta. → Nagano Station → Matsumoto
Duration: 1.5 hours + ~50 minutes–1 hour
Cost: ¥9,500
Covered by the Japan Rail Pass? Yes!

If you have a Japan Rail Pass and prefer speed over a direct route, you can take a shinkansen (bullet train) to Nagano and then transfer to the Shinonoi Line to Matsumoto.

Initially, this is what we had planned to do, but ultimately, it didn’t make much sense to spend more and still have to transfer trains!

However, if you want to start in Nagano City from Tokyo and then transfer to Matsumoto later, then this could be a great option.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano Station (~1.5 hours).
Transfer to the Shinonoi Line for a ~50-minute ride to Matsumoto.

🙊 Tip: If you’re planning to explore Nagano first (e.g., the snow monkeys at Jigokudani or Zenkoji Temple), this route makes more sense!

By Highway Bus (Cheapest Option)

Lastly, if you’re trying to pinch pennies where possible, then you can take the highway bus from Tokyo to Matsumoto.

Buses operate from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) and take around 3.5-4 hours to reach Matsumoto.

Departure Points: Busta Shinjuku / Tokyo Station
Cost: ¥3,500–¥5,000 (one-way)
Operator: Alpico Bus, Keio Bus
Features: Comfy but basic (reclining seats, sometimes Wi-Fi, and power outlets)

Buses are great for saving money, but are not the most comfortable or spacious choice for getting to Matsumoto.

If you’re not strapped for time, the bus is a good but slow, budget-friendly option!

The Azusa train costs about 4000 JPY one-way, similar to the bus fares

By Car

Renting a car is also an option, but not one I’d recommend for first-timers in Japan. Not only is driving a bit more stressful, but you also need an International Driver’s License to rent a car in Japan.

If you wish to drive, though, the drive from Tokyo to Matsumoto takes around 3–4 hours via the Chuo Expressway and is pretty straightforward (and scenic!).

Distance: ~230 km
Tolls: ~¥5,000 one-way
Rental Cost: ~¥7,000+ per day (plus fuel)
Find car rentals here 🚙

Driving is great if you plan to explore the Kamikochi region, Norikura Highlands, or Shirakawa-go after Matsumoto, but again, for simplicity, I’d recommend taking the train.