Matsumoto to Kyoto via Alpen-route

Is it possible to travel from Matsumoto to Kyoto via the alpen-route in one day and which transport is recommended. We have a JR Rail Pass which I know does not cover the Alpen-route. Also any recommendations re our main baggage which should not be too big and might be in the form of rucksacks for getting around.

You can travel on the morning from Matsumoto - Shinano omachi - japan Alps route -Toyama and back to Tokyo late of night. You can use the service of baggage sending at the Omachi station.

agree with above, but to get to Kyoto I'd go from Toyama to Kanazawa (and look around Kanazawa) then on the Thunderbird back to Kyoto. It's quite a nice trip. A longer trip, but much nicer IMO is Toyama - Takayama (Wideview Hida) - stop off at Takayama for a poke around and some beef, then back on the Wideview to Nagoya, then Nagoya to Kyoto by Shinkansen. If you wanted, you could stop off at Maibara and see the Hikone castle which is pretty impressive, with great grounds.

Thanks Sunny but I'm going to Kyoto.

Thanks Lazy Pious, but can all the trip be done in one day, I read the Alpen-Route could be 9 hours?

Set aside 6-8 hours for the whole Apline Route, more if travelling during peak time from late April to early May or autumn foliage season in Oct.

Doing the Route from Matsumoto and bedding down in Kyoto on the same day is very rush. Even if you are lucky enough to catch a direct train from Toyama to Kyoto you are looking at another 3 hr travelling time, 3.5-4 hrs if transfers are required. For a more relaxing trip consider spending the night in Toyama or Kanazawa.

Thanks, appreciate the advise, going mid November by the way.