Take one of the frequent Nozomi or Hikari trains on the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto Station to Nagoya and transfer to an hourly JR Shinano limited express train to Nagano. The one way trip takes around four hours and costs about 12,000 yen. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass if using Hikari trains (but a supplement is required for riding Nozomi trains).
Take the JR Thunderbird limited express from Kyoto to Tsuruga and transfer to the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen to Nagano. This route is approximately 3000 yen more expensive than the above-listed one, but depending on the connections, it can be a little bit faster. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Multiple bus companies operate daytime and overnight highway buses between Kyoto Station and Nagano Station. The one way trip takes about eight hours and costs around 6,000 yen. Online reservations can be made through Willer and Japan Bus Online.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
The city's transport hub is Nagano Station, which is served by all trains in the region, including the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen, other JR trains, Shinano Railway and the Nagano Electric Railway (Nagaden) which runs from its underground station next to JR Nagano Station to Yamanouchi. Nagano Station is also at the center of a bus network that provides connections to Zenkoji Temple and the former Olympic facilities.
The Togakushi area with its shrines and ninja related attractions is located about an hour by bus in the forested mountains northwest of the city center. The area's attractions are spread across several kilometers, and good walkers can use hiking trails to walk in between them.
Rental cars are a good option to cover more of the city in less time. Most companies have outlets around Nagano Station.
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