Tokyo to Matsumoto

Hey all,

I am heading from Tokyo to Matsumoto on November 13.

I have a JR Pass.

I am aware that I can get there on the Super Azusa train, but I have a few queries.

1. Should I make a reservation?

2. I have seen the timetables on the JR page - it seems to only list departures around 4pm, whereas Hyperdia/Navitime have a variety of times.

Which is correct?

Thanks!

1. Should I make a reservation?

I recommend so. For peace of mind.

2. I have seen the timetables on the JR page - it seems to only list departures around 4pm, whereas Hyperdia/Navitime have a variety of times.

Which is correct?

Both are correct. There is just one train per day (around 4pm) from Tokyo Station to Matsumoto. But there are 1-2 trains per hour from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you could also consider traveling via Nagano.

We took the Chuo line from Matsumoto to Shinjuku a couple of years ago. It's quite easy and comfortable, the trip the other direction would be good too.

The alternative was to train back to Nagano and jump on the Shinkansen, which would also be a good option. If you haven't ridden the Shinkansen, that's a good opportunity to do it.

Have a great time in Matsumoto! It's a sweet little city and the castle is great.

Most of the express trains for Matsumoto from the Tokyo area depart from Shinjuku. Some are direct, some involve a transfer/connection. Hyperdia would give you the options from your starting location.
Given the choice of route I would probably do the express train from Shinjuku rather than Shinkansen to Nagano and then the one hour Shinano Ltd Exp to Matsumoto.
If you did go via Nagano, you could get the Resort View Furusato that stops at Obasute so people can take photos of the terraced rice fields.

Depends where in Tokyo. If you are closer to Tokyo Station, Ueno, Asakusa area, then I would take the Shinkansen and transfer in Nagano.

If you are closer to Shinjuku, Shibuya area, then I would take Super Azusa.


If you are in good health, it is easy to walk from Matsumoto station to the castle area. Maybe 15-20 minutes and you get to stroll through the middle of a pretty little city on the way.

Thank you all for your help!

Query - I know I can reserve the train from Tokyo to Nagano. Is there a way and need to reserve the Wide View Shinano?

Wouldn�ft hurt to reserve a seat.....and you can do that at the same time/place where you�fd reserve the first one.

The JR travel centers at all the major JR train stations have very helpful staff who speak English. You can just tell them you want to go to Matsumoto and they will give you a couple options and then reserve and print your tickets for you, including transfers. There is no cost if you have an appropriate JR pass covering the trip.

Seat reservation fees are pretty low, and the reserved cars can be slightly nicer than non-reserved.