Machida to Nagano train with JR East

Information about the Machida to Nagano train route

The train from Machida to Nagano connects a bustling residential city on the southwestern edge of Tokyo with one of Japan's most celebrated mountain destinations. Machida Station (1-1-37 Haramachida, Machida City, Tokyo 194-0013) sits on the Odakyu Odawara Line and the JR Yokohama Line, making it well connected to central Tokyo and beyond. Nagano Station (1106 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture 380-0921) is the gateway to the Japanese Alps, the famous snow macaque hot springs, and the historic temples of Zenkoji, one of Japan's most visited Buddhist pilgrimage sites.

Because Machida does not sit directly on a Shinkansen line, travelers heading to Nagano by train will typically make their way to Shinjuku or Tokyo Station first, before boarding the Hokuriku Shinkansen (formerly known as the Nagano Shinkansen) toward Nagano. The Hokuriku Shinkansen is the primary high-speed rail link to Nagano and has served the route since it was built for the 1998 Winter Olympics. Shinkansen services on this corridor depart from Tokyo Station and stop at Nagano, meaning the journey from Machida involves a short connection through the city before the bullet train leg begins.

Nagano itself sits at around 370 meters above sea level, surrounded by mountain ranges that rise well above 2,000 meters. The contrast with the flat urban sprawl of Greater Tokyo is striking from the moment the train clears the tunnels through the mountains and the Nagano basin comes into view.

We recommend using the JR Pass for traveling in trains all around Japan to save more money if you plan to do many trips. You can check the correct prices for every station or shinkansen connection in Omio's JR Pass information.

Machida to Nagano by train: what to expect on board

The most comfortable and efficient way to make the Machida to Nagano journey by train is to connect through Tokyo Station and board the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The bullet train to Nagano runs as either the Kagayaki, which runs express with limited stops, or the Hakutaka, which calls at more stations along the route. For travelers boarding at Tokyo Station, either service reaches Nagano efficiently.

Seating tips

• For scenic mountain views as the train passes through Karuizawa and approaches the Japanese Alps, aim for window seats on the left side (A seats) when traveling from Tokyo toward Nagano.
• The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic after Karuizawa, as the train cuts through tunnels and emerges into highland valleys, window seats on either side are well worth having for this section.
• The Green Car offers wider seats and a noticeably quieter cabin, which is a good choice if you are traveling with luggage after exploring Tokyo or if you simply want a more relaxed start to a mountain trip.

On-board experience

The Hokuriku Shinkansen is modern, smooth, and reliably punctual. A trolley service passes through the carriages with drinks, light snacks, and seasonal items. That said, picking up a bento box or snacks at Tokyo Station before boarding is a far more enjoyable option, the station's basement food halls and Shinkansen platform shops are stocked with an excellent range of regional and seasonal options.

Best time of year to travel from Machida to Nagano

• Winter (December to February): Nagano is Japan's premier snow destination. The ski resorts around Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are world-class, and the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani can be seen bathing in the hot springs surrounded by snow. This is peak season, book trains and accommodation early.
• Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossoms arrive slightly later in Nagano than in Tokyo due to the altitude, creating a beautiful staggered bloom season. Zenkoji Temple is particularly atmospheric during this period.
• Autumn (mid-October to late November): The mountain foliage around Nagano turns vivid shades of red and orange, often earlier and more dramatically than in lowland cities. One of the best times to visit for scenery.
• Summer (July to August): A popular escape from Tokyo's heat and humidity. Hiking trails in the Japanese Alps are fully accessible, and the cooler mountain air makes Nagano a natural retreat.

Getting to Nagano and beyond

Nagano Station is a well-organized hub that makes onward travel across the region straightforward. The Hokuriku Shinkansen continues west from Nagano toward Toyama, Kanazawa, and now Tsuruga following the 2024 extension, opening up a scenic and historically rich corridor through the Sea of Japan coast.

Within Nagano City

Local buses depart from directly outside Nagano Station and connect to Zenkoji Temple, which is the city's most visited landmark, as well as the city's main neighborhoods. The walk to Zenkoji along the main approach road (Chuo-dori) takes around 20 to 30 minutes and is a pleasant way to arrive on foot if the weather allows.

Day trips and regional connections

Nagano's mountain setting makes it an ideal base for exploring a wide area:

• Jigokudani Monkey Park, accessible by bus and local train from Nagano, this is one of Japan's most unique wildlife experiences, with wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot spring pools.
• Matsumoto, around 50 minutes by limited express train on the JR Shinonoi Line, home to one of Japan's finest original castles, Matsumoto Castle.
• Hakuba, around 80 minutes by bus from Nagano Station, one of Japan's top ski and outdoor adventure resorts.
• Kanazawa, now directly connected via the extended Hokuriku Shinkansen, making it possible to continue westward from Nagano to explore this beautifully preserved castle town.

If you are traveling westward toward Kanazawa, Toyama, or the Noto Peninsula, your JR Pass covers the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension, making Nagano a natural midpoint on a broader loop itinerary between Tokyo and the Kansai region.

What to expect when you arrive in Nagano

Nagano Station (1106 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture 380-0921) is a modern, compact station that is easy to navigate even on a first visit. The station has two main exits, the Zenkoji Exit (east side) and the 善光寺口 (Zenkoji-guchi), which points you directly toward the city's most famous temple, and the Alpico Plaza Exit on the west side. Signage in English is clear throughout.

Practical information at the station

• Tourist information: The Nagano City Tourist Information Center is located near the Zenkoji Exit and provides maps, bus timetables, and multilingual assistance. Staff can also help with accommodation and activity recommendations across the wider region.
• Luggage storage: Coin lockers are available on the concourse in multiple sizes. Luggage forwarding services (takuhaibin) are also available if you want to send bags ahead to a ski resort or ryokan, which is particularly useful during the winter season when bulky equipment makes station navigation more difficult.
• Currency and connectivity: ATMs accepting international cards can be found inside the station building. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Nagano Station.

Arriving in Nagano for the first time

Nagano has a distinctly different pace from Tokyo or Osaka. The city is compact, walkable in its central areas, and oriented almost entirely around the approach to Zenkoji Temple. The broad, tree-lined Chuo-dori avenue leading from the station toward the temple sets the tone immediately, this is a city that takes its heritage seriously.

For visitors arriving in winter, it is worth noting that snow is very common in Nagano from December onward. Appropriate footwear is strongly recommended, as the streets and pavements around the station and temple area can be icy. For those arriving in the evening, the lantern-lit approach to Zenkoji is one of the more quietly memorable first impressions any Japanese city has to offer.