Yokohama to Nagano train with JR East

Information about the Yokohama to Nagano train route

The Yokohama to Nagano train route is a rewarding journey that takes you from Japan's vibrant port city through the heart of the Kanto region and up into the Japanese Alps. Departing from Yokohama Station (2-16-1 Takashima, Nishi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture 220-0011) and arriving at Nagano Station (1106 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture 380-0921), this route connects two very different but equally compelling destinations.

Yokohama is Japan's second-largest city, known for its cosmopolitan character, historic waterfront district of Yamate, the bustling lanes of Chinatown, and the iconic Minato Mirai skyline. Nagano, by contrast, is the gateway to mountain Japan, a city that hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and sits surrounded by some of the country's most dramatic alpine scenery, including the Japanese Alps and the Shiga Kogen highlands.

The most common approach for traveling from Yokohama to Nagano by train involves connecting through Tokyo or Omiya to board the Hokuriku Shinkansen (also known as the Hokuriku Arch Star on newer extensions). The Hokuriku Shinkansen serves Nagano Station directly, making it the backbone of the yokohama to nagano bullet train experience. Travelers typically take a JR or private rail service from Yokohama toward Tokyo or Omiya, then switch to the northbound Shinkansen heading to Nagano.

For anyone planning to explore broader Japan on this trip, perhaps continuing to Kanazawa, Toyama, or Kyoto via the extended Hokuriku line, the connection through Nagano sits at a genuinely strategic point on the rail network.

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.

Yokohama to Nagano by train: what to expect on board

Traveling from Yokohama to Nagano by train is a comfortable and scenic experience, particularly once you board the Shinkansen for the second leg of the journey. Here is what to keep in mind to make the most of the trip.

Seating options on the Hokuriku Shinkansen

• Ordinary (standard) class, spacious and comfortable seats arranged in a 3-2 configuration, perfectly suited for the length of this journey.
• Green Car (first class), wider, reclining seats with additional legroom and a noticeably quieter carriage. A worthwhile upgrade if you prefer a more relaxed journey.
• Gran Class, available on select services, offering premium comfort with lie-flat-style seating and meal service. An exceptional option if the budget allows.

Best seats for the view

As the Hokuriku Shinkansen climbs away from the greater Tokyo area and heads toward Nagano, the scenery transitions from urban sprawl to mountain landscapes. To make the most of the views:

• Choose window seats on the left-hand side of the train (A seats) when traveling from Omiya or Tokyo toward Nagano for the best angles of the approaching alpine terrain.
• On clear days, there is a reasonable chance of glimpsing Mount Fuji in the distance during the earlier stretch of the journey, keep your eyes to the south.
• The final approach into Nagano through the mountain valleys is genuinely spectacular, particularly when snow covers the peaks.

On-board experience

Shinkansen travel in Japan is consistently smooth, punctual, and clean. While trolley services sell light snacks and drinks on board, experienced travelers strongly recommend picking up an ekiben (station bento box) before departure. Yokohama Station has several good options in its food halls, and if you are connecting through Tokyo or Omiya, both stations have an extensive range of bento choices that make for a very enjoyable in-journey meal.

Best time of year to travel

• Winter (December to March): Nagano transforms into a world-class snow destination. The ski resorts around Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, and Shiga Kogen are at their peak, and the famous snow monkeys of Jigokudani are best seen during this season. Trains can be busier with ski travelers, so booking ahead is wise.
• Autumn (mid-October to late November): The Japanese Alps put on one of the country's finest foliage displays. Crisp air, dramatic red and gold leaves, and far fewer crowds than in the spring make this arguably the finest season to visit Nagano.
• Spring (late March to early May): Cherry blossoms arrive slightly later at altitude than in Tokyo or Kyoto, meaning Nagano offers a second chance to catch the blooms if you have already seen them further south.
• Summer (July to August): A popular season for hiking in the Alps and escaping the intense heat of the coastal cities. The highlands around Nagano stay noticeably cooler than Tokyo or Yokohama.

Getting to Nagano and beyond

Nagano Station is a well-organized hub that makes onward travel across the region straightforward. Whether you are heading deeper into the mountains or using Nagano as a stepping stone on a longer itinerary, the connections are good.

Within Nagano City

The city center is compact and manageable. Local buses depart regularly from the station's east exit toward the main attractions, including Zenkoji Temple, one of Japan's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, located roughly a 15-minute bus ride or a pleasant 30-minute walk from the station along a traditional approach road lined with shops and small restaurants.

Day trips and regional connections

Nagano's position in the heart of the Japanese Alps makes it a superb base for excursions:

• Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous for wild Japanese macaques bathing in natural hot springs. Accessible by local bus and a short walk, typically around 1.5 hours from Nagano Station.
• Hakuba, one of Japan's top ski and outdoor adventure destinations, roughly 1 hour by limited express train from Nagano.
• Matsumoto, home to one of Japan's finest original castles, Matsumoto Castle, approximately 50 minutes from Nagano by limited express on the JR Shinonoi Line.
• Kanazawa, a beautiful historic city on the Sea of Japan coast, accessible in around 1 hour via the Hokuriku Shinkansen heading west from Nagano. JR Pass holders can travel this leg without additional cost.
• Tokyo and Omiya, for the return leg or onward connections south, both are easily reached via the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

What to expect when you arrive in Nagano

Nagano Station is a modern, well-signed gateway to the city and surrounding mountains. The station building itself was significantly upgraded in the lead-up to the 1998 Winter Olympics and features clear English signage throughout, making navigation easy even for first-time visitors.

Practical information at the station

• Tourist information: The Nagano City Tourism and Convention Bureau maintains an information desk within the station, where staff can provide maps, bus timetables, and guidance on local attractions in English.
• Luggage storage: Coin lockers of various sizes are available throughout Nagano Station. If you plan to head straight into the mountains or to a ski resort, luggage forwarding services (takuhaibin) are a practical option, bags can be sent directly to your resort or next accommodation, leaving you free to travel unencumbered.
• Currency and connectivity: ATMs accepting international cards are available at the station (Japan Post and convenience store ATMs are your most reliable options). Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the station building.

Arriving in Nagano for the first time

Nagano rewards visitors who take a little time to understand its layout. The city fans out from the station toward the sacred approach to Zenkoji Temple to the north, with the mountains rising beyond the city edges in virtually every direction. The east exit of the station leads toward the city center and the main Zenkoji approach, while the west exit connects to local buses and taxis heading toward some of the mountain-bound routes.

The atmosphere in Nagano is noticeably different from Yokohama or Tokyo, quieter, more traditional, and with a strong sense of mountain culture. If you are arriving in winter, be prepared for cold temperatures and, depending on the time of year, snow on the ground. The city is well set up for it, and the contrast with the warm, busy streets of Yokohama makes the arrival feel like stepping into a completely different Japan.