Nagano Prefecture sits in the heart of the Japanese Alps, a landlocked mountain region of central Honshu famed for hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics. Towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine highland plateaus define the landscape, while centuries-old temples, historic post towns along the Nakasendo highway, and legendary onsen hot springs reveal a culture shaped by isolation and resilience. The prefecture stretches across five distinct mountain ranges, offering year-round outdoor pursuits from ski slopes at Hakuba and Shiga Kogen to summer alpine trekking through Kamikochi and the Northern Japan Alps.
Nagano City and Matsumoto are the two main transport hubs. The Hokuriku Shinkansen connects Nagano City to Tokyo (80 min, from ¥7,680/$51 USD unreserved). The JR Azusa Limited Express runs from Tokyo Shinjuku to Matsumoto (2.5 hours, ¥6,600/$44 USD). Local JR lines (Oito, Shinonoi, Iida) and the Alpico Kotsu bus network fan out to ski resorts, onsen towns, and national parks. Car hire is strongly recommended for flexibility when visiting multiple rural destinations.
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Purchase a JR East Nagano Area Pass (5 days, ¥27,000/$180 USD) if visiting Nagano City, Matsumoto, Hakuba, and Karuizawa — saves significantly over individual fares
Coin lockers at Nagano and Matsumoto stations (¥300–¥700/$2–$5 for medium-large) handle luggage during day trips
Alpico bus to Kamikochi requires advance booking in July–August: alpico.co.jp or toll-free 0120-39-8440
Winter drivers: studless (snow) tyres are legally required on mountain roads and included in most rental car agreements; carry a set of snow chains as backup
IC cards (Suica or Pasmo) work on Nagano City buses, Matsumoto buses, and most JR trains but NOT on Nagano Dentetsu or Alpico rural buses — carry cash
Last trains from Nagano City to Tokyo depart around 9–10pm; last Matsumoto trains around 11pm — check return times before evening plans