Train Tickets from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Matsumoto

*the price displayed is for dedicated seats; children under 6 and babies can be seated on adults'lap free of charge.

16 Number
of daily departures
2h40 Shortest
travel duration
$46 Our best
available price
07:00 / 21:00 Earliest / Latest
departure time

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY TO MATSUMOTO!


Tokyo, undeniably a major destination for visitors to Japan, offers a plethora of exciting activities to discover. With an urban population approaching 14 million, the metropolis abounds with vibrant districts such as Shibuya and Shinjuku, as well as quiet retreats such as Tomigaya and Komaba.

By contrast, Matsumoto, located in Nagano prefecture, offers a completely different experience. With a much more modest population of around 240,000, the town is famous for its historic castle, one of the oldest in Japan, as well as its picturesque streets and soothing hot springs.

After a day exploring Matsumoto, visitors can feast on the renowned culinary specialties of the Nagano region. Local dishes such as Shinshu Soba, Matsumoto Apples and artisan cheeses from the surrounding mountains are not to be missed for an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Before immersing themselves in this delicious culinary adventure, travelers can also enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. The Japanese Alps provide a spectacular backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and nature-watching, allowing visitors to recharge their batteries in a majestic setting.

Then, for some well-deserved relaxation, travelers can enjoy the warm hospitality of ryokans, traditional Japanese inns offering authentic accommodation, often complete with natural thermal baths.

Advantages of taking the train from Tokyo to Matsumoto

azusa kaiji express train japan tokyo
Efficiency

Covering the distance of 282km between Tokyo and Matsumoto in a little over 2 hours and 40 minutes, Chuo Main Line are one of the fastest ways to reach your destination relaxed and worry-free.

shinkansen 700s interior seat seating japan train nozomi jr central
Comfort

Comfortable seats, plenty of space to relax your legs, regularly cleaned carriages and peace and quiet for a relaxing journey. 

shinkansen driver agent jr
Reliability

With hundreds of departures per day and an short delay times, express trains are very reliable. 

azusa kaiji express train japan tokyo mountains
Eco-friendly

Your Tokyo to Matsumoto itinerary corresponds to 9kg of CO2 emissions by Shinkansen, compared to 71kg by plane on the same journey. Traveling by train is 9 times more eco-responsible than flying!

How to book your Tokyo to Matsumoto train tickets

Pick your time, date, and seat

You can book up to 9 months prior to your travel date.

Confirm and purchase

Order your train ticket securely online.

Receive your QR code

Get your QR code by email 1 month before departure.

Exchange and enjoy

Follow the instructions received on how to exchange your QR code and enjoy your ride.

tokyo matsumoto train map

More information about Shinjuku Station and Matsumoto Station

How to get to Shinjuku Station

Shinjuku station, located in the Shinjuku district in the heart of Tokyo, is famous for being the busiest railway station in the world. Over 3.5 million passengers pass through every day, equivalent to the population of many other major cities. The station is served by a varied network of train lines, including the iconic JR lines, as well as subway lines such as the Marunouchi line. In addition, the Odakyu line serves the Hakone region from this station. To Matsumoto, take the JR Chuo Main Line.

Where to go from Matsumoto Station

Matsumoto station plays a crucial role in Nagano Prefecture's transport network, offering connections to various local and express destinations. In addition to JR rail services, it is linked to other points of interest in the region by the private Alpico Railway. Modern and well-equipped, the station offers ticket machines and a variety of amenities, including restaurants and stores. Its strategic location near the magnificent Matsumoto Castle makes it an ideal starting point for travelers exploring the region.

Why Book your Train Tickets with Japan Experience?

Official seller

Our train tickets are issued through an official partnership with the National Japan Railways Group (JR).

Secure payment

You're in control! We offer different payment options.

Quality at our core

Our team of passionate individuals based in Japan works with you directly, no intermediary needed.

Customer support

We're here to help, 7/7. And available through all channels.

READ MORE ABOUT THE EXCHANGE PROCESS, CONDITIONS, AND VALIDITY OF TRAIN TICKETS BELOW

How far in advance can I book train tickets?

You can book train tickets in Japan between 9 months prior to your train's departure date and 3 days before departure. 

Is there a special train ticket fare for children?

Yes, there are special fares applicable for children. Ages 12 and up are considered adults, but kids aged from 6 to 11 benefit from a reduced fare. Children under the age of 6 travel for free. This free fare is limited to 2 tickets, meaning any additional child under 6 will then pay the classic child fare.

Where to exchange your train tickets in Japan depending on region

train tickets japan exchange map

In the JR West area (blue), you can exchange your QR code for a physical train ticket at reserved seat ticket machines in stations, or at Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket windows with station staff. In the JR Central area (orange), you can exchange your QR code at reserved seat ticket vending machines at indicated stations. In the JR East area (green), you can exchange your train tickets at Shinkansen stations, major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and Narita Airport stations. 

How to use your train tickets in Japan

To use your train tickets once you have exchanged them, simply head to Shinjuku Station, insert your train ticket into the automatic gates (don't forget to take it back), and head to the right platform to hop on your train. On board the train, find the seat number that is on your ticket if you have a seat reservation, and enjoy the ride! Once you've arrived in Matsumoto, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Matsumoto Station, and the city is now yours to explore. 

Modification and Cancellation

Order Cancellation

Customers have up to 3 working days prior to their departure date to cancel their train ticket orders as long as they have not scanned the corresponding QR code and exchanged for their physical train tickets. A 15% cancellation fee will be charged, and the QR code will be instantly deactivated upon order cancellation. Cancellation of only a portion of the booking is not possible. 

For train ticket orders that have already had the corresponding QR code scanned and where the tickets have been received, or orders in less than 3 working days before departure, orders may be canceled at JR Station offices in the departure city up to 10 minutes before your train departure, where a refund will be issued with a 5%-10% cancellation fee, depending on the station and office. This refund will be made in cash in Japanese yen. 

Cancellation cannot be done at ticket machines. Please note JR Central offices can only cancel routes running through JR Central lines. 

Past the day and time of departure, refunds cannot be issued, regardless if the corresponding QR code has been used or not, and regardless if customers have received their physical tickets or not. Note that however, if you missed the departure train of the time, you can still board the next trains within 1 hour, in non-reserved seats.

These cancellation conditions still apply after one modification, according to the modification conditions below.

- If your train is delayed more than 2 hours, then: 

If you decide not to use your train tickets to travel to your destination, you can claim a full refund for them by contacting us here or by email at contact@japanexperience.com with your order number and photos of all your tickets (if you have already used your QR code to print your tickets at the machine, if not, no photos are required)

If you were able to take your delayed train to your destination, you can go to the JR counter at your destination with your tickets and request a partial refund (around 85% of the initial ticket price, depending on the current exchange rate). The refund will be made in cash. 

If you still plan to travel to your destination, you can go to a JR desk to modify your tickets free of charge. You can change your tickets to a train at a later time or date, but cannot claim for any compensation.

- If your train is canceled, then:

If you decide not to use your train tickets to travel to your destination, you can claim a full refund for them by contacting us here or by email at contact@japanexperience.com with your order number and photos of all your tickets (if you have already used your QR code to print your tickets at the machine, if not, no photos are required)

If you still plan to travel to your destination, you can go to a JR desk to modify your tickets free of charge. You can change your tickets to a train at a later time or date, but cannot claim for any compensation.

Order modification 

If you want to modify:

  • Departure time on the same day OR seat for another seat except luggage seat:

Japan Experience can modify one time, free of charge, your booking if the corresponding QR code has not been used AND if it is NOT within 3 working days of the departure date

You will then be sent a new QR code to use at JR stations to exchange for your new tickets.

Otherwise, you will need to go to JR station machines to exchange your QR code to receive your tickets and then change the departure time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to your train departure.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information.

  • Departure date, route, seat for luggage seat, number of seats in the booking: 

Japan Experience cannot modify your booking. You will need to go to JR station machines to exchange QR code to receive your tickets and change time at the same machine up to 10 minutes prior to departure. There may be a difference in fare to be paid on the spot.

You cannot modify the same ticket twice. For the second modification, the order will need to be canceled (check cancellation conditions) and then re-ordered with the new travel information. 

  • If you have made a mistake in your departure date or number of seats, you have to make a new booking online. Japan Experience will allow you to cancel your previous order free of charge. Kindly note that modifications for the new issued tickets won't be possible.

Eligibility

All persons above the age of 12, with no restrictions on residence status or nationality, are eligible to purchase individual train tickets (unlike the Japan Rail Pass and some JR regional passes, for example). Japanese individuals as well as foreigners living in Japan can thus purchase train tickets online. Under the age of 12, the aforementioned child fare conditions apply. 

Validity of train tickets

Train tickets issued are only valid for the date and time indicated on your booking and are to be used only on the Tokyo to Matsumoto route.

Frequently Asked Questions about Train Tickets in Japan