Train Tickets from Nagano to Tokyo

Nagano is a fully landlocked prefecture, one of very few in Japan, but it is still rich in natural scenery and gorgeous views. Nagano also boasts a great food culture, known for its luxurious soba and freshwater fish. With a higher elevation and mountainous geography, its climate is much milder in the summer with relatively heavy snowfall in the winter, making it a great destination for winter sports.

Tokyo, the most populated metropolitan area in the world and the capital of Japan, has a plethora of tourist attractions. There is something for everyone, especially those who enjoy taking in the city's rich culture, whether it is in the busy urban districts of Shinjuku or Shibuya or the more refined and relaxed areas of Yoyogi Uehara or Kagurazaka. Tokyo, the most populated metropolitan area in the world and the capital of Japan, has a plethora of tourist attractions. 

The Hokuriku Shinkansen traverses 222 kilometers in around 1.5 hours between Nagano and Tokyo, making travel quick and convenient. Onboard amenities make travel comfortable as well, with reclining seats, power outlets, and overhead storage. With windows on the Shinkansen as well, the beautiful scenery of the Japanese Alps is there for travelers to get lost in as they make their way to the metropolitan capital of Tokyo.

The path goes through approximately 222 kilometers (138 miles). Reclinable seats, overhead storage, power outlets, and more are available on board! You can be sure that traveling by Shinkansen bullet train will be both efficient and comfortable.

How to get to Nagano Station

Nagano Station is situated in the center of Nagano City, connected to other major stations throughout Nagano Prefecture like Ueda and Karuizawa by Shinkansen, but also to other major destinations like Matsumoto and Jigokudani Monkey Park via dedicated bus. Many destinations within Nagano City are walkable to and from the station, along with a number of commercial spots within the station vicinity. 

Where to go from Tokyo Station

The bustling, ornate Tokyo Station is a distinctive attraction for visitors to the capital. Tokyo Station is a near-unrivaled transit hub that serves as a major stop on multiple train lines around the city as well as the terminal station for many Shinkansen bullet trains. Exquisite shopping, a nearby imperial park, and upscale restaurants are all close by; nonetheless, the station is accessible from practically every JR Train Line, Marunouchi Subway Line, Hanzomon Subway Line, and more, providing access to nearly every area of Tokyo. 

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

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 Nagano 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 Tokyo, insert the ticket again at the gates upon exiting Tokyo 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.

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 Nagano to Tokyo route.