Getting from Central Nagoya to Myoko Kogen
Route Map
Nagoya is Japan’s 4th largest city, with a population of over 2 million. Nagoya Station is on the Tokaido Shinkansen Bullet train line that runs from Tokyo through Kyoto and Osaka, and on to Fukuoka.
It is central Japan’s largest hub station. In addition to the JR Station, there are also Kintetsu Rail Co, and Meitetsu Rail Co Stations, as well as a couple of subway lines.
Buying a Ticket
JR Nagoya Station has 3 main entrances / exits. Sakuradori to the East, Taiko Dori Exit to the West, and Hirokoji Exit to the South-East. Most people will be using the Sakuradori Entrance, however if coming from Chubu Airport, then the Hirokoji Entrance is the closest.
There are ticket vending machines (multi-lingual) here as well as ticket counters.
The easiest option is to go to a ticket counter and talk to the person selling tickets. They will be able to give you the correct times.
Shinano Wide View Express
The train from Nagoya to Nagano (via Matsumoto) is called “Shinano Wide View Limited Express”. Limited Express are the 2nd fastest type of train in Japan after the Shinkansen Bullet train. They only stop at larger stations, and by-pass the commuter ones. The train from Nagoya to Nagano will only stop at about 10 stations along the way and take about 3 hours.
There are 6 carriages on the train. #1 is the front of the train heading towards Matsumoto, while 6 is the rear of the train.
Car 1 is Green Class (first class) and a surcharge is required in addition to the limited express fare.
Cars 2-4 are reserved sets. These are for people with seat assignments on their tickets.
Cars 5-6 are non-reserved, meaning these seats are on a first come basis.
There is no food or beverage service on this train so it pays to buy a few snacks at Nagoya Station before boarding.
Boarding the Train
Most of the Wide View Shinano Trains depart from platform #10, but you need to check the digital signs at the station entrance to confirm this as it can change on occasion.
The ticket sales and ticket gates are on the basement level. There are 3 pathways to the platforms (North, Central, and South). You walk along the tunnel like corridor and there are a number of staircases (and escalators on the North and Central pathways). These have the platform numbers on them. At the platform 10 sign, climb the stairs and you will be on the ground level on the platform.
There are small convenience stores on the platform where you can buy snacks and drinks.
The train will arrive 5-10 minutes before departure.
Nagoya to Nagano
The trip from Nagoya to Nagano takes about 3 hours. After leaving Nagoya the train travels through the suburbs before following a number of river valleys. Between the many tunnels, there are some great valley views on both sides of the train.
For much of the way the train follows the old Nakasendo route. This is the ancient walkway from Osaka to Tokyo through the mountains. Many of the townships you pass through on the way are the old staging towns where weary travelers would stay over night in small Japanese style lodges.
After Matsumoto the train runs through a number of tunnels and up to the Hijiri plateau. The final part of the trip offers great views of Nagano and Chikuma cities from Obasute.
Arrival at Nagano
There is no dedicated platform for Wide View Shinano arrivals at Nagano Station. But most trains arrive at either platform 2, 3 or 5.
Shinano Rail Co
The company operating the line between Nagano Station and Myoko Kogen is called “Shinano Tetsudo”, or Shina Rail Co.
There is only about 1 train per hour from Nagano Station to Myoko Kogen. These are commute trains that stop at every station. The trip from Nagano to Myoko Kogen takes about 45 minutes.
Buying a Ticket
As the Shinano Co is not a JR Line, your original ticket does not cover this part of the trip. However you can pay for your ticket when you arrive in Myoko Kogen. (Make sure you keep you JR tickets to show that you boarded the train in Nagano).
Boarding the Train
On arrival in Nagano, check the digital signage to confirm the next train to Myoko Kogen. There is not set platform for departures to Myoko Kogen, it varies depending on departure time. Make your way to the correct platform and board the train.
Arrival in Myoko Kogen
Trains from Nagano generally arrive at platform 2. This is a hassle as you need to climb stairs, cross the bridge, go down the stairs, and to the exit (all while carrying your luggage).
At the exit, show your JR tickets to the staff member and he/she will charge you 850yen for the trip from Nagano. Cash only.
Myoko Kogen Station is located about 10 minutes drive from the ski resort areas.
Unless your accommodation offers a pick up from the station, taxi is the best option for getting from that station to your accommodation.
There are often taxis parked in front of the station (especially when trains arrive). Kogen Taxi is located in the large building across the road from the station to the south. You may be able to walk in there and order a taxi (but they do not have English speaking staff)