Getting from Osaka and Kyoto to Nozawa Onsen
Getting from Osaka and Kyoto to Nozawa Onsen
Osaka and Kyoto are the main centers of central Japan. Kyoto was long the seat of the imperial family and capital of Japan, while Osaka was long the main trading and merchant center of Japan.
Both a large cities with complex transport services.
Shin Osaka is the Shinkansen Bullet train that serves the Osaka area. It is located to the north of Osaka central, and can be access using the JR Lines or the Midosuji Subway Line.
If transferring from JR, you will arrive on the ground level on platforms 1-10. Take the the elevator up to the main concourse.
Buying a Ticket
You can purchase a ticket through a vending machine (multi language available), but as this route requires 2 changes and 3 trains, you are probably better off going to the Jr ticket counter.
At the counter tell the staff member you wish to travel to Iiyama. They will tap away on their computer finding the next available route, and may even consult the 500 page monthly JR timetable. They may ask you if you’d like a reserved seat or a non-reserved seat. Reserved seats assign you a seat number, while Non Reserved seats are on a first come basis. ALWAYS book a reserved seat to guarantee you have somewhere to sit.
Once they have worked it out they will show you the route, and take payment. Credit Card payment is fine, but there have been cases where foreign credit cards get rejected in Japan, so it pays to bring a couple.
You will probably be issued with 4 tickets.
- Your base fare from Shin Osaka Station to Iiyama
- Your Shinkansen Bullet Train Seat ticket from Shin Osaka to Nagoya
- Your Limited Express Seat ticket from Nagoya to Nagano
- Your Shinkansen Bullet Train Seat ticket from Nagano to Iiyama
Boarding the Train
From the main concourse, you head through the Shinkansen ticket gates. You need to insert both the base fare ticket and the Shinkansen seat ticket into the machine (insert together). And remember to collect as you pass through the gate.
Beyond the ticket gates are digital screens listing the next 4-5 departures in each direction. As you are heading to Nagoya, you need to look at trains heading east to Tokyo. Locate your train number and verify the platform number.
Kyoto Station is one of the more modern stations in Japan. It can be accessed by JR Lines or the Karasuma Subway Line. The are 14 regular platforms, and 4 Shinkansen Bullet train platforms.
Most people will be coming from the North side of the station and coming into the Central Entrance. The Shinkansen platforms are on the far side of the station (Hachi-jo Entrance).
Buying a Ticket
Kyoto to Hakuba Valley is quite a complicated route, and while tickets can be purchased via a vending machine, it may be easier to go to the JR Ticket Counter.
At the counter tell the staff member you wish to travel to Iiyama. They will tap away on their computer finding the next available route, and may even consult the 500 page monthly JR timetable. They may ask you if you’d like a reserved seat or a non-reserved seat. Reserved seats assign you a seat number, while Non Reserved seats are on a first come basis. ALWAYS book a reserved seat to guarantee you have somewhere to sit.
Once they have worked it out they will show you the route, and take payment. Credit Card payment is fine, but there have been cases where foreign credit cards get rejected in Japan, so it pays to bring a couple.
You will probably be issued with 4 tickets.
- Your base fare from Kyoto Station to Hakuba
- Your Shinkansen Bullet Train Seat ticket from Kyoto to Nagoya
- Your Limited Express Seat ticket from Nagoya to Nagano
- Your Shinkansen Bullet Train Seat ticket from Nagano to Iiyama
Boarding the Train
Once through the first ticket gate head to platform 11-14 (Shinkansen Platforms). There is an underground passage and a passage on the 2nd floor. Once at the Shinkansen ticket gate insert your tickets and collect as you pass through.
Bullet trains heading East (towards Tokyo and Nagoya) leave from platforms 11 & 12.
Trains generally have 16 carriages. #16 is the front of the train, #1 is the rear. 8-10 are green class.
There are three types of trains that operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
- The Nozomi train is the fastest, only stopping at major stations
- The Hikari stops at a few more stations along the route
- The Kodama stops at every station.
Boarding the train
From the main concourse, you head through the Shinkansen ticket gates. You need to insert both the base fare ticket and the Shinkansen seat ticket into the machine (insert together). And remember to collect as you pass through the gate.
Beyond the ticket gates are digital screens listing the next 4-5 departures in each direction. As you are heading to Nagoya, you need to look at trains heading east to Tokyo. Locate your train number and verify the platform number.
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.
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.
Shinkansen Bullet train to Iiyama
Most of the Hakutaka Shinkansen Bullet trains coming up from Tokyo make a stop in Iiyama. There is only 1 train per hour on this route. It only takes 11 minute to get from Nagano Station to Iiyama Station.
On arrival at Nagano Station, you need to climb from the platform level to the concourse level and follow the Shinkansen Transfer signs. Trains to Iiyama will depart from platform 11 or 12.
Nozawa Liner Bus
From JR Iiyama Station the easiest option to get to Nozawa Onsen is the Nozawa Liner Bus.
The Nozawa Liner bus is operated by Nozawa Onsen Kotsu Ltd. The buses leave frequently from Iiyama Station (about 10 times per day) and take about 30 minutes to get to Nozawa Onsen.
Buses can get quite crowded during peak season so give yourself plenty of time to get to the bus stop and be among the first to board and guarantee yourself a seat.
Bus is first come, first seated and there are no reserved seats.
Buying Tickets
There is a vending machine close to the bus stop. As you exit the train station and head to bus stop 4, the vending machine is on the left. It only takes cash. If you don’t have cash then head to the Seven-Eleven close to the station (exit the station on the Chikumagawa Exit and turn right. Follow the train line south for 1 block and you see the seven-eleven). The Seven Eleven has an international ATM.
Boarding the Bus
The buses leave from bus stop #4.
Arrival in Nozawa Onsen
The Nozawa Onsen liner makes 4 stops in Nozawa Onsen. In order the stops are Maezaka, Nakao, Shinden and Nozawa Onsen Chuo Terminal (the central bus terminal). If you plan to walk to your accommodation then find out from your hosts which bus stop is closest.
If your accommodation does a pick up service, then call them when you leave Iiyama Station to let them know you are on your way.
Osaka and Kyoto are the main centers of central Japan. Kyoto was long the seat of the imperial family and capital of Japan, while Osaka was long the main trading and merchant center of Japan.
Both a large cities with complex transport services.
Shin Osaka is the Shinkansen Bullet train that serves the Osaka area. It is located to the north of Osaka central, and can be access using the JR Lines or the Midosuji Subway Line.
If transferring from JR, you will arrive on the ground level on platforms 1-10. Take the the elevator up to the main concourse.
Buying a Ticket
You can purchase a ticket through a vending machine (multi language available), but as this route requires 2 changes and 3 trains, you are probably better off going to the Jr ticket counter.
At the counter tell the staff member you wish to travel to Iiyama. They will tap away on their computer finding the next available route, and may even consult the 500 page monthly JR timetable. They may ask you if you’d like a reserved seat or a non-reserved seat. Reserved seats assign you a seat number, while Non Reserved seats are on a first come basis. ALWAYS book a reserved seat to guarantee you have somewhere to sit.
Once they have worked it out they will show you the route, and take payment. Credit Card payment is fine, but there have been cases where foreign credit cards get rejected in Japan, so it pays to bring a couple.
You will probably be issued with 4 tickets.
- Your base fare from Shin Osaka Station to Iiyama
- Your Shinkansen Bullet Train Seat ticket from Shin Osaka to Nagoya
- Your Limited Express Seat ticket from Nagoya to Nagano
- Your Shinkansen Bullet Train Seat ticket from Nagano to Iiyama
Boarding the Train
From the main concourse, you head through the Shinkansen ticket gates. You need to insert both the base fare ticket and the Shinkansen seat ticket into the machine (insert together). And remember to collect as you pass through the gate.
Beyond the ticket gates are digital screens listing the next 4-5 departures in each direction. As you are heading to Nagoya, you need to look at trains heading east to Tokyo. Locate your train number and verify the platform number.
Kyoto Station is one of the more modern stations in Japan. It can be accessed by JR Lines or the Karasuma Subway Line. The are 14 regular platforms, and 4 Shinkansen Bullet train platforms.
Most people will be coming from the North side of the station and coming into the Central Entrance. The Shinkansen platforms are on the far side of the station (Hachi-jo Entrance).
Buying a Ticket
Kyoto to Hakuba Valley is quite a complicated route, and while tickets can be purchased via a vending machine, it may be easier to go to the JR Ticket Counter.
At the counter tell the staff member you wish to travel to Iiyama. They will tap away on their computer finding the next available route, and may even consult the 500 page monthly JR timetable. They may ask you if you’d like a reserved seat or a non-reserved seat. Reserved seats assign you a seat number, while Non Reserved seats are on a first come basis. ALWAYS book a reserved seat to guarantee you have somewhere to sit.
Once they have worked it out they will show you the route, and take payment. Credit Card payment is fine, but there have been cases where foreign credit cards get rejected in Japan, so it pays to bring a couple.
You will probably be issued with 4 tickets.
- Your base fare from Kyoto Station to Hakuba
- Your Shinkansen Bullet Train Seat ticket from Kyoto to Nagoya
- Your Limited Express Seat ticket from Nagoya to Nagano
- Your Shinkansen Bullet Train Seat ticket from Nagano to Iiyama
Boarding the Train
Once through the first ticket gate head to platform 11-14 (Shinkansen Platforms). There is an underground passage and a passage on the 2nd floor. Once at the Shinkansen ticket gate insert your tickets and collect as you pass through.
Bullet trains heading East (towards Tokyo and Nagoya) leave from platforms 11 & 12.
Trains generally have 16 carriages. #16 is the front of the train, #1 is the rear. 8-10 are green class.
There are three types of trains that operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.
- The Nozomi train is the fastest, only stopping at major stations
- The Hikari stops at a few more stations along the route
- The Kodama stops at every station.
Boarding the train
From the main concourse, you head through the Shinkansen ticket gates. You need to insert both the base fare ticket and the Shinkansen seat ticket into the machine (insert together). And remember to collect as you pass through the gate.
Beyond the ticket gates are digital screens listing the next 4-5 departures in each direction. As you are heading to Nagoya, you need to look at trains heading east to Tokyo. Locate your train number and verify the platform number.
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.
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.
Shinkansen Bullet train to Iiyama
Most of the Hakutaka Shinkansen Bullet trains coming up from Tokyo make a stop in Iiyama. There is only 1 train per hour on this route. It only takes 11 minute to get from Nagano Station to Iiyama Station.
On arrival at Nagano Station, you need to climb from the platform level to the concourse level and follow the Shinkansen Transfer signs. Trains to Iiyama will depart from platform 11 or 12.
Nozawa Liner Bus
From JR Iiyama Station the easiest option to get to Nozawa Onsen is the Nozawa Liner Bus.
The Nozawa Liner bus is operated by Nozawa Onsen Kotsu Ltd. The buses leave frequently from Iiyama Station (about 10 times per day) and take about 30 minutes to get to Nozawa Onsen.
Buses can get quite crowded during peak season so give yourself plenty of time to get to the bus stop and be among the first to board and guarantee yourself a seat.
Bus is first come, first seated and there are no reserved seats.
Buying Tickets
There is a vending machine close to the bus stop. As you exit the train station and head to bus stop 4, the vending machine is on the left. It only takes cash. If you don’t have cash then head to the Seven-Eleven close to the station (exit the station on the Chikumagawa Exit and turn right. Follow the train line south for 1 block and you see the seven-eleven). The Seven Eleven has an international ATM.
Boarding the Bus
The buses leave from bus stop #4.
Arrival in Nozawa Onsen
The Nozawa Onsen liner makes 4 stops in Nozawa Onsen. In order the stops are Maezaka, Nakao, Shinden and Nozawa Onsen Chuo Terminal (the central bus terminal). If you plan to walk to your accommodation then find out from your hosts which bus stop is closest.
If your accommodation does a pick up service, then call them when you leave Iiyama Station to let them know you are on your way.
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