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Matsumoto Station by Train and Bus: Routes, Times and Fares

Every main train and bus out of Matsumoto: where each one leaves from and what to check before you book.

Researched & written byRural Japan GuidesHow I researchSources30 sourceslisted at the endLast checkedDetails can change — check the official site before you travel.Read6 min
The front of Matsumoto Station, with a paved square, people walking and an Alpico bus on the left

Matsumoto Station. Long-distance buses leave from the bus terminal across the street. Photo: Drivephotographer / Wikimedia Commons / CC0

The short answer
  • Trains leave from JR Matsumoto Station. Long-distance buses leave from Matsumoto Bus Terminal, across the street from the station's Oshiro (east) exit.
  • To Shinjuku, the Azusa limited express takes 2 hr 29 min – 2 hr 38 min. The highway bus takes 3 hr 12 min – 3 hr 53 min and costs from ¥3,300 when booked and paid online.
  • The Shinano limited express runs to Nagoya (about 2 hr) and Nagano (54–56 min). Buses to Takayama need a reservation, and on October 21, 2026, their route page showed no winter suspension. Buses to Kamikochi stop after November 15, 2026.
My pick

For Tokyo, take the Azusa. For Takayama, book the bus.

The Azusa is the faster way to Shinjuku. The highway bus is slower, and costs from ¥3,300 when booked and paid online.

From Matsumoto, Takayama is a bus trip: the Nohi bus via Hirayu takes about 2 hr 30 min and needs a reservation.

  1. 1Azusa to Shinjuku2 hr 29 min – 2 hr 38 min
  2. 2Highway bus to Shinjuku3 hr 12 min – 3 hr 53 min, from ¥3,300 online
  3. 3Shinano to Nagoya or NaganoNagoya about 2 hr, Nagano 54–56 min

Matsumoto is where the train lines from Shinjuku, Nagoya and Nagano meet, and where the buses to Takayama and Kamikochi start. This guide lists the main trains and buses out of Matsumoto Station, where each one leaves from and what to book ahead. Train times are from JR East's November 2026 timetables, checked October 24, 2026; bus details are from Alpico, Nohi Bus and Nagano Prefecture, checked October 21–24, 2026.

For the wider region, including passes and winter closures, see my Japanese Alps without a car guide.

Where things are at the station

  • Two exits: the Oshiro (castle, east) exit and the Alps (west) exit. The tourist information office is inside the station.
  • Trains: JR limited expresses and local trains, plus the Alpico Kamikochi Line to Shin-Shimashima.
  • Long-distance buses: Matsumoto Bus Terminal, on the first floor of Alpico Plaza. Leave by the Oshiro exit; it is across the street to your right. Nagano Prefecture's airport page puts it about 5 minutes on foot from the station.
  • Town buses: the Town Sneaker loop buses leave from the roundabout right outside the Oshiro exit.
  • Lockers: six places in the station, on 3F (in the Welcome Center facing the gates, in the waiting room and next to NewDays), 2F (Oshiro side) and 1F (both exits). There is no staffed bag storage counter.

Main routes from Matsumoto Station

To How Time Fare Book?
Shinjuku Azusa limited express 2 hr 29 min – 2 hr 38 min — Recommended
Shinjuku Highway bus 3 hr 12 min – 3 hr 53 min From ¥3,300 Recommended
Nagoya Shinano limited express 2 hr 5 min – 2 hr 10 min — Optional
Nagano Shinano limited express 54–56 min — Optional
Hakuba JR Oito Line Direct trains: 59 min – 1 hr 56 min — Local: no
Takayama Nohi highway bus About 2 hr 30 min ¥4,400 Yes
Kamikochi Train + bus, or direct bus Train + bus: 1 hr 44 min – 1 hr 52 min ¥3,810 (train + bus); ¥4,600 (direct bus) Bus: optional; reserved riders board first
Narai JR local train 10:20 → 11:12, for example — No

Train times: JR East, November 2026 timetables. "—" means I have not confirmed the fare.

Tokyo: the Azusa or the highway bus

Azusa limited express — Matsumoto – Shinjuku

  1. Every standard-class seat is reserved, and JR also sells an unreserved-seat ticket that lets you sit in any empty seat.
Why pick itit is the faster way, and it runs to central Shinjuku.
Watch outI have not confirmed the fare and limited express charge; check them on JR East's site.
Train Leaves Arrives Days
Azusa 5 Shinjuku 8:00 Matsumoto 10:37 Every day
Azusa 37 Shinjuku 16:00 Matsumoto 18:29 Every day
Azusa 22 Matsumoto 11:10 Shinjuku 13:48 (13:42 on weekends and holidays) Every day
Azusa 46 Matsumoto 16:30 Shinjuku 19:08 (19:06 on weekends and holidays) Every day

JR East's train pages show these running days up to February 28, 2027.

Highway bus — Matsumoto Bus Terminal – Busta Shinjuku

  1. Run by Alpico and Keio Bus. The timetable from September 1, 2026 lists 24 departures from Matsumoto between 4:20 and 21:00, some of them suspended.
Why pick itonline fares start at ¥3,300, and Busta Shinjuku connects directly to the New South gate of JR Shinjuku Station, about 2 minutes away.
Watch outit takes longer than the train: 3 hr 12 min – 3 hr 53 min on the timetable.

Bus fares (adult, one way, Matsumoto Bus Terminal – Busta Shinjuku):

How you pay Fare
Booked and paid online From ¥3,300 (changes by bus and date)
At a counter, on board or by phone: Monday–Thursday ¥4,100
Same, Fridays, days before holidays, weekends and holidays ¥4,300
Same, peak days ¥4,500

Book on highwaybus.com. On October 22, 2026, Alpico's page also listed special runs on November 1, 22 and 23.

Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka: the Shinano

The Shinano limited express runs between Nagoya and Nagano through Matsumoto. From Kyoto or Osaka, take the Shinkansen to Nagoya and change to the Shinano there.

  • Shinano 1: Nagoya 7:00 → Matsumoto 9:08.
  • Shinano 3: Nagoya 8:00 → Matsumoto 10:05.
  • Shinano 8: Matsumoto 10:51 → Nagoya 13:01.

The Shinano has reserved and non-reserved standard seats.

Nagano

The same Shinano trains continue north to Nagano. The Shinano 1 leaves Matsumoto at 9:09 and reaches Nagano at 10:03; the Shinano 3 leaves at 10:06 and arrives at 11:02. On weekdays, Shinano trains leave Matsumoto for Nagano about once an hour from 9:09 to 18:05, then at 19:47, 20:48 and 21:51. At Nagano you can change to the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

Hakuba

Take the JR Oito Line. In the November 2026 timetable, three daytime trains reach Hakuba without a change every day: the 9:20 local (arrives 11:16), the 10:41 Azusa 5 (11:40) and the 11:09 local (12:45). On other trains you change, usually at Shinano-Omachi. The winter bus and the detour via Nagano are in my guide to Matsumoto to Hakuba.

Takayama

Nohi Bus runs a highway bus between Matsumoto Bus Terminal and Takayama via Hirayu Onsen.

  • Time: about 2 hr 30 min (2 hr 33 min on the timetable; the route page says about 2 hr 20 min).
  • Fare: ¥4,400 one way.
  • Buses: seven a day leave Matsumoto, between 7:40 and 17:45; some run only in set periods.
  • Booking: required. Book on highwaybus.com from one month before the trip, or by phone with the Nohi Bus Reservation Center (9:00–17:00).
  • Winter: on October 21, 2026, the route page showed no winter suspension. Extra buses run December 29, 2026 – January 3, 2027.

For the town itself, see my Takayama guide.

Kamikochi (until November 15, 2026)

There are two ways from Matsumoto, both run by Alpico:

  • Train and bus: the Kamikochi Line train from Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima takes about 30 minutes. The bus from Shin-Shimashima to Kamikochi takes about 1 hr 5 min and costs ¥3,100. You can book a place on a specific bus online from one month ahead; a booking is for the bus, not a seat, and booked passengers board first.
  • Direct bus: the National Park Liner from Matsumoto Bus Terminal costs ¥4,600 (¥5,000 on the 5:30 bus).

Kamikochi buses stop after November 15, 2026, and the area is closed in winter until mid-April. For the route from Takayama, see Takayama to Kamikochi.

Narai and the Kiso Valley

Local trains on the Chuo Line run south to Narai. For example, the 10:20 from Matsumoto stops at Shiojiri and reaches Narai at 11:12 without a change. For the post towns, see my guide to the Nakasendo in the Kiso Valley.

Airports

  • Shinshu Matsumoto Airport: the Alpico airport shuttle from Matsumoto Bus Terminal costs ¥800 and needs no reservation. From October 25, 2026 to March 27, 2027, it leaves Matsumoto at 9:00, 11:10, 12:15 and 15:30, each timed to a flight, and takes 30 minutes. The Airport-Imai route bus costs ¥570.
  • Narita Airport: an overnight bus between Nagano and Narita stops at Matsumoto Bus Terminal. Toward Narita it leaves Matsumoto at 23:15 and reaches Narita Terminal 3 at 8:30. From Narita it reaches Matsumoto at 5:21. The operator's timetable page is dated 2022, so check it before you book.

Getting around Matsumoto

  • Matsumoto Castle: about 15 minutes on foot from the station. Or take the Town Sneaker North course from the Oshiro exit to the Matsumoto-jo/Shiyakusho-mae stop, about 10 minutes.
  • Town Sneaker fares: ¥220 for adults on the North and East courses (¥200 with cashless payment). The 1-day pass is ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children.
  • In winter: the Matsumoto Castle Ice Sculpture Festival is planned for January 22–24, 2027, free, with venues including the castle and the station square.

Passes

The Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass (¥24,500, 5 days) covers non-reserved seats on JR trains between Shinano-Omachi and Nagoya through Matsumoto, which includes the Shinano between Matsumoto and Nagoya. It does not cover Matsumoto – Nagano. The 2026 pass can be used only until November 10, 2026.

Japanese you will see on signs

English Japanese Where
Matsumoto Station 松本駅 Station name
Oshiro exit (east) お城口 Toward the castle and bus terminal
Alps exit (west) アルプス口 West side
Matsumoto Bus Terminal 松本バスターミナル Highway buses
Shin-Shimashima 新島々 Change for Kamikochi
What I could not confirm yet
  • JR fares and limited express charges from Matsumoto to Shinjuku, Nagoya and Nagano.
  • Locker prices at the station.
  • The fare of the overnight bus to Narita.

I will update this page when I have confirmed them.

Getting to Matsumoto from Tokyo or Osaka

From Tokyo

The Azusa limited express from Shinjuku. The Azusa 5 leaves at 8:00 every day and reaches Matsumoto at 10:37.

From Osaka

Shinkansen to Nagoya, then the Shinano limited express. The Shinano 3 leaves Nagoya at 8:00 and reaches Matsumoto at 10:05.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the bus terminal at Matsumoto Station?

Matsumoto Bus Terminal is on the first floor of Alpico Plaza, across the street to the right as you leave the station's Oshiro (east) exit. Highway buses to Shinjuku and Takayama leave from there, as does the express bus to Kamikochi. The Town Sneaker loop bus leaves from the roundabout in front of the Oshiro exit.

Is the train or the bus better from Matsumoto to Tokyo?

The Azusa limited express to Shinjuku takes 2 hr 29 min – 2 hr 38 min on the trains listed in this guide. The Alpico and Keio highway bus to Busta Shinjuku takes 3 hr 12 min – 3 hr 53 min. The bus costs from ¥3,300 when you book and pay online; at a counter or by phone it is ¥4,100–4,500, depending on the day.

How do I get from Matsumoto to Takayama?

Take the Nohi highway bus. It runs between Matsumoto Bus Terminal and Takayama via Hirayu Onsen in about 2 hr 30 min (2 hr 33 min on the timetable), for ¥4,400 one way. Reserve a seat; seven buses a day leave Matsumoto between 7:40 and 17:45.

Are there lockers at Matsumoto Station?

Yes, in six places inside the station: on 3F (in the Welcome Center facing the gates, in the waiting room and next to NewDays), on 2F on the Oshiro side and on 1F at both exits. The station has no staffed bag storage counter. The city tourist information center near the castle has 10 paid lockers.

How do I get from Matsumoto Station to Matsumoto Castle?

Walk about 15 minutes, or take the Town Sneaker North course from the Oshiro exit to the Matsumoto-jo/Shiyakusho-mae stop, about 10 minutes. The fare is ¥220 for adults (¥200 with cashless payment), and a 1-day pass is ¥500.

More on this route

Matsumoto to HakubaEvery way from Matsumoto to Hakuba without a car: the Oito Line via Shinano-Omachi, the winter bus and the Nagano detour, compared by time, bus fare and season.Takayama to KamikochiTakayama to Kamikochi without a car: the bus change at Hirayu Onsen, first and last buses, the ¥5,800 return ticket and the dates the road closes for winter.Nakasendo TrailWalk the Nakasendo through Magome, Tsumago and Narai by train and bus: which sections to walk, trains from Nagoya and Kyoto and where to sleep.

Sources

  1. Matsumoto – Shinjuku highway bus — Alpico Kotsu
  2. Limited express Azusa 5, weekdays (Shinjuku – Hakuba) — JR East
  3. Limited express Azusa 5, Saturdays and holidays — JR East
  4. Limited express Azusa 37, weekdays (Shinjuku – Matsumoto) — JR East
  5. Limited express Azusa 37, Saturdays and holidays — JR East
  6. Limited express Azusa 22, weekdays (Matsumoto – Shinjuku) — JR East
  7. Limited express Azusa 22, Saturdays and holidays — JR East
  8. Limited express Azusa 46, weekdays (Matsumoto – Shinjuku) — JR East
  9. Limited express Azusa 46, Saturdays and holidays — JR East
  10. Limited express Shinano 1 (Nagoya – Nagano) — JR East
  11. Limited express Shinano 3 (Nagoya – Nagano) — JR East
  12. Limited express Shinano 8 (Nagano – Nagoya) — JR East
  13. Shinonoi Line timetable from Matsumoto (November 2026) — JR East
  14. Local train 1826M, Matsumoto – Narai – Nakatsugawa — JR East
  15. Local train 5329M, Matsumoto 9:20 – Minami-Otari — JR East
  16. Takayama – Matsumoto highway bus (English) — Nohi Bus
  17. Takayama – Hirayu – Matsumoto highway bus — Nohi Bus
  18. Kamikochi Line train and bus timetable (May 1, 2026) — Alpico Kotsu
  19. Kamikochi bus fares — Alpico Kotsu
  20. Shin-Shimashima – Kamikochi bus — Alpico Kotsu
  21. Kamikochi buses and winter closure — Alpico Kotsu
  22. Buses to Shinshu Matsumoto Airport — Nagano Prefecture
  23. Narita Airport – Nagano overnight bus — Keisei Bus
  24. Town Sneaker loop bus — Alpico Kotsu
  25. Town Sneaker 1-day pass — Alpico Kotsu
  26. Transportation in Matsumoto — Matsumoto City (Visit Matsumoto)
  27. JR Matsumoto Station — Matsumoto City (Visit Matsumoto)
  28. Matsumoto Castle access — Matsumoto City (Visit Matsumoto)
  29. FAQ: lockers — Matsumoto City (Visit Matsumoto)
  30. Alpine-Takayama-Matsumoto Area Tourist Pass — JR West

Researched and checked by Rio, based in Japan. I read Japanese timetables, operator PDFs and prefecture notices, cross-check them and date every fact. Published . Updated . How I research →