Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing for the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Nagano Electric Railway's A Limited Express "YUKEMURI", which connects Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This train serves as access to the Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen hot spring resort and Jigokudani Monkey Park, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip. A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. Nagano Electric Railway's limited express trains are divided into A Limited Express trains with fewer stops and B Limited Express trains with more stops. The A Limited Express trains stop only at major stations and offer the fastest travel time from Nagano to Yudanaka. The 1000 series trains used are former Odakyu Romancecar HiSE (10000 series) trains that were acquired from the railway. A major feature is that passengers can enjoy the scenery ahead from the observation seats at the front of the train. It is used as a major means of access to the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen hot spring resorts, as well as the Jigokudani Monkey Park, known for its snow monkeys. Since there are trains with similar names and destinations, it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding. 

The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, timetables, fares, and ticket sales conditions may change, so please check the latest information on Ekitan or the railway company's official website before using the service. 

The A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. Nagano Electric Railway's limited express trains are divided into A Limited Express trains with fewer stops and B Limited Express trains with more stops. The A Limited Express trains stop only at major stations and offer the fastest travel time from Nagano to Yudanaka. The 1000 series trains used are former Odakyu Romancecar HiSE (10000 series) trains that were acquired from the railway. A major feature is that passengers can enjoy the scenery ahead from the observation seats at the front of the train. It is used as a major means of access to the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen hot spring resorts, as well as the Jigokudani Monkey Park, known for its snow monkeys. Since there are trains with similar names and destinations, it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding. 

 

What is the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"?

The A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, named after the steam rising from the hot springs of Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen. The Nagano Electric Railway is a private railway that operates the Nagano Line, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station, and is affectionately known as "Nagaden." Along the line, there are many attractions such as Obuse's chestnut confectionery, the storehouse district of Suzaka, and the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen hot springs. The 1000 series train used for the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" is a vehicle that was formerly used as the Odakyu Romancecar HiSE (10000 series). A major feature is the observation seats at the front, where passengers can enjoy the panoramic view from the windows. Due to its high-decker structure, the floor is designed to be high, allowing passengers to enjoy the panoramic view from the windows. The difference between the A Limited Express and the B Limited Express is the number of stops; the A Limited Express stops only at major stations.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" lies in the fact that passengers can enjoy the scenery ahead from the observation seats and that it offers high-speed travel due to having few stops. The observation seats are located at the front of the train, allowing passengers to see the tracks ahead over the driver's cab. Due to its high-decker structure, the floor is elevated, allowing passengers to enjoy the panoramic views from the windows. Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen are historic hot spring resorts known for their nine public baths. The cobblestone streets of Shibu Onsen offer a charming atmosphere where visitors can enjoy strolling around in yukata (traditional Japanese summer kimono). At Jigokudani Monkey Park, you can observe Japanese macaques, or "snow monkeys," bathing in hot springs, up close. Obuse, along the route, is known for its chestnut confections and its connection to Katsushika Hokusai. From the train windows, passengers can enjoy the rural landscape of Nagano with its apple orchards and the mountain ranges stretching into the distance.

Timetable for the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"

*The A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" operates several round trips per day.

Downbound (towards Yudanaka Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Nagano Station) Timetable

The A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" operates several round trips per day. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest schedule on the Ekitan website before boarding. There are more trains during the morning and evening rush hours, while the intervals between trains may be longer during the daytime. If you have connecting trains or buses, it's advisable to choose connections that allow ample time before your arrival.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" may have varying operating days and frequency depending on the season. The rolling stock used will also vary from day to day, and some services may use "Snow Monkey" rolling stock. During winter, delays may occur due to snowfall.

Route of the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"

Main Sections

• Nagano Station to Suzaka Station (Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line)
• Suzaka Station to Shinshu-Nakano Station (Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line)
• Shinshu-Nakano Station to Yudanaka Station (Nagano Electric Railway Nagano Line)

Yudanaka Station is the gateway to the Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen hot spring resort area. There is a footbath in front of the station, so you can enjoy the hot spring atmosphere as soon as you arrive. Shibu Onsen can be accessed from Yudanaka Station by bus or on foot. Jigokudani Monkey Park can be accessed from Yudanaka Station by bus and on foot. Obuse is home to long-established chestnut confectionery shops and the Hokusai Museum, making it a pleasant place to stroll around. Suzaka is a town with many storehouse-style buildings and a history of prosperity from the silk industry. Zenkoji Temple is also easily accessible from Nagano Station. As getting to the surrounding tourist attractions mainly involves buses and walking, it is a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. There may be tourist information centers around the station where you can obtain maps and brochures.

Stations Served by the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"

Main Stations Served

• Nagano Station
• Suzaka Station
• Shinshu-Nakano Station
• Yudanaka Station

*Stations served may vary depending on the service.

Fares for the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"

Representative Section Fares

Reserved seats on the A Limited Express cost 300 yen per seat, while reserved private compartments on the "Snow Monkey" train cost 1,200 yen per compartment.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Surcharge

The fare for the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. Nagano Electric Railway's limited express surcharges are set at a nearly uniform amount, making them easy to use. While ordinary seats are non-reserved, some seats on the A Limited Express can be reserved for 300 yen per seat. In addition to seat reservations, a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket are required. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the limited express ticket. Limited express fares on private railways are set according to the section traveled and do not fluctuate with high and off-peak seasons like JR. The fare is divided into the "basic fare" for the journey to your destination and the "limited express surcharge" for riding the limited express train. Note that you cannot ride the limited express with just a basic fare ticket, as you must purchase both.

Nagano Electric Railway Free Pass

Nagano Electric Railway offers a free pass that allows unlimited rides between Nagano and Yudanaka. The free pass only covers the basic fare; a separate limited express surcharge is required for limited express trains. Sometimes, special tickets are sold that include admission to Jigokudani Monkey Park. The Nagano Electric Railway platform at Nagano Station is located underground, accessible from JR Nagano Station.

How to Buy Tickets for the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"

Purchase at Ticket Offices or Ticket Machines

Some seats on the A Limited Express trains can be reserved through the Nagano Electric Railway official website. Only reserved seat tickets can be reserved. The basic fare ticket and limited express ticket must be purchased on the day of travel at ticket machines or ticket offices at the station. Reserved seats can be reserved from 31 days before the date of travel until 10 minutes before the departure time from the starting station.

Purchase On Board

If the station ticket office is closed or you are boarding from an unmanned station, you may be able to purchase a limited express ticket on board. Since it is non-reserved seating, seat reservations are not required. Ticket machines are often multilingual, making them easy to use even if you don't understand Japanese. At the ticket office, simply tell the staff your destination and desired departure time, and they will guide you to the appropriate train. During high season, ticket offices can get crowded, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation in Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen with train travel.

How to Purchase for Foreign Tourists

The A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" is a Nagano Electric Railway train and is therefore not covered by the JAPAN RAIL PASS. Even if you travel to Nagano Station using the JAPAN RAIL PASS on the Hokuriku Shinkansen, you will need to pay a separate basic fare and limited express surcharge for travel on the Nagano Electric Railway line. Some station ticket offices offer information in foreign languages. Special tickets for international tourists may have limited purchase conditions and sales locations, so it is advisable to check before you travel.

Is Ticket Issuance Required?

If you are using a non-reserved seat, you will need to purchase a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket at a ticket machine or ticket office at the station. Even if you reserve a reserved seat online, you will still need a basic fare ticket and a limited express ticket in addition to your reserved seat ticket. Please make sure you have your reservation screen and purchased tickets ready when you board the train.

Can I Use IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments?

As of 2026, Suica, PASMO, and other transportation IC cards cannot be used as basic fare tickets at Nagano Electric Railway ticket gates. Please purchase your basic fare ticket and limited express ticket at ticket machines or ticket offices at stations. The introduction of transportation IC cards is scheduled for spring 2027.

Credit card touch payments are also not supported for boarding at ticket gates.

Seating Information for the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"

Seat Types

On the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI", ordinary seats are non-reserved. However, on the A Limited Express, some seats, including the observation seats in the lead car, can be reserved for an additional fare. During high season, the train can get crowded, so it's best to head to the platform with plenty of time to spare. When making a reservation, you may be able to choose between a window seat and an aisle seat. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, making a reservation together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The observation seats at the front of the train are popular seats offering panoramic views of the scenery ahead. On select A Limited Express services, you can reserve designated seats, including the observation seats, in advance. If you do not reserve, you will use the non-reserved seats. The high-decker structure allows you to enjoy the scenery from a higher position than in regular trains. The seats recline, making even 45-minute rides comfortable. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are ideal for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For longer journeys, it is recommended to check your seat location and reserve in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Space for large luggage is limited. Suitcases will need to be placed in the space at your feet or at the ends of the carriage.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Due to its high-decker structure, the train has stairs inside. If you are using a wheelchair, it is recommended to contact Nagano Electric Railway in advance. The availability of multi-purpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

 

Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"

There is no in-car sales service on the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI". It is recommended to purchase drinks and snacks around Nagano Station before boarding. Nagano is known for its soba noodles and oyaki (stuffed dumplings). Chestnut confections from Obuse are also popular as Nagano souvenirs. In Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen, there are many shops selling onsen manju (hot spring steamed buns). If you eat or drink on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI"

On the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI", most ordinary seats are non-reserved, but some seats, including the observation seats in the lead car, can be reserved for an additional fare. If you wish to use a reserved seat, you will need a separate seat reservation ticket in addition to your basic fare ticket and limited express ticket. If you plan to use the observation seats in the non-reserved section, head to the platform early to avoid crowds. The train cars used vary from day to day, and sometimes the "Snow Monkey" train cars are used. It takes more than 30 minutes by bus and on foot from Yudanaka Station to Jigokudani Monkey Park, so allow plenty of time. In winter, the roads will be snowy, so it is advisable to wear non-slip shoes. Please use the overhead racks or the space at the ends of the car for large luggage so as not to block the aisle.

Since there is no onboard service, be sure to prepare drinks and snacks before boarding. Checking the train schedule on a site like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with delays or cancellations.

Summary

The A Limited Express "YUKEMURI" is a limited express train operated by the Nagano Electric Railway, connecting Nagano Station and Yudanaka Station. It is operated using former Odakyu Romancecar cars with observation seats and is characterized by its express service with fewer stops. It is used as transportation for trips to Yudanaka and Shibu Onsen hot spring resorts and Jigokudani Monkey Park.

Enjoy a journey of hot springs and nature aboard the A Limited Express "YUKEMURI", where you can enjoy the scenery of Shinshu from the observation seats.

Ekitan Travel Media Editorial Department

The Ekitan Travel Media editorial team provides information on transportation in Japan, including Shinkansen (bullet trains), regular trains, intercity travel, and access to tourist destinations. We also offer easy-to-understand travel information for international visitors to Japan.
This article is published by Ekitan Co., Ltd., the provider of the train transfer information service "Ekitan," and is based on Japanese railway and transportation information. Ekitan's website and app are used by over 10 million users per month.