"KARUIZAWA RESORT" Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article introduces the sightseeing paid rapid train ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"", operated by Shinano Railway mainly on weekends and holidays, including its operating sections, timetable, fares, reserved seat tickets, seating, and reservation methods. It is a paid rapid train operated by Shinano Railway using the SR1 series, and is not a JR East limited express train. A paid rapid train is a type of train that requires a separate fare in addition to the basic fare ticket. It is not a limited express train, so no limited express surcharge is required.
The information in this article is current as of July 2026. Operating days, times, fares, and plans including light meals may change, so please check the Shinano Railway official website before using the service.
The ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" is a paid sightseeing rapid train operated by Shinano Railway using SR1 series rolling stock. It mainly runs on weekends and holidays, connecting Karuizawa Station with Nagano Station and Myoko Kogen Station. In addition to a basic fare ticket for the section of travel, a reserved seat ticket is required to ride the train. Some trains also offer a plan that includes light refreshments, which requires advance reservation.

What is the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train?

The ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" is a paid rapid train for sightseeing that runs on the Shinano Railway Line and the Kita-Shinano Line. It connects tourist destinations in eastern Shinshu and the northern Shinshu region, including Karuizawa, Komoro, Ueda, Nagano, and Myoko Kogen. Since it is not a JR East limited express train, you will need to use the Shinano Railway's paid rapid train reserved seat reservation service, rather than using JR limited express tickets or ""Eki-net"".

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train lies in the fact that you can travel from the Tokyo metropolitan area to Karuizawa without changing trains. Since all seats are reserved, you can travel comfortably with your seat secured. Popular ways to enjoy Karuizawa include strolling along the Old Karuizawa Ginza Street and taking nature walks around Kumoba Pond. Kumoba Pond is surrounded by birch and maple trees, and is especially famous for the sight of the autumn leaves reflected on the water's surface. The Old Mikasa Hotel is a wooden Western-style building constructed during the Meiji era, and tells the story of Karuizawa's history as a summer resort. Shiraito Falls is a waterfall where groundwater gushes out over a width of about 70 meters, and it is a place where you can feel cool even in the middle of summer. Renting a bicycle and touring the villa area is also popular in Karuizawa, and there are many rental bicycle shops around the station. Karuizawa is located at an altitude of about 1,000 meters, and even in summer, the temperature remains several degrees lower than in the lowlands. The Old Karuizawa Ginza Street is lined with long-established shops selling jams, bread, and miscellaneous goods. Harunire Terrace is a commercial complex with a calm atmosphere, where restaurants and shops line the grove of trees along the river. Karuizawa Kogen Church is a simple church surrounded by trees, where you can spend some peaceful time.

Timetable for the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train.

The ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" is a paid rapid train for sightseeing that operates mainly on weekends and holidays.

Downbound (towards Karuizawa Station) Timetable

Timetable for Upbound Trains (towards major stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area)

The ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" has multiple train services scheduled, mainly on weekends and holidays. Since the starting and ending stations vary depending on the train service, please check the departure and arrival times at stations such as Karuizawa Station, Nagano Station, and Myoko Kogen Station on the Shinano Railway official timetable.

• Limited Express Price, Ticket and Timetable - Ekitan

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Days When the Service Is Suspended

Operating dates, operating sections, train formations, and plans including light meals are subject to change. Once your travel date is decided, please check the Shinano Railway official website and the reserved seat reservation service for details on applicable train services.

Operating Sections of the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train

Main Sections

• Karuizawa Station to Shinonoi Station (Shinano Railway Line)
• Shinonoi Station to Nagano Station (section where trains connect to the JR Shin'etsu Main Line)
• Nagano Station to Myoko Kogen Station (Kita-Shinano Line, only for operating train services)

Karuizawa Station is the gateway to the highland resort of Karuizawa. To the north of the station lies the old townscape of Karuizawa, dotted with churches, villas, and long-established shops. The Karuizawa Shaw Memorial Chapel is a church associated with missionary Shaw, who popularized Karuizawa as a summer resort. The Stone Church (Uchimura Kanzo Memorial Hall) is known for its unique architecture combining stone and glass. To the south of the station is a large shopping mall where you can enjoy shopping and dining. From the Usui Pass observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountain range spanning Gunma and Nagano prefectures. Yokokawa Station has a history of once connecting locomotives that crossed the Usui Pass, and you can see the vehicles from that time at the Railway Culture Village. Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a large outlet mall located south of the station. The Usui Third Bridge (Meganebashi) is a brick arch bridge and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The Abt Railway Trail is a walking path that follows the abandoned railway line of the former Usui Line, allowing you to stroll all the way to Meganebashi Bridge. Near Takasaki Station, you can also visit Shorinzan Daruma-ji Temple, known as a production center for Daruma dolls.

Stations where the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train stops

Main Stopping Stations

• Karuizawa Station
• Komoro Station
• Ueda Station
• Tokura Station
• Nagano Station
• Myoko Kogen Station (only for operating train services)

Fares for the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train.

Representative Section Fare

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Express Fare

The ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train is not an express train, so no express surcharge is required. In addition to a basic fare ticket for your journey, you will need a reserved seat ticket. From March 14, 2026 onwards, reserved seat tickets will cost 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children when purchased online, and 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children when purchased at stations or on board. Meal seats with light refreshments will also be available on applicable train services.

Fares When Traveling on the Shinano Railway Line

JR Passes such as the JR Pass cannot, in principle, be used for fares on the Shinano Railway Line and Kita-Shinano Line. Even if your journey includes sections that connect to JR lines, please check the applicable coverage for each section you will be using and prepare a Shinano Railway basic fare ticket and reserved seat ticket.

How to Buy Tickets for the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train.

Eki-net (Internet Reservation)

You can purchase reserved seat tickets for Shinano Railway's ""Paid Rapid Train Reserved Seat Ticket Internet Reservation Service"" by selecting your travel date, train service, section, and number of passengers. If you wish to use a meal seat with light refreshments, please check the applicable train services and conditions and make a reservation in advance.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase reserved seat tickets at the station or on board the train. However, the price differs between online purchases and purchases made at the station or on board. Since tickets may not be available if the train is fully booked, it is safer to purchase them online in advance if your travel dates are fixed.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation in Karuizawa with train travel.

How to Purchase for International Visitors

The ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train is operated by Shinano Railway and is not covered by the JR Pass. Visitors to Japan must purchase a separate basic fare ticket for the section they wish to travel on and a reserved seat ticket. From March 14, 2026, Suica and other transportation IC cards can be used for the basic fare portion of the ticket on all Shinano Railway lines, but a reserved seat ticket is still required.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

Reserved seat tickets purchased online should be presented upon boarding according to the instructions provided by the reservation service. If purchased at a station or on board, please keep the issued reserved seat ticket. Usage procedures vary depending on the purchase method, so please check the reservation completion screen.

Can I Use Contactless Payment with an IC Card or Credit Card?

From March 14, 2026, Suica and other transportation IC cards can be used for the fare portion of tickets on all Shinano Railway lines. However, a separate reserved seat ticket is required in addition to the transportation IC card to ride the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train.

Contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

Seating Information for the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train.

Seat Types

The ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train is operated using SR1 series rolling stock, and seats are reserved for passengers who have purchased reserved seat tickets. Depending on the train service and plan, there are regular reserved seats and meal seats with light refreshments.

Distinctive Seating

The SR1 series is Shinano Railway's new train. On the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train, you can enjoy the scenery of the mountains of Shinshu and the landscapes along the route. Some train services offer a light meal plan, where you can enjoy bread and other snacks provided by shops along the route. The menu and applicable sections vary depending on the season, so please check when making your reservation.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Luggage racks may be installed within the train formation. For large items such as suitcases, please use the space at the end of the train car.

Barrier-Free Facilities

If you use a wheelchair or require assistance with boarding or alighting, please contact Shinano Railway in advance. Available facilities may vary depending on the train car, train configuration, and boarding station.

 

 

Enjoy Ekiben (Station Bento Boxes) and In-Train Gourmet Food on the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train.

Some train services, such as the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT 1 & 2"", offer meal seats with light refreshments. From April 29, 2026 onwards, a set of bread from local bakeries will be offered. Menus, service sections, and eligible train services are subject to change, so please check the official website when making a reservation. If you are using a regular reserved seat ticket, it is advisable to prepare your own drinks and snacks before boarding.

Points to Note When Riding the ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train.

The ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" is a paid sightseeing rapid train operated by Shinano Railway. Instead of using JR East's limited express tickets or ""Eki-net,"" you must use Shinano Railway's reserved seat reservation service. Please prepare both your basic fare ticket and reserved seat ticket, and confirm the different departure and arrival stations for each train service.

Since there is no onboard service, be sure to prepare any meals you plan to eat before boarding. Because the number of train services is limited, it's a good idea to book your return trip as well. Checking the operating status on a website like Ekitan before boarding will help you calmly deal with any delays or cancellations.

Summary

The ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" is a paid sightseeing rapid train operated by Shinano Railway using SR1 series rolling stock. It can be used to travel from Karuizawa to Nagano and Myoko Kogen, and in addition to regular reserved seats, some train services also offer meal seats with light refreshments. Be sure to prepare your basic fare ticket and reserved seat ticket in advance, and check the operating dates and destinations before using the service.

Enjoy a train journey from Karuizawa to various locations throughout Shinshu aboard the Shinano Railway's ""KARUIZAWA RESORT"" train.

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.