"RESORT VIEW FURUSATO": Timetable, Fares, and How to Buy Tickets

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the JR East sightseeing train "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO," which connects Nagano Station and Minami-Otari Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative sections, stations where the train stops, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. This sightseeing train runs along the JR Oito Line and JR Shinonoi Line, offering stunning views of the Northern Alps, and this article summarizes key points to check before your trip.

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 "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" is a JR East sightseeing rapid train that debuted in 2010, connecting Nagano Station and Minami-Otari Station via the JR Shinonoi Line and JR Oito Line. Operated with HB-E300 series hybrid diesel railcars, it offers magnificent views of the Zenkoji Plain and the Northern Alps. All seats are reserved, and as it is a rapid train, no express surcharge is required; only a reserved seat fare is necessary. Even now, more than 10 years after its launch, it remains a popular sightseeing train for travelers, allowing them to fully enjoy the nature of Shinshu (Nagano Prefecture). The train operates in a two-car formation and features a calm interior with extensive use of wood. Operating sections and the number of trains may be adjusted according to the season and timetable revisions, so it is important to check the latest information. Since its launch, this train has made a significant contribution to the promotion of tourism in Nagano Prefecture.

What is "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO"?

"RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" is a JR East sightseeing rapid train that debuted in December 2010 and runs within Nagano Prefecture. It is operated using HB-E300 series hybrid diesel railcars, which are environmentally friendly vehicles that combine diesel engines and batteries. From Nagano Station, it travels via the JR Shinonoi Line and JR Oito Line to Minami-Otari Station, visiting representative landscapes of Nagano Prefecture such as the Zenkoji Plain, the Northern Alps, and the rural scenery of Azumino. The HB-E300 series is a hybrid diesel railcar developed by JR East that balances environmental performance and comfort. The name "Furusato" (hometown) reflects the desire to offer a journey to visit the rural landscapes of Shinshu, which can be considered the original landscape of Japan.

Train Features and Popular Points

The charm of "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" lies in the spectacular view of the Zenkoji Plain that can be seen from around Obasute Station, and the majestic mountain range of the Northern Alps that stretches along the JR Oito Line. Obasute Station is known as one of the "Three Great Train Window Views in Japan," and is visited by many railway enthusiasts and tourists. The train has large windows, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the nature of Shinshu in all four seasons. In the Azumino area, you can enjoy a landscape full of water and greenery, such as wasabi fields and clear streams created by the melting snow of the Northern Alps. There are also many tourist spots around Hotaka Station, including the Daio Wasabi Farm, making it a great place to stop and sightsee. The onboard attendants' commentary along the route is also highly regarded, and efforts have been made to ensure that even those visiting an area for the first time can enjoy the journey with peace of mind. The JR Oito Line section beyond Minami-Otari (between Minami-Otari and Itoigawa) is a non-electrified local line, offering a different kind of travel experience.

Timetable for "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO"

*The "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" is a sightseeing train that operates on limited days.

Downbound (towards Minami-Otari) Timetable

Timetable for Northbound Trains (towards Nagano)

The "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" train operates approximately 1-2 times a day between Nagano Station and Minami-Otari Station on days it is running. At Obasute Station, the train may stop for a while so that passengers can enjoy a panoramic view of the Zenkoji Plain regardless of their direction of travel.

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days. Details of the operating days are announced periodically on the JR East official website, so it is important to check in advance if you wish to use it. The JR Oito Line runs through mountainous areas, so operations may be affected by heavy snowfall.

Operating Section of "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO"

Main Sections

• Nagano Station to Matsumoto Station (via JR Shinonoi Line)
• Matsumoto Station to Minami-Otari Station (via the JR Oito Line)

Minami-Otari Station is the operational boundary station of the JR Oito Line and a key access point to Hakuba and Tsugaike Kogen. Obasute Station, along the way, is known for its spectacular views of the Zenkoji Plain and is counted as one of Japan's three most scenic train views. The terraced rice fields of Obasute are a scenic spot that has been celebrated in waka poetry since ancient times with the phrase "moon reflected in every rice paddy," and have been selected as one of Japan's 100 best terraced rice fields. Daio Wasabi Farm is known as one of the largest wasabi farms in Japan, and visitors can observe the cultivation process utilizing clear streams. Shinano-Omachi Station is the gateway to the Nagano Prefecture side of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and is bustling with many hikers and tourists. The area around Hotaka Station is also known for its Dōsojin pilgrimage, with many stone Buddha statues scattered throughout the tranquil rural landscape.

Stations where the "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" Train Stops

Main Stops

• Nagano Station
• Obasute Station
• Matsumoto Station
• Azumino-Oiwake Station (some trains)
• Hotaka Station
• Shinano-Omachi Station
• Minami-Otari Station

*The stations where the train stops may vary depending on the day of operation.

Fares for "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO"

Representative Section Fares

*Since "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" is a rapid train, reserved seat fares apply instead of limited express fares.

• Limited Express Fares, Tickets and Timetables - Ekitan

Breakdown of Base Fare and Reserved Seat Fare

The fare for "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" is the sum of the base fare to the destination and the reserved seat fare. As it is a rapid train, the reserved seat fare is cheaper than that of regular limited express trains. All seats are reserved, so there are no unreserved seats. This fare system is the same as other JR East sightseeing rapid trains and is more affordable than limited express trains.

Sightseeing at Obasute Station

Obasute Station is the closest station to the terraced rice fields known for their "moon reflected in the rice paddies" and to Choraku-ji Temple. Many tourists can be seen taking photos of the Zenkoji Plain from the station platform during the train's stop. Choraku-ji Temple is an ancient temple associated with the legend of Mount Obasute, and you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Zenkoji Plain from its grounds. Azumino is rich in groundwater from the Northern Alps, and there are many springs that have been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waters. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of Japan's leading mountain sightseeing routes, offering magnificent scenery such as Daikanbo and the Snow Valley.

How to Buy Tickets for "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO"

Eki-net (Internet Reservation)

JR East's online reservation service, Eki-net, allows you to purchase reserved seat tickets using a credit card. Because it's a popular sightseeing train, early reservations are recommended during peak seasons.

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Ticket Offices

You can also purchase reserved seat tickets at reserved seat ticket machines or ticket offices at the station.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies also offer tour packages that include reserved seat tickets for the "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" train.

How to Buy for Foreign Tourists

"RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" is a JR East train, so it can be used with the JR Pass or JR East Pass. The pass covers the basic fare portion within the designated section, but you must reserve and pick up your reserved seat ticket before boarding. The entire JR East section is covered by the pass.

*The types of passes eligible and the applicable conditions may change.

Do I Need a Physical Ticket?

Tickets purchased through Eki-net may require you to pick up a paper ticket at a designated ticket vending machine at the station, depending on the product. If you purchase tickets at a designated ticket vending machine or Midori-no-madoguchi, you will need to pick up a paper ticket before boarding.

*Whether or not a ticket is required depends on the type of reservation service.

Can I use contactless payment with an IC card or credit card?

On sections of the "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" service that are within the Suica area, it may be possible to use a transportation IC card for the basic fare portion of the ticket. However, since many sections of the JR Oito Line are outside the Suica area, you will need to purchase your ticket in advance. The reserved seat fare cannot be paid using the balance on your IC card and must also be purchased as a ticket in advance.

On the routes served by "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO," contactless payment via credit card is not available for boarding at ticket gates.

*Please note that you cannot ride using only an IC card. Reserved seat fees must be purchased separately. Many sections of the JR Oito Line are outside the IC card usage area.

Seating Information for "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO"

Seat Types (All Seats Are Reserved)

The "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" train is operated using HB-E300 series diesel railcars, and all seats are reserved. There are no unreserved seats.

Distinctive Seating

The train's interior features a calming design with extensive use of wood, and large windows allow passengers to fully enjoy the spectacular views of the Northern Alps and the Zenkoji Plain. Some train sets have observation spaces at the ends of the carriages where passengers can enjoy the scenery without sitting. The seats have large tables, making them convenient for taking a break or eating while enjoying the view. Some seats are positioned to face the mountains or the Zenkoji Plain, making it easier to enjoy the magnificent scenery. The windows are large, ensuring unobstructed views of the stunning scenery along the JR Shinonoi Line and JR Oito Line. The fact that you can enjoy comfort comparable to a Green Car at the fare of a rapid train is a major attraction. The scenery outside the window changes with the seasons, offering new discoveries even for repeat passengers.

Large Luggage Storage Area

There is space provided within the train for storing luggage.

Barrier-Free Facilities

The trains used are equipped with barrier-free facilities. If you will be using a wheelchair, we recommend that you contact a JR East ticket office or information center in advance.

*Details of seating arrangements may vary depending on the train configuration.

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

On the "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" train, some services offer in-car sales. These services sometimes feature Nagano Prefecture's unique offerings, such as Shinshu soba noodles and local specialties made with wasabi from Azumino. Around Nagano Station and Matsumoto Station, you'll find plenty of famous Shinshu soba restaurants and shops selling apple-based sweets. Soft-serve ice cream made with wasabi from Azumino is a popular local treat among tourists.

*Availability of in-train sales varies depending on the train and time of year.

Points to Note When Riding the "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO"

The "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" is a sightseeing train with limited operating days, so if you wish to ride it, be sure to check the operating days on the JR East official website in advance. If you want to enjoy the scenery at Obasute Station, choosing a day with good weather will make your trip more satisfying. Also, the Hakuba and Tsugaike Kogen area is very popular during the ski season, so we recommend booking early during the winter. If you are planning to transfer to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, it is a good idea to also check the connection time at Shinano-Omachi Station. You can also enjoy visiting the Dōsojin shrines on foot from the station, so we recommend getting off along the way.

Since many sections of the JR Oito Line are outside the IC card usage area, it is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance. To travel from Minami-Otari Station towards Hakuba and Tsugaike Kogen, you will need to transfer to a local bus.

Summary

The "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO" is a JR East sightseeing rapid train connecting Nagano Station and Minami-Otari Station. Its attractions include the spectacular view of the Zenkoji Plain from Obasute Station and the majestic scenery of the Northern Alps along the JR Oito Line. All seats are reserved, so both a basic fare ticket and a reserved seat fare are required, but the fare is cheaper than the limited express fare. The JR Pass can also be used. This is a valuable sightseeing train where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery unique to Shinshu, including one of Japan's three most scenic train views. It is a train where you can enjoy the nature of Shinshu in all four seasons along with a comfortable train journey. It offers a journey where you can slowly enjoy the beautiful scenery that can be called the original landscape of Shinshu. It is a luxurious train where you can enjoy two of Nagano Prefecture's most representative spectacular views, the Zenkoji Plain and the Northern Alps, at the same time. Be sure to take a look at the spectacular scenery of Shinshu that spreads out from the train window.

Enjoy a trip to Shinshu on the "RESORT VIEW FURUSATO," where you can savor the spectacular view from Obasute, one of Japan's three most scenic train views, and the magnificent nature of the Northern Alps.

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.
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.