"SHINANO" Timetable, Fares, and Ticket Purchasing Information

This article provides a comprehensive overview of JR Central's "SHINANO" limited express train, which connects Nagoya Station and Nagano Station. It includes timetables, fares for representative routes, stations served, seating information, ticket purchasing procedures, ticket issuance requirements, and IC card compatibility. As it serves as an access train to the Kiso region, Matsumoto, and Zenkoji Temple, 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 "SHINANO" is a JR Central limited express train connecting Nagoya Station and Nagano Station via the Chuo Main Line and Shinonoi Line. It travels through the scenic valleys of the Kiso region, connecting major cities in Shinshu such as Matsumoto and Nagano. The train uses 383 series electric trains, which are equipped with a tilting mechanism and can travel at high speeds on the winding mountainous route. All seats are reserved, so advance seat reservations are required. It is used as an access train to representative tourist destinations in Shinshu, such as Matsumoto Castle and Zenkoji Temple. From the train windows, passengers can enjoy the valleys along the Kiso River and the mountain range of the Central Alps. There are several trains with similar names and destinations, so it is recommended to check the train name and destination on the departure information display before boarding.

What is "SHINANO"?

"SHINANO" is a JR Central limited express train named after "Shinano no Kuni," the old name for the Nagano Prefecture area. The section of the Chuo Main Line between Nagoya and Shiojiri is called the "Chuo West Line" and runs through the Kiso Valley. The Kiso region is an area through which the Nakasendo, one of the five major highways of the Edo period, passed, and the streetscapes of post towns remain. The 383 series is a tilting train that debuted in 1996, enabling high-speed travel on curves. In recent years, all seats on "SHINANO" have been reserved, and there are no unreserved seats.

Train Features and Popular Points

The appeal of the "SHINANO" lies in the fact that you can travel from Nagoya to Shinshu while enjoying the scenery along the Kiso Road. Along the Kiso Road section, you'll see valleys along the Kiso River and landscapes of deep forests. Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku are popular tourist destinations where the streetscapes of Edo-period post towns have been preserved. Matsumoto Castle is a national treasure castle with a five-story, six-tiered keep that still exists, and is known for its beautiful appearance with the Northern Alps in the background. Zenkoji Temple has attracted many worshippers since ancient times as a temple where people of all religious sects can worship. Kamikochi can be accessed from Matsumoto Station by taking a train and then a bus. The 383 series train uses a tilting mechanism to maintain speed on the winding Chuo Main Line. Some of the leading cars have seats that allow you to enjoy the front view. Checking the stops and travel time before boarding will make it easier to plan an itinerary that includes stops along the way. The impression of the scenery from the window changes greatly depending on the season and time of day, so it is recommended to choose different times of day for the outbound and return journeys.

"SHINANO" Timetable

*The "SHINANO" train operates more than ten round trips a day.

Downbound (towards Nagano Station) Timetable

Upbound (towards Nagoya Station) Timetable

The "SHINANO" train operates more than ten round trips a day. Since the schedule may change depending on the season and timetable revisions, it's best to check the latest timetable on Ekitan 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.

Important Information Regarding Operating Days and Service Suspensions

The "SHINANO" train operates daily throughout the year. The Chuo Main Line runs through mountainous areas for much of its length, and service may be suspended during heavy rain or snowfall. Extra trains may be added during peak seasons.

"SHINANO" Operating Section

Main Sections

• Nagoya Station to Nakatsugawa Station (Chuo Main Line)
• Nakatsugawa Station to Kiso-Fukushima Station (Chuo Main Line)
• Kiso-Fukushima Station to Shiojiri Station to Nagano Station (Chuo Main Line, Shinonoi Line, Shin'etsu Main Line)

Matsumoto Station is the gateway to Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi. Matsumoto Castle is a national treasure with an existing castle tower, and its black and white contrast is beautiful. Nakamachi Street is lined with white-walled storehouses, making it a pleasant place to stroll. Kamikochi is a mountain scenic area at the foot of the Northern Alps, and the view from Kappa Bridge is famous. Zenkoji Temple can be accessed on foot or by bus from Nagano Station. Kiso-Fukushima is a town that flourished as a post town on the Nakasendo road, and the remains of a checkpoint can still be seen. Tsumago-juku and Magome-juku can be accessed by bus from Nakatsugawa Station or Nagiso Station. Since getting to the surrounding tourist spots mainly involves buses and walking, it is a good idea to check local transportation options in advance. Tourist information centers are sometimes located around the stations where you can obtain maps and brochures.

"SHINANO" Stations Served

Main Stations Served

• Nagoya Station
• Chikusa Station
• Tajimi Station
• Nakatsugawa Station
• Kiso-Fukushima Station
• Shiojiri Station
• Matsumoto Station
• Nagano Station

The stations a train stops at may vary. Please check the stations your train stops at on Ekitan or the railway company's official website.

"SHINANO" Fares

Representative Section Fares

• Limited Express Fares, Tickets and Timetable - Ekitan

Breakdown of Basic Fare Ticket and Limited Express Surcharge

The "SHINANO" fare is the sum of the basic fare to your destination and the limited express surcharge. Since all seats are reserved, the limited express surcharge is the reserved seat limited express surcharge. If you use a Green Car, you will need to pay the reserved seat limited express surcharge plus the Green Car surcharge. When purchasing tickets, make sure you have both the basic fare ticket and the limited express ticket. JR limited express fares are set according to the distance traveled, and the amount may vary depending on whether it is a normal season, peak season, or off-peak season. 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. You must purchase both to ride the limited express train, so please note that you cannot ride the limited express train with just a basic fare ticket.

Regarding the Conversion to All-Reserved Seating

The "SHINANO" train service has been converted to all-reserved seating in recent timetable revisions. Therefore, there are no unreserved seats, and advance seat reservations are required. You will not be able to board without a reserved seat, so be sure to purchase your reserved seat express ticket in advance. During peak seasons, reserved seats may fill up quickly.

How to Buy "SHINANO" Tickets

Online Reservations

Reserved seats on JR Central's conventional line limited express trains can be purchased at station ticket machines and Midori-no-madoguchi, as well as sometimes through online reservation services. Reserved seats go on sale one month prior to the travel date at 10:00 AM. When making a reservation, you specify the travel date, section, train name, and number of passengers, and then select your seats. Payment can be made by credit card, and cash is also accepted depending on the purchase method. Changes and refunds after reservation are subject to conditions and fees.

 

 

Reserved Seat Ticket Machines and Midori-no-madoguchi

You can purchase reserved seat express train tickets at the station's reserved seat ticket vending machines or ticket offices. Since all seats are reserved, you cannot board the train without securing a seat. Ticket vending machines often support multiple languages, 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. Ticket offices can get crowded during peak seasons, so it's best to go with plenty of time to spare.

Travel Agencies

Major travel agencies offer travel packages that combine accommodation and train travel in the Matsumoto and Nagano areas.

How to Purchase for International Visitors

The "SHINANO" train runs on JR Central and JR East lines, so it can be used with the JAPAN RAIL PASS. Even when using the pass, all seats are reserved, so you will need to obtain a separate seat reservation ticket. 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 traveling.

Is a Physical Ticket Required?

If you purchase your ticket at a designated seat ticket machine or Midori-no-madoguchi at the station, you will need to receive a paper express ticket before boarding. When receiving your paper ticket, it is best to pick it up with plenty of time to spare, rather than right before boarding. Tickets cannot be reissued if lost, so please keep it safe during your journey.

Can IC Cards or Credit Card Touch Payments Be Used?

In the TOICA area around Nagoya and the Suica area around Nagano, you can use a transportation IC card for the fare portion of the ticket. However, the Kiso Road section may be outside the IC card area. Transportation IC cards can sometimes be used across regions through the nationwide interoperability service. However, the usable area is determined by each railway company, so be sure to check in advance whether your journey is within their area.

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

*Please note that you cannot ride the express train with just an IC card. Limited express surcharges and reserved seat tickets must be purchased separately.

"SHINANO" Seating Information

Seat Types

The "SHINANO" train is operated using 383 series trains and consists of Ordinary Car Reserved Seats and Green Cars. All seats are reserved. During peak seasons, seats fill up quickly, so it's best to book early once your travel dates are decided. You may be able to choose between window and aisle seats when booking. If you want to sit together with your travel companions, booking together makes it easier to secure adjacent seats.

Distinctive Seating

The 383 series is a train equipped with a tilting mechanism, providing a comfortable ride even on curves. Some of the leading cars have seats that allow passengers to enjoy the front view. The seats recline, making even journeys of around 3 hours comfortable. From the seats on the Kiso River side, passengers can enjoy the scenic beauty of the gorge. Window seats are suitable for those who want to enjoy the scenery, while aisle seats are suitable for those who prioritize ease of boarding and alighting. For long journeys, it is recommended to check the seat location and make a reservation in advance for a more comfortable experience.

Large Luggage Storage Area

Luggage racks may be provided at the ends of the train cars.

Barrier-Free Facilities

Wheelchair-accessible seating is available within the train. If you wish to use it, we recommend contacting JR Central's ticket office in advance. Multipurpose rooms and wheelchair-accessible facilities may vary depending on the train car and train set.

 

 

Ekiben and In-Train Dining on "SHINANO"

On the "SHINANO", there is no in-train sales service. If you want to enjoy a meal, it is recommended to prepare in advance at the bento box shops or stalls at Nagoya Station. Nagoya Station offers a variety of bento boxes featuring Nagoya specialties such as miso katsu and hitsumabushi. In Matsumoto, Shinshu soba and sanzoku-yaki are well-known specialties. In Nagano, oyaki and soba are popular staples. Since the shops inside the stations may have limited operating hours, it is best to prepare in advance if you are traveling early in the morning or late at night. When eating or drinking on the train, please be considerate of others by avoiding foods with strong odors to ensure a pleasant experience. Dispose of empty containers and trash in the trash cans on the train or in the trash cans at the station after disembarking.

Points to Note When Riding "SHINANO"

All seats on the "SHINANO" train are reserved, so you cannot board without a reserved seat. The Chuo Main Line is susceptible to heavy rain and snow, so be sure to check the operating status in advance. Due to the tilting mechanism, you may feel swaying in sections with many curves. To get to Kamikochi, you need to transfer between train and bus from Matsumoto Station, and entry to the mountain is not possible during the winter. Reserved seats may fill up quickly during peak season. Before boarding, be sure to check the train name, car number, and seat number written on your ticket. If you are bringing large luggage, please use the luggage racks or overhead compartments so as not to block the aisle. Onboard, it is good manners to keep phone calls to a minimum so as not to disturb other passengers.

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

Summary

The "SHINANO" is a JR Central limited express train connecting Nagoya Station and Nagano Station. It takes you through the scenic valleys of the Kiso Road and provides access to famous Shinshu landmarks such as Matsumoto Castle and Zenkoji Temple. All seats are reserved, so be sure to reserve your seat in advance.

Enjoy a journey through mountains and castle towns aboard the "SHINANO" train, which travels through the Kiso Road towards Shinshu.

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.