The limited express train Shinano runs between Nagano (長野) and Nagoya (名古屋). When you go to Japan Northern Alps, take this train to Matsumoto (松本), and transfer to a local train on Oito line bound for Shinano-Omachi (信濃大町), Hakuba (白馬) and Minami-Otari (南小谷). And also this train goes through the Kiso vallery which has some small histrical post towns, such as Tsumago, Magome
I will explain about this train in this article.
Route, schedule and trip time
It takes about 3 hours to get to Nagano from Nagoya. Most of Shinano depart from both side Nagoya and Nagano once every hour at :00.
View Limited Express Shinano in a larger map
Stations
Nagoya (名古屋) | x |
---|---|
Kanayama (金山駅) | * |
Chigusa (千種) | x |
Tajimi(多治見) | x |
Ena (恵那) | * |
Nakatsugawa (中津川) | x |
Nagiso (南木曽) | * |
Agetsu (上松) | * |
Kiso-Fukushima (木曽福島) | x |
Shiojiri (塩尻) | x |
Matsumoto (松本) | x |
Akashina (明科) | * |
Hijirikogen (聖高原) | * |
Shinonoi (篠ノ井) | x |
Nagano (長野) | x |
Seat and facilities
The Shinano is serviced by 383 series. The seat configuration is 2+2 for both Green and Ordinary. Green car is car#1. It has a huge glass window at the cockpit. If you get a seat at the very front row when you go to Nagano, you will enjoy beautiful sceneries. The seat pitch is 1,160mm in Green class and 1,000mm in an ordinary class. 1,000mm in Ordinary is bigger than the standard of an ordinary class.
*Sonic Rail Garden has copyright for all images of accommodations below.
Train formation
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 |
G | R | R | R | NR | NR |
Smoking is not allowed on this train.
Extra cars may be added for peak seasons.
Images
Green seat
Ordinary seat
Sanitary space
At last
I got on this train from Nagoya to Matsumoto and dropped by Magome. Please see the link below to find my trip report:
This train is fully covered by Japan Rail Pass with no restriction.
I hope you will enjoy a trip on this train to Nagano and Matsumoto.
Comments
Hi, I need to travel from Nagoya to Nagano on 27th Dec. Can I buy the Nagoya-Nagano Shinano Limited Express ticket at the train station in Osaka? If yes, which train station in Osaka?
I also need to travel back from Nagano to Tokyo on 1st Jan by shinkansen. Can I book the ticket online and pick up the ticket at Osaka or Kyoto?
Thank you in advance for your advice.
Hi Foo,
You can book and purchase a ticket at any major JR stations throughout Japan. Of course you can do it at JR Osaka station, In downtown Osaka, you can do at most of JR stations, such as Osaka, Kyobashi, Shin-Osaka, Tennoji, Nishikujo. And you can do it at Kyoto station too.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Is there any luggage storage space between cars? I have a large suitcase I can fit behind last row if not. Traveling Nagoya to Matsumoto.
Hi Chris,
This train set does not have any specific space for the luggage.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
hi i just want to ask if they have a schedule for october 19 2019. Is there any issue what happen in last typhoon if its okay to commute on that day. Thank you
Hi Jen,
At this point, the limited express Shinano runs between Nagoya and Matsumoto. The segment between Nagano and Matsumoto is damaged by the typhoon. I haven’t heard when this segment will be recovered. There are still many inspection and investigation on going. I will keep updating the info:
Train operation status https://jprail.com/train-operation-status
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BlueWorks.JPRail/
Twitter https://twitter.com/jprailcom
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Is there anyway to go to nagano or niigata via train .. i hope it will be okay until this friday thanks
Hi Jen,
You can get either Nagano or Niigata by train from Tokyo.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
My family and I will be flying in to Nagoya on the 27th November and proceed immediately to Matsumoto. Do you think it is possible to grab tickets on the spot at the JR counter at Nagoya Station? I read from your previous comment that it is not possible to purchase tickets online.
Hi Joelyn,
I think you can make it. It’s not very busy season. I don’t think that it will be an issue.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Takeshi,
Thank you for all your work.
I will be travelling on the Shinano from Matsumoto to Nakatsugawa. Which side of the train has a better view?
I have the same question for a few other trains and I will ask on the other sections.
Thank you.
Hi Pierre,
I took this segment a few years ago but both side were not much different. I think it doesn’t matter.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi Takeshi,
Thank you for all the info! I cannot seem to find (anywhere online!) the schedule/timetable for limited express shinano from Nagano to Nagoya, could you please direct me to where I can find it? I’m travelling from Nagano to Nagoya, might make a stop at Matsumoto for a bit of sightseeing, so I would like to know ahead what timings are available and what is the latest train I can catch to Nagoya.
Thank you!
Hi Monica,
You have to get it by Hyperdia.
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello – can you purchase food (Ekiben or other) on this train? or is it acceptable to bring an Ekiben/food on the train to eat?
Thank you
Hi Walt,
You cannot purchase any foods and drinks on board. Please purchase and prepare before you take this train.
You can eat or drink on board.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
I take a daily commute from Kanayama to Tajimi via Chuo line. If I get on the non-reserved cars, will I still be charged an additional fee? Thanks.
Hi Steven,
You have to pay non reserved seat fee on top of the base fare. Non reserved seat fee is 760 yen.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I am planning to take the Ltd Express Shinano 21 from Nagoya to Nagano. Is it possible to make a reservation online?
cheers
Lilian
Hi Lilian,
Unfortunately not. You have to book it at any major JR stations.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hello!
I couldn’t see the rate here, but I was wondering if it’s worth to buy the Japan rail pass if I’m only traveling Nagoya – Nagano and back?
Thanks :)!
Hi Kati,
No. You cannot get the worth of it by this round trip. Regular ticket is your choice. You can find the fare at hyperdia:
https://jprail.com/travel-informations/basic-informations/timetable-and-reservation/hyperdia-perfect-guide-train-timetable-and-route-search-engine.html
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Hi,
I am planning to travel from Nagano (長野) to Nagoya (名古屋) on 29/12/2017. I am wondering what is the procedure to reserve ticket online. Tried to look around the web and seems they have no reservation service. Is it correct?
If no ticket reservation, where could I buy the ticket after landed Japan?
(my trip is 25/12 landing at Tokyo, then go to Nagano for skiing and visiting the monkeys, and then go to Nagoya on 29/12, and finally back to Tokyo on 1/1/18 (will purchase ticket with the new app smartEX, and travel via Shinkansen).
Thanks a lot!
Hi Bernard,
As you think, you cannot purchase a ticket for Nagano to Nagoya online. You need to purchase it after you arrive in Japan. But you can book a ticket at any major JR stations in advance. In Tokyo, you can book and purchase a ticket at most of JR stations.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com
Thanks a lot….
No worries, Bernard.
Cheers,
Takeshi / JPRail.com