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Leaving the neon-soaked skyline of Tokyo for the shadow of the Japanese Alps feels like stepping into a different era. Matsumoto is anchored by its Crow Castle, one of the few original castles remaining in the country. The journey takes you from the Kanto Plain into Nagano Prefecture, and Matsumoto is also a base for the Kamikochi highlands.
Tokyo to Matsumoto by Train
The Limited Express Azusa runs from Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto along the Chuo Main Line.[1] For example, Azusa 33 leaves Shinjuku at 15:00 and reaches Matsumoto at 17:37, stopping at Tachikawa, Hachioji, Kofu, Chino, Kami-Suwa, Okaya and Shiojiri.[2] The Matsumoto tourism office gives about 2 hours 30 minutes for the ride.[3] Ordinary cars can be reserved on every seat, and there is also a Green Car.[2]
On the way, passengers see Lake Sagami and the varying mountain landscapes of Mt. Fuji, Yatsugatake and the Southern Alps.[1] If you arrive at Haneda or Narita, travel to Shinjuku and change to the Azusa there.[3]
Tokyo to Matsumoto by Bus
Alpico Kotsu runs highway buses from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Matsumoto Bus Terminal, with 20 departures a day between 6:05 and 22:25.[4] The first bus reaches Matsumoto at 9:23, a ride of about 3 hours 20 minutes.[4] An adult one-way fare costs ¥4,100 to ¥4,500, and only one-way tickets are sold.[4] Large suitcases go into the luggage space at the bottom of the bus.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Leaves from | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Limited Express Azusa) | Shinjuku Station | About 2 hours 30 minutes[3] | Reserved seats can be booked in every ordinary car; Green Car available[2] |
| Highway bus (Alpico) | Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal | About 3 hours 20 minutes[4] | ¥4,100 to ¥4,500 one way, 20 departures a day[4] |
Tips for Traveling from Tokyo to Matsumoto
- Station navigation: Shinjuku Station is one of the busiest in the world. Give yourself extra time to find the platform for the Azusa if you do not know the station.
- Late arrivals: The last three Alpico buses from Shinjuku (21:05, 21:45 and 22:25) reach Matsumoto after midnight, at 0:23, 1:03 and 1:43, so book a hotel that allows late check-in.[4]
- Seasonal prep: Matsumoto is in the mountains and evenings are cooler than in Tokyo, so carry a light jacket.
Timetable
| Bus Tokyo - Matsumoto $ 29.55 4h 45m – 5h 15m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Tokyo to Matsumoto, including current prices and schedules.
The Limited Express Azusa from Shinjuku Station takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. For example, Azusa 33 leaves Shinjuku at 15:00 and reaches Matsumoto at 17:37.
An Alpico highway bus costs 4,100 to 4,500 yen for an adult one way. Only one-way tickets are sold.
About 3 hours 20 minutes. The first bus leaves Shinjuku at 6:05 and arrives at Matsumoto Bus Terminal at 9:23.
Yes. Travel to Shinjuku Station and change to the Limited Express Azusa there.
Yes. Passengers see Lake Sagami and the mountain landscapes of Mt. Fuji, Yatsugatake and the Southern Alps.
Yes. The last Alpico bus leaves Shinjuku at 22:25 and arrives in Matsumoto at 1:43, so confirm late check-in with your hotel.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] East Japan Railway Company (JR East): Azusa, Kaiji and FUJI EXCURSION. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [2] East Japan Railway Company (JR East): Timetable (List of Stations): Limited Express Azusa 33 (Shinjuku - Matsumoto). Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [3] Matsumoto City Tourism and Convention Association: How to get to Matsumoto: A detailed explanation [JR/bus/plane]. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [4] Alpico Group: Shinjuku - Matsumoto: Route and Timetable. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.