After Mt. Fuji, Head to Nagano: The Best Route from Kawaguchiko

2026-06-30

After enjoying sightseeing around Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko, are you thinking about Nagano as your next destination?

“How do I get from Kawaguchiko to Nagano?”
“How long does it take?”

When you look at a map, you may think, “Maybe going via Matsumoto is the shortcut?” or “Should I take a bus to Kofu?” However, after actually checking three possible routes, we reached a surprising conclusion.

“The smoothest route is to return to Shinjuku first.”

If you came to Kawaguchiko from Shinjuku, you may think, “What? I have to go back to Shinjuku again?” But this is actually the best answer. The route via Shinjuku and Omiya, using the Hokuriku Shinkansen, offers the best balance of frequency, simplicity, and travel time.

In this article, we compare three routes in detail and also introduce recommended sightseeing spots in Nagano.

Three Routes from Kawaguchiko to Nagano

Conclusion: The Shinjuku–Omiya route may look like a detour, but it is actually the smoothest and most convenient

There are three main routes from Kawaguchiko to Nagano. Looking only at a map, you may feel that going via Otsuki or Kofu looks closer. However, when checking the actual timetables, the Shinjuku–Omiya route clearly stands out in terms of fewer transfers, train frequency, and ease of understanding.

The reason is simple. The Hokuriku Shinkansen is extremely fast, taking about 1 hour from Omiya to Nagano, and there are many trains each day. On the other hand, routes via Matsumoto or Kofu require more transfers, and waiting time between connections can add up.

Route 1: Via Shinjuku and Omiya
“Do I really go back?” Yes, this is the best route.

Kawaguchiko Station → Shinjuku → Omiya → Nagano

Estimated travel time: about 4 to 4.5 hours.

First, take the expressway bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. The trip takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, with around 49 buses per day, although this may vary depending on the timetable. From Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Omiya Station, take the JR Saikyo Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line, which takes about 30 minutes. Then transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Omiya Station and travel to Nagano Station.

A key advantage of this route is the ease of transfer. Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal is directly connected to JR Shinjuku Station’s New South Gate, so after getting off the expressway bus, you can head straight to the Saikyo Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line platforms. At Omiya Station, the transfer from regular JR lines to the Shinkansen is also completed within the same station, making it smooth even for travelers with luggage or those not used to transfers.

There are three types of Hokuriku Shinkansen trains. Kagayaki is the fastest, taking about 54 to 55 minutes from Omiya, but all seats are reserved and the number of trains is limited. Hakutaka and Asama take about 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes from Omiya, but they also have non-reserved seats and run more frequently, making them easier to use.

The approximate fare from Omiya to Nagano is around 6,490 yen for a reserved seat. If you purchase a Shinkansen e-ticket through JR East’s Eki-net, you can receive a 200 yen discount. If available, the “Tokudane 14” discount, which must be booked at least 14 days in advance, can offer further savings.

In some cases, taking the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Omiya Station may be cheaper than boarding from Tokyo Station.

There are many expressway buses between Kawaguchiko and Shinjuku. Bus reservations can be made through highwaybus.com.

Features of this route

  • There are many departures and few transfers, making it easy even for first-time travelers.
  • Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal is directly connected to JR Shinjuku Station’s New South Gate, making the transfer to the Saikyo Line smooth.
  • At Omiya Station, the transfer from regular JR lines to the Shinkansen is simple and within the same station.
  • Because the route passes through major stations such as Shinjuku, Omiya, and Nagano, there are many Shinkansen options.
  • Eki-net discount tickets are easy to use.

Book buses between Kawaguchiko and Shinjuku on highwaybus.com.

Route 2: Via Otsuki and Matsumoto
Recommended for travelers who also want to visit Matsumoto Castle or Kamikochi

Kawaguchiko Station → Otsuki → Matsumoto → Nagano

Estimated travel time: about 5 hours.

From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Railway Line to Otsuki Station. The trip takes about 55 minutes and costs 1,161 yen. At Otsuki Station, transfer to the JR Chuo Main Line limited express Azusa, which takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes directly to Matsumoto Station. From Matsumoto Station to Nagano Station, the limited express Shinano takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour, while local or rapid trains take about 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes.

This route is suitable if you want to include Matsumoto sightseeing, such as the National Treasure Matsumoto Castle and Nawate Street, or a side trip to Kamikochi. However, there are more transfers, so it is recommended to check the Azusa limited express timetable in advance.

Features of this route

  • You can travel via Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi.
  • There are more transfers, making the route slightly more complicated.
  • It takes about 1 hour longer than Route 1.

Route 3: Via the Kofu Line Bus
It looks close on the map, but…

Kawaguchiko Station → Bus / Kofu Line → Kofu → Matsumoto → Nagano

Estimated travel time: about 5 hours or more.

From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Bus Kofu Line to Kofu Station. The trip takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. From Kofu Station, take a JR limited express to Matsumoto, then continue to Nagano via the Shinonoi Line. However, the Kofu Line does not run as frequently as expressway buses toward Shinjuku, so you need to check the timetable carefully, including connection times.

Features of this route

  • You can travel toward Matsumoto via Kofu.
  • Compared with the Shinjuku–Omiya route, you need to check connections more carefully.
  • It is less straightforward than Routes 1 and 2, so unless you have a special reason, Route 1 is recommended.

Route Comparison Summary: Shinjuku Really Was the Best Route

After checking the routes again, we found a somewhat paradoxical reality: the route that looks like a detour is actually the smoothest.

Route 1, via Shinjuku and Omiya, takes about 4 to 4.5 hours, has many departures, and requires fewer transfers, making it the most recommended option for first-time travelers.

Route 2, via Otsuki and Matsumoto, takes about 5 hours and has more transfers, but it is an attractive option if you want to stop by Matsumoto Castle or Kamikochi.

Route 3, via the Kofu Line bus, takes about 5 hours or more. Because it has fewer departures than expressway buses toward Shinjuku, advance timetable checking is necessary. Unless you have a special reason, Route 1 is recommended.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Nagano

For travelers choosing Nagano as their next destination after Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji, here are some places worth visiting.

Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple is one of Nagano City’s most famous temples, known for the saying, “Visit Zenkoji once in a lifetime,” which has been passed down since the Edo period. The main hall, built in 1707, is a National Treasure and is known as one of the largest National Treasure wooden buildings in eastern Japan. Strolling along Nakamise Street, the stone-paved approach from the Niomon Gate, is also one of the highlights.

  • Access: About 15 minutes by bus from Nagano Station toward Zenkoji, get off at Daimon, or about 30 minutes on foot.

Togakushi Shrine

Togakushi Shrine is a group of shrines located in the mountains about 22 km northwest of central Nagano City, with a history of more than 2,000 years. It consists of five shrines: Okusha, Chusha, Hokosha, Kuzuryusha, and Hinomikosha. The shrine preserves the history of mountain worship centered around Mt. Togakushi. On the approach to Okusha, the cedar-lined path stretching about 500 meters from Zuishinmon Gate is a major highlight. It is a popular spot among both domestic and international travelers, and the local specialty, Togakushi soba, is also not to be missed.

  • Access: From bus stop No. 7 at Nagano Station, take the sightseeing express bus, which requires advance reservation and payment, for about 55 minutes to Togakushi Chusha. By local bus, it takes about 65 minutes. Advance reservation for the sightseeing express bus is recommended through the Alpico Kotsu website.
  • Fare guide: Nagano Station to Togakushi Chusha costs about 2,000 yen one way by sightseeing express bus and about 1,350 yen one way by local bus, based on the fare revision after April 2026. Please check the official website for the latest fares.
  • From Chusha to the Okusha entrance, it takes about 30 minutes on foot. From the Okusha entrance to Okusha, you will walk further along the cedar-lined approach.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan’s 12 remaining original castle keeps and is a National Treasure. Its five-tiered, six-story wooden keep is said to be the oldest of its kind in Japan. The contrast of black and white is beautiful, and the castle reflected in the surrounding moat is known as a breathtaking view. Please check the official website for admission fees.

  • Access: From Nagano Station, take the JR Shinonoi Line or Oito Line to Matsumoto Station. The trip takes about 50 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. From Matsumoto Station, it is about 15 minutes on foot.

Kamikochi

Kamikochi is a mountain resort at an elevation of about 1,500 meters, known for its stunning natural scenery, with the Azusa River flowing against the backdrop of the Hotaka Mountain Range and Mt. Yake. The view from Kappa Bridge is spectacular, and at Taisho Pond, you can enjoy the reflection of the Hotaka Mountain Range on the water. The 2026 opening period is from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, November 15.

  • Access: From Matsumoto Station, take the Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line to Shin-Shimashima Station, about 30 minutes, then transfer to a bus for about 1 hour. Kamikochi is a private-car restricted area, so access is by public transportation, shuttle bus, or taxi.

Jigokudani Yaen-Koen / Snow Monkey Park

This is a very popular sightseeing spot among international travelers, where you can see Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs. The monkeys are wild animals, so depending on the season and conditions, they may not come to the park. Please check the official website for the latest information before visiting.

  • Access: From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Electric Railway to Yudanaka Station, about 45 minutes. Then take a bus for about 15 minutes, followed by a 30 to 35-minute walk from the Kanbayashi Onsen / Snow Monkey Park area. Total travel time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Obuse

Obuse is known as the town of chestnuts and Hokusai, where Katsushika Hokusai spent his later years. At the Hokusai Museum, you can see works such as the festival float ceiling paintings that Hokusai created in Obuse during his later years. Chestnut sweets are also a local specialty, and the town is enjoyable for strolling and tasting snacks.

  • Access: From Nagano Station, take the Nagano Electric Railway. It takes about 20 minutes by limited express or about 30 minutes by local train. From Obuse Station, it is about 12 minutes on foot.

Mt. Fuji → Nagano Sample Itinerary

A 2- to 3-night trip combining Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchiko, and Nagano is popular.

3 Days / 2 Nights Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Take an expressway bus from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko. Sightseeing around Kawaguchiko, such as Oishi Park, the sightseeing boat, and Oshino Hakkai. Stay overnight in Kawaguchiko.

Day 2: In the morning, return to Shinjuku by expressway bus, then take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Omiya to Nagano. Visit Zenkoji Temple and walk around Nakamise Street. Stay overnight in Nagano.

Day 3: Visit Matsumoto Castle or Kamikochi. Return home.

4 Days / 3 Nights Sample Itinerary
Including Mt. Fuji Climbing

Day 1: Take a direct bus from Shinjuku to Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station. This service operates during the summer season, so please check the operating dates in advance. After acclimatizing at the 5th Station, begin climbing. Stay overnight at a mountain hut.

Day 2: Watch the sunrise from the summit, then descend. Stay overnight around Kawaguchiko.

Day 3: Travel from Kawaguchiko to Nagano via Shinjuku and Omiya. Visit Zenkoji Temple.

Day 4: Enjoy Matsumoto Castle or Kamikochi, then return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is there a direct way to travel from Kawaguchiko to Nagano?
There is no direct bus or train. The route via Shinjuku and Omiya is the easiest to understand. Taking an expressway bus to Shinjuku and transferring to the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Omiya is recommended because there are many departures. Estimated travel time is about 4 to 4.5 hours.

Q. Should I visit Nagano or Matsumoto first?
Matsumoto Station and Nagano Station are about 50 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes apart by train, so either order is possible. From Kawaguchiko, common options are to visit Matsumoto first via Otsuki and then continue to Nagano, or to go directly to Nagano via Shinjuku and Omiya, then visit Matsumoto the next day.

Q. How do I get to Kamikochi?
From Matsumoto Station, take the Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line to Shin-Shimashima Station, about 30 minutes, then transfer to a bus. It takes about 1 hour to reach Kamikochi Bus Terminal. Kamikochi is a private-car restricted area, so use public transportation or a shuttle bus or taxi from designated parking areas. The 2026 opening period is from Friday, April 17 to Sunday, November 15.

Q. What is the cheapest way to get from Kawaguchiko to Nagano?
Using Eki-net’s “Tokudane 14” discount, available only on selected trains and requiring booking at least 14 days in advance, can reduce the Shinkansen fare. When combined with the expressway bus from Kawaguchiko to Shinjuku, about 2,000 to 2,200 yen, the total cost is usually in the 8,000 yen range. If you can get a discounted ticket, it may be around the high 6,000 yen to 7,000 yen range. Please check the official Eki-net website for the latest fares.

Q. Is Zenkoji Temple far from Nagano Station?
It is about 15 minutes by bus or about 30 minutes on foot from Nagano Station. The Zenkoji Line bus is convenient.

Book buses between Kawaguchiko and Shinjuku on highwaybus.com.