Nagano Station: Shinkansen, Luggage Storage, Map, Exits, and Food Guide

Nagano Station is your gateway to Japan's northern Alps. This major Shinkansen hub connects major cities to mountain towns and winter sports areas. Whether you visit Zenkoji Temple or head to the Snow Monkey Park, your journey starts here.

This guide explains the station layout, ticket options, and local access routes.

Nagano Station Overview

Where Is Nagano Station

Nagano Station is located in central Nagano City, about 200 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. The station serves as the main transport hub for Nagano Prefecture.

From here, you can reach historic temples, ski resorts, and natural hot springs. The station connects directly to the city center through two main exits.

Hokuriku Shinkansen and Local Lines

Close-up view of Hokuriku Shinkansen Asama trains at Nagano Station platform

The main line serving Nagano Station is the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Three main service types operate on this line:

Kagayaki: Limited-stop service, fastest option
Hakutaka: Mid-distance service stopping at major and smaller stations along the route
Asama: Service dedicated to the Tokyo to Nagano route with regular stops

The station also connects to local lines including the Shinetsu Line and Iiyama Line. These local trains take you to nearby cities and mountain areas.

Shinkansen Access to and from Nagano

Kagayaki Shinkansen train running between Tokyo and Nagano with city buildings in the background

Tokyo to Nagano Travel Time

The journey from Tokyo to Nagano takes about 80 to 110 minutes by Shinkansen. The fastest Kagayaki trains complete the trip in roughly 80 minutes. Other services, including Hakutaka and Asama with more station stops, typically take about 85 to 110 minutes. All three service types offer reserved and non-reserved seating options.

Fares vary by train type, date, and seat class. Japan Bullet Train offers online booking with QR code delivery. You exchange the QR code for paper tickets at the station.

Nagano to Kanazawa and Other Destinations

The Hokuriku Shinkansen continues west from Nagano to Kanazawa. This route passes through Itoigawa and Toyama. From Nagano to Kanazawa by Kagayaki takes about 65 minutes.

You can also take the Shinetsu Line south to Matsumoto for castle visits.

Book Shinkansen Tickets Online

Book your tickets before reaching the station to save time. Japan Bullet Train lets you reserve seats online and receive a QR code.

At Nagano Station, find the ticket vending machines near the JR Ticket Office. Scan your QR code to print paper tickets. Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before departure to complete the exchange process.

Nagano Station Map and Layout

Station Layout Overview

Main concourse inside Nagano Station with ticket gates and the spacious glass-roofed hall

Nagano Station has two main exits facing opposite directions. The station building includes shops, restaurants, and service counters on multiple floors. Shinkansen platforms occupy the upper levels. Local train platforms are at ground level. The main concourse connects both exits and provides access to ticket offices and waiting areas.

Shinkansen Platforms

Shinkansen platforms are located on the 2nd floor of Nagano Station. Two platform areas serve different directions:

Platforms 11-12: Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Karuizawa, Takasaki, Omiya, and Tokyo
Platforms 13-14: Hokuriku Shinkansen bound for Toyama and Kanazawa

JR Ticket Office and Tourist Information Center

Tourist Information Center at Nagano Station across from the JR Ticket Office near the elevators

The JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) is located on the 2nd floor, near the Shinkansen ticket gates. Staff can provide basic assistance in English for JR Pass reservations and ticket purchases.

The Tourist Information Center sits across from the JR Ticket Office, in front of the elevators. The center provides travel information focused on Nagano City and surrounding areas. Staff offer pamphlets and brochures for Nagano City and nearby towns. A currency exchange machine is available at this location.

East Exit and Zenkoji Exit

Nagano Station has two main exits, each serving different areas and destinations. Choose your exit based on your destination or hotel location.

East Exit

East Exit faces modern commercial buildings and bus terminals. Many hotels within walking distance. City bus stops located in the plaza area.

Zenkoji Exit

Zenkoji Exit faces northwest toward Zenkoji Temple. Leads to older shopping streets and the temple approach road. Departure point for buses to Snow Monkey Park and Hakuba.

● See More: Official Guide Maps for Major Stations (Nagano Station) by JR-EAST

Coin Lockers and Luggage Services

Luggage storage area with coin lockers near the concourse at Nagano Station

Coin Locker Locations

Nagano Station has four main coin locker areas:

East Exit, 2nd Floor (left side after exiting Shinkansen gates): Largest number of lockers in the station. Currency exchange machine available.
Zenkoji Exit, 1st Floor (outside the station, near the police box): Currency exchange machine available.
Nagano Dentetsu Gate Area (underground): Mainly small-sized lockers.
Near MUJI Store (Nagano Dentetsu underground passage): Less crowded, good availability.

Some lockers accept IC transportation cards like Suica, but most require cash and use traditional key systems. Older lockers do not accept electronic payment, so carrying coins is recommended. Currency exchange machines are located at major locker areas (East Exit and Zenkoji Exit).

Large Luggage and Ski Gear Delivery

Post offices, Yamato Transport, and convenience stores near the station offer shipping services for large items. You can send ski equipment, snowboards, and other bulky luggage to your destination. These services also handle souvenir shipping.

Nagano Station Food and Restaurants

Soba and Restaurants

Traditional zaru soba noodles, a signature local dish of Nagano made from buckwheat

Nagano is famous for soba noodles made from local buckwheat. Several soba shops operate inside the station. You can order hot or cold soba with various toppings. Most shops display picture menus. Casual dining options include Japanese curry restaurants and ramen shops.

Ekiben and Oyaki

Famous Nagano oyaki dumplings, a popular local snack and souvenir

Ekiben are boxed meals sold at train stations. Nagano Station offers several ekiben featuring local ingredients. Popular choices include mountain vegetables, apple products, and local beef. Oyaki (stuffed dumplings) are also available as ekiben or packaged for gifts. Buy one before boarding for a traditional travel meal experience.

Souvenirs from Nagano Station

Shoppers browsing Nagano souvenirs such as Raicho sweets and apple langue de chat at MIDORI mall

The souvenir shops inside Nagano Station feature specialties from across Nagano Prefecture.

Popular items include apple-flavored sweets, Nozawana (pickled leaf-mustard) snacks, and Raicho no Sato, a well-known butter cookie named after the local ptarmigan bird. You’ll also find local sake and Nagano wines made from grapes grown in the surrounding highlands.

Most products are available in compact, travel-friendly packages—perfect for gifts or easy packing.

Getting Around from Nagano Station

Zenkoji Temple

Zenkoji Temple stands about 1.8 kilometers from the station. You can walk in 25 minutes or take a bus. Buses depart from stops near the Zenkoji Exit every 10 to 15 minutes. The ride takes about 10 minutes. The temple is one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples and welcomes visitors of all backgrounds.

Snow Monkey Park (Jigokudani Yaen Koen)

Japanese snow monkeys relaxing in a hot spring at Jigokudani Yaen Koen in Nagano

The famous snow monkeys live in Jigokudani Yaen Koen, about 40 kilometers from Nagano. Take the Nagano Dentetsu train from the station's underground level to Yudanaka Station (45 minutes). From Yudanaka, a local bus reaches the park entrance in 15 minutes. The final approach requires a 30-minute walk through the forest. Winter visits show monkeys bathing in hot springs.

Hakuba (Ski Resort)

Scenic view of Hakuba’s ski slopes and the Japanese Alps, a popular winter destination

Hakuba Valley offers multiple ski resorts popular with international visitors. Express buses run directly from Nagano Station to Hakuba. The journey takes about 60 to 70 minutes. Seat reservations are advisable during peak winter months. Hakuba hosted events during the 1998 Winter Olympics.

Nozawa Onsen (Ski Resort)

Nozawa Onsen combines skiing with traditional hot spring baths. Direct buses from Nagano Station reach Nozawa Onsen in roughly 80 to 90 minutes. This resort town maintains a historic village atmosphere. After skiing, you can visit public bathhouses free of charge.

Shiga Kogen (Ski Resort)

Winter landscape of Shiga Kogen with snowy trees and panoramic mountain scenery

Shiga Kogen is one of Japan's largest ski areas. Buses from Nagano Station take approximately 70 minutes to reach the resort. Services increase during winter season. The area includes multiple ski zones connected by shuttle buses. Summer months offer hiking and mountain views.

Matsumoto Castle

Matsumoto Castle is one of Japan's original wooden castles. Take the Shinetsu Line from Nagano Station to Matsumoto Station (50 minutes by limited express). The castle stands about 15 minutes by foot from Matsumoto Station. The black walls and mountain backdrop create stunning photos.

Plan Your Visit

Nagano Station is your gateway to Japan's mountain region. From Tokyo, the Hokuriku Shinkansen brings you here in under two hours.

The station provides easy access to Zenkoji Temple, world-class ski resorts like Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen, and the famous Snow Monkey Park. Nagano offers year-round appeal with mountain hiking, hot springs, and seasonal colors.

Enjoy authentic local soba noodles and regional ekiben at the station. For convenient ticket booking, consider using Japan Bullet Train's online reservation system.