Shinkansen Nagano Station: Restaurants, Lockers, Ticket Gates & Platforms

Nagano Station is a key transportation hub in central Japan, offering direct Shinkansen access from Tokyo and beyond. As the gateway to Nagano Prefecture’s mountain resorts, ski areas, and scenic countryside, it’s an ideal starting point for travelers heading into nature, outdoor activities, and seasonal retreats.

This guide covers everything you need to navigate Shinkansen Nagano Station smoothly and make the most of your journey.

Nagano Station Overview

Address and Location

Nagano Station is located in the heart of Nagano City, serving as the main gateway to this picturesque region. The station's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring both the city and surrounding attractions.

Key Features of Nagano Station

Nagano Station was extensively renovated for the 1998 Winter Olympics, resulting in a modern facility with excellent amenities. The station building features a distinctive design that blends contemporary architecture with elements reflecting the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

The station complex includes:

A spacious concourse with clear signage in multiple languages
Multiple exits leading to different parts of the city
A well-organized layout making navigation straightforward for first-time visitors

Shinkansen Services Available at Nagano Station

Nagano Station is served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen line (formerly called Nagano Shinkansen), providing high-speed connections to Tokyo and beyond. The primary Shinkansen services stopping at Nagano Station include:

Kagayaki: The fastest service between Tokyo and Kanazawa, making minimal stops. Only a few Kagayaki trains stop at Nagano Station, primarily during morning and evening hours
Hakutaka: A semi-fast service between Tokyo and Kanazawa. It stops at more stations including Karuizawa, Sakudaira, Ueda, Nagano, and Iiyama in Nagano Prefecture
Asama: Operates primarily between Tokyo and Nagano. It stops at Karuizawa, Sakudaira, and Ueda within Nagano Prefecture, and may include other stops such as Takasaki depending on the train

These bullet trains make the journey from Tokyo to Nagano in approximately 80-100 minutes, depending on the service type.

Transportation and Access

Getting to Nagano Station

Nagano Station is accessible by:

Shinkansen from Tokyo, Kanazawa, and other major cities
Local trains from surrounding areas
Bus services connecting to various parts of Nagano Prefecture
Taxi services available at the station's designated taxi stands

Major Train Lines at Nagano Station

Besides the Hokuriku Shinkansen, Nagano Station serves several other important rail lines:

Shinonoi Line: Connecting to Matsumoto and other parts of Nagano Prefecture
Iiyama Line: Heading north toward Niigata Prefecture
Shinano Railway Line: Serving eastern Nagano Prefecture

These conventional lines enable convenient travel throughout the region from Nagano Station.

How to Transfer at Nagano Station

Transferring between the Shinkansen and conventional lines at Nagano Station is straightforward. The layout is designed for smooth navigation:

Shinkansen platforms are located on the upper level.
Conventional lines such as the Shinonoi Line and Iiyama Line operate from the lower level.
Multilingual signage throughout the station helps guide travelers.
Ticket machines and the Midori-no-Madoguchi (JR ticket office) are available near the transfer area for purchasing or adjusting tickets.

Shinkansen Ticket Gates and Platforms at Nagano Station

The Shinkansen section of Nagano Station is compact and easy to use:

Platforms are numbered 11 to 14.
Dedicated Shinkansen ticket gates are clearly marked.
Real-time departure displays are available in multiple languages.
Automatic gates accept both IC cards and paper tickets.

Shinkansen Ticket Purchase & Reservation Guide

For a hassle-free experience booking Shinkansen tickets to or from Nagano Station, we recommend using Japan Bullet Train service. This convenient option for foreign visitors offers:

Online reservations in multiple languages
QR code issuance that can be exchanged for physical tickets at the station
Comprehensive customer support for international travelers

While tickets can also be purchased at station ticket offices or machines, Japan Bullet Train eliminates language barriers and simplifies the process considerably.

Station Facilities

Coin Lockers & Luggage Storage at Nagano Station

Nagano Station offers ample luggage storage options for travelers:

Coin lockers: Available in various sizes throughout the station

The lockers operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is advisable during peak travel seasons. Payment is accepted in coins, with some newer lockers also accepting IC cards.

Dining Options at Nagano Station

Nagano Station offers a variety of dining options featuring both local and familiar flavors. Most eateries are located within the MIDORI Nagano station complex, directly connected to the station building.

Station concourse: Cafés and fast food outlets are available for travelers seeking a quick meal or drink
MIDORI Nagano: Sit-down restaurants offer regional dishes, including local soba noodles and seasonal set meals
Souvenir shops and kiosks: Many shops sell Nagano specialties such as oyaki (stuffed dumplings), apple-based snacks, and other grab-and-go items

Whether you’re in a rush or have time to enjoy a full meal, the station provides easy access to a variety of dining experiences that reflect the region’s culinary heritage.

Prayer Rooms & Smoking Areas at Nagano Station

While Nagano Station does not have a dedicated prayer room, travelers who need a quiet space for religious observance can ask for assistance at the Tourist Information Center.

No official prayer room is available within the station.
Staff may help direct travelers to a nearby quiet space if needed.

Designated smoking areas are located outside the main station building, in line with Japan’s smoking regulations.

Smoking is only permitted in marked outdoor areas.
Follow on-site signage to reach the designated smoking spots.

Rest Spaces and Lounges at Nagano Station

While Nagano Station does not have formal lounges or dedicated waiting rooms, several rest areas are available for travelers needing a break.

Seating areas are located throughout the main concourse.
Benches are placed in convenient spots inside and around the station.
Basic waiting spaces may be available near certain platforms, but there is no official lounge or exclusive rest area.

These facilities provide simple but welcome places to sit and relax while waiting for your train or exploring the station.

Foreign Traveler Support

Tourist Information Center & Foreign Language Assistance at Nagano Station

Nagano Station provides helpful services for international travelers, with multilingual support focused around a central facility.

Tourist Information Center: The JR EAST Travel Service Center Nagano (also known as Ekitabi Concierge Nagano) is located near the ticket gates. Staff members provide assistance in English and other languages, offering travel advice and local sightseeing information.
Multilingual signage: Station signage is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean, helping travelers navigate the station with ease.
Ticket machines and some service counters also offer multilingual interfaces.

While most staff outside the travel center primarily speak Japanese, the available multilingual resources make the station accessible and user-friendly for foreign visitors.

Free WiFi, Pocket WiFi, and eSIM Options

Staying connected while traveling through Nagano Station is easy:

Free Wi-Fi: “Nagano City Free Wi-Fi” is available around the station building
Pocket Wi-Fi: For reliable internet access throughout your Japan journey, we recommend renting from Japan Wireless, which offers convenient pickup options
eSIM options: For flexible connectivity without physical SIM cards, Japan Wireless eSIM provides excellent coverage in the Nagano region and beyond

Reliable internet access helps with real-time translation, navigation, and staying connected while exploring.

ATMs & Currency Exchange Services at Nagano Station

Nagano Station provides essential financial services for international travelers.

ATMs: Bank-operated ATMs are available inside the station and accept foreign-issued cards. These machines support major international networks such as Visa and Mastercard
Currency exchange: A foreign currency exchange machine is available at the Nagano City Tourist Information Center, located near the station

These services help ensure that travelers can easily access Japanese yen during their stay in Nagano.

Attractions Around Nagano Station

Top Attractions Near Nagano Station

Nagano Station offers easy access to historical and cultural sites within the city. One standout destination is:

Zenko-ji Temple: Just a short bus ride from the station, Zenko-ji is a historic Buddhist temple with over 1,400 years of history. Visitors can enjoy the traditional shopping street and the unique Okaidan Meguri experience beneath the main hall.

Recommended Day Trips from Nagano Station

Thanks to its convenient location, Nagano Station serves as a perfect base for exploring surrounding regions rich in nature, tradition, and history:

Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park: Famous for wild monkeys bathing in hot springs. Accessible by train and bus, this one-of-a-kind experience is a favorite among international travelers.
Togakushi Shrine: A mystical Shinto shrine complex nestled in ancient cedar forests. The path to the Okusha (inner shrine) is lined with centuries-old trees and offers a spiritual walking experience. Reachable by bus.
Hakuba: A well-known ski resort in winter, but also popular in spring and summer for its beautiful alpine scenery and outdoor activities. Accessible by train or bus.
Matsumoto Castle: One of Japan’s most impressive original castles, featuring a striking black exterior. Located in Matsumoto City and accessible via the Shinonoi Line.
Karuizawa: A scenic mountain resort town known for its cool climate, shopping streets, museums, and European-style villas. Just a short ride on the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Kamikochi: A stunning alpine valley and national park offering some of Japan’s best hiking. Access requires bus or taxi from nearby train stations.
Tsumago-juku & Magome-juku: Preserved post towns on the historic Nakasendo trail. Ideal for those seeking a traditional, time-travel-like walking experience. Access involves train and bus transfers.
Lake Suwa: A beautiful lakeside destination with views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can also explore Suwa Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
Azumino: A peaceful area at the foot of the Northern Alps, known for wasabi farms, art museums, and scenic countryside. Access via train or bus.

Plan Your Visit

Nagano Station is an ideal starting point for exploring Nagano Prefecture’s scenic towns, mountain resorts, and ski areas. With easy access to buses, local trains, and the Hokuriku Shinkansen, it’s well-equipped for smooth travel throughout the region.

For added convenience, reserve your Shinkansen tickets through Japan Bullet Train. Online booking and QR code pickup make the process fast and traveler-friendly.

Whether visiting for outdoor adventures or seasonal getaways, Nagano Station makes regional travel easy and enjoyable.