Getting to Myoko
Myoko is a world away from the excitement and bustle of Japan’s major cities, but it’s also quick and easy to get here from the country’s international gateways. Trains are the way to go—fast, affordable and almost always running right on time (except during the deepest snowfalls, and even then, delays are usually not a major issue).
From Narita Airport
After your arrival and completing passport and customs clearance, head downstairs to the basement level JR stations, located in both terminals of the airport. The most convenient train is the Narita Express (N’EX), which leaves roughly every half hour for a 53-minute trip to Tokyo Station. Tickets for the entire trip up to Nagano Station can be purchased here; JR East Passes and Japan Rail Passes can also be exchanged at the JR East Travel Service Centers (see below).
JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita Airport
JR East Travel Service Centers at Narita Airport
JR East Travel Service Centers can be found at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Narita Airport. The Centers are open every day from 11:30 am to 7 pm, and handle the sale and exchange of the JR East Pass (available only to visitors from overseas on short-term visas of no longer than 90 days) as well as the Japan Rail Pass (covering all six JR regional companies, and which can only be pre-purchased overseas). Other services include ticket sales and sightseeing information. If the JR East Travel Service Center is closed, go to the JR ticket office. Hours of operation:
Terminal 1: 6:30 to 11:30 am, 7:00 to 9:45 pm
Terminal 2: 6:30 to 11:30 am, 7:00 to 9:50 pm JR East Info Line
Telephone English information hotline for questions about JR service
Tel: (050) 2016-1603
Hours of operation: 10 am to 6 pm; closed during the New Year holidays
JR East Travel Service Centers can be found at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Narita Airport. The Centers are open every day from 11:30 am to 7 pm, and handle the sale and exchange of the JR East Pass (available only to visitors from overseas on short-term visas of no longer than 90 days) as well as the Japan Rail Pass (covering all six JR regional companies, and which can only be pre-purchased overseas). Other services include ticket sales and sightseeing information. If the JR East Travel Service Center is closed, go to the JR ticket office. Hours of operation:
Terminal 1: 6:30 to 11:30 am, 7:00 to 9:45 pm
Terminal 2: 6:30 to 11:30 am, 7:00 to 9:50 pm JR East Info Line
Telephone English information hotline for questions about JR service
Tel: (050) 2016-1603
Hours of operation: 10 am to 6 pm; closed during the New Year holidays
From Tokyo Station
At Tokyo Station, head upstairs for the Hokuriku Shinkansen (the station is always busy, but all lines are well marked—just follow the signs). Hokuriku Shinkansen trains depart from platforms 20 through 23; all trains stop at Nagano Station, so you have many choices.
When you arrive in Nagano:
The transfer from the Hokuriku Shinkansen to the local Shinano Tetsudo was recently streamlined so you can simply roll through the gate and on to the local train platform (with elevators helping you get your gear down to all platforms). The slideshows below will help show you where you need to go on both the way to and returning from Myoko.
From Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya
From both Osaka or Kyoto, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya. At Osaka, go to Shin-Osaka Station to catch the train; the trip to Nagoya will take 55 minutes. From Kyoto Station, the trip to Nagoya will take 40 minutes. At Nagoya Station, transfer to the Chuo Line for the Shinano Limited Express train to Nagano Station, a roughly three-hour trip. At Nagano, basically follow the instructions above; you no longer have to leave the area once to buy tickets for the Shinano Tetsudo (but if you have some time to explore Nagano, you can go out and buy tickets to Myokokogen Station later). If you are traveling directly on to Myoko, use your Shinkansen ticket to pass through the gates going directly to the Shinano Tetsudo platforms. You can pay in cash when you exit at Myokokogen Station.
From Myokokogen Station,
through Nagano Station
through Nagano Station
Leaving from Myoko is easy; buy your ticket (¥830) from the ticket vending machine or the window; there are only three platforms and departures are clearly marked. As on your arrival, you will have to exit the platform area at Nagano Station, purchase Shinkansen tickets (or use your Rail Pass) and reenter the Shinkansen area of the station. Below is a visual run-through of the process in Nagano.
