Located in the heart of Japan, Matsumoto is a popular destination in its own right and convenient transport hub for travelers heading to nearby destinations including the North Alps. Matsumoto Station is quick and easy to get to from Tokyo using the Limited Express ‘Azusa’ service – taking 2.5 hours from Shinjuku Station.

  • Matsumoto Station from Shinjuku Tokyo
    The Limited Express ‘Azusa’ service is taking 2.5 hours from Shinjuku Station

Step-by-step Journey from Shinjuku, Tokyo to Matsumoto

Shinjuku is the one of the busiest stations in the world, so best to know where you need to go when taking services from there. There are typically two Limited Express ‘Azusa’ services departing Shinjuku Station each hour.

The following instructions will take you to the correct platform

– Enter Shinjuku Station via the “LUMINE 2” Entrance in front of the Bus Terminal. You will see the ticket gates in front of you.

  • Matsumoto Station from Shinjuku Tokyo entrance
    Enter Shinjuku Station via the “LUMINE 2” Entrance in front of the Bus Terminal

– You can purchase tickets in advance online, at the Japan Rail (JR) ticketoffice or at the ticket machines located on the right of the ticket gates. Please note, if you would like to book a reserved seat you will need to do so prior to your intended day of travel as they will likely sell out.

  • Matsumoto Station from Shinjuku Tokyo ticket machines
    You can purchase tickets at the ticket machines
  • Or at the JR Line ticket office located on the right of the ticket gates

– Go back to the ticket gates and you will see an information board above with the platform number and departure time.

  • Matsumoto Station from Shinjuku Tokyo ticket gates
    Go back to the ticket gates
  • You will see an information board above with the platform number and departure time

– Limited Express ‘Azusa’ services depart from Platform No.10. Follow the signs to that platform and once there, look for the white train with purple line on the top. 

  • Matsumoto Station from Shinjuku Tokyo Platfrom 10
    Limited Express ‘Azusa’ services depart from Platform No.10

– Board the train and enjoy your journey. On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji from the left-hand side of the train.

  • Matsumoto Station from Shinjuku Tokyo Azusa Train
    Board the train and enjoy your journey

– Prior to each stop, there is are announcements in Japanese followed by English. Matsumoto is the terminus for Limited Express ‘Azusa’ services so you will not miss it.

  • Matsumoto is the terminus for Limited Express ‘Azusa’ services

– After disembarking, go up the stairs. You will see the central exit ahead of you. Unlike Shinjuku, Matsumoto Station is small and it is easy to find where to go.

  • After disembarking, go up the stairs
  • The exit to go to Matsumoto Castle is to your right

– Immediately outside the ticket gates, you will see the tourist information office, JR office and a Starbucks. 

  • The JR Line ticket office

– The Castle Exit is to your right while the Alps Exit is to your left.  The Castle Exit provides access to most of the city’s accommodation, restaurants and sightseeing including Matsumoto Castle – a 20-minute walk from the station.

  • Matsumoto Station Castle from Shinjuku Tokyo

Meetup Point for Our Tours

For guests joining one of the ‘Tours & Activities’ operated by Matsumoto Experience, your guide will wait for you inside the station in front of the JR office and Starbucks Coffee.

  • Matsumoto Station from Shinjuku Tokyo Tour guide
    Meet your guide in front of the JR Line ticket office / Starbucks Coffee inside the station (2F)

For more information about how to meet up with your guide, please see this article (coming soon…). We hope you enjoy your time in Matsumoto!