Limited Express Azusa is a JR express train that connects Shinjuku Station in Tokyo with Matsumoto Station in Nagano Prefecture in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is the main transport option when visiting the Japanese Alps and the historic post towns of the Kiso Valley from Tokyo.
As I was born in Nagano Prefecture, Azusa is the express train I have used most since childhood. Here, I will introduce everything tourists visiting Japan for the first time need to know, from how to buy tickets to how to ride and what facilities are available on board.
Basic Information about Limited Express Azusa
Here are the key points you should know when using Limited Express Azusa.
Route Map (Shinjuku to Matsumoto/Hakuba)
Limited Express Azusa stops at the following main stations between Shinjuku Station and Matsumoto Station. However, stopping stations vary by train.
Main stops: Tokyo - Shinjuku - Tachikawa - Hachioji - Otsuki - Kofu - Kobuchizawa - Chino - Kami-Suwa - Okaya - Shiojiri - Matsumoto
Few trains depart from Tokyo Station, and most people board from Shinjuku Station.
Shiojiri Station is the gateway to the Kiso Valley. If you change to Limited Express Shinano here, you can access historic post towns such as Narai-juku, Kiso-Fukushima, and Tsumago-juku.
Journey Time and Service Frequency
Shinjuku → Matsumoto: Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
Shinjuku → Kofu: Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Shinjuku → Kami-Suwa: Approx. 2 hours 10 minutes
Shinjuku → Shiojiri: Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes (transfer station for Kiso Valley)
Limited Express Azusa runs approximately once per hour. During some time periods, trains run every 30 minutes, but if you miss a train, you will have to wait a long time, so plan your schedule with plenty of time.
Two Types of Tickets Required: Base Fare and Express Ticket
(Azusa limited express train requires two tickets: a boarding ticket and a limited express train ticket)
To ride a Japanese express train, you need two types of tickets: a "Base Fare Ticket" and a "Limited Express Ticket". Depending on how you purchase them at the ticket machine, both tickets may be issued together as one ticket.
The most convenient method is to use a transport IC card such as Suica as your base fare ticket and purchase only the express ticket separately. At the ticket gate, touch your Suica, and on the train, show your express ticket.
The entire route from Shinjuku to Matsumoto where Limited Express Azusa operates is within the Suica area. However, if you transfer from Limited Express Azusa to a local train, be aware that some stations do not accept IC cards.
All Seats Are Reserved (No Unreserved Cars)
Limited Express Azusa does not have unreserved seating. There are two types of tickets:
Reserved Seat Ticket: A specific train and seat number are assigned. Recommended for weekends and holidays as trains often become fully booked.
Non-Reserved Seat Ticket: Only the date of travel is specified. You can sit in any available seat. The price is the same as a reserved seat ticket.
Above each seat is a lamp that indicates its status by colour:
Red: Available seat
Yellow: Reserved from the next station
Green: Reserved seat
If you have a non-reserved seat ticket, sit in a seat with a red lamp.
Using with Japan Rail Pass
Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) is an unlimited travel pass for JR lines for foreign tourists. Limited Express Azusa is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
Riding with JR Pass
As Limited Express Azusa has all reserved seating, we recommend obtaining a reserved seat ticket even when using a JR Pass. Of course, you can also board with just your JR Pass.
Reserved seat use: Obtain a free reserved seat ticket at a ticket machine (show your passport and JR Pass)
Non-reserved seat ticket: You can board by showing only your JR Pass. No ticket issuance required. Sit in a seat with a red lamp.
Show your JR Pass when the conductor inspects tickets on board.
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How to Buy Tickets for Limited Express Azusa
You can buy tickets for Limited Express Azusa through online reservation or at the station.
JR-EAST Train Reservation (Online Booking)
You can use "JR-EAST Train Reservation", an online booking site for foreign tourists.
English language website
Credit cards issued overseas accepted
Reservations available from one month before travel date
Choose your preferred seat from a seat map
For details about JR-EAST Train Reservation, please visit the official website.
Purchasing at Station Ticket Machines
Purchasing at the station is the most reliable method.
Find a "green ticket machine" near the ticket gates, switch to English, and select "Limited Express". Follow the on-screen instructions to choose your departure station, arrival station, date and time, and seat type.
If you are using Suica as your base fare ticket, purchase only the express ticket. Payment can be made by cash, credit card, or IC card such as Suica.
How to Ride Limited Express Azusa
Here I will introduce how to ride Limited Express Azusa and what facilities are available on board.
Boarding at Shinjuku Station
Limited Express Azusa departs from platforms 9 or 10 at Shinjuku Station (some trains from platform 7). Look for the blue sign saying "JR Chuo Line" and follow the signage to the platform.
Shinjuku Station is a large station, so allow plenty of time to move around. 10-15 minutes is sufficient for transfers.
Buy Food and Drinks in Advance
Onboard sales on Limited Express Azusa include only drinks and snacks, with no boxed meals sold. We recommend purchasing in advance at station convenience stores or station lunch box shops.
Onboard Facilities
Limited Express Azusa has a 2+2 seat configuration with an aisle in the centre.
A major feature of Limited Express Azusa is that all seats have power outlets. Free Wi-Fi internet access is also available.
Seats and Views
Seat layout
A and D seats: Window seats
B and C seats: Aisle seats
For scenic views:
Shinjuku → Matsumoto: Left side (C and D seats) recommended. You can see the Yatsugatake Mountains, Southern Alps, and Lake Suwa
Matsumoto → Shinjuku: Right side (A and B seats) recommended
Toilets
Toilets are located in every carriage or every two carriages. You can check the facilities guide for each carriage, which is posted at each seat.
Luggage Space
This section covers luggage space, which is most important for tourists.
Overhead Racks
Carry-on sized luggage (55cm×40cm×25cm) can be stored. Hard-case luggage of 60L class also fits.
Large Luggage Racks at Rear of Carriages
Two-tier racks are installed in the Matsumoto-end vestibules of carriages 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, and 12.
Upper tier: Space for 2-3 carry-on sized pieces
Lower tier: Can accommodate large trunks exceeding 160cm total dimensions
Luggage securing belts provided
First-come, first-served basis, no reservation required
If you have large luggage, it is convenient to reserve a seat near these carriages. More space is available than on Limited Express Shinano.
Transferring at Shiojiri Station (For Kiso Valley)
If you change to Limited Express Shinano at Shiojiri Station, you can access the post towns of the Kiso Valley.
Narai-juku: Approx. 25 minutes from Shiojiri
Kiso-Fukushima: Approx. 40 minutes from Shiojiri
Nagiso Station (nearest to Tsumago-juku): Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes from Shiojiri
Transfer time is 10-15 minutes. You can transfer without leaving the ticket gates. You may also use local trains.
For more details, please see the articles below.
