We appreciate the commissions we earn when you use our affiliate link to purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass: kenshoquest.com/recommends/hokuriku-arch-pass/
Best video i've seen on Matsumoto area. I appreciate the maps you include to help us with distance, the suggestions and the short and valuable information about the sites. Excellent footage, all compact & great info. Excellent job!
Thank you so much, your videos have been a great resource for planning our trip. We are starting in Tokyo then heading to Hokone, 5 lakes area before going to Matsumoto or Nagano. Any tips around train passes for that trip would be appreciated.
Hi. If you will visit both Hakone and the Mt. Fuji 5 Lakes area within 3 days, you may want to get the Fuji Hakone Pass offered by Odakyu Railway. Here's our affiliate link to purchase on Klook: geni.us/fujihakonepass and here's the Odakyu website with more info: www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/
I've been in Matsumoto for 7 days with 2 more to go. It isn't enough time to really do everything here. Lake Suwa area south is a day trip in itself! It's not too much of a drama though because it will give me a reason to come back in the future. 😊
@KenshoQuest visiting the Fujigen Guitar factory in Omachi was a dream come true. Lake Suwa was an amazing experience too, a festival was on as a beautiful sunset started. Matsumoto is a magical area!
Great video and so many places to visit in Hokurika Arch Pass. Thinking of doing this in November, but do you think we can cover all this areas in 7 days? Travelling to Japan for the first time so please can you suggest how many days in Kanazawa, Nagano, Mutsumoto etc. Highly appreciate. Thanks
Thanks Kensho, so grateful to come across your youtube videos as I plan to travel to Nagano - Kanazawa region this Nov. May I know if I purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass on Klook, when and how I can reserve tickets on all the train rides? I am from Singapore, too bad not able to join your live session later as it will be a working morning for us here. Thanks!
Hi. If you purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass on Klook, you can make seat reservations when you pick up the pass at a JR ticket office. That's the easiest way. Otherwise, once you have your actual pass you can use a ticketing machine or reserve online. Here's how to reserve seats using a Ticket Machine: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/hokuriku-arch-pass/howto/ Or reserve online: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/reservation_form/index.php?p=hokuriku-archpass Some of the trains on that route are reserved-only. If you haven't already watched it, here's our video with more info about the Hokuriku Arch Pass: ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.html Sorry the timing doesn't work for the live, we're in Malaysia and schedule it for when our kids are in school. 🌸 Heidi
Hi, probably the easiest way is to purchase on Klook. Or you can buy directly at the JR station ticket machine or ticketing office. Here is a link on Klook, Just enter your starting and ending stations. ( affiliate link ): geni.us/shinkansen If they do not appear then you can purchase directly from JR. Reservations are not required but highly recommended because that train can be extremely crowded and a seat reservation will guarantee you a seat.
If i am planning to go from kyoto to takayama then matsomoto and then to kamikochi and back to tokyo are there bullet trains in between these cities or are the regional trains as faster and cheaper
Hi, I think the Hokuriku Arch Pass is the perfect fit for your itinerary as it does have bullet trains for most of the Journey. However, while it will take you from Kyoto > Kanazawa > Toyama > Nagano > Tokyo, it does not take you directly to Matsumoto, Kamikochi or Matsumoto. For these destinations you will need to pay separately on arrival. There are no passes for these regions. Please check out this video for more information: ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.html
So grateful for your videos! We will be in Japan for 11 days in Oct with our 10 month old and 3 year old. First 3 or 4 nights in Tokyo then starting the arch. Our last night or two will be in Kyoto before flying out of Osaka. We really want to see Takayama, Shirakawago, Matsumoto, Knazawa, and possibly Toyama. How would you break up 5-6 nights at these locations? Second question is: is the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass worth over the arch pass with our intended itinerary? Thanks for all your help!
Hi, if you are planning on renting a car, which we highly recommend, then you don't need the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. By renting a car you can easily visit both Shirakawa-go or even better Ainokura as well as Takayama. But if you are not then this pass might be the better way to go since getting to Shirakawa-go and Takayama will be difficult. Though, you could also take a tour bus from Kanazawa. Whatever you choose, we recommend you spend a night or two in Matsumoto then make Kanazawa your base to visit all the other places. With the Hokuriku Arch Pass you can take the shinkansen from Kanazawa to Toyama as well as all the way to Tsuruga which is the last station of the Shinkansen. So also consider how quickly you want to get to Kyoto. You're going to love this region, your itinerary is great :)
Hi, it will be the beginning of snow season so you might see some snow but it probably won't be much. Later December will start to see significant snow with Jan and Feb being the snowiest.
Thanks! This is helpful. My family is coming from Texas this week and returning home the 24th. I realize the focus here is Matsumoto but I have a question about Nagano and the train station. We are thinking about attending the fireworks on the 23rd. I am worried about getting back to Tokyo the same evening because our returning flight to the US is the next day at 6PM. I have heard the train station in Nagano is quite small and wonder if there is a chance given the very large crowds for that event if we might miss the train. Any advice on whether or not it might be too risky given 400k+ people are expected? Thank you!
Hi, glad it's helpful :) Yes, Nagano Station is on the smaller side. However, if you are taking the shinkansen and have a reserved seat then there should be no problem.Japan is very orderly even with huge crowds. The key is to have a reserved seat on whichever train you take. Good luck!
Hi, thank you for the information. We are going to visit Japan start from Fukuoka and finish in Tokyo, before flight back from Narita to UK. I have a question. Is the Hokuriku Arch Pass also valid from Osaka to Tokyo? Thank you.
The Hokuriku Arch Pass does not include the Tokaido Shinkansen, which directly connects Osaka to Tokyo. It follows an arched path that goes through Kanazawa. It includes the Thunderbird Limited Express train and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Here’s our video explaining the Hokuriku Arch Pass: ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.htmlsi=qx5CqZYnySbI8I98
We have purchased the Hokuriku Arch pass and are considering a day trip from Kanazawa to Matsumoto (thanks to your video), returning to Kanazawa the same night (we're booked for 3 nights). Our original plan was to proceed to Tokyo the next day. Would you recommend just staying at Matsumoto for the night and continuing to Tokyo from there? Since the trip to Matsumoto is not included in the pass, do we have to wait until we arrive in Nagano to purchase tickets for Shinano Express or is there a way to purchase it in advance? Also, how challenging is it to reserve seats from Nagano to Tokyo. Alternatively, can we pre-book reserved seats for our entire (hokuriku) itinerary all at once? Thank you!
Hi, we do recommend spending a night in Matsumoto since it takes a lot of time to get there and there is a lot to see and do. You can purchase your ticket from Nagano to Matsumoto from the JR Kanazawa station ticketing machine or from Klook: geni.us/shinkansen For using the Hokuriku Arch Pass, yes you can reserve all your seats at once either at the ticketing machine or if the ticketing office isn't busy they can help you too. Otherwise, they will only book a couple for you. Do note, that some of the shinkansens on the Hokuriku route are reserved only, such as the Kagayaki. We'll be releasing a video soon showing how you can make a seat reservation and change them if needed.
Hi, there are no direct trains with no stops from Tokyo to Matsumoto. The fastest way is via the hokuriku shinkansen but you will need to change in Nagano. Or you can take an express train on the Chuo line which is more direct but it has many stops along the way as well.
Thank you for your wonderful posts. They are a great resource when planning itineraries. What about the Azusa Limited Express train from Shinjuku Station? Is that a viable option from Tokyo if one doesn't want to make transfer in Nagano? Or do you still suggest going through Nagano?
@@FilippoRuggiero-yb7cc Yes, the Azusa Limited Express is a good option from Shinjuku to Matsumoto, taking two and a half hours. It goes all the way to Matsumoto without needing to transfer.
Thank you! I am going to Matsumoto from Narita in November (will spend night and morning in Narita after landing). I saw online there is the train from Shinjuku, but then was having a few doubts it really existed!
How did you meet your wife ? Was it tough initially because you two are a different race ? Asking because I'm assuming there would be a social and cultural barrier ? Do enlighten me
We appreciate the commissions we earn when you use our affiliate link to purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass: kenshoquest.com/recommends/hokuriku-arch-pass/
Best video i've seen on Matsumoto area. I appreciate the maps you include to help us with distance, the suggestions and the short and valuable information about the sites. Excellent footage, all compact & great info. Excellent job!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for this video!
I'm actually visiting Matsumoto next week. I will definitely visit Matsumoto Castle and Kamikochi.
Enjoy!
Thank you so much, your videos have been a great resource for planning our trip. We are starting in Tokyo then heading to Hokone, 5 lakes area before going to Matsumoto or Nagano. Any tips around train passes for that trip would be appreciated.
Hi. If you will visit both Hakone and the Mt. Fuji 5 Lakes area within 3 days, you may want to get the Fuji Hakone Pass offered by Odakyu Railway. Here's our affiliate link to purchase on Klook: geni.us/fujihakonepass and here's the Odakyu website with more info: www.odakyu.jp/english/passes/fujihakone/
Thank you! We are going to stay in Matsumoto for 4 days in April 2024 and I've now put Gofukuji on my list as I hadn't known about it.
Have a wonderful time! Gofukuji is amazing.
Can you please tell about your itinerary? 😅 I am also planning for 4 day trip, it would be really helpful, thank you!
wow I had never heard of this before but now I need to add that to my bucket list for when I go to Japan
Excellent video. Thank you, great photography and very informative 😊
I plan to visit Matsumoto in the end of December or early January.
appreciate your advice on the transportation options from Kawaguchiko to Matsumoto
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for letting us know!
I've been in Matsumoto for 7 days with 2 more to go. It isn't enough time to really do everything here. Lake Suwa area south is a day trip in itself! It's not too much of a drama though because it will give me a reason to come back in the future. 😊
Thanks for sharing your experience! What has been your favorite in Matsumoto area so far?
@KenshoQuest visiting the Fujigen Guitar factory in Omachi was a dream come true. Lake Suwa was an amazing experience too, a festival was on as a beautiful sunset started. Matsumoto is a magical area!
If I take a taxi to Gofukuji, are there taxis there for going back to matsumoto station?
Great video and so many places to visit in Hokurika Arch Pass. Thinking of doing this in November, but do you think we can cover all this areas in 7 days? Travelling to Japan for the first time so please can you suggest how many days in Kanazawa, Nagano, Mutsumoto etc. Highly appreciate.
Thanks
Thank you!!!
Thanks Kensho, so grateful to come across your youtube videos as I plan to travel to Nagano - Kanazawa region this Nov. May I know if I purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass on Klook, when and how I can reserve tickets on all the train rides? I am from Singapore, too bad not able to join your live session later as it will be a working morning for us here. Thanks!
Hi. If you purchase the Hokuriku Arch Pass on Klook, you can make seat reservations when you pick up the pass at a JR ticket office. That's the easiest way. Otherwise, once you have your actual pass you can use a ticketing machine or reserve online. Here's how to reserve seats using a Ticket Machine: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/hokuriku-arch-pass/howto/ Or reserve online: www.westjr.co.jp/global/en/ticket/pass/reservation_form/index.php?p=hokuriku-archpass
Some of the trains on that route are reserved-only. If you haven't already watched it, here's our video with more info about the Hokuriku Arch Pass: ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.html Sorry the timing doesn't work for the live, we're in Malaysia and schedule it for when our kids are in school. 🌸 Heidi
@@KenshoQuest Many thanks Heidi, I am from Malaysia, too, living in Singapore now. :)
Hi Heidi, have you guys made a video on Kurobe Gorge already - as mentioned in your video on Hokuriku Arch Pass?
@@sheihyiinyew2593 Sorry, we're still editing it.
How do you recommend to purchase tickets for Shinano Express? Is the train reserved seats too?
Hi, probably the easiest way is to purchase on Klook. Or you can buy directly at the JR station ticket machine or ticketing office. Here is a link on Klook, Just enter your starting and ending stations. ( affiliate link ): geni.us/shinkansen
If they do not appear then you can purchase directly from JR.
Reservations are not required but highly recommended because that train can be extremely crowded and a seat reservation will guarantee you a seat.
So nice
If i am planning to go from kyoto to takayama then matsomoto and then to kamikochi and back to tokyo are there bullet trains in between these cities or are the regional trains as faster and cheaper
Hi, I think the Hokuriku Arch Pass is the perfect fit for your itinerary as it does have bullet trains for most of the Journey. However, while it will take you from Kyoto > Kanazawa > Toyama > Nagano > Tokyo, it does not take you directly to Matsumoto, Kamikochi or Matsumoto. For these destinations you will need to pay separately on arrival. There are no passes for these regions. Please check out this video for more information: ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.html
So grateful for your videos! We will be in Japan for 11 days in Oct with our 10 month old and 3 year old. First 3 or 4 nights in Tokyo then starting the arch. Our last night or two will be in Kyoto before flying out of Osaka. We really want to see Takayama, Shirakawago, Matsumoto, Knazawa, and possibly Toyama. How would you break up 5-6 nights at these locations? Second question is: is the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass worth over the arch pass with our intended itinerary? Thanks for all your help!
Hi, if you are planning on renting a car, which we highly recommend, then you don't need the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass. By renting a car you can easily visit both Shirakawa-go or even better Ainokura as well as Takayama. But if you are not then this pass might be the better way to go since getting to Shirakawa-go and Takayama will be difficult. Though, you could also take a tour bus from Kanazawa. Whatever you choose, we recommend you spend a night or two in Matsumoto then make Kanazawa your base to visit all the other places. With the Hokuriku Arch Pass you can take the shinkansen from Kanazawa to Toyama as well as all the way to Tsuruga which is the last station of the Shinkansen. So also consider how quickly you want to get to Kyoto.
You're going to love this region, your itinerary is great :)
@@KenshoQuest thank you. Where would you recommend renting a car? And do you have a favorite hotel in Matsumoto?
Thank you for this information, you have confirmed my decision to add Matsumoto to our itinerary. Do you think 2 nights is enough?
Yes, two nights should be good.
Will there be snow in matsumoto during 1st week of december?
Hi, it will be the beginning of snow season so you might see some snow but it probably won't be much. Later December will start to see significant snow with Jan and Feb being the snowiest.
Thanks! This is helpful. My family is coming from Texas this week and returning home the 24th. I realize the focus here is Matsumoto but I have a question about Nagano and the train station. We are thinking about attending the fireworks on the 23rd. I am worried about getting back to Tokyo the same evening because our returning flight to the US is the next day at 6PM. I have heard the train station in Nagano is quite small and wonder if there is a chance given the very large crowds for that event if we might miss the train. Any advice on whether or not it might be too risky given 400k+ people are expected? Thank you!
Hi, glad it's helpful :) Yes, Nagano Station is on the smaller side. However, if you are taking the shinkansen and have a reserved seat then there should be no problem.Japan is very orderly even with huge crowds. The key is to have a reserved seat on whichever train you take. Good luck!
Hi, thank you for the information. We are going to visit Japan start from Fukuoka and finish in Tokyo, before flight back from Narita to UK. I have a question. Is the Hokuriku Arch Pass also valid from Osaka to Tokyo? Thank you.
The Hokuriku Arch Pass does not include the Tokaido Shinkansen, which directly connects Osaka to Tokyo. It follows an arched path that goes through Kanazawa. It includes the Thunderbird Limited Express train and the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Here’s our video explaining the Hokuriku Arch Pass:
ua-cam.com/video/Z_BlVF-h_xk/v-deo.htmlsi=qx5CqZYnySbI8I98
has it always been Blue roofing? i remember it being RED years ago🤔.
Matsumoto Castle has a black roof.
We have purchased the Hokuriku Arch pass and are considering a day trip from Kanazawa to Matsumoto (thanks to your video), returning to Kanazawa the same night (we're booked for 3 nights). Our original plan was to proceed to Tokyo the next day. Would you recommend just staying at Matsumoto for the night and continuing to Tokyo from there?
Since the trip to Matsumoto is not included in the pass, do we have to wait until we arrive in Nagano to purchase tickets for Shinano Express or is there a way to purchase it in advance? Also, how challenging is it to reserve seats from Nagano to Tokyo. Alternatively, can we pre-book reserved seats for our entire (hokuriku) itinerary all at once? Thank you!
Hi, we do recommend spending a night in Matsumoto since it takes a lot of time to get there and there is a lot to see and do. You can purchase your ticket from Nagano to Matsumoto from the JR Kanazawa station ticketing machine or from Klook: geni.us/shinkansen
For using the Hokuriku Arch Pass, yes you can reserve all your seats at once either at the ticketing machine or if the ticketing office isn't busy they can help you too. Otherwise, they will only book a couple for you. Do note, that some of the shinkansens on the Hokuriku route are reserved only, such as the Kagayaki.
We'll be releasing a video soon showing how you can make a seat reservation and change them if needed.
@@KenshoQuest thank you so much!!!
Doesn't a train go direct from Tokyo no stops to Matsumoto its like 2.5 hours
Hi, there are no direct trains with no stops from Tokyo to Matsumoto. The fastest way is via the hokuriku shinkansen but you will need to change in Nagano. Or you can take an express train on the Chuo line which is more direct but it has many stops along the way as well.
Thank you for your wonderful posts. They are a great resource when planning itineraries. What about the Azusa Limited Express train from Shinjuku Station? Is that a viable option from Tokyo if one doesn't want to make transfer in Nagano? Or do you still suggest going through Nagano?
@@FilippoRuggiero-yb7cc Yes, the Azusa Limited Express is a good option from Shinjuku to Matsumoto, taking two and a half hours. It goes all the way to Matsumoto without needing to transfer.
Thank you! I am going to Matsumoto from Narita in November (will spend night and morning in Narita after landing). I saw online there is the train from Shinjuku, but then was having a few doubts it really existed!
How did you meet your wife ? Was it tough initially because you two are a different race ? Asking because I'm assuming there would be a social and cultural barrier ?
Do enlighten me
We met at university. It’s never been an issue, as we’re both American.