Day 1-2: 5 Days in Nagano and Tokyo

There’s just something about Japan that makes me keep on coming back- the beautiful nature, rich history and culture, modern cities, efficient transport system, delicious food, and of course, the hospitable and polite Japanese people.
During my 5th visit in the Land of the Rising Sun, I revisited Nagano and Tokyo. I’ve been to these prefectures during spring and winter seasons but it’s my first summer trip ever. Japan has four seasons, and each season showcases different charm, scenery, food, and events.

After planning and costing for a 5 day trip, transportation alone will cost me about Php15,000. Good thing tourists in Japan have the privilege to purchase a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) which will allow tourists unlimited train, buses and ferry rides owned by Japan Rail Group. You can learn more about the JR Pass on their website.

Since I’ll be exploring Nagano and Tokyo areas only, I decided to get the JR East Pass (Nagano-Niigata Area) which is valid for 5 days. This pass covers JR East Lines in Tokyo, Nagano, and Niigata, plus non JR Lines in Nikko, and Gala Yuzawa during winter. Though you can purchase this pass in Japan, I got mine at Klook website for only 17,000 yen or Php8164 pesos. It’s 1000 yen or Php480 cheaper if you’ll purchase it outside Japan. I also like how convenient it is to purchase on their website.

Let’s start with the journey now and let’s explore Nagano and Tokyo using the JR East Pass (Nagano-Niigata Area).

Day 1

Arrival

5 Days in Nagano and Tokyo — JR East Travel Service Center located at B1F of Narita International Airport Terminal 2-3

Upon arriving at Narita International Airport, I went straight to JR East Travel Service Center located at Basement 1 Floor to exchange my Klook voucher with the actual JR East Pass (Nagano-Niigata Area). The transaction was really smooth. I just provided my printed voucher and passport. The staff is really nice and she can speak good English. Inside the JR office, you can also get brochures and pamphlets that can guide you through your journey.

Please note that there’s another type of JR East Pass which covers the Tohoku Area.

Since I’ll be traveling straight to Nagano from the airport, I also booked my train tickets and reserved seats in the same office. The JR East Pass also allows you to reserve seats for free, so better take advantage of that.

My route will be:

Narita International Airport Terminal 2 & 3 to Tokyo Station via Narita Express or NEX
Tokyo Station to Nagano Station via Hokuriku Shinkansen
Nagano Station to Shiojiri Station via Limited Express Shinano

All these train rides are covered by the JR East Pass including seat reservations for free.

Nagano is a landlocked prefecture surrounded by the Japanese Alps. The train ride to my destination offered a very scenic view of the Japan’s mountain ranges and country side. Nagano hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998 and this made the prefecture a very popular world-class winter sport destination. The prefecture also offers a different charm during other seasons. Since it was summer time, the prefecture is covered with lush greenery of the forests, rice fields, and fruit farms.

Day 2

During my 2nd day in Japan, I explored Matsumoto City and the neighboring Azumino City.

Matsumoto Station

Matsumoto Station is located in Matsumoto City. It is served by Shinonoi Line, Oito Line, Chuo Main Line, and Kamikochi Line operated by Alpico Kotsu, a private railway operator. The station has a high glass panel windows giving passengers a view of the Southern Japanese Alps. Matsumoto Station also has some restaurants and a department store.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

Built in 2002, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art features works of Matsumoto artists and artworks inspired by the nearby Japanese Alps.

During my visit, a special exhibition of Yayoi Kusama, a Matsumoto City native, was on going. I planned of visiting her museum in Shinjuku but sadly, tickets were already sold out for the succeeding months. I was very happy when I learned that she has an ongoing exhibition in Matsumoto City. Yayoi Kusama’s exhibit features her early drawings, paintings and sculptures. She is known for her hallucinogenic artworks with lots of dots. One of her famous artwork was the Infinity Mirror Room.

Matsumoto City Museum of Arts is a short walk away east of Matsumoto Station. You may also ride a bus or taxi just in case you are not into walking.

On your 2nd day, you may also visit Matsumoto Castle, Seikando Bookstore, Nawate Dori and Yohashira Shrine. You may read more about these attractions on my previous blog post about places to see in Matsumoto City.

Getting There:

Since I stayed at my Mom’s place in Shiojiri City, I just took the train from Shiojiri Station to Matsumoto Station. Using your JR Pass, you can ride the Limited Express trains to save time. Local train will take about 18 minutes.

Blueberry Azumino

Azumino City is located north of Mastumoto City. It serves as a gateway to the Japanese Alps which are popular for hiking during summer and snow sports during winter. It is also home to several farms growing fruits in season.

During my visit, my family drove me to Blueberry Azumino, a small farm where guests can pick their own blueberries. It was my first time and I had so much fun! For 1000 yen, I was able to eat all the blueberries I want and took home 400 grams for free! Blueberries in Azumino City are in season from late June to early October.

Fruit picking is a popular activity in Nagano. Farm owners open their properties to tourists during harvest seasons. Nagano is known for strawberries, apples, grapes, oranges, peaches, blueberries and more.

Getting There:

The nearest train access from Blueberry Azumino is Hitoichiba Station. From the station, it’s about 40 minute walk or less than 10 minutes by car or taxi.