How to travel from Nikko to Matsumoto, Japan

The distance between Nikko and Matsumoto is around 260km (161 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 2h 55m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Nikko to Matsumoto by train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out MatsumotoNikko if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
4 x train
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Train

Take the train to Utsunomiya, Omiya(Saitama) then Nagano and then to Matsumoto.

  • Duration2h 55m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥14,240($105)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

2
car
+

Drive

Drive to Matsumoto.

  • Duration3h 35m
  • Distance260km (161 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Nikko and Matsumoto

There are several options for getting from Nikko to Matsumoto by train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around ¥9,855 ($72) and will take around 3h 60m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and arrive in approximately 2h 55m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥14,240 ($105).

The distance between Nikko and Matsumoto is around 260km (161 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 164km (102 miles)

It takes around 2h 55m to get from Nikko and Matsumoto by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 3h 35m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Nikko to Matsumoto is to take the train which takes around 2h 55m and will set you back approx ¥14,240 ($105).

The cheapest way to travel between Nikko and Matsumoto, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around ¥9,855 ($72) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Nikko and Matsumoto. It typically takes around 2h 55m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Nikko to Matsumoto. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Utsunomiya, Omiya(Saitama) and Nagano. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 2h 55m.

Japan Railways (JR), Japan Railways Shinkansen, Japan Railways, Japan Railways Limited Express and Tobu Railway run train services between Nikko and Matsumoto. Trains depart hourly and will take around 2h 55m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Nikko and Matsumoto. We recommend that you take the train to Utsunomiya, Omiya(Saitama) then Nagano and then to Matsumoto. instead which will take 2h 55m.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Nikko to Matsumoto. We recommend that you take the train to Utsunomiya, Omiya(Saitama) then Nagano and then to Matsumoto. instead which will take 2h 55m.

The closest major airport to Matsumoto is Matsumoto Airport (MMJ) (MMJ) which is approximately 9km (6 miles) from Matsumoto. Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) (HND) and Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) (NGO) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Nikko and Matsumoto. The distance is around 260km (161 miles) by road and it will take around 3h 35m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Nikko to Matsumoto is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 55m and will usually cost around ¥14,240 ($105).

How do I get from Nikko to Matsumoto

Compare travel optionsbetween Nikko and Matsumoto

Transport options from Nikko to Matsumoto
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train + 1 similar
2h 55m
¥14,240($105)
hourly370km (230 miles)
Train via Tochigi3h 60m
¥9,855($72)
hourly302km (188 miles)
Drive
3h 35m
¥3,835($28)
on demand260km (161 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Nikko and Matsumoto

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Matsumoto

The following major airports near Matsumoto offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Japan and internationally.

MMJ
Matsumoto Airport (MMJ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
9km (6 miles) from Matsumoto
HND
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
International Airport
Distance
181km (112 miles) from Matsumoto
NGO
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
International Airport
Distance
186km (116 miles) from Matsumoto