How do I get to Narai-Juku by train from Nagoya?

Take the JR Chuo Main Line (Ltd. Express Shinano) from Nagoya to Kiso-Fukushima, then transfer to a local train to Narai Station. Narai-Juku is a short walk from the station.

How do I get to Narai-Juku by train from Shinjuku (Tokyo)?

Take the JR Chuo Line (Ltd. Express Azusa) from Shinjuku Station to Shiojiri, then transfer to a local train to Narai Station. Narai-Juku is a short walk from the station.

Is Narai-Juku open year-round?

Yes, Narai-Juku is open year-round. However, some shops and attractions may have limited hours or close during the winter months.

Are there any entry fees to visit Narai-Juku?

There is no fee to explore the town itself. Some museums or historical houses may charge a small admission fee.

What local specialties should I try in Narai-Juku?

Try oyaki (stuffed buns), oyatsu (snacks), and local soba noodles. The town is also known for its wooden crafts and lacquerware.

How long should I spend in Narai-Juku?

Half a day is enough to explore the main street and highlights, but a full day allows for a more relaxed visit and time to enjoy local food and shops.

Do I need a special ticket to ride the Limited Express Azusa or Shinano to Narai-Juku?

Yes, in addition to a regular train ticket, you must purchase a limited express ticket (tokkyu-ken) to ride the Limited Express Azusa or Shinano trains. This ticket can be bought at ticket counters or machines at major JR stations.

Can I get to Narai-Juku from central Tokyo by bus?

Yes, you can take a highway bus from Busta Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) to Matsumoto. From Matsumoto Station, transfer to a local JR Chuo Main Line train to Narai Station. Narai-Juku is a short walk from the station. Advance reservation for the highway bus is essential, especially during busy seasons.

Narai-Juku – A Historic Post Town on the Nakasendo Trail

Overview of Narai-Juku: Also known as "Narai Post Town" – A Historic Stop on the Nakasendo Trail

Narai-Juku is a charming historic post town located on the Nakasendo Trail in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Known for its beautifully preserved Edo-period wooden buildings, Narai-Juku offers visitors a glimpse into Japan's past.
The town is famous for its traditional crafts, local cuisine, and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can stroll down the nostalgic streets , savor local treats like gohei-mochi and Shinshu soba, and browse shops selling handcrafted woodenware and lacquerware. Narai-Juku's peaceful ambiance and rich history make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Japan’s countryside.

Narai-juku is located near other historical and scenic spots such as Magome-juku, Tsumago-juku and Matsumoto Castle, making it easy to plan a memorable day trip through Japan’s nostalgic post towns and iconic landmarks.
Matsumoto Castle is especially convenient for those taking a bus from Tokyo to Matsumoto Station — it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the region.
(See below for details on how to get there by bus.)

Access to Narai-Juku by TRAIN (Last updated: June 11 , 2025)

The easiest way to reach Narai-Juku is by train. Take the JR Chuo Line from Shinjuku (Tokyo) to Shiojiri Station or the JR Chuo Main Line from Nagoya to Kiso-Fukushima Station, then transfer to a local train to Narai Station. The historic town is just a short walk from the station, making it convenient for travelers.

How to Get to Narai-Juku from Major Cities

Departure City	Route	Estimated Time	Estimated Cost
Tokyo (Shinjuku)	JR Chuo Line (Ltd. Express Azusa) → Shiojiri or Kiso-Fukushima → Local train to Narai	About 3 hours	¥5,000–¥7,000
Nagoya	JR Chuo Main Line (Ltd. Express Shinano) → Kiso-Fukushima → Local train to Narai	About 2.5 hours	¥4,000–¥5,000
Matsumoto	JR Chuo Line(JR Shinonoi) → Narai Station (direct local train)	About 1 hour	¥590
Tokyo (Shinjuku)	Highway Bus from Busta Shinjuku → Matsumoto Station → JR Chuo Line (local train) to Narai Station	About 4.5–5 hours	¥4,500–¥6,000

Note: If you want to travel quickly by taking the Limited Express "Azusa or Shinano" you will need to purchase a limited express ticket (tokkyu-ken).

Note: If you plan to use the highway bus, advance reservation is strongly recommended as seats are limited. Please secure your seat in advance through the official website or reservation platforms.

Note: The "Chuo Line" is part of the Chuo Main Line. In the Tokyo (Kanto) area, it is commonly referred to as the "Chuo Line," but officially it is the Chuo Main Line. Please be aware of this naming difference when checking train routes or schedules.

From Narai Station, simply follow the signs to the historic district. The main street is lined with traditional inns, shops, and cafes.

Official Website

For more details, please visit the official website.

Visit Official Site

Activity Information

Location: Narai-Juku, Nagano Prefecture, Japan
Opening Hours: Most shops and attractions open during the day; check specific timings for each place
Recommended Season: Spring to Autumn is ideal for walking and sightseeing
Notes: Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the cobbled streets. Try local specialties like oyaki (stuffed buns) and soba noodles.
Entry Fee: Free to explore the town; some attractions may have a small fee

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