Matsumoto is the gateway. By train, change there for the Oito Line; by car, head for Azumino IC on the Nagano Expressway.
By train
- From Tokyo
- Limited Express Azusa from Shinjuku to Matsumoto, about 2 hours 40 minutes. A few trains continue to Toyoshina and Hotaka.
- From Nagoya
- Limited Express Shinano from Nagoya to Matsumoto, about 2 hours.
- From Matsumoto
- JR Oito Line towards Toyoshina and Hotaka, about 20–30 minutes.
The main JR Oito Line stations in Azumino are Toyoshina, Hakuyacho and Hotaka. Akashina, on the east side of the city, is on the JR Shinonoi Line. Timetables change with the season, so please check with JR before you travel.
By car
The nearest interchange is Azumino IC on the Nagano Expressway. It was called Toyoshina IC until October 2012, and older maps and navigation systems may still show the former name.
In winter the roads can be icy or snow-covered. Please make sure your car has winter tyres.
By air
Shinshu Matsumoto Airport has flights from Sapporo (New Chitose), Fukuoka and Kobe. A car is the easiest way to continue to Azumino. Check with the airport and airlines for current services.
Getting around Azumino
The sights are spread over a wide area, so a car makes things easier. Rental bicycles are available near Hotaka Station, and there is also a bike-share scheme with docking points around the city. Hotaka Shrine, the Rokuzan Art Museum and Daio Wasabi Farm are a comfortable distance apart by bicycle. For a route, see classic sights and a half-day route.
To Azumino-no-Sato and Tirol
- Address
- 5089-1 Toyoshina Minamihotaka, Azumino, Nagano (Azumino-no-Sato)
- By car
- About 5 minutes from Azumino IC to Azumino-no-Sato
- By train
- About 20 minutes on foot from Hakuyacho Station (JR Oito Line) to Azumino-no-Sato
- Open
- 10:00–17:00, closed Tuesdays
- Telephone
- 0263-72-3322
The map and things to check before you come are on Visit us & directions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Azumino as a day trip from Tokyo?
Yes. It is about 2 hours 40 minutes from Shinjuku to Matsumoto on the Limited Express Azusa, then 20–30 minutes on the Oito Line. With a morning start you can see Hotaka or Toyoshina in a day.
Which expressway exit serves Azumino?
Azumino IC on the Nagano Expressway. It was renamed from Toyoshina IC in October 2012.
Can I get around without a car?
Around Hotaka Station, yes, by rental bicycle. For Azumino-no-Sato and places further out such as Matsukawa, a taxi or car is more practical.
Text: Azumino Commune Tirol. Opening days, fees and timetables can change. Please check each facility’s own official information before you travel.