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Tokyo to Karuizawa Trains

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Tokyo to Karuizawa Bullet Train Tickets & Timetable

The Tokyo to Karuizawa Shinkansen on the Hokuriku line offers Ordinary and Green Class seating. Departing from Tokyo Station or Ueno Station, the Asama and Kagayaki trains serve this route. We recommend you book tickets online in advance to secure the best prices. The Shinkansen price range for a one-way ticket is approximately ¥5,930-6,800 (around $42-49 USD). For accurate timetable information, current ticket availability, and class fares, use the search page. Our online schedule provides real-time updates on Tokyo to Karuizawa departures, train times, and prices.

6Apr

Seats

Tokyo

Karuizawa

Each ticket has information about

Departure Time

Travel time

Arrival Time

Changes

Brand name / Train type

Ticket price

Morning trains

06:28

TokyoTokyo Station

1h 4m

07:32

KaruizawaStation

Direct

Hakutaka 551

from

5069 USD

1h 4m, Direct

06:28

TokyoTokyo Station

07:32

KaruizawaStation

from

5069 USD

Direct

Hakutaka 551

06:52

TokyoTokyo Station

1h 12m

08:04

KaruizawaStation

Direct

Asama 601

from

5069 USD

1h 12m, Direct

06:52

TokyoTokyo Station

08:04

KaruizawaStation

from

5069 USD

Direct

Asama 601

Day trains

12:04

TokyoTokyo Station

1h 16m

13:20

KaruizawaStation

Direct

Asama 611

from

4861 USD

1h 16m, Direct

12:04

TokyoTokyo Station

13:20

KaruizawaStation

from

4861 USD

Direct

Asama 611

13:04

TokyoTokyo Station

1h 11m

14:15

KaruizawaStation

Direct

Asama 613

from

5035 USD

1h 11m, Direct

13:04

TokyoTokyo Station

14:15

KaruizawaStation

from

5035 USD

Direct

Asama 613

Evening trains

18:04

TokyoTokyo Station

1h 3m

19:07

KaruizawaStation

Direct

Hakutaka 573

from

5035 USD

1h 3m, Direct

18:04

TokyoTokyo Station

19:07

KaruizawaStation

from

5035 USD

Direct

Hakutaka 573

18:40

TokyoTokyo Station

1h 12m

19:52

KaruizawaStation

Direct

Asama 625

from

4861 USD

1h 12m, Direct

18:40

TokyoTokyo Station

19:52

KaruizawaStation

from

4861 USD

Direct

Asama 625

First train

06:28

Last train

22:08

Travel duration

1h 8m

Daily departures

Departure station

Tokyo

Changes

direct

Arrival station

Karuizawa

Ticket price

$35

How to Book Train Tickets Online from Tokyo to Karuizawa

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All Travel Classes

All travel classes are supported for this route. You can choose from Ordinary or Green Car classes offered by the rail supplier for your Tokyo to Karuizawa journey.

Book Official Tickets Easily

Rail Monsters provides official tickets for the Tokyo to Karuizawa Shinkansen, ensuring a reliable booking experience. With a few clicks, you can confirm and purchase your tickets online to receive an electronic QR code if available.

Secure Payment Options

Our online booking system offers secure transactions when you buy Tokyo to Karuizawa tickets. Use multiple payment options, including credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay for a safe booking process.

Flexible Exchanges & Cancellations

We offer flexible exchange and cancellation policies for travel plans. Easily modify your Tokyo to Karuizawa bullet train tickets based on availability and specific fare conditions through our reservations service.

24/7 Human Customer Support

Get assistance from our human support team, available 24/7 to answer questions or assist with your online ticket booking. We focus on providing a clear and helpful experience for all passengers.

Why Book Tokyo to Karuizawa Train Tickets with Rail Monsters?

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Tokyo to Karuizawa Shinkansen Overview

The journey from Tokyo to Karuizawa by Shinkansen is the most practical way to reach this mountain resort. High-speed trains depart frequently, taking approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The route travels through the Gunma prefecture before climbing into the Nagano highlands. Both Asama and Hakutaka services are common on this corridor, offering reserved and non-reserved seating options for tourists and weekend travelers.

Travel time

1h 8m

Train type

Asama

Hakutaka

Fastest trip

1h 0m

Longest trip

1h 18m

Tokyo

Tokyo - The economic and cultural center of Japan, featuring major terminals like Tokyo Station and Ueno. It is the starting point for all northern Shinkansen lines.

Tokyo

Station

1h 8m

Karuizawa

Karuizawa - A popular mountain resort town in Nagano Prefecture situated at the foot of Mount Asama, known for its cool summer climate and outdoor activities.

Karuizawa

Station

Available Ticket Classes

On the Tokyo to Karuizawa route, travelers can select between Ordinary (standard) and Green Car (first-class) seating. Gran Class is available on certain Hakutaka and Kagayaki services, providing the highest level of service and space. Reserved and non-reserved options apply to Ordinary class.

from

$5133

Ordinary Car

from

$7135

Green Car

from

$9913

Gran Class

from

$4842

Non-reserved

Practical Information for Shinkansen Travelers

Luggage Guidelines on Hokuriku Shinkansen Trains. Traveling to Karuizawa involves specific rules for carry-on and oversized items. Below are key points for bringing luggage aboard:

Luggage Allowance

Passengers may bring up to two pieces of luggage. Each item must not exceed 250 cm in total dimensions (length + width + height) and a weight limit of 30 kg per piece. Small personal bags are not counted toward this limit.

Storage Facilities

Trains are equipped with overhead racks for medium bags and limited space behind the last row of seats in each car for larger suitcases. It is usually sufficient for standard travel gear and recreational equipment.

Special Items

For those carrying ski equipment or bicycles, items must be stored in appropriate carry bags. While there is no specific surcharge for these on this route, space is first-come, first-served in the designated areas.

Average rating & reviews

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

4.7

Among mobile stores and search platforms

Easy purchase and process

We went from Tokyo station to Hiroshima for the first time. We bought our tickets online, printed the tickets and had no issues. Great experience

Denise Harston

Thank you very much for your support

Even with very short time frame you suceeded to change our tickets. We are very gratefull. You are the best.

Mitja Bostner

Thank you, David!

Could not thank David from Rail Monsters enough, i made a couple of errors in my booking for japan and he fixed them asap with no hassle, customer service A1

Alan

Local Guide

Wonderful trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. Excellent service.

Marius-Adrian Nicoara

Very kind and helpful staff

Very kind and helpful staff who were very diligent and thorough in helping secure tickets for a sold out train. Thank you so much!

Allison Makhoul

Tokyo to Karuizawa Map

Plan your trip from Tokyo to Karuizawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. The transport route starts in central Tokyo, passing through Omiya and Takasaki stations before entering the mountains of Nagano. Along the travel path, the landscape changes from the Kanto Plain to the rugged terrain of the Japanese Alps. This mountain rail journey is the primary link for visitors traveling between these two Japanese destinations.

Rail vs Bus vs Plane

Train

Changes

Travel time

Price from

Departures

Rating

Train

Asama

Changes

Direct

Travel time

1h 12m

Price from

$35

Departures

423

Rating

Train

Hakutaka

Changes

Direct

Travel time

1h 3m

Price from

$35

Departures

242

Rating

Rail travel via the Shinkansen is significantly faster than the bus, which can take over 3 hours depending on traffic. There are no commercial flights between Tokyo and Karuizawa due to the short distance. The train departs from central Tokyo stations, avoiding the need for long transfers. For speed and frequency, the Shinkansen is the primary choice for this route.

Plus, it’s a greener choice, reducing your carbon footprint

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Travel time

Price range

Winner

Train

Apprx.

1h 8m

$35-$75

Bus

Apprx.

3h 15m

$18-$35

Flight

Apprx.

Tokyo to Karuizawa Bullet Train

The Hokuriku Shinkansen services the Tokyo to Karuizawa route with three main train types: Asama, Hakutaka, and Kagayaki. The Asama is the most frequent service, stopping at all stations and reaching speeds of 260 km/h (161 mph). The Hakutaka and Kagayaki also pass through Karuizawa, though the Kagayaki is a limited-stop express. The journey takes approximately 65 to 75 minutes. All trains offer Ordinary and Green Class, with some Hakutaka trains also featuring Gran Class for a more premium environment. Onboard amenities include power outlets at most seats and dedicated luggage areas.

Asama

Asama shinkansen trains connect Tokyo to Nagano in just 85 minutes.

Learn more

Hakutaka

Discover the scenic routes of Japan with the Hakutaka train, known for speed.

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Cities at Both Ends

Tokyo is Japan's massive urban hub, famous for the Shibuya Crossing and Meiji Jingu Shrine. From Tokyo Station, the Shinkansen heads northwest to Karuizawa, a town established as a mountain retreat in the 19th century. Karuizawa is famous for its cool air, luxury villas, and the Hoshino area. Arriving at Karuizawa Station places you directly in the center of the resort district, near high-end shopping and nature trails.

Tokyo

The capital, where ancient palaces stand alongside towering skyscrapers.

Karuizawa

FAQ about the Tokyo - Karuizawa Route

How fast is the train between Tokyo and Karuizawa?

The Hokuriku Shinkansen travels at speeds up to 260 km/h (161 mph), making the total travel time from Tokyo Station to Karuizawa approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Can I use a mobile app to book Tokyo to Karuizawa tickets?

Yes, you can use the Rail Monsters mobile apps for iOS and Android to search for schedules and book your Shinkansen tickets in advance for the Tokyo to Karuizawa route.

What is the best way to get to Karuizawa from Tokyo?

Taking the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station is the most effective method. The Asama and Hakutaka trains provide regular departures throughout the day, arriving much faster than highway buses.

How much is the bullet train from Tokyo to Karuizawa?

A one-way Shinkansen ticket from Tokyo to Karuizawa costs between 7,400 and 9,500 yen ($51 USD - $66 USD) depending on the seat type and seasonality. You can purchase these tickets via the Rail Monsters website.

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