Myoko Kogen to Karuizawa express route under review by Shinano Railway
- Adam German
- Jul 3
- 2 min read
Shinano Railway, headquartered in Ueda City, Nagano Prefecture, is considering launching a new express train service connecting Myoko Kogen and Karuizawa. President Tomonori Tsuchiya revealed the plan in an interview with The Niigata Nippo published on June 28th.
The proposed route aims to boost ridership by shortening travel times between two key tourist destinations ahead of a major resort development in the Myoko Kogen area.
Targeting 2028 Resort Launch
Currently, Shinano Railway operates two lines: one between Myoko Kogen and Nagano, and another between Shinonoi and Karuizawa, with the section between Nagano and Shinonoi operated via JR East’s Shinetsu Main Line.
Train line graphic courtesy of the Niigata Nippo, edited by Patience Realty.
While there are a few direct trains daily between Myoko Kogen and Karuizawa (111.7 kilometers), the current local service stops at all 30 stations along the route and takes roughly 2.5 hours.
The company is now considering a faster express service that would reduce travel time to around 90 minutes by limiting stops to major stations such as Nagano. The goal is to implement the revised timetable in time for the planned resort opening in 2028.
Related content: Patience Capital Group teams with Shinano Railway for tourism and regional growth (March 4th, 2025)
A new resort is being planned in the Myoko Kogen region by Singapore-based Patience Capital Group (PCG), with an expected opening at the end of 2028.
Trial Services in Fiscal 2025
Shinano Railway plans to assess travel demand between Myoko Kogen and Karuizawa during fiscal 2025. Trial runs will include the Rokumon, a sightseeing train featuring onboard dining, operating for three days between July and September. In addition, special rapid services will run several round trips daily during the autumn tourism season.
Shinano Railway President Tomonori Tsuchiya courtesy of the Niigata Nippo.
“Myoko Kogen has the potential to become a key gateway for international visitors,” said President Tsuchiya. “We want to promote travel along our rail lines throughout Nagano Prefecture.”
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Source:
Niigata Nippo (Japanese only; freewalled meaning no cost to create an account and log in to read the full article)
