Shinano Railway to launch trial run express train linking Karuizawa and Myoko
- Adam German
- Oct 23
- 2 min read
On October 20th, the Nikkei Shimbun reported that Nagano-based Shinano Railway will operate a special rapid train between Karuizawa Station and Myoko Kogen Station on November 3rd, 2025.
Sample Shinano Railway train photo courtesy of the train company website.
The train will make only one stop at Nagano Station, completing the journey in as little as one hour and 38 minutes - among the fastest schedules ever operated by the company.
The trial run aims to assess demand for rapid and sightseeing train services ahead of large-scale resort developments planned for Myoko Kogen.
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Named the “Shinetsu Rapid,” the service will make one round trip and be available to passengers with a standard train ticket. Two of the train’s four cars will operate as a “cycle train,” allowing passengers to bring bicycles onboard.
A tour package will also be offered, enabling participants to rent bicycles at Karuizawa Station, load them onto the train, and enjoy cycling and lunch after disembarking at Myoko Kogen.
The cycling tour, which requires advance registration, will be limited to around 20 participants. Additional same-day tours will also be available for non-cyclists to enjoy autumn foliage and other seasonal attractions.
The initiative commemorates a cooperation agreement signed in September between Shinano Railway, the Karuizawa Tourism Association, and Myoko Tourism Management.
The goal is to encourage visitors staying in Karuizawa to explore Myoko as well, strengthening tourism exchange between the two regions. The company plans to continue similar initiatives going forward.
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In the Myoko Kogen area, Singapore-based investment fund Patience Capital Group (PCG) is developing a large-scale resort complex that will include hotels and commercial facilities.
Source:
Nikkei Shimbun (Japanese only; paywalled)
