JR Ena and JR Nakatsugawa stations also provide convenient access to the historic Nakasendo route, including the well-preserved post towns of Tsumago and Magome. Many travelers visit Rural Japan after exploring the Nakasendo, or combine our programs with their walk between Magome and Tsumago.

About Meeting Locations

Rural Japan Tours take place in the satoyama landscapes of Ena and Nakatsugawa. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, meeting locations are carefully selected based on your chosen program, the season, and your travel plans.

Meeting points are typically centered around JR Ena Station or JR Nakatsugawa Station. However, we will arrange the most convenient starting point for your journey, depending on the itinerary.

JR Ena Station


JR Nakatsugawa Station


Access from Major Cities

From Tokyo

  • Take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station.
  • At Nagoya Station, transfer to the JR Chuo Line.
    • To Ena Station: take a rapid train (bound for Nakatsugawa), or the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagano).
    • To Nakatsugawa Station: take a rapid train (bound for Nakatsugawa), or the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagano).
  • Total travel time: approx. 3 – 3.5 hours

From Kyoto / Osaka

  • Take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto Station to Nagoya Station.
  • At Nagoya Station, transfer to the JR Chuo Line.
    • To Ena Station: take a rapid train (bound for Nakatsugawa), or the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagano).
    • To Nakatsugawa Station: take a rapid train (bound for Nakatsugawa), or the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagano).
  • Total travel time: approx. 2.5 – 3 hours

From Nagoya

  • To Ena Station: take a rapid train (bound for Nakatsugawa), or the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagano). (Approx. 1 hour)
  • To Nakatsugawa Station: take a rapid train (bound for Nakatsugawa) (Approx. 1 hour 15 mins), or the Limited Express "Shinano" (Approx. 50 mins).
  • Total travel time: approx. 50 minutes – 1 hour

From Nagano

  • Take the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagoya) to Nakatsugawa Station. (Approx. 2 hours)
  • If your destination is Ena Station, transfer to a local or rapid train at Nakatsugawa Station. (Additional 15 mins)
  • Total travel time: approx. 2 – 2.5 hours

From Kanazawa

  • Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga Station, then transfer to the Limited Express "Shirasagi" to Nagoya Station.
  • At Nagoya Station, transfer to the JR Chuo Line.
    • To Ena Station: take a rapid train (bound for Nakatsugawa), or the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagano).
    • To Nakatsugawa Station: take a rapid train (bound for Nakatsugawa), or the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagano).
  • Total travel time: approx. 3 – 3.5 hours

Please note

Limited Express "Shinano" and Ena Station: not all "Shinano" services stop at Ena Station. If you are travelling to Ena, please confirm your train stops there before boarding.

Regarding platforms at Nagoya Station: most rapid trains bound for Nakatsugawa depart from platforms 7 or 8. The Limited Express "Shinano" bound for Nagano usually departs from platform 10, but some trains depart from platforms 7 or 8. Please check the electronic departure boards at the station.