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.

Your confirmation email will tell you whether to meet at JR Ena Station or JR Nakatsugawa Station. The correct meeting point depends on your chosen tour, the season, and your travel plans.

JR Ena Staition

JR Nakatsugawa Staition

Access from Major Cities

Please check the electronic departure boards to confirm platform number at the station.

From Tokyo

Tokyo Station —> Nagoya Station —> Ena Station —> Nakatsugawa Station

At Tokyo Station:

• please take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Nagoya Station.

Continue by following the From Nagoya directions below.

Total travel time: approx. 3 – 3.5 hours

From Kyoto/Osaka

Shin-Osaka Station —> Kyoto Station —> Nagoya Station —> Ena Station —> Nakatsugawa Station

At Shin-Osaka Station:

• please take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka or Kyoto Station to Nagoya Station.

Continue by following the From Nagoya directions below.

Total travel time: approx. 2.5 – 3 hours

From Nagoya

Nagoya Station—> Ena Station —> Nakatsugawa Station

　At Nagoya Station:

• on the JR Chuo Line, take a rapid train bound for Nakatsugawa (Usually platform 7 or 8),

OR

• take the Limited Express "Shinano" bound for Nagano (often platform 10).

• get off at Ena Station

If continuing to Nakatsugawa Station:

• get off at Nakatsugawa Station

Total travel time: approx. 50 minutes – 1 hour

From Nagano

Nagano Station —> Nakatsugawa Station —> Ena Station

From Nagano Station:

• take the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagoya)

• get off at Nakatsugawa Station. (Approx. 2 hours)

If continuing to Ena Station:

• take a local or rapid train heading for Nagoya (around 15 minutes)

Total travel time: approx. 2 – 2.5 hours

From Kanazawa

Kanazawa Station —> Tsuruga Station —> Nagoya Station —> Ena Station —> Nakatsugawa Station

At Kanazawa Station please take the Hokuriku Shinkansen to Tsuruga Station.

At Tsuruga Station:

• transfer to the Limited Express "Shirasagi" heading to Nagoya Station.

At Nagoya Station:

• on the JR Chuo Line: take a rapid train (bound for Nakatsugawa),

OR

• the Limited Express "Shinano" (bound for Nagano).

• get off at Ena Station

If continuing to Nakatsugawa Station:

• get off at Nakatsugawa Station

Total travel time: approx. 3 – 3.5 hours

Notice Regarding Limited Express "Shinano" Services to Ena Station

Please be advised that train schedules are subject to change without notice.

Furthermore, please note that not all Limited Express "Shinano" services stop at Ena Station. If your destination is Ena, we kindly ask that you verify your train's schedule prior to boarding.

Currently, only three Limited Express "Shinano" trains departing from Nagoya Station make a scheduled stop at Ena Station:

• Shinano No. 3: Departs Nagoya at 08:00

• Shinano No. 13: Departs Nagoya at 13:00

• Shinano No. 25: Departs Nagoya at 19:40

Please note that when using ticket vending machines, selecting "Ena" as your destination will typically restrict results to these three services.

For travel outside of these specific times, we recommend taking a JR Rapid service bound for Nakatsugawa. Alternatively, we would be pleased to arrange a pick-up service for you at Nakatsugawa Station.