Which is the most scenic train route between Nagano and Kyoto?

We will be catching the train between Nagano and Kyoto in a few weeks. There looks to be two options:

Nagano to Nagoya, then change and on to Kyoto (we will do this part in reverse a few days later on the way to Tokyo).
Nagano to Kanazawa, then change and on to Kyoto.

Both take about four hours and are included with our JR pass. As such the tie breaker could be the view. Which is the more scenic route?

Best Answer

In 2016 we did ride from Nagoya to Nagano. We traveled on a "green" ticket (first class) which was the front car. If you reserve right two seats in the first row you actually have full view out the front of the train ! It was an awesome experience.

Unfortunately I don't remember which exact train that was.

Pictures about "Which is the most scenic train route between Nagano and Kyoto?"

Which is the most scenic train route between Nagano and Kyoto? - From below of train driving on arched bridge between mountains with coniferous trees under blue sky in wintertime

Which is the most scenic train route between Nagano and Kyoto? - Train driving on railway in green mountains

Which is the most scenic train route between Nagano and Kyoto? - Modern train riding on railroad through coniferous woods in snowy mountainous valley in Switzerland

How fast is the Hokuriku Shinkansen?

Hokuriku ShinkansenTrack gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 81\u20442 in) standard gaugeMinimum radius4,000 m (13,000 ft)Electrification25 kV AC, 50/60 Hz, overhead catenaryOperating speed260 km/h (160 mph)17 more rows

How far is Nagano from Tokyo by Shinkansen?

Tokyo and Nagano are connected with each other by the Hokuriku Shinkansen. The one way trip takes 80-100 minutes, costs about 8000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass. There are multiple trains per hour.

Is Nagoya near Kyoto?

Kyoto and Nagoya are two of the most important and well-known destinations in the Kansai region of Japan. The cities are around 40 km (25 miles) apart by train.

Japanese Scenic Train Ride Experience in Kyoto ★ ONLY in JAPAN

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