Why is the Nagano and Gifu area the best place to travel to Japan in October?
October is the most beautiful season in Japan for autumn foliage. The Kamikochi area in Nagano Prefecture and the Takayama area in Gifu Prefecture in particular are ideal destinations for foreign travelers who want to both enjoy jaw dropping autumn scenery and authentic traditional Japanese culture at the Takayama Autumn Festival.
Down below, we’ll introduce a 3-day model plan that starts with historical exploration in Matsumoto City, followed by breathtaking autumn foliage in Kamikochi and the traditional autumn Takayama Festival (held on Thursday and Friday, October 9th and 10th, 2025).
A Model Plan for Enjoying Spectacular Autumn Scenery and Cultural Experiences in 3 Days
Matsumoto, Kamikochi and the Takayama Festival in Autumn Foliage!
Day 1: October 7th (Tuesday) – Enjoy history and art in Matsumoto
Morning: Explore Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure
Experience firsthand the history of Japan from the Warring States Period to the present day.
Visit the beautiful Matsumoto Castle, one of the 12 existing castle towers in Japan, designated as a National Treasure.
Afternoon: Visit the World of Yayoi Kusama at Matsumoto City Museum of Art
The exterior of the museum also features polka dots designed by Yayoi Kusama and is a popular photo spot.
Immerse yourself in the world of world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama in her hometown of Matsumoto, Japan.
Evening: Enjoy Matsumoto’s local delicacies
- Taste Nagano’s local cuisine such as Shinshu soba noodles and Sanzokuyaki
- Stay at a hotel in Matsumoto City
Day 2: October 8th (Wed) – Spectacular view of autumn leaves in Kamikochi and transfer to Takayama
Early morning: Departure from Matsumoto to Kamikochi
There are two ways to access Kamikochi: by public transportation or on your own
(1) Railroad + local bus
Feature: High frequency, access by train and local buses , Matsumoto Station→Shinshimashima Station: Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line
(about 30 minutes, 710 yen)
From Shinnimashima Station→Kamikochi Bus Terminal: local bus
(about 1 hour, 3,000 yen)
Buses are available by reservation only.
＞ Details & Reservations
or
Direct route bus
Feature: Easy, direct route bus access
Matsumoto Bus Terminal→Kamikochi Bus Terminal: local bus
(5:30 and 10:15 departures, 4,450 yen)
＞ Details & Reservations
Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line (CAUTION)
Caution (1)
The Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line cannot be boarded with IC cards. Please purchase a ticket at Matsumoto Station.
Caution (2)
The location of the ticket vending machines at Matsumoto Station is the same as for the JR line. Tickets for the Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line can be purchased at the two ticket vending machines on the left. Please pay with cash or a transportation system IC card.
Credit cards are not accepted.
Caution (3)
The ticket gates at Matsumoto Station are the same as for the JR line. After passing through the ticket gate, please go to “Line 7” on the right side. Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line is on platform 7.
Kamikochi Luggage Information
Approximate fees (one day): small 350 yen, medium 400 yen, large 500 yen, extra large 600 yen
*Small: about 10 liters, extra large: about 60 liters
Morning – Afternoon: Enjoy the spectacular autumn scenery at Kamikochi
- Spectacular view of the Hotaka mountain range from Kappa Bridge
- Take a walk to Taisho Pond and enjoy the autumn leaves reflected on the mirror-like surface of the lake.
- Enjoy the clean air and beautiful nature in a highland resort at an altitude of 1,500 meters
Afternoon: Transfer from Kamikochi to Hida Takayama
- Kamikochi→Hirayu Bus Terminal (20-30 min., 1,500 yen)
- Enjoy Hida beef croquettes and other local delicacies at Hirayu Bus Terminal
- Hirayu Bus Terminal→Takayama Bus Center (about 1 hour, 1,600 yen)
Evening: Taste the flavors of Hida in Takayama
- Taste Hida beef steaks, Takayama ramen, and other specialties of the Hida region
- The atmosphere of the old town raises expectations for tomorrow’s festivities.
From Matsumoto to Kamikochi & Kamikochi to Hida Takayama!
[Special bus tour] for Affordable and Convenient transportation
Convenient and affordable 10/8 (Wed.) limited bus tour:
From Matsumoto to Hida Takayama via Kamikochi (one way)
Price: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)
On this bus tour be:
Free from transferring baggage
Free of complicated transfers/arrangements
Free of stressful timely arrangements
Also, the value can’t be beat!
**Save about 33% compared to taking the train or local bus on your own
The most difficult part of the model plan above is going from Matsumoto to Kamikochi on the second day and then from Kamikochi to Takayama.
To go on this route, you will need to take a train and three different types of local buses. Moreover, advance reservations are required for some bus routes.
This route is easily confused by even seasoned Japanese travelers.
Therefore, we recommend the Bus tour from Matsumoto to Takayama via Kamikochi from Matsumoto to Takayama via Kamikochi.
Once you have booked the bus tour, all you have to do is go to the Alps Exit of Matsumoto Station (the meeting place), at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8th, leave your luggage in the trunk of the chartered bus, and board the bus.
A guide will accompany you, making it easy and safe even for first-timers.
Moreover, you save about 33% compared to taking the train or local bus on your own!
Price: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)
Save up to 33% compared to traveling individually from Matsumoto to Takayama via Kamikochi!
Most convenient for those with large luggage! We highly recommend this limited bus if you are planning to travel from Matsumoto to Takayama on Wednesday, October 8th!
Day 3: October 9 (Thursday) – The Autumn Takayama Festival has finally arrived!
All day: Experience the traditional Takayama Festival
The Takayama Festival is one of the “Three Great Beautiful Festivals of Japan” along with the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Chichibu Night Festival in Saitama. The October festival is called the “Hachiman Festival” and features the following attractions:
- Gorgeous yatai (floats) being pulled around
- Karakuri Dedication: Traditional performing arts featuring elaborate puppets dancing
- Yoimatsuri: Fantastic night scenery with lanterns lit
- Shopping for local products at morning markets
Post-Trip Options
After enjoying the Takayama Festival, you can continue your journey by following these routes:
- To Kyoto and Osaka area via Nagoya
- Kanazawa and Hokuriku area via Shirakawa-go: You can also enjoy the World Heritage Site of Gassho-Zukuri Village.
Fares for public transportation from Matsumoto to Takayama
For general methods:
- Matsumoto→Shinshimashima→Kamikochi： 3,710 yen
- Kamikochi→Hirayu→Takayama：3,000 yen (transfer set ticket)
- Total: 6,710 yen
When using the direct bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi:
- Matsumoto→Kamikochi： 4,450 yen
- Kamikochi→Hirayu→Takayama：3,000 yen
- Total: 7,450 yen
Points to note when making reservations
- Reservations are required for buses to Kamikochi. Early reservations are recommended, especially during the fall foliage season when the buses are crowded!
- Accommodations in Takayama are also crowded during the festival, so advance reservations are required!
- Don’t forget to bring warm clothes as it gets cold in the mornings and evenings in Kamikochi in October.
[October 8th, 2025 only] Easy Travel from Matsumoto → Kamikochi → Takayama
Special bus tour (5,000 yen one-way, including box lunch)
Do you find it troublesome to move around? Then this tour is for you! Transport from Matsumoto to Takayama via Kamikochi can be complicated, as you have to take a train and three buses. Plus, some bus routes require advance reservations.
But with this tour…
You can leave everything to us for a peace of mind & comfort! You can even leave your luggage on the bus for easy access.
-No transfers & no reservations required.
-Accompanied by a guide, so you won’t get lost.
-Includes a boxed lunch.
-Up to 33% cheaper than connecting on your own!
Meet at Matsumoto Station Alps Exit at 7:45 a.m. on 10/8 (Wed.)
All you need to do is to take the bus and move to Takayama while enjoying Kamikochi♪
*Number of people limited, early birds win!
Summary:
The Nagano and Gifu areas in October are the best destinations for foreign tourists to experience both the beauty of Japanese autumn and traditional culture. The spectacular view of Kamikochi with its autumn leaves and the solemnity of the Takayama Festiva with a history of over 400 years, will surely leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Please take this opportunity to experience the charm of autumn in Japan to your heart’s content!
Tour reservations and more information:
Location of Matsumoto – Kamikochi – Takayama
Google Map (Matsumoto Station→Kamikochi Bus Terminal)
Google Map (Kamikochi Bus Terminal→Takayama Station)
