If you are planning to do a round trip journey from Tokyo, there is actually a cheaper way to get to Kamikochi if you make one transfer via bus. It can save you up to 10,000 yen.
Kamikochi is one of the most popular national parks in all of Japan, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Annually, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the park’s pristine clear waters, fresh air, and hiking routes. Kamikochi can be reached in around 5 hours by bus from Tokyo and 1 hour by bus from central Takayama. Once a year the park closes during the winter season and reopens in spring due to the high amounts of snow. Spring in Kamikochi can still be a bit cool, but flowers and greenery start to take light again. Kamikochi is beautiful year-round, but spring offers unique sights that set it apart from other seasons.
Enjoy Nirinso Flowers Blooming
In Kamikochi there is a famous wildflower which blooms in Spring. The Nirinso is a small, delicate flower that blooms in fields around Kamikochi. You can spot these flowers by taking only a five minute walk from Kappa Bridge, the main photo spot in Kamikochi, or a 10 minute walk from the bus parking lot to Konashidaira Campground.
Nirinso
Nirinso is a wildflower that is part of the buttercup flower family, and is native to Japan and commonly found in the woodlands. The flowers can be spotted at Konashidaira Campground, located next to Kappa Bridge, the main bridge in Kamikochi and bloom starting May.
Enjoy Wildlife Make Their Return
If you’re a fan of birdwatching, in spring, many birds wake from their hibernation and can be seen all around the park. Other wildlife such as monkeys, ducks and weasels can also be seen all around the park as they make their return for spring.
Wild Birds
The Kamikochi area has over 100 variety of birds. Some varieties include the Grey Wagtail, Brown Dipper, Bush Warbler, and Pygmy Woodpecker.
Tips for Spring in Kamikochi:
Cold Temperatures: Although it is spring, temperatures in Kamikochi can still be quite cold especially during early April. It is advisable to wear thermals and prepare for some snow to still be on the ground. There also instances where you can still see snow on the mountains or on the paths during early spring.
Some Hiking Routes in Kamikochi:
Route (from Parking Lot)
Time Taken (one way/way up)
Taisho Pond Trail
1 hour
Mt.Yakedake
5 hours
Karasawa Hutte
5 hours
Opening dates:
Kamikochi reopens April 17th, 2025.
Hotels on the premises will not be opened until later in the month. While day trips are possible, if you truly want to enjoy the Japanese Alps, we recommend booking a hotel on the premises or staying in the nearby onsen area, Okuhida or in Takayama City so you can take your time in Kamikochi. For those with more time on their hands, we recommend staying 2 or more days as the area has many breathtaking hiking routes spread throughout the Nagano and Gifu regions. Okuhida also offers many ryokan (Japanese Inn) and onsen (hot spring bathing) for nature lovers. Buses from Okuhida (Hirayu Bus Terminal) to Kamikochi have resumed on the 17th.
Nearby Attractions/ Hiking Routes
Mt.Norikura
Mt.Norikura is the highest mountain that can be reached by bus (and bicycle!). The mountain is only a 1 1/2 hours away by bus from Kamikochi. To get here, depart from Hirayu Bus Terminal for Honokidaira Bus Terminal. From Honokidaira Bus Terminal, there are buses once an hour that take you to Mt. Norikura.
Okuhida Onsengo
Okuhida Onsengo is a onsen resort area 20 minutes from Kamikochi. Some popular hiking routes include: Mt.Kasagatake, Mt.Yake, and Nishihotakadake.
UPDATE: Cherry blossom forecast *Update (4/21) Currently, the majority of trees in Takayama and the Hida City (Furukawa and Kamioka) area have fully bloomed. There are a few sparce amount of trees not quite there yet such as Fukuji Onsen. *Update (4/23) A majority of trees have started to shed the cherry blossoms, however Garyuzakura and the area around Ichinomiya still has trees in healthy condition. There is light rain expected today.
Garyuzakura is one of the oldest cherry blossom trees in Japan (over 1,100 years old) and is surrounded by a park and tranquil nature.The surrounding neighborhood, Ichinomiya, has hundreds of cherry blossom trees lined up against the natural rivers and mountains, making it a beautiful place to experience the surrounding nature. Next to Garyuzakura around 3 minutes by foot is Mizunashi Shrine, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Takayama. Ichinomiya is known as the heart of Takayama and because there are less buildings, visitors can truly enjoy a true sense of the countryside here.
🌸 Ichinomiya Cherry Blossom Festival 🌸 Date: April 19th, 2025
Hours: 11:00AM~2:00PM Check updates about the event: here
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #1 (Gero Line) ⬇ Ichinomiya Bus Stop (15 mins)
Fukuji Onsen is an adorable onsen town with a retro morning market, ramen shops, and plently of onsen or Japanese hot springs. This cherry blossom garden in Fukuji is the only one of its magnitude in the area. Fukuji is one out of the 7 hot spring neighborhoods in the Okuhida area of Takayama. The Okuhida area includes not only the hot spring but also hiking, waterfalls, and the Shinhotaka Ropeway. In Fukuji Onsen, there is also a (secret) open mountain viewing balcony area where anyone is free to sit and relax here.
🌸 Fukuji Onsen 🌸
While you’re in the area, you can enjoy the Okuhida Area (home of Shinhotaka Ropeway, mountain hiking, and high quality hot springs!)
Fukuji Onsen Morning Market
Hot springs & local Hida cuisine
Hida Beef at Izakaya TaranokiOnsen at Isurugi no Yu
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #5 (for Hirayu) ⬇ Hirayu Bus Terminal (Platform 1) ⬇ Fukuji Onsen or Fukuji Onsen-guchi Bus Stop
Boarding times (at Hirayu Bus Terminal): 7:00, 7:40, 8:00, 8:40, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40PM, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40
Note: If you get off at Fukuji Onsen-guchi bus stop, you will have to walk an additional 14 minutes.
The local bus departing from Fukuji Onsen bus stop back to Hirayu BusTerminal only departs a few times a day and there is no taxi. The times are: 6:31, 9:16, 10:16, 12:16, 2:16, 4:16
3. Sakurano Park (Kokufu, Takayama)
What to do in the area: Sakurano Park is a spot spacious park in Takayama City where most locals can enjoy picnics and enjoy looking over the river. During the cherry blossom season, vendors sell hot snacks in the park area. It is also close to Hida Furukawa, the town that inspired the anime movie, Kimi no Nawa (your name). You can take a picture of the train station and library in the movie while enjoying cherry blossoms in the surrounding area.
🌸 Sakurano Park 🌸
Directly next to the park is a restaurant famous for yakiniku (Japanese bbq) and also a large assortment of Japanese set dishes.
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2 (for Furukawa/Kamioka) ⬇ Sakurano (19 minutes)
What to do in the area: Miyagawa Ryouchi Park is a local spot with enough space to host several hanabi (flower viewing) parties. Many people bring their pets here in the spring season. The park is a 12 minute walk from the main shrine in town, Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.
🌸 Miyagawa Ryouchi Park 🌸
Nearby is a local favorite cheesecake store, Le Ceil! They sell seasonal cheesecakes but careful–they sell out quickly and only make a limited amount a day!
Strawberry Basque CheesecakeLe Ceil Cheesecakes
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2 (for Furukawa/Kamioka) ⬇ Sakurano (19 minutes)
Hida City is home of the neighborhoods Hida Furukawa and Hida Kamioka. The charm of Hida City is that there are less buildings compared to Takayama, so you can really “feel the countryside” of the Hida Area. The cherry blossoms are scattered all over town, so if you rent a bicycle and ride around, you are bound to find many local spots local students and commuters get to enjoy. Some of the main cherry blossom attractions in town will be listed below.
1. Kamioka Castle (Hida Kamioka)
What to do in the area: Kamioka Castle overlooks the entire city of Kamioka and is breathtaking in the spring. Around the castle grounds are a wide variety of cherry blossom trees scattered all over the premises. As it is next to a middle school, sometimes you can catch children running around playing tag here.
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2 (for Furukawa/Kamioka) ⬇ Nissato (1 hour~)
What to do in the area: Gosho Sakura is a long road of cherry blossom trees that line the Miyagawa River in Hida Furukawa. Every spring, they light up this beautiful road from 6PM~10PM. The cherry blossoms are right next to Ayuno Bridge– officially, the spot isn’t on google maps but is greatly celebrate by the locals.
How to get there:
By bus: Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2 (for Furukawa/Kamioka) ⬇ Hida Furukawa Station ⬇ Sugisaki Station (~4 minute walk) ⬇ Gosho Sakura (on the intersection of Ayuno Bridge and Daie River)
You can access Shirakawago from several major cities in Japan by direct bus. Shirakawago cannot be accessed by train, but you can get there by the following cities without any transfers. Below we’ll show you the different bus timetables departing from Nagoya, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Toyama!
Route #1: Takayama to Shirakawago by Bus
Warning: Tickets for this route is extremely popular. Often you cannot buy a ticket the same day from the station. We advise you to book a mobile ticket on the website above, or buy your tickets in person a day prior. There are two types of tickets: unreserved and reserved. Unreserved means that you can stand in line and pay for the ticket directly, but most likely all seats will already be sold out. There are also special tickets that stops at Ainokura Village and Shirakawago (this is a separate set ticket that must be purchased directly with Takayama Nohi Bus Center).
*Those who hold the “Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass” and ”SHORYUDO Bus Pass” cannot use it to make an online reservation. If you hold either of these passes, please proceed with Takayama Nohi Bus Terminal.
The bus center at Meitetsu Nagoya Station is located on the 3rd floor. To access from Nagoya Station, exit at the Sakura-dori side, and head towards the separate building, Meitetsu Nagoya Station. If you enter Meitetsu Nagoya Station from the basement floor, turn right at the cake store HARBS and board the elevators on the left side only (the right side doesn’t stop at the 3rd floor). There is a small waiting room and a family mart next to the ticket office.
Nagoya is the 4th largest city in Japan. As it is in the center of Japan, it is in an ideal spot to travel from as it is very easily accessible to other areas. We recommend traveling from Nagoya as a base because it is very convenient, affordable, and most importantly, fun. We explain in detail how transfer to Shirakawago, Takayama, and even Nara in the cheapest way possible from Nagoya below.
This bus stop is located outside Kanazawa Station right before the famous wooden station gate. Purchase your ticket online or at the ticket office located next to the bus terminal. This route is useful for those who arrive in Kanazawa via the Hokuriku Shinkansen. You can access Kanazawa station from Tokyo if you take the Kagayaki Shinkansen (~2hrs 30 mins) or the Hakutaka Shinkansen (~3hrs). If you are coming from Kyoto, take the Tokaido-Sanyo Line and transfer to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (~3hrs to get to Kanazawa Station.
This boarding point is convenient if you are coming from Tokyo. To reach Toyama Station from Tokyo, use the Hokuriku Shinkansen. From Tokyo, you can access Toyama Station on the Kagayaki Shinkansen (~2hrs 8mins) or the Hakutaka Shinkansen (~2hrs 30 mins). If you are coming from Nagano, take the Kagayaki Shinkansen (~1hr 20 mins) or the Hakutaka Shinkansen (~1hr 40 mins). There are also special set tickets which take you to Gokayama and Shirakawago (only in Japanese) that can be purchased from convenience store ticket machines.
Gokayama (Ainokura Village), a less busy alternative to Shirakawago
Gokayama’s Ainokura Village & Shirakawago from TAKAOKA STATION
Located ~23km north of Shirakawago, Gokayama (famous for its Ainokura Village) is another thatched roof village so isolated, it can mostly only be accessed by car. It offers a far less busy and more intimate experience than Shirakawago. From Takaoka Station there are also set bus tickets that stop at both Gokayama and Shirakawago. The following set tickets can be purchased at convenience stores (Japanese only). Tickets must be redeemed at the Kaetsuno Bus Ticket Center on the first floor of Takaoka Station.
More information on the set tickets (Japanese only): here
Set tickets: 1. Kaetsuno Bus Gokayama-Shirakawago Free Ticket Ticket from Takaoka Station/Shin-Takaoka Station → Gokayama → Shirakawago. Sale period: January 29, 2025 to March 31, 2025 Price: 3,500 yen (adults) / 1,750 yen (adults)
2. Kaetsuno Bus Gokayama Free Ticket Ticket between Takaoka Station, Shin-Takaoka Station and Gokayama (Sasarakan-mae). Sale period: January 29, 2025 to March 31, 2025 Price: 2,500 yen (adults) / 1,250 yen (children)
3. Kaetsuno Bus Takaoka ⇒ Shirakawago One-way Free Ticket One way ticket from Takaoka Station/Shin-Takaoka Station to Shirakawago. Sale period: January 29, 2025 to March 31, 2025 Price: 2,000 yen (adults) / 1,000 yen (children)
Gokayama’s Ainokura Village & Shirakawago from TAKAYAMA STATION
You can also visit Gokayama from Takayama Nohi Bus Station, with one departure time at 8:30 AM. This set ticket tour runs for 8,000 yen.
This set ticket tour includes: -Roundtrip ticket to and from Takayama Station -Stops at Gokayama (50 minutes) -Stops at Shirakawago (2 hrs & 40 mins)
While Nagoya is a huge metropolitan hub, it’s also surrounded by some of the most rich history in all of Japan! Gifu Prefecture, one hour from Nagoya is culturally rich in Samurai culture, and just west to Nagoya is Kansai with famous cultural capitals such as Kyoto and Nara. If you’re interested in old Japan, or deep nature and cultural history, Nagoya is a great option as a base for you to explore these places. Being the third largest city in Japan, there are countless of transportation methods to reach all of these places in around 2-3 hours or less.
Aichi Area
1. Inuyama Castle Town
Inuyama Castle Street
Located in Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama is home to one of Japan’s oldest and most well-preserved castles, Inuyama Castle. The castle town is charming, with a traditional atmosphere and several historical buildings, including merchant houses and shrines. Inuyama-jokamachi, a shopping street leading to the castle, is lined with delicious udon shops and souvenir areas to browse through. The castle offers stunning views of the Kiso River and the surrounding landscape. At Kiso River, from August 1st-August 10th there is a fireworks festival with fireworks being set off every 10 minutes from 8PM.
Nagoya Station ➞ Inuyamayuen Station By train: ~30 minutes Cost: 690 JPY *This Meitetsu Limited Express bound for Inuyamayuen Station departs every 30 minutes.
2. Meiji Mura Museum
Meiji Styled Building
The Meiji-Mura Museum is an open-air museum that showcases architecture from the Meiji era (1868-1912). It features a real Meiji era train that runs through town and buildings that were relocated and restructured from all over Japan, allowing visitors to not only enjoy looking at Meiji styled buildings and interior, but also experience the life during that period (Meiji era clothing is also available for rental). It’s great for history lovers and also makes for a great photo-op! Meiji-Mura occasionally offers interactive events including a roleplaying, period themed mystery solving game that takes place at the museum’s school (in Japanese only).
Meitetsu Nagoya Station ➞ Inuyama Station ➞Meiji-Mura By train & bus: ~1 hour 10 minutes Cost: 1,130 JPY *At Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the Inuyama Line on Platform 1. *After you arrive at Inuyama Station, take the Meijimura Bus 「明治村行き」 (it stops services at 4:30PM)
Kansai Area
3. Nara
Known for its historical sites and friendly, free-roaming deer, Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. Key attractions include Todai-ji Temple, housing a massive bronze Buddha, and Nara Park, where visitors can interact with the deer. Nara is also home to several other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofuku-ji Temple. A site less known by travelers is Mt.Wakakusa, a beautiful mountain point that overlooks all of Nara. This can be reached by bus or bus tour. Visitors can also roam the streets similar to the deer and eat hand made mochi or delicious Nara pudding!
Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center ➞ Kintetsu Nara Station By bus: 2 1/2 hours Cost: 3,000 JPY *The Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center is on the third floor of the Meitetsu Nagoya building and the boarding stop for Nara is #8.
Gifu Area
4. Gifu Castle
Gifu Castle’s Panoramic Scenery
Gifu castle, which dates back to the 16th century, was the home of famous samurai lord Oda Nobunaga and sits on a mountain top overlooking all of Gifu prefecture. Visitors can hike or take a cable car to reach the base of the castle ground where you can find food, drinks, and even a small squirrel park! At the observatory is a gorgeous panoramic view over the entirety of Gifu Prefecture. If you look hard enough, you can even see into Aichi prefecture, home of Nagoya.
Nagoya Station ➞ Gifu Station ➞ Gifu Park➞ Gifu Castle By train + bus + ropeway: ~1 hr 20 mins Cost: 1,510 JPY (train and bus) + 1,300 JPY (ropeway for adults) / 650 JPY (ropeway for children) *From Gifu Station, take bus No.45 「岐阜大学病院行き」. It is headed towards the Gifu Uni. Hospital.
5. Tsumago-juku
Post Town of Tsumago Juku
This historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail was a former highway that connected Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo) during the Edo period. The Nakasendo Trail stretched between modern Tokyo to Kyoto, and was where most delivery men made their rounds between capitals. It’s a popular destination for those wanting to experience old Japan, as there are interactive buildings and a special post office where you can send messages with limited edition stamps. Tsumago-juku has preserved its traditional wooden buildings and picturesque streets, allowing visitors to feel as if they’re traveling through traditional Japan.
Nagoya Station ➞ Nakatsugawa Station ➞ Nagisoeki Station ➞ Tsumago Juku By train: ~2 hours Cost: 1,990 JPY *At Nagisoeki Station, take the Magome Line or Hogami Line and get off at Omatabashi.
6. Takayama
Takayama Festival Bridge
Located in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a peaceful city hidden in the mountains and known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and carpentry. The town is famous for its traditional wooden houses, bustling morning markets, delicious local wagyu beef, and the Takayama Matsuri (a popular festival in Japan). For anime lovers, it is also the inspiration for the anime, Hyouka. Takayama also serves as a gateway to explore the nearby mountainous regions including Shirakawago and the hot spring town of Okuhida, making it a perfect countryside escape.
Nagoya Station (or Nagoya Meitetsu Center) ➞ Takayama Station By bus: ~2 1/2 hours Cost: 2,400 ~ 2,700 JPY *You can book the bus here: highwaybus.com
7. Shirakawago
Shirakawago in Winter
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, built with steep thatched roofs and designed to withstand heavy snowfalls. Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago offers a glimpse into rural Japan’s past and is beautiful all seasons round. Visitors can relax being surrounded by the beautiful mountains while experiencing the slow life people of the past once lived. One of the most popular times to visit is during the winter when the village is covered in snow.
Nagoya Meitetsu Center ➞ Shirakawago By train & bus: ~2 hours 40 mins Cost: 4,200 JPY *Direct buses to Shirakawago can only be made through the Nagoya Meitetsu Bus Center. You can book it here: highwaybus.com
8. Hida Furukawa
This town’s picturesque streets, traditional buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a popular destination for photographers. Located only 20 minutes from Takayama, it makes a popular half day trip for those already in the region. A popular attraction is feeding hundreds of carp in the river that flows through town. It is also popular for inspiring the hit anime movie, “Your Name”. Spots such as the train station, library, and Wakamiya Shrine are famous points in the movie.
Nagoya Station (or Nagoya Meitetsu Center) ➞ Takayama Station➞ Hida Furukawa Station By train & bus: 2 hours 40 mins Cost: ~3,000 JPY You can book the way to Takayama here: highwaybus.com *Either take the train (once an hour) or bus to Hida Furukawa from Takayama Station. Please schedule accordingly.
Mie Area
9. Ise Jingu
Town Area Surrounding Ise Jingu
Located in Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines where the imperial family often visits. Annually, thousands of visitors come here to pray for good luck or health. The shrine complex is surrounded by beautiful nature and is considered a spiritual site. The inner shrine, known as Naiku, is particularly significant and is rebuilt every 20 years as part of the Shinto tradition. It’s known as a powerful place to go pray!
Nagoya Station ➞ Ujiyamada Station ➞ Naiku-mae bus stop By train & bus: ~2 hours Cost: 3,390 yen *You can also choose to get off at Ujiyamada Station if you would like to walk and enjoy the surrounding tourist town of Ise.
Shiga Area
10. Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle in the Spring
Located in Shiga Prefecture on the shores of Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle is one of the few original castles remaining in Japan. The castle grounds are beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season, and the castle’s interior offers a glimpse into feudal-era life. It is also home to one of the top 5 famous mascots in Japan, “Hikonyan”.
Nagoya Station ➞ Maibara Station ➞ Hikone Station By train: ~1 hour 10 mins Cost: 3,610 JPY
Topic: Shibuya Sky Tickets/ Entrance Fee Info Post date: Nov 25th, 2024
What is Shibuya Sky?
Shibuya sky observation deck
Shibuya Sky is an observation deck located on the 46th floor and rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, a high-rise building directly connected to Shibuya Station. Standing at around 230m high, you can see the entirety of the city of Tokyo all the way to Mt.Fuji.
To enjoy Shibuya Sky, you need a ticket which states the date and time of entry. Entry times are in 20 minute intervals and there is no limit to how long a person can stay. You can stay as long as you want as long as it is within opening hours. Sunset times are most popular, but can sell out weeks in advance.
Shibuya Sky Ticket Types:
Ticket Types: Adult, Middle / High Schoolers, Elementary Schoolers, Children (3-5y/o), Under 3y/o
How to Get Tickets Regularly:
There are three main ways to get Shibuya Sky Tickets.
Ticket Counter
Official Website
Online Travel Agency
Adult
2,500 yen
2,200 yen
2,500 yen
Middle / High Schoolers
2,000 yen
1,700 yen
2,000 yen
Elementary Schoolers
1,200 yen
(Ticket window only)
(Ticket window only)
Children (3-5 y/o)
700 yen
(Ticket window only)
(Ticket window only)
Under 3y/o
Free
Free
Free
*Notes
-Can be quite congested -Tickets often sold out
-Recommended for Japan residents to buy ASAP -Evenings and weekends are sold out often -Credit cards not issued in Japan not accepted
-Recommended for foreigners -Credit cards not issued in Japan are accepted
1. Ticket Counter
Shibuya Scramble Square’s reception is on the 14th floor. You can buy tickets the day of, but there are many instances where tickets are sold out due to online reservations. We highly recommend reserving a ticket in advance.
You can buy tickets for elementary schoolers, children (3-5 y/o), and children (under 3 y/o), only at the ticket counter.
If a child is accompanying an adult or middle/high schooler who has a ticket, you can still buy tickets for the child at the front desk, even if it is listed as sold out.
The ticket counter is open from 10AM-9:20PM.
2. Shibuya Sky’s Official Website
*This is a more economic method and is recommended for residents of Japan.
Buying on the official site is cheaper than going directly at the ticket counter. You can choose an entry time up to 4 weeks in advance. We recommend buying the tickets early. If you go to the ticket counter, it can also get quite busy in the evening and on the weekends.
If tickets reservations were canceled on the same day, the spot will open on the website.
*Note: You cannot use credit cards issued outside of Japan
