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Experiences & Reviews

  • 2025.08.13

From Hida Takayama to Matsumoto! A Spectacular Autumn Route – Enjoy the Autumn Foliage at Shin Hotaka Ropeway!

A special experience to enjoy the Japanese Alps in autumn by air!

If you are planning a trip from Hida Takayama to Matsumoto, Shinshu in October, there is one spot you definitely shouldn’t miss– the Shin Hotaka Ropeway. The Shin Hotaka Ropeway is the most popular ropeway in Japan.

The second half of the Shin Hotaka Ropeway operates the only double-decker gondola in all of Japan. It’s a special experience where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the 3,000-meter-high Japanese Alps from the air.


The view from here was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
Autumn offers the most beautiful scenery of the year. Located at an elevation of 2,156 meters, the Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station observation platform offers a panoramic view of the Japanese Alps in the brilliant red and golden colors of the autumn leaves.

As the trail rises more than 1,000 meters in elevation from the foot of the mountain to the summit, visitors can enjoy the changes in autumn foliage at different elevation zones. This is a must-visit spot in autumn, where you can enjoy both a breathtaking photo-worthy view and Japanese autumn foliage viewing at the same time.

Limited to October 8th, 2025! [Special bus tour offers!]


Takayama Departure – Matsumoto (one way) via
[a limited time] Bus Tour

Fee: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)

If you participate in this bus tour, you will be:
-Free from transferring baggage
-Free of complicated transfers
-Free of stressful timely arrangements

This special limited bus tour will save you 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone and also includes admission fees!

This tour includes a round-trip ticket for the Shin Hotaka Ropeway!
The Shin Hotaka Ropeway, which offers spectacular views of the Northern Alps, is available at no extra charge.

Details & Reservations

Limited number of people! First-come, first-served.

A trip with a spectacular view starting at the morning market in Takayama

Takayama Morning Market, one of the three major morning markets in Japan

Start your trip with the Takayama morning market. Known as one of the three major morning markets in Japan, the Takayama morning market is a great place to enjoy fresh local finger foods, crafts, and local produce. Taking in the crisp morning air and leisurely browsing the stalls makes for a wonderful start to experiencing traditional Hida life.

Access to Shin Hotaka Ropeway from Takayama

After enjoying the morning market, head to the Shin Hotaka Ropeway from the Takayama Bus Center.
A direct bus service runs to the Shin Hotaka Onsen Station of the first Shin Hotaka Ropeway, arriving at the site in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Traffic information:

Important Note: Due to the extremely crowded fall foliage season, it is strongly recommended to arrive early at the Alpine Bus Center to get in line.

Aerial views on the Shin Hotaka Ropeway

The second part of the Shin Hotaka Ropeway operates the only double-decker gondola in Japan, offering a special experience to enjoy the magnificent view of the 3,000-meter-high Northern Alps from the air. The view from the Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station observation platform at the summit station is breathtaking.
The view from here was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Ropeway information:

[Attention]
If you come by bus, please leave your large luggage in the coin locker at Shin Hotaka Onsen Station.
The ropeway requires an extra charge for luggage over 6 kg. Luggage tickets are 1,000 yen/piece for round trip.

Since the capacity of the ropeway No. 1 is small (45 passengers), it may take some time to get on the ropeway when it is crowded.
We recommend that you drive to the Shirakabadaira parking lot at the second ropeway stop.
If you use the local bus, only Shin Hotaka Onsen Station of Daiichi Ropeway is available.

There is also a bus tour to Shirakaba-daira, the second ropeway stop, by chartered bus.
　

Route to Matsumoto

After enjoying the spectacular autumn scenery of the Japanese Alps, head to Matsumoto, a city of history and culture. For transportation, you will need to change buses at the Hirayu Bus Terminal.

Travel Routes and Fees

  1. Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Shin Hotaka Onsen Station) → Hirayu Bus Terminal
    • Fare: 910 yen
  2. Hirayu Bus Terminal → Matsumoto Bus Terminal

Total cost of taking public transportation on your own

  • Takayama Bus Center → Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Shin Hotaka Onsen Station): 2,200 yen
  • Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Ropeway 1 + Ropeway 2) round trip: 3,800 yen
  • Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Shin Hotaka Onsen Station) → Hirayu Bus Terminal: 910 yen
  • Hirayu Bus Terminal → Matsumoto Bus Terminal: 2,800 yen * Reservations required

Total travel expenses: 9,710 yen

If you bring luggage weighing 6 kg or more onto the ropeway, you will be charged a luggage ticket (1,000 yen per piece) or a coin locker fee.

Limited to October 8th, 2025! [Special bus tour offers!]

Departure from Takayama – Matsumoto (one way)
by a limited Bus Tour

If you participate in this bus tour, you will be:
–Free from transferring baggage
-Free of complicated transfers
-Free of stressful timely arrangements

This special limited bus tour saves you 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone and also includes admission fees!

Tour Overview:

  • Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (day trip)
  • Route: Takayama → Shin Hotaka Ropeway (second ropeway) → Matsumoto
  • Fee: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)
    **Save 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone compared to individual travel!
    Furthermore, a boxed lunch and Matsumoto Castle admission fee* are also included!
    * Same-day ticket for admission to Matsumoto Castle by yourself is 1,300 yen.

Included in the tour:

  • Charter bus fare
  • Guide fee
  • Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Second Ropeway) round trip ticket
  • Lunch (Bento)
  • Matsumoto Castle Entrance Fee
  • Various toll road and parking fees

With this tour, you can enjoy the attractions of both cities efficiently without having to worry about complicated transfers and reservations, while leaving your luggage in the chartered bus.
In addition, you will be accompanied by a professional guide to learn more about the history and culture of each region.

Details & Reservations

Limited number of people! First-come, first-served.

Summary

A trip from Takayama to Matsumoto is a special route that allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of autumn in Japan. The aerial walk on the Shin Hotaka ropeway will surely be an unforgettable experience. You can take your time and enjoy your trip on your own, or you can take a budget bus tour for a more efficient tour. You can take your time and enjoy this wonderful autumn scenic route according to your travel style.

Please come and see the carpet of autumn leaves woven by the Japanese Alps in autumn with your own eyes. You will surely be captivated by the beauty of Japanese nature!

Google Map (Takayama – Shin Hotaka Ropeway – Matsumoto) Location


Google Map (Takayama Station→Shin Hotaka Ropeway)


Google Map (Shin Hotaka Lowway→Hirayu Bus Terminal)

Google Map (Hirayu Bus Terminal→Matsumoto Bus Terminal)

Limited to October 8th, 2025! Special bus tour offers!

Takayama Departure – Matsumoto (one way) Bus Tour

Enjoy Takayama, Shin Hotaka Ropeway, and Matsumoto Castle, with lunch, transportation, and admission fees included!

**Save 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone by going via this tour!

Details & Reservations

  • 2025.06.24

How to Rent a Bicycle in Hida Furukawa! / Furukawa Set Ticket by Bus


Compared to the more city like atmosphere of Takayama, in Hida Furukawa you can experience a more authentic and slower paced countryside life. Hida Furukawa is most famous for its two national award winning sake breweries (Watanabe Shyuzoten and Kaba Sake Brewery), for inspiring the anime move “Your Name”, and for its many bars, cafes, and restaurants.

To get the full countryside experience, we recommend enjoying the town during the day, renting a bicycle and exploring town like locals do, and at night dine at the many eateries and enjoy the award winning sake. Just remember not to drink and ride!

The Complete Local Experience with Nohi Bus


If you’re coming to Hida Furukawa from Takayama, the best way to experience the area fully is by going via Nohi Bus’s Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set (a one day bus pass with vouchers). This set ticket covers transportation to and from Takayama (or any stops in between), a sake souvenir (of your choice), and a voucher for dinner at various eateries, allowing you to experience the life of a true local.

Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set


Locals in Hida Furukawa are proud of their award winning sake production and local cuisine. Most of the sake sold throughout the area and beyond come from this area, and it is a cherished part of the areas culture. If you’re a sake lover, the Furukawa Food & Sake Set is a great opportunity to enjoy all Hida Furukawa has to offer.


A majority of the bars serving dinner open 4-6 PM, which is right when bicycle rentals close for the day. After exploring town alongside the locals, grab your sake souvenir and dine/ drink at some of the popular local joints in town. The last train back to Takayama is at 9PM whereas the bus runs later (up to 12:10AM), giving you plenty of time to spend time around the locals and have great conversation.

1. Depart from Takayama Station by Bus


From bus stop 2 at Takayama Nohi Bus Center, board the bus headed towards Hida Furukawa. To purchase the Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set, go to the reception desk located at Takayama Nohi Bus Center. No reservations are necessary. Simply board the bus and show your voucher when departing!

Boarding times: 7:00, 7:10, 8:10, 9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 2:10, 3:10, 3:40, 4:10, 4:40, 5:50, 6:10, 6:40, 7:10, 7:40, 8:10, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40

2. Choose a Bicycle to Rent


After arriving in Furukawa, head towards the bicycle reception located inside of Furukawa Festival Hall. The Furukawa Festival Hall is located at the Festival Square, just a 5 minute walk from the station and next to the Koi Fish ponds. There are late fees, so be aware of the return time written on your form. When returning the bicycle, you can leave the bicycle at the stand outside, but make sure to inform the shopkeeper.

Rental Information

Bicycle Reception: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (last rental at 3:00 PM)

►1 hour/ 300 yen
►All day/ 1000 yen

Note:
*500 yen fee per hour late
*5,000 yen fee if not dropped off by 4:00 PM

Bicycle Information

After filling out the form, you can choose between two bicycle types: A sports type bicycle or a regular bicycle with a basket. There are no e-bikes for rental and there are no extra costs based on which bicycle you choose. There are a total of 8 bicycles in total every day (4 of each type).

REGULAR BICYCLE (with a basket, bell, gear shift [1-3] )

In Japan, bicycles are classified as vehicles, so there are few rules to follow when riding.

Bicycle Rules:
1. Ride on the left side of the lane
2. At intersections follow the traffic lights and stop signs
3. No drinking alcohol and riding

SPORTS BICYCLE (with a headlight, bell, gear shift [1-6] )


The sports style bicycle is a Bridgestone LB764, and comes with a bell, headlight, a gear shift (1-6). Total amount of bikes: 4

Furukawa Bike Routes


We recommend the biking to the following landmarks:
► Keta Wakamiya Shrine (the town’s main shrine which inspired “Your Name”) [~7 minutes]
► Atayuta Shrine (a shrine surrounded by beautiful red bridges, rivers, and rice fields) [~25-30 minutes]
► Ankokuji Temple (a popular Buddhist temple with a beautiful aerial view of the area) [~45 minutes]

Keta Wakamiya Shrine
Atayuta Shrine
Ankokuji Temple

Furukawa Bicycle Map



Around Furukawa are many cafes accessible by bicycle. If you get hot, cool down with ice cream, drinks, or desserts around the area.

Rice Field Forecast


Hida Furukawa is a landlocked area, surrounded by mountains and is relatively flat with no steep hills. There are also many river basins and trees surrounding the area. If you rent a bike from June-September, you can see the rice fields that surround the entire town. In September, the rice fields turn a golden yellow color and are harvested soon after. By October, most rice fields will be gone.

June: 🌱
(rice is freshly planted with beautiful water reflecting the sky)

July: 🌾🌾
(rice is growing and you can start to see the green stalks)

August: 🌾🌾🌾
(rice is growing tall and green)

September: 🌾🌾🌾🌾
(rice begins to turn yellow and will be harvested late September)

3. Return Your Bike and Enjoy Dinner & Sake


After returning your bicycle, you can walk around and enjoy town a bit until some of the eateries open. During this time, you can pick up your sake souvenir at Goto liquor store which closes at 8PM. To see a full list of restaurants covered by the voucher, check here. Restaurants generally open from 4-6 PM.

Bus evening return times [to Takayama]: 4:40 PM, 5:10 PM, 5:40 PM, 6:10 PM, 6:40 PM, 7:10 PM, 8 PM, 9PM, 10:10 PM, 11:10 PM, 12:10 AM

Tips & Advice

  1. Rent the bike all day
    • A good amount of time to have the bicycle is for 3 hours, but that amounts to 900 yen. In the case that you want to leisurely spend time at some cafes, its worth to pay the extra 100 yen to not worry about time.
  2. Pick up souvenirs after returning your bike
    • Most stores in Furukawa begin to close around 5PM. The town itself is small, so you can enjoy the town and pick up souvenirs without worrying about lugging it around.
  3. Have an early dinner with the Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set
    • Enjoy sake and dinner at the restaurants and pubs in town and take the bus back to Takayama. The last bus is at 12:10 AM! Check the time table here.


➤For bus reservations and detailed travel itineraries learn more:  here
➤For access from Nagoya to Takayama and Shirakawago learn more: here
➤For transportation information in Nara learn more: here

 
  • 2025.06.11

Gero Onsen Day Trip from Takayama!

Did you know one of Japan’s top 3 onsen towns is only one hour from Takayama?


♨️Gero Onsen is a stylish sweets haven also more commonly known as one of the top 3 hot spring towns in all of Japan. Gero in Japanese directly translates to “ribbet”, and because of that, a lot of tourist attractions are frog themed. Conveniently located around an hour south of Takayama, it makes a perfect day trip for those wanting to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery of the Gifu Area for under 2200 yen!

1. Board the bus at Takayama Station for Gero
2. Buy a Yumeguri Pass (Onsen pass!)
3. Frogs, Nature, and Shopping!
4. Rental Bikes
5. Gero’s Ultimate Attraction: the Slide
6. Enjoy Gero Gourmet Foods
7. Board the bus back to Takayama

1. Board the bus at Takayama Station for Gero


There are two modes of transportation to Gero Onsen, train or bus. The bus runs to Gero hourly while the local train runs every other hour. Alternatively, there are express trains that come hourly, however these cost up to 2000 yen one way, making the trip cost double the amount while taking the same amount of time as the bus. If you plan on returning to Takayama, we recommend taking the earliest bus at 8AM and then the last bus back at 5:00PM. Most of the restaurants are closed in Gero by that time.

If you are based in Takayama, we recommend buying the “Gero Onsen 2-Day Ticket” by Nohi Bus. This pass allows unlimited bus usage from Takayama Nohi Bus Center to Gero for 2 days for only 2,040 yen. This is the regular price of the roundtrip bus–reservations are made online and you can board with an online voucher.

How to ride the bus to Gero:

① Board from Takayama Nohi Bus Center and simply wait at bus stop 1 and get on the bus. Get off at the Gero Station bus stop after paying 1,060 yen (cash/coins only).

②If you buy the “Gero Onsen 2-Day Ticket”, buy it online through this website. You will receive the voucher digitally. Go to bus stop 1 and board the bus normally and show the bus driver your voucher when you get off.

►Boarding times from Takayama Nohi Bus Center:
8:05, 9:05, 10:05, 11:05, 12:05, 1:05, 2:05, 3:05, 4:05, 5:05, 6:05, 7:05
Price: 1,060 yen (one way)

Get off at Gero Station


After getting off at Gero Station, there is a locker space along with some souvenir stores, a bathroom, and information center. Past the information center and the bathrooms is an underground stairway that leads to the main part of Gero.

2. Buy a Yumeguri Onsen Pass!


The Yumeguri Onsen Pass is highly recommended for onsen (hot spring) lovers. This pass allows you to enter any 3 participating hot springs in Gero for only 1,500 yen! Its a great deal as some onsen can cost up to 1,500 yen on its own. Plus, you can save the pass and use it any time within 6 months. Entrance time differs per hotel, which you can check here (Japanese only). Otherwise, please refer to this time chart.


For the sake of time , we recommend going to the following hot springs immediately after arriving in Gero. The onsen are open only during small time windows that are easy to miss. We recommend going to: Suimeikan, Ogawaya, Yamagataya, Bosenkan (12-2 PM on weekends only) before their service ends for the day at 2PM. Each of these hotels have usual entrance fees of 1500 yen each, so to get the most money out of your pass we recommend going to these more expensive and larger inns.

Where to buy the Yumeuri Pass?


You can buy the Yumeguri pass at several locations such as Daily Mart convenience stores or Japanese inns. On the path to the main town, the souvenir store Sakuraen sells it along with the Gero City Tourism & Cultural Center.

Full list of sellers (Japanese Only): here


When entering an onsen, the attendant will peel 1 out of 3 stickers on the back of your pass. Generally each bather needs their own pass, but if you are accompanied by children aged 4-12, you can use the same pass. Whether its one or two children, if accompanied by an adult, they will account for only 1 sticker. Also, if you have a child less than 3 years old, the child can bathe for free.

3. Frogs, Nature, and Shopping!


No matter where you go around Gero, you’re going to see everything from posters, statues, and manholes, all in frog form. If you have a phobia of frogs–beware. 🐸 Gero in Japanese directly translates to “ribbet” and this town really went with that theme and ran. Everything frog themed was so cute and personally I felt happy finding frog versions of everything everywhere I went. There’s even a frog shrine!


Aside from cool frogs, Geros natural scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Crossing the bridge to the town, you can get a glimpse of the mountains and the large park where the town holds frequent firework shows, especially in the summer. There are also a bunch of foot baths to rest your feet throughout the town. The shopping street has not only snacks but ceramics and games to enjoy, making it fun for anyone of any age.


Foot baths around Gero are almost all free. You can find them on regular streets or even inside hotels. Just make sure not to bathe in them as they are strictly just for your feet!

4. Rental Bikes in Gero


Next to the Tourist Information Center, Gero provides stylish E-bikes for rental. While most of the town is walkable, the deep nature really is beautiful and fun to bike around. The bikes can be rented by downloading an app or paying by cash. If you want to pay by cash, you have to speak to the receptionist at the information center (open until 5:30 PM).

Bike Rental Info:
Rental time: 24 hours
6 hours: 1,000 yen
12 hours: 1,500 yen

5. Ride Gero’s Infamous Slide


One of Gero’s most popular attractions is the slide that overlooks Gero City. This slide isnt just for kids–actually when I went only adults were riding it! The slide is high speed and lasted up to a minute going down. At the curves it could be quite scary at times, but the thrill was worth it. The slide is guarded by protection rails and has cushions for landing.


To get to the Gero Slide, you have to go through the Gero Onsen Gassho Village and pay the entrance fee of 800 yen. The Village is similar to Shirakawago with a lot of displays and even a very modern foot bath. There are cafes, funny and cute statues, and even a shrine dedicated to cooking. Once you reach the other side of the mountain, you have to pay 100 yen to use the slide.

6. Enjoy Gero’s Gourmet Foods

Gero has a lot of delicious food, but they excel in desserts (especially parfaits). Sakae-machi dori is a stylish street by the station with many cafes and souvenir stores. Here you can find many parfait or other sweets stores. Other popular foods are butter ramen (ramen cooked with a butter and milk broth), frog themed tiramissu, pudding, crepes, and more!


One of the more popular souvenirs to buy in the area is Gero butter sandwiches, a butter cookie made out of fresh milk from the area. Around the area is a lot of finger food and desserts, but for a bigger lunch the town offers a lot of international foods in additional to traditional Japanese like German and Italian.

7. Going from Gero back to Takayama


To get back you can take the train or the bus. Trains leave at the 30 minute mark each hour, where as buses leave 30 minutes prior to the train. The last bus back to Takayama from Gero is at 5PM. By this time, a lot of the restaurants and souvenir stores have closed up, so we recommend going back at this time. To ride back, simply hop on the bus or show your pass if you had purchased the Geron-Onsen 2 Day Pass. Payment is when you get off.

How to board the bus back to Takayama

① Board from Gero Station bus stop

Boarding times for Takayama Nohi Bus Center:
6:00, 7:00, 7:42, 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 2:00, 3:00, 4:00, 5:00. 5:30
Price: 1,060 yen (one way)



OR

②Board from Shirasagaibashi Bridge bus stop (center of town in front of Lawson)

Boarding times for Takayama Nohi Bus Center:
7:01, 8:01, 9:01, 10:01, 11:01, 12:01, 2:01, 4:01
Weekends only: 6:01 AM, 3:01 PM, 5:01 PM
Price: 1,060 yen (one way)

➤To check the cheapest ways to get around Japan and the Takayama/Hida area, check out this page for detailed routes, pricing, and travel ideas!
➤For Nagoya access to Takayama and Shirakawago learn more: here
➤For information about transportation in Nara learn more: here



  • 2025.06.02

Hiking Mt.Anbou in Hida Furukawa!

Hida Furukawa Above the Clouds

Mt.Anbou (also spelled Mt.Ambo) is the most popular hiking route in the city of Hida Furukawa. Its easy accessibility and stunning views is widely loved amongst both locals and travelers. From the mountain summit, you can see all of Furukawa, stretching to parts of Takayama. Furukawa is a landlocked town with an elevation of 495 meters (1624 ft). If you do an early morning hike (often before 10 AM), clouds form above the town, creating a blanket that makes you appear as if you are standing above the clouds. After the morning fog clears, you can see the basin of the town appear.

Hiking Details

Level: Beginner/ Lower Intermediate

Total time: 1 hour ~ 1hr 15 mins (ascent),
50 minutes (descent)

Elevation: 1,058m (3,471 ft)

Toilet: Available (at summit and entrance)

Other: *Wifi/Data is usable on the summit peak (no free wifi available)
*If you reach the summit before 10AM there is a chance you can see a layer of clouds

Bathrooms

There is a bathroom at the summit of the mountain. On the left side of the trail, walk three minutes down the concrete road (meant for cars) to reach the bathroom. The bathroom is also located next to a trail that will bring you down the mountain you came up from.

Extra Info

Besides the deck overlooking the town of Hida Furukawa, if you walk down and to the right, there is another photo spot. Here you can hold a commemorative sign and take a picture, or write down your memory in the public journal!

Route Experience

12:30 PM

Before entering the hiking trail, lift the bar from the red gate and put it back in place once you’re inside.

12:40 PM

There is a steep incline but after 10 minutes you should reach the entrance of the hiking trail. From here the hike should take around 1 hour.

1:00 PM

The first 30 minutes of the hike are quite steep, but gets less intense the second half. At the half way point, you’ll find a bear bell and column post. If you’re counting, there are 3 total this entire hike!

1:40 PM

Before reaching the top, a path splits into two. The left route with the column leads directly to the public toilet, and to reach the terrace from there you need to walk an additional 3 minutes on a concrete road.


On the right there is a path with a bear bell which leads directly to the terrace (this route however is very steep).

1:48 PM

Reach the top of the mountain! If you turn backside to the view, on the right side is an additional photo spot and on the left is the public bathroom.

Access

Name: Mt. Anbou/ Mt.Ambo
Address: Hida-shi Furukawa-cho Kamikita / Google Maps Here
Public transportation: Takayama Nohi Bus Center to Hida Furukawa Station /25 minute walk from Hida Furukawa
Parking: There is a parking space located in front of the entrance (for hiking) / Summit parking (if you drive, the roads are narrow and enough for 1 car only so beware)
Facilities: Bathroom at parking lot/ Bathroom mountain peak (3 minute walk from summit)

From Takayama Station to Hida Furukawa Station

At Takayama Nohi Bus Center, board the local bus at Platform 2 for Hida Furukawa.
Times: 6:40, 7:00, 9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40, 4:40, 5:10, 6:10, 6:40PM (380 yen)
Reservations are not necessary, however there are set deals that the local bus company offers.

*From Takayama to Hida Furukawa, you can take the “Hida Furukawa Food & Sake Set” which includes roundtrip fares between Takayama Station and Hida Furukawa Station, a 3,000 yen voucher for local eateries, and a voucher for Sake, which the town has won many national awards for.

View the bus routes and special deals: here

Map

Other Things to Do in Town

Hida Furukawa’s’ Onsen:
Nukumori no Yu Spaful

By bus: Hida Furukawa Station → Spa-ful Tougenkyou-Onsen Stop
Times: 8:29, 12:26, 3:30, 6:11 (200 yen)

Rent a bicycle at the town square:
Hida Furukawa Festival Exhibition Hall (rentals close at 4PM, last rental 3PM)

By foot: From Hida Furukawa Station, 7 minutes

Local homemade Japanese food deli:
Yamamoto Delicatessen
*We recommend the fried chicken!

By foot: From Hida Furukawa Station, 10 minutes


➤To check the best ways to get around Japan and the Takayama/Hida area, check out this link for detailed routes, pricing, and travel ideas!
➤For Nagoya access to Takayama and Shirakawago learn more: here
➤For information about transportation in Nara learn more: here



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  • 2025.05.02

Nara Park Bus Terminal Info | Free Rooftop Panoramic Deck in Nara

Topic: Nara Park Bus Terminal, Nara tours, Nara Park FAQ


The Nara Park bus terminal is a stylish and modern wooden building located right across Nara Park. This terminal isn’t just for boarding city buses, but it also has kimono rentals, plenty of resting areas, bathrooms, restaurants, information about Nara, and a rooftop garden (3F) with benches where people can look over Nara Park from a vantage view. Several tours buses which lead to Mt.Wakakasa have drop offs around the area.

Table of contents:

  1. General Information
  2. 1F (Souvenir Store + Information Desk)
  3. 2F (Nara Story– interactive information about Nara)
  4. 2F (Indoor Rest Space & Cafes)
  5. 2F Starbucks Information
  6. 3F (Outdoor Panoramic View Resting Space)
  7. Nara Park FAQ

General Information

Currently two tours are running in Nara, the World Heritage Tour with Kamameshi and Matcha and the Perfect Nara Park course. To book a tour in Nara, check here for tours administered by the prefectures main bus company. Tours can be booked online or at the Nara Kotsu Sightseeing Bus Information Center, located a 8 minute walk from Nara Park Bus Terminal.

Facility hours: 7:30 AM ~ 8 PM

Access

🟢From Kintetsu Nara: take Exit 1 and walk 10 minutes
🟢From JR Nara Station: head towards bus stop #2 and board bus 2, 77, or 97 and get off at Kencho-mae (Kenchozen) bus stop

1F (Souvenir Store + Information Desk)


Pick up an assortment of Nara souvenirs such as famous Nara snacks, Nara letter prints, and even Nara leaf wrapped sushi from the famous souvenir branch Nara Meihinkan! Inside is also an information desk, a stylish brunch like cafe serving roasted meats and smoothies, a 7-11 convenience store, and an ATM where you can withdraw international currency.

Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Open year-round)
Location: 76 Noborioji-cho, Nara City (Inside Nara Park Bus Terminal)
Phone Number: 0742-81-3735

Information desk hours: 7:30 AM ~ 8 PM

2F (Nara Story– interactive information about Nara)

Resembling a small museum, “Nara Story” is a newly constructed area packed with information about Nara, its history, and even quizzes for guests of all ages to enjoy. Nara Story introduces the several power spots in Nara, the origin story about Nara deer, Japan’s oldest history scriptures (Kokiji and Manyoshu), and trivia about different Nara sake.

Nara Story hours: 7:00AM ~ 8PM

2F (Indoor Rest Space & Cafes)


On the second floor there is also a large indoor rest space with plenty of seating and a view of Nara Park. There are also two bathrooms on this floor. On this floor is Starbucks and also a Gyukaku restaurant, famous for its deep fried beef cutlets. The second floor is separated into two parts, one which holds lecture halls and exhibitions, and one with stores.

Starbucks hours: 7 AM ~ 8 PM
Gyukaku hours: 7:30 AM ~ 8 PM

2F Starbucks Nara Park Bus Terminal Branch


There are two Starbucks nearby Nara Park, one in Nara Park Bus Terminal, and one at Sarusawa Pond. The Starbucks store is located on the second floor and is open from 7AM-8PM. There are 22 seats inside this Starbucks–4 being single seating.

Business Hours: 7AM ~ 8PM
TEL: 0742-81-8405

3F Outdoor Panoramic View Resting Space/Playground


Up the stairs and outside is a spacious rooftop garden space with benches and a grass area where you can enjoy a view of Mt.Wakakusa, Nara Park, and Todai-ji Temple! The large grass area is a great spot for children to play and there are even deer sculptures you can take a photo op with while looking at the panoramic view of Nara. The rooftop closes at 8 PM each night.


At night time the lights are lit until closing time at 8PM. Hours of the rooftop deck vary during the Mt.Wakakusa fireworks show in January. Please call the information desk to check in advance.

Phone number: +81-742-81-3151
Rooftop hours: 7:30 AM ~ 8 PM.

Nara Deer Park FAQ:

1. What is Nara Park’s opening time?
Nara Park is open all hours as it is a public area. That being said, some of the gardens don’t open until 8 AM and the deer appear usually from 9 AM until before sunset.

2. Is there a Nara Park Playground nearby?
While there is not a playground around the main area of Nara Park, by Tenri Station is a massive outdoor trampoline dome playground attraction called Kokofun which is completely free to use! In front of Tenri Station Square is also a parking lot which is free for 90 minutes. The park is also large enough to play but it may be dangerous with the roaming deer.

3. Are there events in Nara Park?
Nara Park occasionally holds concerts and events. To check updates of all events in the Nara Park area, check the Nara Tourism website (event page in Japanese only).

4. Are there Nara Park entrance fees?
Nara Park has no entrance fees. Areas such as Sarusawa Pond, Ukimido, Ukigumo Garden, Kasugano Garden, Noborioji Garden, are also free to enter.

5. How do you get Nara Park deer food?
You are only allowed to feed the deer in Nara with the crackers sold locally. Around the park are several carts selling 10 crackers for 200 yen. You can also buy them at souvenir stores or teahouses. Though the crackers are made of rice and wheat, it is not recommended for human consumption.