ALPICO PLAZA is a co-working spaceon the 7th floor of Alpico Plaza, a commercial building that houses the Matsumoto Bus Terminal, located right in front of Matsumoto Station.
And yet it is only 500 yen/day. Moreover, it comes with a 100 yen coupon for a restaurant in the same building. It is actually 400 yen/day.
For this price, we recommend using it as a power cafe for short periods of time (* eating and drinking are not allowed).
I immediately tried it out during this business trip.
Today is the last day of my business trip. I check out of my hotel and head for the bus terminal.
Normally, I would have boarded the express bus immediately, but not today.
Head to the Matsumoto bus terminal counter. Here, tell them that you want to use the coworking space on the 7th floor, and you will be given a user guide to read through. After paying 500 yen, you will be given an “Entrance Card” and a 100 yen coupon coupon that can be used at restaurants in the building.
On the back of the “Entrance Pass” you will find the PIN number to unlock the door to the coworking space and the wi-fi password. Please be careful not to lose it.
After registering and paying at the bus terminal on the first floor, take the elevator to the seventh floor.
In addition to the coworking space, there are restaurants on the 7th floor, including Saizeriya and Gyoza no Ousho.
Immediately unlock the door using the PIN code on the entrance pass! We opened the door and entered. There were three guests ahead of us that day, but it is spacious and roomy, so we find our favorites from the available seats.
All tables are equipped with a power supply as well as USB power and stand lights. It’s an open space, so it’s not suitable for online meetings such as ZOOM.
But it is great for concentrated work. It was very easy.
For lunch, we went to Saizeriya next door! I used a 100 yen coupon I got here! Originally an inexpensive lunch, now even less expensive! It’s a great deal!
This time we stayed for 4 hours with lunch in between.
To check out, simply return the entrance pass to the box near the entrance/exit.
For me, the table was a little low and made my hips and back hurt a little. Next time I thought I would bring a computer stand.
But other than that, it was comfortable, and I was able to get a lot of work done.
The express bus we boarded is also equipped with power and WIFI.
Highwaybus.com ” for reservation of highway buses from Matsumoto to Shinjuku.
I often travel to Matsumoto by highway bus or limited express train Azusa for public and private trips, and rent a car in Matsumoto.
However, these days the car is always full and cannot be rented. Since I am a corporate member of Toyota Rent-A-Car, I usually use Toyota Rent-A-Car, but recently, not only Toyota Rent-A-Car, but also Nippon Rent-A-Car, ORIX Rent-A-Car, and Station Rent-A-Car are all full and cannot be rented.
I am really in trouble.
In the midst of all this,We found Nico Nico Rent-a-Car Matsumoto Airport Road Kanbayashi branch within a 3-4 minute walk from the bus stop [Nagano Road Kanbayashi] on the way to Matsumoto on the highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal!
We decided to give it a try right away.
The first bus stop I get off at “probably in the middle of nowhere.” I know Nico Nico Rent-a-Car is cheap, but is it safe?” I am anxious, but there is no other choice.
We decided to try it first.
First, book an express bus and a Nico Nico Rental Car!
Book the highway bus as usual at highwaybus.com. This one is the same as usual, as we always use it. The difference is that the bus stop where you get off is not Matsumoto bus terminal but Nagano-do Kanbayashi.
In case you are wondering, the fare seems to be the same at both the Kanbayashi and Matsumoto bus terminals.
Next, make a reservation for Nico Nico Rent-a-Car. This too was easily reserved via the Internet. Basic rates are low, but optional insurance waivers and other options are considerably more expensive than major car rental companies. Also, it differs from the major car rental companies in that they add mandatory fees such as car navigation fees.
Successfully completed the reservation! On the day of the event (2023.12.21), I first headed to the Hino bus stop as usual to board the expressway bus.
Thursday, December 21, 2023
8:37 Board the highway bus from Hino bus stop for Matsumoto, 2 minutes behind schedule. We will head for Kanbayashi on the Nagano road.
10:04 Arrive at Kanbayashi, Nagano 4 minutes earlier than scheduled. Get off the highway bus.
Around the Kanbayashi bus stop on Nagano Road… There is nothing…it is a relaxing view with fields spread out.
I wonder if there really is a car rental agency here… I looked at Google Map with some anxiety and found a convenience store (7-Eleven) and a gas station right next to it. The Nico Nico Rent-A-Car is attached to this gas station.
Exit the highway onto the public road and turn left (south). As soon as you pass under the highway, you will see a 7-Eleven and a gas station on your right.
Easily reach a gas station. This is the rental car procedure in this store. The receptionist was kind and courteous. The car is a little older. It appears to be safe to drive. Fees are also reasonable.
Once you have set your navigation system, you are ready to go. This time, since our business was in the Kamikochi area, it was advantageous to avoid the congestion in downtown Matsumoto.
17:57 Arrival and return procedures while refueling
A gas station is attached to the building, making it convenient for fueling up when returning the car.
The highway bus stop “Nagano-dojinbayashi” is about a 2-3 minute walk away.
The disadvantage is that there are few stores and restaurants along the highway. There is a 7-Eleven next door, but there is no souvenir shop or cafe, so there is no place to adjust your time.
I also finished returning my rental car 30 minutes before the bus departure time.
It is completely dark, and you have to wait for the express bus at a bus stop on the highway in winter. However, the staff of Nico Nico Rent-a-Car told me, “The bus stop is just around the corner and it is cold outside, so please take a break inside the store until it’s time to go.” I decided to rent a chair and table inside the store until the time was up.
It was warm and comfortable.
18:30 Depart from the store and go to the bus stop on the highway.
18:32 Arrive at the entrance to the bus stop. Climb the stairs toward the highway, turn around, and you will see a Nico Nico Rent-a-Car store and a 7-Eleven right there. It’s right under your nose.
First, the bus stop at Kanbayashi on Nagano Road It is different from bus stops in Tokyo and is designed for cold climates. The waiting room has a door.
The feet and ceiling are also sealed to protect from rain and wind. ^^ Moreover, it is clean and safe.
18:43 The bus to Shinjuku arrived 7 minutes later than scheduled. Boarded an express bus and departed for Tokyo!
I’m toasting alone with beer and snacks I bought at 7-Eleven ^^.
Express buses make approximately 20 round trips daily between Shinjuku ⇔ Shinbayashi-Matsumoto Bus Terminal in Nagano Province!
For details and reservations, please contact [ highway-bus.com ].
Kamikochi is the southern gateway to the Northern Alps and a sacred place for mountain resorts. This Kamikochi area is not accessible by private car due to environmental regulations. If you drive your own car, on the Matsumoto City side in Nagano Prefecture, park at Sawando and take the local bus for 30 minutes or a cab for 25 minutes. On the Okuhida Onsenkyo side of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, park your car at the Akandana parking lot at Hirayu Onsen and take the 25-minute route bus.
However, it is possible to bike to Kamikochi.
So, I rented an e-bike at Okuhida Base in Hirayu Onsen and tried cycling in Kamikochi.
For two days only, on October 28, 2023 (Saturday) and October 29, 2023 (Saturday), “Only Now! Only here! Kamikochi and Awa Pass Cycling Tour by Rental e-bike” will be held.
The maximum number of participants is expected to be 6 for each session. Early reservations are recommended. Only Now! Only here! Please join us for our autumn Kamikochi Cycling Tour.
2-minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal where direct buses from Shinjuku, Takayama and Matsumoto and shuttle buses to Kamikochi arrive and depart. Arrival at Okuhida Base Because this is an unmanned bike rental station, it has long hours of operation and bicycles can be rented from 7:00 in the morning.
Located in Hirayu Hot Springs at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level Okuhida Base at Hirayu Onsen, about 1,200 meters above sea level!
Bicycles cannot pass through the Awa Tunnel and other Chubu Longitudinal Expressways. Take the old Route 158 road to Awa Pass (elevation 1,790m).
At a stretch, it raises the elevation about 600 meters.
This road has extremely little traffic and is comfortable, but because it is an old road, the road surface is rough in places. Please be careful.
The two men pedaled their bicycles through the pleasant forest, “hooting and hollering.
8:40
Awa Pass (elevation 1,790m) Arrive at the border between Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture and Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
It is downhill from here. The descent is very dangerous, so please drive slowly.
Everyone cycled down the mountain pass with spectacular views of the Northern Alps, including Yake-dake (焼岳).
9:05
Nakanoyu Hot Spring
From this point on, the road surface is rough in places and hairpin curves continue, so cyclists continue to descend the hill slowly.
9:20
Arrive at the entrance/exit of the Chubu Jukan Expressway (Awa Tunnel)
Take the national highway down toward Kama Tunnel, Kamikochi, and Matsumoto. You can leisurely ride a bicycle downhill where you would normally pass by in a car in an instant.
Discover new scenery, including a beautiful river!
9:25
Arrive at the Nakano-yu store. From here, it is a connecting road to Kamikochi, where private cars are restricted.
A security guard comes up to me at the Nakano-yu store. Will they get mad at me?” I was nervous, but he gave me a card with a route guide and a warning about Kamikochi. And “Take care!” and kind words.
Now, from here, we will bike into the ” Kama Tunnel, ” which is once again a difficult obstacle to overcome. Length 1,310m Maximum gradient is 10.9 percent The kettle tunnel alone increases the elevation by about 100 meters. Although private cars are regulated, there is more traffic than you might imagine, including large buses, cabs, and cars of related parties. Watch out for cars and do your best to cycle up.
After passing through the KamaTunnel, the Kamikochi Tunnel appears, which is 588 meters long.
When we get out of here…
9:50
Yake-dake and Taisho Pond can be seen at a glance! It seems that they have been rewarded for their hard work so far.
Kamikochi is still wonderful!
The ability to enjoy this wonderful scenery at a leisurely pace at one’s own pace is one of the best things about biking!
From here, full-fledged cycling in Kamikochi begins!
A gradual uphill slope continues.
10:15
Arrive at Kamikochi Bus Terminal!
Park your bicycle at the bicycle parking lot and walk to the Kappa Bridge from here.
I would have enjoyed walking around Myojin Pond and more, but there was not enough time this time, so I could only walk around Kappa Bridge (T T). nevertheless
We enjoyed exploring Kamikochi until it was time to go.
11:10
Depart from Kamikochi Bus Terminal!
A gentle descent continues to the Kama Tunnel.
The inside of the kettle tunnel is a steep descent!
We descend, frightened by the sound of cars and buses approaching from behind. It is dangerous, so please descend slowly and carefully.
The bicycle passed through the kettle tunnel and returned to the Nakanoyu store.
But… the most difficult part is now waiting for us ^^;;;.
From the Nakanoyu store at an elevation of 1,315 meters to the Awa Pass at 1,790 meters, you will gain elevation in a single bound. It is an uphill slope.
On the way home, it is already tiring and enduring for a 50 year old. But…I have to go!
12:00
We returned to Nakanoyu Hot Spring. From here, it continues uphill.
Even with the electric bicycles, it’s still hard… hard… hard…
12:30
We arrived at the Awa Pass, the border between Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture and Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture!
Once you get to this point, all you have to do is go down.
We will descend slowly, taking safety first.
13:00
Arrive at ” Okuhida Base ” in Hirayu Onsen!
Return the rental bike and go straight to the hot springs to relieve your panting feet! ^^
advice of a point (advice that may be helpful to some people)
The route from Hirayu Onsen to Kamikochi has many ups and downs and consumes a large amount of e-bike battery power. In order for the assist to function throughout the entire journey, the healthy onward journey is operated in ECO mode to conserve energy! For the return trip, it is recommended to increase the assist power in Auto mode.
*Express buses are convenient from TokyotoHirayu Onsen (Okuhida Onsenkyo), the gateway to Kamikochi. Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes by direct highway bus from Basta Shinjuku (2 rest stops are included).
Shinjuku – Hirayu Bus Terminal (to Hida Takayama) Adults 5,800 yen ～ 6,200 yen Children 2,900 yen – 3,100 yen Details, Timetable, Reservations
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There are two main ways to travel from Shinjuku to Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture by public transportation.
1. From Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station on the JR Limited Express Azusa 2. Take a highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Matsumoto Bus Terminal.
There are two ways to go. It would depend on where you live, your objectives, and your budget. We compared the “JR Limited Express Azusa” and “Highway bus“.
There is no such thing as one is better than the other, so it comes down to the purpose of your visit and what your priorities are. I think it depends on your purpose of use and what your priorities are.
▶ For details and reservations of highway buses, please visit ” Highwaybus.com Highwaybus.com”.
▶ For details and reservations of JR Limited Express Azusa, please visit “JR-EAST Train Reservation“.
I will write here from my personal and subjective point of view.
My nearest station is Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line, so before the coronavirus pandemic, I usedthe JR Limited Express Azusa almost 100% of the time. Recently, however, I use the highway bus about 70% of the time and the JR Limited Express Azusa about 30% of the time.
Why is that?
For reference, Mitaka Station is easily accessible to “Shinjuku” and “Tachikawa” where the JR Limited Express Azusa stops, in about 15 minutes. Therefore, when going to Matsumoto, the only option was always the “Azusa” train.
However, the significant increase in travel to Matsumoto, teleworking, etc., and the Corona disaster have changed the way I work and my sense of values, Travel time has also turned into time for work and other activities.
The top priority before the coronavirus pandemic was [That there are convenient schedule]. [The quickness (short travel time)]. [Cost] but
Our top priorities right now are. [That there are convenient schedule]. [That I can also make the most of my travel time.] [Cost] The company has changed.
As a result, highway bus have become more convenient.
Why is that?
In my personal and subjective opinion, it highlighted three weaknesses of Azusa that had not bothered me much before the Corona disaster.
Azusa’s Weaknesses (1) The mobile WI-FI I always bring is very unstable. Especially from Hachioji to Kofu is unstable. I have resigned myself to the fact that the train runs through the mountains and has many long, narrow tunnels, as in the past, because it is a conventional train line.
Azusa’s Weaknesses (2) Anyway, it is a bumpy ride. It may seem surprising, but for those who suffer from motion sickness, express buses are recommended. My son and wife get drunk every time and seem to have a hard time.
I also get drunk when working on the computer when I’m sleep deprived or tired.
We have changed our behavior to overcome the above two weaknesses.
Give up work and go to bed! Or drink! And work after arriving at your destination or after returning home (T T)
Azusa’s weaknesses (3) High prices.
I didn’t mind it before because it was only a few times a year, but now that I use it more often, I’m very concerned about the price.
There used to be discount tickets such as coupon tickets and special tickets, but in March 2019, coupon tickets and special tickets will be discontinued, and reservations will be made through JR East’s website, “JR-EAST Train Reservation“ Ticketless Discounts Tokudane 10% off *10% off the price of a good deal. Tokudane 30% off *30% off the price of a good deal. Only two are left.
It would be nice to be able to use the “Tokudane 30% off(トクだ値30％OFF)” discount, but it is extremely difficult for me, as I mostly use it for business purposes and my schedule is not fixed until the last minute.
That’s when I noticed a revolutionary solution. It is a Highway bus.
Highway buses connect Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, directly connected to Shinjuku Station, andthe Matsumoto Bus Terminal next to Matsumoto Station via the Chuo Expressway and Nagano Expressway.
Mobile WI-FI is always stable. Also, since most of the way is on the highway, shaking is not a concern. On the way, we also like to refresh ourselves with a break at the Futaba Service Area.
Furthermore, the price is very reasonable. Price list↓↓
Therefore, the means of transportation to Matsumoto was changed from the JR Limited Express Azusa to the highway bus.
*When traffic congestion is expected on the expressway, such as on weekends, or when accurate arrival is required, we use Azusa.
▶ For details and reservations of highway buses, please visit ” Highwaybus.com Highwaybus.com”.
▶ For details and reservations of JR Limited Express Azusa, please visit “JR-EAST Train Reservation“.
Number of services (survey date: January 24, 2022)
18 round trips/day
17 round trips/day
the time required
Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
Approx. 3 hours and 20 minutes
Price (survey date January 24, 2022)
Regular fee ¥6,620 Ticketless discount ¥6,520 Tokudane 10% off: ¥5,950 (*10% off the price of a good deal.) Tokudane 30% off: ¥4,620 (*30% off the price of a good deal.)
Regular price ¥3,900 Web payment ¥3,600 2 web coupon tickets @¥3,250 x 2 4 web coupon tickets @¥3,150 x 4
on-time rate (of operation)
Weekdays: 〇 /Weekends: 〇
The trains are almost always on time, but because they are conventional trains, delays of 5 to 10 minutes are common.
Weekdays: 〇 / Weekends: △
Due to a relaxed timetable, the trains often arrive 5~15 minutes early on weekdays. However, on weekends, etc., it is sometimes caught in traffic jams on the Chuo Expressway.
Power source (outlet)
〇
〇
Wi-Fi
△ Free Wi-fi available
Free Wi-Fi and mobile Wi-Fi routers are unstable in many tunnels and mountainous areas.
〇 Free Wi-Fi available
Stable connection with both Free Wi-Fi and mobile Wi-Fi router that you bring.
Toilet
〇
It is spacious and comfortable. Car 10 is recommended for passengers with small children. There is a universal restroom with diaper changing facilities in Car 9 next door.
〇
There is also a break at the Futaba service area.
Shaking
High speed driving at relatively high speeds in mountainous areas causes severe lateral shaking
Relatively little shaking since most of the roads are highways.
View
△
Fuji and the Yatsugatake and Southern Alps, but unfortunately there are many tunnels!
〇
Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Southern Alps, and Lake Suwa!
JR Limited Express Azusa
Highway bus
Number of services
18 round trips/day
17 round trips/day
the time required
Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
Approx. 3 hours and 20 minutes
Price
Regular fee ¥6,620
Regular price ¥3,900
Ticketless discount ¥6,520
Web payment ¥3,600
Tokudane 10% off: ¥5,950 (*10% off the price of a good deal.)
2 web coupon tickets @¥3,250 x 2
Tokudane 30% off: ¥4,620 (*30% off the price of a good deal.)
4 web coupon tickets @¥3,150 x 4
on-time rate (of operation)
Weekdays: 〇 /Weekends: 〇
Weekdays: 〇 / Weekends: △
Power source (outlet)
〇
〇
Wi-Fi
△ Free Wi-Fi available
〇 Free Wi-Fi available
Toilet
〇
〇
Shaking
High speed driving at relatively high speeds in mountainous areas causes severe lateral shaking
Relatively little shaking since most of the roads are highways.
Shinjuku – Matsumoto: JR Limited Express Azusa / Highway Bus Comparison chart (Survey date: January 24, 2022)
▶ For details and reservations of highway buses, please visit Highwaybus.com
▶ For details and reservations of JR Limited Express Azusa, please visit “JR-EAST Train Reservation“.
In my case, I usually take the bus from the Chuo EXPWY Hino bus stop to Matsumoto, and on my return trip, I take the bus from the Matsumoto bus terminal and get off at the Chuo EXPWY Hino bus stop.
In that case, the route is Mitaka Station ｜ (JR Chuo Line: about 15 minutes) ↓ Tachikawa Station ｜ (about 5 minutes walk) ↓ Tachikawa Minami Station ｜ (Tama Toshi Monorail Line : about 4 minutes bound for Tama-Center) ↓ Kōshū-Kaidō Station ｜ (about 7 minutes walk) ↓ Chuo EXPWY Hino
This is the root
For reference, Mitaka to Matsumoto is JR Limited Express Azusa ¥5,980 with ticket-less discount Travel time is about 2 hours and 40 minutes
Highway bus ¥3,284 with 2 coupon tickets, the trip takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes.
▶ For details and reservations for highway buses, please contact ” Highwaybus.com “
