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.
It is only 500 yen a day and comeswith a 100 yen coupon for a restaurant in the same building. With this in mind, it is actually only 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 decided to try it out for this business trip– and it was nice to have a direct connection to the bus terminal!
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.
First, I headed to the Matsumoto bus terminal counter. Here, you 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! Opening the door, 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’s great if you need a place to concentrate.
For lunch, I went to Saizeriya next door and used the 100 yen coupon I got here! Originally an inexpensive lunch, now became 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 of bringing 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 reservations of highway buses from Matsumoto to Shinjuku.
Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto A modern, stylish budget hotel specializing in overnight stays, located directly near the Matsumoto bus terminal.
Some benefits:
Drink service for early check-in
Tea and rice for the evening meal service
Large baths modeled after Shirakotsu Onsen hot springs
Children (elementary schoolers and younger) can stay for FREE!
Hotel M Matsumoto Located right in front of the Matsumoto Bus Terminal on the 6th floor of a building that also houses Maruzen Bookstore and Daiso, this capsule and business hotel offers the best value for money.
Some benefits:
Bright and clean, its appealing for women solo-travelers
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.
Toyota Rent-A-Car too crowded?
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.
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 was anxious, but I had no other choice.
First, book an express bus and a Nico Nico Rental Car!
I booked a highway bus through highwaybus.com. By booking through this site, you can get off at a bus stop not at Matsumoto bus terminal but Nagano-do Kanbayashi. The fare between both stops are the same.
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 use 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 hotspot for mountain resorts. For environmental conservation purposes, driving by private car is forbidden.
If you are driving from Tokyo, you should park at Sawando on the Matsumoto side of Nagano Prefecture and then take a 30 minute bus or 25 minute taxi ride to Kamikochi.
If you are coming from the Takayama side in Gifu Prefecture, you can park your car at the Akandana Parking Lot in Hirayu Onsen and take a 25 minute bus ride.
While most people go to Kamikochi by bus, it is also possible to bike to Kamikochi.
We decided to use Hirayu Onsen’s Okuhida Base to cycle in Kamikochi.
The route is from Hirayu Onsen (Okuhida Onsenkyo) to Kamikochi and back. The details are as follows. Hirayu Onsen ⇔ (Awa Pass｜Old Route 158) ⇔ Nakanoyu Onsen ⇔ (Kama Tunnel/ Kamikochi Tunnel) ⇔ Taishoike ⇔ Kamikochi Bus Terminal
*The Awa Pass (the old road on National Route 158) is closed from early November to late June due to snow accumulation.
Two minutes walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal where direct buses from Shinjuku, Takayama and Matsumoto and shuttle buses to Kamikochi arrive and depart. “ Okuhida Base Arrive at This is an unmanned bike rental station with long opening hours, and you can rent a bike 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!
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 some places. Please keep this in mind.
Hooting and hollering, we made our way through the beautiful forest that laid ahead.
8:40
Awa Pass (elevation 1,790m)
Here you arrive at the border between Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture and Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture.
From this point the road starts to go downhill. It can be dangerous, so remember to ride down 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 here on out, the road can be a little uneven and rough at spots. There are sharp turns so remember to ride the bike down 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 without pedaling here.
From here we could see a beautiful lookout point, including a beautiful river.
9:25
Next, we arrived at the Nakano-yu store. From here, it is a connecting road to Kamikochi, where private cars are restricted.
A security guard will approach you from the convenience store inside. At first I felt nervous..I thought I got in trouble! But actually they just gave me a card with route directions and tips about riding to Kamikochi. They even waved me off and told me to be careful!
From here, we cycled through the difficult Kama Tunnel. Length: 1,310m Maximum gradient: 10.9%
The Kama Tunnel alone increases in elevation by around 100m! Private cars are restricted, but there are quite a few large busses, taxis, and cars, so be careful!
Once you leave Kama Tunnel, you’ll come across Kamikochi Tunnel, which is about 588m long!
When we got out of here…
9:50
Yake-dake and Taisho Pond could be seen at a glance! We felt rewarded for our hard work so far.
Kamikochi is truly very beautiful. Being able to enjoy this wonderful scenery at our own pace felt particularly rewarding.
After that there was gradual uphill slope ahead.
10:15
But then… we finally arrived at Kamikochi Bus Terminal!
Park your bicycle at the bicycle parking lot and walk to the Kappa Bridge from here.
I wanted to enjoy more walks such as Myojin Pond, but I had other work to do, so I had to return early…
Nevertheless…
We enjoyed exploring Kamikochi until it was time to go.
11:10
Next we departed from Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
There is a slight descent that continues to the Kama Tunnel.
Once you’re in the tunnel however, it is a steep descent!
We made it through, but there were a lot of cars around. It can be dangerous, so please descend slowly and carefully.
We passed through the tunnel and returned to the Nakanoyu store.
But… the most difficult part of the route laid ahead… ^^;;
From the Nakanoyu store to Awa Pass, the elevation jumps from 1,315 meters to 1,790 meters. It is an uphill slope.
As a 50 year old, these roads were really testing me, but alas…I had to go!
12:00
We returned to Nakanoyu Hot Spring. From here, it continues uphill.
Even with the electric bicycles, it was at times challenging.
12:30
But we were finally able to make it to Awa Pass!
Once you get to this point, all you have to do is go down.
安全第一にゆっくりくだります。
13:00
We finally arrived back at Okuhida Base in Hirayu Onsen!
We returned our rental bicycles and went straight to the hot springs to relieve our panting feet ^^
Some useful advice:
Biking to Kamikochi includes many steep slopes, so a lot of battery consumption takes place. TO ensure that you have enough bike power, we recommend you using ECO mode to conserve energy.
If you are concerned about your stamina or batteries, we recommend renting spare batteries (1,000 yen).
Okuhida Base is located a 2-minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal, the gateway to Okuhida, and offers bicycle rental and LUUP (electric kickboard share).
727 Hirayu, Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City, Gifu 506-1433, Japan Located in the former Nakada store 240m from Hirayu Bus Terminal (2-3 minutes walk) 【Business Hours｜Lending and Return Hours】 7:00-17:00 * Please make online reservation by 12:59pm on the day of use.
Okuhida Base Okuhida Base provides e-bike (electric bicycles) rental and electric kickboard LUUP sharing services. Located a 2-minute walk from the Hirayu Bus Terminal at the entrance to Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. 727 Hirayu, Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City, Gifu 506-1433, Japan e-bike Rental start time 7:00 Rental end time 17:00
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Notice of Norikura Skyline road closure｜The road was closed due to the collapse that occurred in September 2022, but was reopened on August 20, 2024.
Norikura is straddled between Nagano and Gifu Prefecture, and the mountain road on the Gifu side is called Norikura Skyline.
The Norikura Skyline is located within the Chubu-Sangaku National Park, and for nature conservation purposes, general vehicles are not allowed on the road.
Only buses and bicycles are allowed.
The goal point, Tatamidaira, is 2,702 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in Japan that can be reached by bicycle. It is the highest point in Japan that can be reached by bicycle.
This Norikura Skyline is a mountain road that cyclists long to ride.
It is regarded as a sacred place for cyclists, and as the name Skyline implies, the scenery is spectacular.
As a 49 year old middle aged man who teleworks every day, I decided to take on the challenge.
This is made possible by renting electrically power assisted bicycles (e-bikes).
Norikura Skyline is such a place.
It’s quite difficult to convey the beauty of the Norikura Skyline through pictures and text. I found a very good Youtube video when I was thinking about how to convey the beauty of the Norikura Skyline in pictures and text and I found a TV commercial of Nissan Note.
The location of this commercial is Norikura Skyline.
The beauty of the Norikura Skyline’s scenery is expressed in an easy-to-understand way.
You can’t drive there because of environmental protection traffic restrictions, but you can go cycling!
==PR==
Did you know that you can easily reach Okuhida Onsen-kyo at the foot of the North Alps by highway bus? It takes 4 hours and 30 minutes by direct highway bus from Basta Shinjuku to Hirayu Bus Terminal, the gateway to Okuhida Onsen-kyo! Five to six direct buses are running daily! Check Highwaybus.com for more information on highway buses.
Furthermore, at 2,702 meters above sea level from the Hirayu Bus Terminal, it is “the highest bus stop in Japan! Super! Cool and super! Direct bus service to Norikura summit (Tatamidaira) bus terminal with its spectacular view takes only 60 minutes.
Okuhida Base, located in Hirayu Onsen at the foot of Mt. Norikura, offers rental bicycles. Moreover, they are Panasonic e-bikes(sports type with electric power assist ).
Experience [Tuesday, September 28, 2021, sunny and cloudy]
Okuhida Base is an unmanned, bicycle and single-seat small electric vehicle rental base.
After making an online reservation on the website and paying with a credit card, you will receive a PIN number for your key locker in advance by e-mail.
Use that PIN to take out the key.
The key for the bicycle and the locker are included in the set.
Inside the locker is a helmet and a charged battery.
Put on your helmet, set the battery on the bike, and you are ready to go.
We departed after purchasing a 500 ml bottle of water at the liquor store Tsuruya Shoten next to Okuhida Base.
I would later regret not buying any food for energy… (more to be explained later)
I strongly recommend that everyone purchase snacks for energy along with water.
8:00
At last, we departed for the peak of the Norikura Skyline, Tatamidaira, which is 2,702 meters above sea level. It is around 1,500 meters higher compared to our starting point, Hirayu, which is about 1,250 meters above sea level.
The temperature was about 20 degrees Celsius.
The e-bike comes with electric assist, so it is easy to ride with the motor pushing you back. Compared to electric bicycles that I use on a daily basis, the power seemed different.
Since it is a sports type bicycle, it still has the look of a road cycle yet it is quite sporty to ride and pedal.
Here’s a little advice 1) I hurt my knee in the process.
I would recommend that you raise the saddle when climbing.
As an amateur cyclist, I pedaled uphill without thinking, and my knees hurt halfway up.
I thought to myself, “Oh no, I’m in trouble! I watched the bicycles go by and saw that everyone’s saddle was very high!
Their toes just barely reach the ground, if at all!
I realized that in order to reduce the burden on my knees and to pedal with ease, I need to raise the saddle.
If I had realized this earlier, I wouldn’t have gotten hurt!
This has helped me recover quickly ^^.
Since the return trip was downhill and steep, a lower saddle lowered the center of gravity and made it more stable and secure.
Now, on to the rest of the experience.
8:10
Take Route 158 toward Takayama, passing the Hirayu Campground, and you will soon reach the entrance to Hirayu Pass.
Turn left here and continue on to Hirayu Pass (towards Norikura Skyline).
From here, you will be in a bicycle paradise!
You will be riding comfortably along the pass surrounded by forest. At this time, I felt really grateful for the assist system.
The steep slopes are also going well.
This Hirayu Pass was the most difficult. I thought it was tougher than Norikura Skyline ^^;;;.
8:25
Finally, we arrive at the Hirayu Pass gate at the entrance to the Norikura Skyline. At the entrance, you will be given a questionnaire. Please make sure to fill it out.
The gate is open from May 15th to October 31st.
We were told that the gate would be open from 3:30 to 18:00 on this day, but we were at a high altitude of over 2,500 meters.
It is recommended to ascend in the morning and descend at noon.
Everyone is encouraged to bring extra food with them.
9:58
Finally, we are almost at the goal (Tatamidaira).
Unfortunately, there was an incident… My friend who is traveling with me said, “Oh no, the pedals are getting heavy! The battery power is at 0%.”
It seems the battery ran out quickly because power mode was used.
That’s why I recommend automatic mode.
10:10
Finally, we arrived at today’s goal, the 2,702-meter-high Tatamidaira!
At that point, I felt like I was going to collapse from hunger! In case you are wondering, the temperature is 7 degrees. It’s cold~!
In search of hot food, we went to a restaurant on the second floor of the Tatamihira Bus Terminal!
To my surprise, it was temporarily closed. (T T)
Two uncles were at a loss! There was a sense of despair and tragedy is in the air.
Then the good news!
We have been informed that the second floor restaurant at Ginreiso next door will open at 10:30…
All at once, our spirits were restored!
10:30
We had breakfast at the 2nd floor restaurant of Ginreiso
The pork miso soup set meal was 1,100 yen. It’s a very reasonable price considering the location!
The warm soup sinks into your body. It was vert tasty ^^
My friend who climbed the mountain with me had a steak set meal and soba noodles with wild vegetables in the morning^^.
*I visited Ginreiso again on May 15, 2022 and found that the menu and prices had been revised significantly. (Added on May 21, 2022) Menu as of May 15, 2022. ↓.
This is Ginreiso’s menu as of May 15, 2022.
11:00
With our bellies full, we began our descent. I had underestimated how easy and effortless the return trip would be.
But…it’s soooo cold!
I was wearing only a short-sleeved T-shirt under a thin windbreaker. The temperature was 7 degrees. The only way down is through the wind.
My hands were getting numb and I was freezing!
Here’s a little advice 3)
Bring gloves and a warm jacket. I know this is obvious, but we forgot.
Is there anyone else like us? Both gloves and jackets were sold at the Tatamidaira store.
Also, please not that going downhill is very dangerous. If you are not careful, you will overspeed. Be sure to keep braking and descend slowly.
It is really dangerous and cold if you speed. It could be fatal. Be sure to descend slowly.
If you feel cold, we strongly recommend that you slow down even more and proceed slowly.
12:10
We arrived at Hirayu Pass gate in no time. Clouds have appeared and it was too foggy and cold to enjoy the scenery ^^;;;.
It is still good to ride up slowly and enjoy the scenery. I learned that going down is easy, but not fun.
12:25
We arrived at Okuhida Base without any incidents. I wanted to go straight to the hot spring ( Hirayu no Mori ) to warm up my cold body, but I had to work today (T T).
I went to telework at Okuhida Manyokan, a workspace and children’s library.
Final Impressions
It was truly a wonderful experience. Even though I don’t usually do much exercise, I was able to make it to Tatamidaira with a little effort. The weather was perfect, the view was great, and the experience was fantastic.
Five years ago, I took a bus up to Tatamidaira and was impressed by the view from the bus window, but biking was several times more enjoyable and felt like flying in the sky.
I owe this wonderful experience to the electric assist function of my bicycle. It would have been difficult for an amateur like me to do this on a road bike without it. The hill climb at Norikura Skyline was an emotional experience that only a limited number of trained and special people could enjoy without e-bikes.
I was able to experience this thanks to the a Panasonic electric-assist sport-type e-bike. It was truly a wonderful experience. I plan to go again soon. When I do, I’ll make sure to bring food, gloves, and a jacket ^^;;;.
View the route from Okuhida Base to Norikura Tatamidaira on Google Maps.
Okuhida Base is located a 2-minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal, the gateway to Okuhida, and offers bicycle rental and LUUP (electric kickboard share).
727 Hirayu, Okuhida Onsenkyo, Takayama City, Gifu 506-1433, Japan Located in the former Nakada store 240m from Hirayu Bus Terminal (2-3 minutes walk) 【Business Hours｜Lending and Return Hours】 7:00-17:00 * Please make online reservation by 12:59pm on the day of use.
Further into Kamikochi! Did you know that it is easy to get to Okuhida Onsenkyo at the foot of the North Alps? It takes 4 hours and 30 minutes from Basta Shinjuku to Hirayu Bus Terminal, the entrance to Okuhida Onsenkyo, by direct highway bus! There are 5-6 round-trip direct buses running every day! For more information on highway buses, please visit highwaybus.com.
Furthermore, at 2,702 meters above sea level from the Hirayu Bus Terminal, it is “the highest bus stop in Japan! Super! Cool and super! Direct bus service to Norikura summit (Tatamidaira) bus terminal with its spectacular view takes only 60 minutes.
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.
The closest station to me is Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line, so before the coronavirus pandemic, I used the 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) 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 dizzy every time and seem to have a hard time.
I also get dizzy 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
24 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: ✔/Weekends: ✔
The trains are almost always on time, but because they are conventional trains, delays of 5 to 10 minutes are common.
Free Wi-Fi and mobile Wi-Fi routers are unstable in many tunnels and mountainous areas.
✔ Free Wi-Fi available
Stable connection with both Free Wi-Fi and mobile Wi-Fi router that you bring.
Toilet
✔
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.
✔
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!
✔
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: ✔ /Weekends: ✔
Weekdays: ✔ / Weekends: △
Power source (outlet)
✔
✔
Wi-Fi
△ Free Wi-Fi available
✔ Free Wi-Fi available
Toilet
✔
✔
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 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 “
These are recommended accommodations that our staff actually stayed at and found to be highly cost-effective.
Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto A modern, stylish budget hotel specializing in overnight stays, located directly near the Matsumoto bus terminal. Full service, including drink service for early check-in and tea rice with evening meal service. The large baths, modeled after the Shirakotsu Onsen hot springs, separate for men and women, are also attractive. In addition, children of elementary school age and younger sleep for free. Even more savings if you bring your children!
Hotel M Matsumoto Located right in front of the Matsumoto Bus Terminal on the 6th floor of a building that also houses Maruzen Bookstore and Daiso, this capsule and business hotel offers the best value for money, with a bright and clean atmosphere, and is safe for women traveling alone. Fully-equipped lounge, manga, etc. There is a large public bath with a gender-switching system. It is especially recommended for solo travelers and those staying before Kamikochi.
Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Ekimae It is about 400m 5 minutes away from the Matsumoto bus terminal. It is a stylish new hotel with an elaborate design that is also used for weddings. It is also recommended for women’s trips, etc.
