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Experiences & Reviews

  • 2024.04.29

Full highway bus between Shinjuku and Kamikochi? Instead, take the bus via Matsumoto

Kamikochi Reopening

Kamikochi reopened again this year (2024).

Now that covid has subsided, a large influx of people have been swarming to Kamikochi as soon as it opens on April 17th. As a result, direct buses from Shinjuku have become difficult to book due to labor regulations for drivers and others starting in April 2024.

We will introduce a second back-up plan for traveling between Shinjuku and Kamikochi. This method is relatively easy to book and inexpensive.

An Overview: Shinjuku to Takayama

In Part 1, we showed you how to take the highway bus from Shinjuku to Takayama and transfer at the Hirayu Bus Terminal [ via Hirayu Bus Terminal (Hirayu Onsen) ], and this time we will show you the backstage procedure for the version via Matsumoto.

You can take a highway bus from Shinjuku Bus Terminal or Hino Bus Station to Matsumoto bus terminal and head for Kamikochi.

Although it is common to use the ” Matsumoto Bus Terminal” and “Matsumoto Station” to connect the highway bus to the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line, here we will use the “Matsumoto Inter-mae Bus Stop” and “Oniwa Station” on the Kamikochi Line to emphasize typa.

This backstage technique can shorten commute time by about 30 minutes.
If you can connect to a train one train earlier, you can also save an hour.

If you are short on money and time, this is a good backup route.

Route

Board the highway bus at the Shinjuku/Hino bus stop.
　　　⇕
(Highway Bus / to Matsumoto)
Approx. 190 min. from Shinjuku, 160 min. from Hino
　　　⇕
Get off the highway bus at the Matsumoto Interchange bus stop.
　　　⇕
( about 550m / 7-8 minutes walk )
　　　⇕
Board the train at Oba Station.
　　　⇕
( Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line )
　　Approx. 25 min.
　　　⇕
Get off the train at Niijima Station.
　Board a local bus at the Niijima Bus Terminal
　　　⇕
( Local bus bound for Kamikochi )
　　Approx. 65 min.
　　　⇕
Kamikochi Bus Terminal

Fees (Fares)

It costs about 7,000 yen one way.

The breakdown is
Shinjuku – Matsumoto Highway Bus: 3,300 – 4,000 yen/one way
　Reference 4-pack web coupon tickets
　　 Basta Shinjuku – Matsumoto 13,000 yen / 4 tickets （3,250 yen / 1 ticket)
　　 Hino bus stop – Matsumoto 11,400 yen/4 tickets (2,850 yen/1 ticket)
Oniwa – Niijima 590 yen/one way
　(Matsumoto – Niijima 710 yen/one way)
Shinshimadai – Kamikochi Bus Terminal 2,550 yen / one way
　All buses from Kamikochi to Niijimatsuri on the return trip will be operated on a reservation basis from FY2024.

Details & Reservations

The direct bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi, “Sawayaka Shinshu-go,” has variable fares ranging from 8,000 yen to 16,000 yen.
Daytime 4-row seat: 8,000-12,000 yen (adult one-way)
Daytime flight 3-row seat: 10,000-14,000 yen (adult one-way)

Overnight 4-row seat: 10,000-14,000 yen (adult one-way)
Overnight flights 3-row seat: 12,000 yen – 16,000 yen (adult one-way)
　Fares vary depending on the day of operation.　 For details, click here.

The typical fee is 12,000-14,000 yen, which is almost half the price.

In other words, Save more than 10,000 yen round-trip (i.e., more than 10,000 yen savings for a round-trip flight)

We recommend using the “Matsumoto Bus Terminal” and “Matsumoto Station” if you plan to stay the night before or after in Matsumoto, or if you plan to shop or eat at Matsumoto.

If you stay the night before the tour, you can take the “National Park Liner,” a direct bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi that departs from the Matsumoto Bus Terminal at 5:30 am and arrives at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 7:05 am, allowing you to enjoy Kamikochi in the early morning.
>> >> Details of National Park Liner

>> >> Recommended for the first night or the second night! Hotels near Matsumoto Bus Terminal

Express Bus and Rail Transfers

Express buses and trains generally use the “Matsumoto Bus Terminal” and “Matsumoto Station” for connections. The bus terminal and train station are a short 5-minute walk away.

However, as shown in the map below, it is necessary to make a round trip between the Matsumoto Interchange and Matsumoto Station, resulting in waste. Therefore, if you wish to go directly from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Kamikochi or from Kamikochi directly to Tokyo (Shinjuku), we recommend that you transfer at the “Matsumoto Inter-mae Bus Stop” and “Oba Station” on the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line.

The bus stop in front of the Matsumoto Interchange on the return trip (toward Shinjuku) has a waiting room that was renovated in June 2019 and is equipped with air conditioning, restrooms, and 9 charging stations (outlets, USB) for cell phones and other devices.

The round-trip fare via Matsumoto is more than 10,000 yen less than the direct bus service from Shinjuku to Kamikochi.
We also recommend that you spend the night before or after your stay in Matsumoto with the money you save. In this case, please use “Matsumoto Bus Terminal” and “Matsumoto Station”.

Matsumoto Interchange Bus Stop ⇔ Kamikochi Line Oba Station

If are routing to Oba Station using Google Maps, you will be directed to take the long way around as shown in the map below.

Google maps routes you this way because there is no pedestrian crossing at Horimae, the intersection just after getting off the bus.
The shortest way is to get to this stop is to follow the red arrow in the photo below. You cannot cross Route 158.


There is an underground promenade that does not appear on Google Maps that can be crossed safely and easily.

The underground promenade was well maintained and cleaned, and was relatively bright and safe.

From Oniwa Station, take the Kamikochi Line bound for Niijima-eki and arrive at the last stop, Niijima-eki, in about 25 minutes.
Niijima Station is the closest train station to Kamikochi, and from here it is a 65-minute bus ride to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
When boarding the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line, please pick up a numbered ticket at the entrance.　It will be used when you get off the train.
Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line does not accept IC cards such as Suica. Please have coins ready.

Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line “Oba Station” ⇒ “Matsumoto Interchange-mae Bus Stop

Niijima Station
Niijima Bus Terminal

Shinjuku – Matsumoto Highway Bus Reservation

Highwaybus.com allows you to change/cancel reservations and select seats for highway buses.

There are approximately 24 round trips/day by express bus from Matsumoto to Shinjuku ↔ Matsumoto.
For reservations
↓↓↓↓
Highwaybus.com

Futaba service area by taking a break on the way

Recommended Hotels near Matsumoto Bus Terminal

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.

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
  • Lounge is stocked with comic books
  • Large public bath

Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Ekimae
It is about 400m, or 5 minutes away from the Matsumoto bus terminal.

Some benefits:

  • Stylish and elaborate/ often used for weddings
  • Recommended for girls trips, etc.

Other accommodations near Matsumoto Station and Matsumoto Bus Terminal

  • 2024.02.29

A Modern Coworking Space on the 7th floor of Matsumoto Bus Terminal

ALPICO PLAZA is a co-working space on 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 comes with 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!

I checked online for available seats on the express bus, made a reservation, worked until just before the departure time, and boarded the bus right away.

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
  • Lounge is stocked with comic books
  • Large public bath

Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Ekimae
It is about 400m, or 5 minutes away from the Matsumoto bus terminal.

Some benefits:

  • Stylish and elaborate/ often used for weddings
  • Recommended for girls trips, etc.

  • 2023.12.21

Shortage of rental cars in Matsumoto has become chronic! | Using the Kanbayashi bus stop on the Nagano Expressway for a lesser known store

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.

Then, return.

First, we will go to Apollo Station Matsumoto Airport Road SS/Misuzu Sekiyu Co.
Nico Nico Rent-A-Car Matsumoto Airport Dori Kanbayashi Branch is attached to Apollo Station Matsumoto Airport Road SS.

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 ].

  • 2023.08.04

Go to Kamikochi by Rental Bicycle!

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.

Hirayu Onsen→Kamikochi｜Outbound 2hr 30 mins~
Kamikochi→Hirayu Onsen｜Inbound　2hrs~

Including the time spent in Kamikochi, the activity will last approximately 6 hours.

Course for this time (Google map)
*Time for walking is shown.

*Thehighway bus fromTokyotoHirayu Onsen (Okuhida Onsen-kyo), the gateway to Kamikochi, is convenient.
　A direct highway bus from Basta Shinjuku takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes (2 rest stops are included).
　 >> Details of the highway bus from Basta Shinjuku to Hirayu Onsen (Okuhida Hot Spring Resort) to Hida Takayama

7:30

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.

Basta Shinjuku⇔Hirayu Bus Terminal

7:45

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!

自転車では安房トンネルなどの中部縦貫道は通行できないので
国道158号旧道で安房峠（標高1,790m）を目指します。

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).

自転車で行ける
日本最高峰！標高2,702m
絶景の乗鞍スカイライン
サイクリング体験記

Okuhida Base

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.

Official WEB site

※東京から上高地の玄関口「平湯温泉（奥飛騨温泉郷）」までは高速バスが便利です。
バスタ新宿から直通の高速バスで約4時間30分（２回の休憩時間が含まれます。）

Shinjuku – Hirayu Bus Terminal (to Hida Takayama)
Adults 5,800 yen – 6,200 yen
Children 2,900 yen – 3,100 yen
Details, timetable, and reservations

Keio Bus LINE official account opened!

You can add them as a friend on your LINE Account.

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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  • 2022.05.16

Norikura Skyline Mountain Cycling Experience with Rental Bicycles

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]

7:45

Arrive at Okuhida Base

It is located about a 2-minute walk from the Hirayu Bus Terminal and is open (rental hours) from 6:00 to 23:00.

The weather is sunny and the temperature is around 20°C.
It is a perfect day for cycling.

I reserved a parking space in the vicinity in advance with akippa.
It was inexpensive at 330 yen/day.

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.

*Norikura Skyline Hirayu Pass gate opening hours:
5/15-6/30 7:00-18:00
7/1-9/30 3:30-18:00
Closed 10/1-7:00-18:00

Unlike the previous bus ride up, we cycled at a leisurely pace, enjoying the scenery and feeling the breeze.

Thanks to the electric power assist, I can ride up the mountain!　Electric assist is great!

Couples can enjoy talking while viewing the spectacular view, which will surely shorten the distance between the two of you.

Unfortunately we are just two uncles ^^;;;.

Kasagatake, Yarigatake, Okuhotaka, etc… The whole view of the mountains of the Northern Alps was breathtaking.

Here’s a little advice (2)

Automatic mode is recommended as the bicycle assist mode.

Long mode is good for able-bodied cyclists but a bit tough for me.

My friend who climbed with power mode ran out of battery 1km before the goal, Tatamidaira.The last 1km was unassisted cycling.

In automatic mode, I had 30% of battery remaining at Tatamitaira.

The return trip is almost entirely downhill and does not require any assist. ^^

Keep your saddle low and descend slowly and safely first.

8:40

Next, arrive at the couple pine parking lot, which has a large observation deck and restrooms!

Here we took a short break.
It is also recommended you take this time for restroom breaks.

From here, you can see the city of Takayama and Mt.Hakusan in the distance!

Those who are not confident in their physical strength or who do not have enough time can enjoy the ride to the couple pine tree parking lot.

8:56

We next arrived at a small observatory called Norikura Skyline Bogakudai.
It feels like we are at a much higher elevation.

The weather was beautiful and Yarigatake and Nishi-Hotaka were clearly visible!
The blue sky is beautiful!

The air felt so fresh and clean.

9:48

Beyond the forest limit, we are now in a full-blown alpine area.
The autumn leaves are slowly starting to change and it is beautiful.

It really felt like a bicyclists’ paradise because no cars pass by.

All you can hear is the sound of the wind!　It’s great!
But the air is so thin and my head was getting a little dizzy.

And then the painful situation…
I’m hungry…! I need energy!
I only had a little bit of water ^^;;;

I seriously regretted not buying food earlier in Hirayu ^^;;;

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 ^^;;;.

Google

View the route from Okuhida Base to
Norikura Tatamidaira on Google Maps.

Okuhida Base

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.

Official WEB site

Awa Pass and Kamikochi Cycling Experience

The direct highway buses from Shinjuku (Basta Shinjuku), Chuo highway Fuchu bus stop, and Chuo highway Hino bus stop are convenient to get to Hirayu Onsen, the gateway to the Norikura Skyline.
Highway Bus Details

Keio Bus LINE official account opened!

You can add them as a friend on your LINE Account.

==PR==

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.