Every year the Takayama Festival (Spring) is held on April 14th and 15th. April 14th is where most of the major festivities are held including the night festival. If you missed the festival on the 14th, don’t fret! You can still see the floats another day. On the 15th, the parade returns to the main shrine and several dances and puppet shows are held throughout the day. Depending on the weather, there are cases where the festival finishes early or is cancelled due to the fragile nature of the floats so please keep this in mind.
How to get to Takayama from Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka
April 15th: On this day, a procession makes its way back to Hie Shrine where they departed the day before. There are also puppet shows put on through different times throughout the day. At the procession locals dress up in traditional wear and play music as they march back to Hie Shrine. There are also Shishimai (lion) dances that take place in front of the Takayama Historical Government House.
Takayama Spring Festival April 15th Schedule
Note: This is the basic schedule, however often schedules can be completely changed due to weather conditions so pay attention to live updates.
Marionette Performance #1
10:00 AM (around 15 mins)
Procession starts (in front of Takayama Historical Government House )
12:30 PM
Marionette Performance #2
2:00 PM (around 15 mins)
Procession ends at Hie Shrine
4:00 PM
The schedule is subject to change depending on weather (such as rain).
Takayama City decides and has live updates on which events are cancelled the day of found on their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Takayama Float Locations (for the marionette dances)
*Each float has a unique performance. For example, the Shakkyo marionette includes a lion dance and lion transformation while the Ryujin marionette includes a blast of confetti. Floats in red show which ones are putting on shows.
12:30 PM
Get off at Takayama Nohi Bus Center adjacent to Takayama Station. I missed the lion dance earlier, but the streets were lively with a lot of tourists.
1:20 PM
Around Honmachi street, there are festival food and game stalls selling classic festival foods like chocolate bananas, sugar coated fruits, fried foods and more! Many local children were out with their friends playing games.
Similar to the Ponshukan Sake Museum in Niigata Prefecture, Takayama also opened a sake sample bar located in the souvenir store Maryuhyaku where you can sample 100 different typesof the areas award winning sake, which is proudly produced in the area.
1:50 PM
After walking through the main streets and even doing some shopping, people started to make their ways to several different float stalls. I arrived 10 minutes early and was already far behind in the crowd!
Not all Takayama floats have puppets on them–my best advice is to see where the Japanese crowds migrate to (lol). Those with puppets will have a protruding stage in front of it for the doll. Floats with dolls on them are: Ebisu, Ryujin, Sanbasou, Shakkyo, Koukondai.
2:00 PM
The puppet dances start at each respective stall at 2PM and lasts around 15 minutes. This particular float (Shakkyo) was located right in front of the Takayama Municipal Government Memorial Hall. It did some pretty nifty tricks that were totally unexpected.
Hotels/ Lodging
Most guests opt to stay the night in Takayama to enjoy the festival and area at a more leisurely pace. The area is abundant in nature activities, luxurious foods like Hida beef, and natural hot springs. To truly experience the hot springs and hiking, the Okuhida region of Takayama has hiking trails, hot springs, and access to the national park Kamikochi. Next door is also Hida Furukawa famous for inspiring the anime movie, “Your Name” where many people enjoy riding bicycles by the rice fields. Lastly, the Kamioka region is a retro town famous for its outdoor bicycle experience on an old abandoned railway track!
Check more detailed information about the bus routes/ prices in the area: here
The express trains used from Shinjuku to Kofu, Kobuchizawa, Chino, Kami-suwa, Shiojiri, Matsumoto, and Hakuba by train are the Chuo Main Line’slimited express Kami-suji and limited express Azusa.
How can I get on this limited express Azusa at a reasonable price?
— updated 2025.4.16 from here↓↓ —
Limited Express Azusa 50% discount 2025 “Ticketless Limited Express Ticket for Conventional Lines (Tokuwari) One-way express ticket from Shinjuku to Matsumoto, normally priced at 2,550 yen, is now half-price at 1,270 yen. However, the discount is only for limited express tickets. A separate ticket (Shinjuku→Matsumoto 4,070 yen) is required. ■Duration of use Monday, May 12, 2025 – Friday, May 30, 2025 ■Date of release From 10:00 a.m. one month prior to the boarding date to before the departure time of the designated train on the boarding date
— 2025.4.16 Update so far↑↑↑ — — 2025.4.16 Update so far↑↑ — 2025.4.16 Update so far
Prior to March 15, 2019, there was a convenient and economical six-pack of KAZUSA coupon tickets, but with the change to all reserved seats effective March 16, 2019, the KAZUSA coupon tickets have been discontinued.
With the abolition of coupon tickets, the bulk sales of coupon tickets sold as Azusa discount tickets at ticket stores have also disappeared.
So, how to get the best value for your money as of 2025?
It is a part of JR East’s website and application, “ Ekinet on the JR East website or the “Ekinetto” application.
Value tickets: 1⃣
Ticketless Discounts You can book this one anytime by selecting Ticketless in the online reservation. You will receive a 100 yen discount on all tickets for any train (Azusa). This service is also available to/from Tachikawa and Hachioji other than Shinjuku. Example price) Shinjuku Station → Matsumoto Station Normal fare (train ticket + reserved seat express ticket) 6,620 yen is discounted 100 yen to 6,520 yen The first two are the following.
Value Ticket 2⃣
Ticketless Express Tickets 35% OFF Limited number of seats are available, but can be purchased until the day of boarding. Also, unlike the “Tokuda Value” series sold before March 15, 2024, train tickets are not included. Please note that you will need to purchase a separate train ticket. Please note that there are often no seats available due to the limited number of seats.
Example price) Shinjuku Station → Matsumoto Station Normal fare (train ticket + reserved seat express ticket) 6,620 yen Ticketless Express 35% OFF 5,720 yen The price is 900 yen less than that of the previous year. Breakdown of Ticketless Express 35% Off Fees Express ticket 1,650 yen Ticket 4,070 yen
10% off the price *The program ended on March 15, 2024. A limited number of seats are available for purchase until the day of boarding. This is a special ticket that includes a boarding ticket and a reserved seat express ticket, and you cannot board any train other than the one you have reserved (Azusa). Please note that the ticket is also limited to the reserved train. Also, paper tickets are required to board the train. Do not forget to issue tickets in advance from vending machines at stations! Example price) Shinjuku Station → Matsumoto Station Normal fare (train ticket + reserved seat express ticket) 6,620 yen Tokuda Value 10% OFF 5,950 yen The price is 670 yen less than that of the previous year.
Value Ticket 3⃣
30% off the Tokuda Value *The program ended on March 15, 2024. This is the most economical ticket available. Example price) Shinjuku Station → Matsumoto Station Normal fare (train ticket + reserved seat express ticket) 6,620 yen The price is 4,620 yen and 2,000 yen discount with the 30% discount of Tokuda Value.
Sales are available up to 13 days prior to the boarding date. Please make reservations as early as possible. Please note that this is also a limited number of seats, so some dates and times may be difficult to obtain.
Also, as with the 10% off Tokudayori, a paper ticket is required to board the bus. Do not forget to issue tickets in advance from vending machines at the station!
Ticketless Express 35%OFF is only available for trains departing from and arriving at Shinjuku, and is not available for trains departing from or arriving at Tachikawa or Hachioji Stations. Even if you board from Tachikawa or Hachioji Station or get off at Hachioji or Tachikawa Station, you must purchase a ticket to/from Shinjuku Station.
Therefore, when searching for available seats on Eki Net, be sure to select “Shinjuku” instead of “Tachikawa” or “Hachioji” as the departure and arrival station.
For reference: Tachikawa Station or Hachioji Station ⇓ Matsumoto Station
Normal price (train ticket + reserved seat express ticket) 5,650 yen Ticketless Discounts 5,550 yen
From/to Shinjuku Ticketless Express 35% OFF 5,720 yen Therefore, regular rates and ticketless discounts are more economical.
Also, from my nearest station “Mitaka” to “Matsumoto” is Regular price 5,980 yen Ticketless discount 5,880 yen So, even with the 35% discount on the Ticketless Express, you will save 590 yen at the regular price. Ticketless discount 5,880 yen is 490 yen less than Ticketless Express Toku 35%OFF.
The bus terminal “Basta Shinjuku” is directly connected to Shinjuku Station for highway buses, and 17 round trips/day are made to the “Matsumoto Bus Terminal” next to Matsumoto Station.
The trip takes 3 hours and 20 minutes, about 40 minutes extra than Azusa, but the cost performance, including cost and comfort, is high.
You can also get off at the Chuo-do Hino bus stop near Koshu Kaido Station, which is 2 stops (5 minutes) on the Tama Urban Monorail from Tachikawa Station.
If you take the Azusa at Tachikawa Station or get off at Tachikawa Station, the express bus from Hino bus stop is a greatdeal.
Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal ⇓ Matsumoto Bus Terminal
Fee 3,300 yen and up *Variable price system, web payment discount available
Recommended Hotels near Matsumoto Station and 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. 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. The lounge is well stocked with comic books and other materials. There is a large public bath with interchangeable men’s and women’s facilities. It is especially recommended for solo travelers.
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.
Publish date: April 1st, 2025 Topic: Transportation to Takayama, Takayama Bus
Going between Kyoto and Takayama can range from around 3 1/2 hours to 5 hours. There are currently two direct buses departing from Kyoto Station, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon. From July to October, one more bus is added and departs around lunch time and can be seen in the table below. If you want to visit Shirakawago or Kanazawa on the way to Takayama, there is also a tour bus that runs once a day, but it costs significantly more.
Kyoto to Takayama Bus Departure Times (direct bus)
*Note: If you want to also go to Shirakawago, you will have to board from Takayama Nohi Bus Center. (Reservations in advance are recommended)
How to board the Takayama Bus from Kyoto Station
Aim for Hachiko West Exit
If you’re arriving from the Kyoto Tower side of the station, follow the signs for Hachiko West Exit. After passing the shinkansen (bullet train) entrance, keep walking straight passing the Kintetsu train entrance until you are outside.
Sit in the waiting area
Right outside the station exit is a waiting area with plenty of seating and a roof. There is no bathroom, but a smoking area. Take the stairs or escalator down and head for bus stop F3.
Board the bus
At bus stop F3, the bus driver will check your reservation. If you did not book a ticket in advance, if there are still seats available, you can pay the driver directly in cash and still board.
Morning Kyoto Bus
In both Kyoto and Takayama, many stores and restaurants don’t open until 10 or 11AM, which can be inconvenient at times. If you board the 9:50AM bus, there are convenience stores, bread stores, and McDonalds at Kyoto station for breakfast. By taking this bus, you will arrive in Takayama in time for dinner.
Afternoon Kyoto Bus
If you want to spend time in Kyoto and reach Takayama at night, the 4:45PM bus is ideal as it gives you time to eat lunch beforehand. We recommend buying a dinner to-go as when you arrive in Takayama (around 9PM), most restaurants have already been closed.
Kyoto to Takayama via the Lemon Tour Bus (with stops at Kanazawa and Shirakawago)
There is a bus that makes a brief 40 minute stop in Kanazawa and a 1 hour 30 minute bus stop in Shirakawago. This bus is not a guided tour but instead transports you between each location.
NOTE: If you want to make all the stops in one day, this is a good option as getting to Shirakawago from Takayama takes 1 hour one way and departs only once an hour (5,600 yen roundtrip).
Price Analysis: Bus vs Train
Other methods to get from Kyoto to Takayama are by train and bus, or train, and shinkansen. Express trains such as the Hida Express or buses may depart only once an hour, so you may have to align your departure times. Reservations are recommended for the bus and express trains.
From Takayama you can also easily get to places like: Shirakawago, Okuhida, Kamikochi, and Kanazawa.
Okuhida Onsen Resort Town 1 hour from Takayama City
Kamikochi National Park 1hr 20 mins from Takayama City
Observation Deck View at Shirakawago 1 hour from Takayama City
Higashi Chaya District in Kanazawa 2hrs 30 mins from Takayama City
If you use Takayama as a base, getting to these locations take only 2 hours or less. The Takayama area offers a lot of outdoor activities such as hiking, nature bathing, and natural hotsprings. Nearby are also popular tourist towns such as Hida Furukawa, Kamioka, and Gero.
Takato Joshi Park in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, is famous for its 1,500 Takato Okohigan cherry trees, an endemic species, and is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.
Viewing time in 2025 (estimated bloom and full bloom)
April 4, 2025 (Fri.) Takato Cherry Blossom Festival begins!
Ina City declared the blooming of Takatookohiganzakura cherry trees on April 4, 2025, one day earlier than in 2024, and almost the same as in a normal year. The “Cherry Blossom Festival” started on the same day. Full bloom is expected around the 11th.
The Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from the time of blooming until the end of the season.
■From Weather News
Estimated date of bloom: April 4, 2025 Fifth bloom April 7, 2025 Full bloom April 10, 2025 Cherry Blizzard April 16, 2025
Period From the beginning of bloom to the end of fall Park opening: Saturday, March 22, 2025
The Takato Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year (Reference data)
March 26 – April 11, 2021 April 5 – April 14. 2022 March 25 – April 10, 2023 April 6 – April 26. 2024 Dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions and the blooming of cherry trees each year.
opening hours (of a park, etc.) Normal period: 8:00 – 17:00 Peak season: 6:00 – 22:00 (last admission 21:00)
Adults (high school students and older) 600 yen (@500 yen for 20 or more people) Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen (@250 yen for over 20 people)
Digital ticket service will start in 2025. Smooth ticket purchase! Purchase the tickets in advance with your smartphone and simply present the QR code displayed on the screen to enter the park.
Basta Shinjuku ↓ （Express Bus｜3 hours and 25 minutes) Timetables and reservations ( highwaybus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Takato Bus Route, approx. 25 min. Timetable ) ↓ Takato Station ↓ (about 15 min. on foot) ↓ Takato Joshi Park
Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya) ↓ （Highway bus｜approx. 3 hours) Timetables and reservations ( highwaybus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Takato Bus Route, approx. 25 min. Timetable ) ↓ Takato Station ↓ (about 15 min. on foot) ↓ Takato Joshi Park
If you are planning to do a round trip journey from Tokyo, there is actually a cheaper way to get to Kamikochi if you make one transfer via bus. It can save you up to 10,000 yen.
Kamikochi is one of the most popular national parks in all of Japan, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Annually, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the park’s pristine clear waters, fresh air, and hiking routes. Kamikochi can be reached in around 5 hours by bus from Tokyo and 1 hour by bus from central Takayama. Once a year the park closes during the winter season and reopens in spring due to the high amounts of snow. Spring in Kamikochi can still be a bit cool, but flowers and greenery start to take light again. Kamikochi is beautiful year-round, but spring offers unique sights that set it apart from other seasons.
Enjoy Nirinso Flowers Blooming
In Kamikochi there is a famous wildflower which blooms in Spring. The Nirinso is a small, delicate flower that blooms in fields around Kamikochi. You can spot these flowers by taking only a five minute walk from Kappa Bridge, the main photo spot in Kamikochi, or a 10 minute walk from the bus parking lot to Konashidaira Campground.
Nirinso
Nirinso is a wildflower that is part of the buttercup flower family, and is native to Japan and commonly found in the woodlands. The flowers can be spotted at Konashidaira Campground, located next to Kappa Bridge, the main bridge in Kamikochi and bloom starting May.
Enjoy Wildlife Make Their Return
If you’re a fan of birdwatching, in spring, many birds wake from their hibernation and can be seen all around the park. Other wildlife such as monkeys, ducks and weasels can also be seen all around the park as they make their return for spring.
Wild Birds
The Kamikochi area has over 100 variety of birds. Some varieties include the Grey Wagtail, Brown Dipper, Bush Warbler, and Pygmy Woodpecker.
Tips for Spring in Kamikochi:
Cold Temperatures: Although it is spring, temperatures in Kamikochi can still be quite cold especially during early April. It is advisable to wear thermals and prepare for some snow to still be on the ground. There also instances where you can still see snow on the mountains or on the paths during early spring.
Some Hiking Routes in Kamikochi:
Route (from Parking Lot)
Time Taken (one way/way up)
Taisho Pond Trail
1 hour
Mt.Yakedake
5 hours
Karasawa Hutte
5 hours
Opening dates:
Kamikochi reopens April 17th, 2025.
Hotels on the premises will not be opened until later in the month. While day trips are possible, if you truly want to enjoy the Japanese Alps, we recommend booking a hotel on the premises or staying in the nearby onsen area, Okuhida or in Takayama City so you can take your time in Kamikochi. For those with more time on their hands, we recommend staying 2 or more days as the area has many breathtaking hiking routes spread throughout the Nagano and Gifu regions. Okuhida also offers many ryokan (Japanese Inn) and onsen (hot spring bathing) for nature lovers. Buses from Okuhida (Hirayu Bus Terminal) to Kamikochi have resumed on the 17th.
Nearby Attractions/ Hiking Routes
Mt.Norikura
Mt.Norikura is the highest mountain that can be reached by bus (and bicycle!). The mountain is only a 1 1/2 hours away by bus from Kamikochi. To get here, depart from Hirayu Bus Terminal for Honokidaira Bus Terminal. From Honokidaira Bus Terminal, there are buses once an hour that take you to Mt. Norikura.
Okuhida Onsengo
Okuhida Onsengo is a onsen resort area 20 minutes from Kamikochi. Some popular hiking routes include: Mt.Kasagatake, Mt.Yake, and Nishihotakadake.
