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.
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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.
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)
Access
From the direction of Tokyo
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
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 ].
That is to take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Hida Takayama and transfer at the Hirayu bus terminal next to Kamikochi.
Although the time required is about 30 minutes longer than the direct bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi, the round-trip fare is more than 10,000 yen less than the direct bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi. In addition, you can enjoy Okuhida Onsenkyo (hot spring resort) such as Hirayu Onsen.
Kamikochi is always restricted to private cars and cannot be entered by private cars.
The only ways to enter Kamikochi are by bus, licensed cab, on foot, or by bicycle. Therefore, the highway bus is by far the most convenient way to get to Kamikochi from Tokyo!
However, because express buses are convenient, they are popular and crowded, making prices somewhat more expensive. A little less expensive! Here’s a guide to the tricks of the trade to make it easier to make reservations.
Kamikochi Bus TerminalKamikochi Bus Terminal
General directions from Tokyo area to Kamikochi
■ By train Approx. 9,500 yen (one-way for adults)
Shinjuku Station ｜ (JR Express Azusa) Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes ｜ Matsumoto Station ｜ (Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line ) Approx. 30 min. ｜ Niijima Station ｜ (Bus route ) Approx. 1 hr. 15 min. ｜ Kamikochi Bus Terminal
■ For express buses ■ Approx. 10,000 yen (one-way for adults)
Basta Shinjuku / Shibuya Bus Terminal (Mark City) / Yaesu South Exit of JR Tokyo Station ｜ (Highway Bus, Sawayaka Shinshu-go ) Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes ~ 5 hours ｜ Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Buses from Shinjuku are especially convenient and numerous. However, highway buses from Shinjuku (Basta Shinjuku) to Kamikochi are very popular, so reservations are difficult to obtain and the fares are a bit expensive. So, what is theback-uphighway bus route that is relatively inexpensive and easy to book,
Shinjuku (Basta Shinjuku) ｜ ( Highway bus to Hida Takayama ) Approx. 4 hours and 40 minutes ｜ Hirayu Bus Terminal ｜ ( Bus routes ) Approx. 25 min. ｜ Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Express bus routes are available. The fare is approximately 6,500 yen (one-way for adults ).
Hirayu Bus TerminalHirayu Bus Terminal
Hirayu Bus Terminal is the gateway toKamikochi, Mt. Norikura and Shin Hotaka Ro on the Gifu Prefecture (Takayama City) side. The Hirayu Bus Terminal is also the stop for highway buses from Basta Shinjuku to Takayama, with 5 to 7 round-trip highway buses running daily.
If you head to Kamikochi via this Hirayu bus terminal, you can save more than 10,000 yen round trip.
Location of Kamikochi and its surroundings
If you are going to Kamikochi by car On the Matsumoto City side in Nagano Prefecture, park at Sawatari parking lot, and on the Takayama City side in Gifu Prefecture, park at Akandana parking lot (Hirayu Onsen ) and transfer to a bus for 20 to 30 minutes.
If you are going to Kamikochi, going via Hirayu Bus Terminal is not only economical but also healing. The reason…
(1) Save more than 10,000 yen round trip via Hirayu!
Shinjuku⇔Kamikochi Round trip by direct bus] Approx. 26,000 yen
Shinjuku⇔Hirayu⇔Kamikochi Round-trip, via Hirayu] Approx. 14,200 yen, a savings of more than 10,000 yen
Shinjuku → Hirayu → Kamikochi → Shinjuku In case of one-way direct bus, one-way via Hirayu] 21,000 yen, about 5,000 yen savings.
・
(2) Healing in a famous hot spring. So what kind of place is Hirayu Onsen?
It is the gateway to Okuhida Onsenkyo. The largest hot spring resort near Kamikochi, with about 30 accommodations of various sizes. The town spreads out around the Hirayu Bus Terminal, and most of the hot springs are within walking distance of each other. In addition to lodging facilities, there are also a variety of day-trip hot spring facilities and restaurants. The hot spring water is abundant and hot. There are approximately 40 sources, gushing out approximately 13,000 liters per minute of hot spring water at a temperature of approximately 90°C.
Hirayu Onsen Town seen from Awa PassHirayu Onsen Folk Museum
Shinjuku – Kamikochi (Sawayaka Shinshu-go) Adults 10,000 yen – 16,000 yen Children 5,000 yen – 8,000 yen Details, Timetable, Reservations
Shinjuku – Hirayu Bus Terminal (to Hida Takayama) Adults 5,800 yen ～ 6,200 yen Children 2,900 yen – 3,100 yen Details, Timetable, Reservations
Hirayu Bus Terminal – Kamikochi Bus Terminal Adults 1,500 yen one way 2,800 yen round trip Child 750 yen one way, 1,400 yen round trip Details & Timetable
Keio Bus LINE official account opened!
Kamikochi Recommended Model Course
*The model course below is based on the summer schedule. Seasonal buses may be used. Please check the bus schedule in advance.
1. hiking & cyclingAn active experience in the great outdoors!
Day 1
Departure from Shinjuku 8:15→(Shakado PA, Suwako SA) → Arrival at Hirayu 12:55
Hirayu Onsen 13:00-14:00Lunch
Hirayu Exploration Path, Hirayu Great Falls, etc. Hiking 14:00-16:30
Hirayu Onsen check-in around 16:30 (overnight stay)
Departure from Nishiho Dokubetsu at 10:30→(trekking)→arrival at Nishihomaruyama at 11:30→(trekking)→arrival at Nishiho Sanso at 12:00
Nishiho Villa Lunch
Nishiho Villa 13:00→(trekking)→Nishihotaka-guchi station 14:45→(ropeway)→Shinhotaka Onsen station 15:10
Shin Hotaka Ropeway 15:55→(Takayama-bound local bus) → Arrival at Hirayu Bus Terminal 16:28
Hirayu Forest Bathing
Hirayu Bus Terminal 18:05→(Suwako SA, Shakado PA, etc.) →Arrive Shinjuku 22:45
5. enjoy the spectacular view of Norikura Tatamidaira at an elevation of 2,702 meters and Kamikochi! *Norikura Skyline will be closed in 2023.
Day 1
Departure from Shinjuku 10:25p.m. → (overnight stay in car)
2nd day
→Arrive at Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 5:20
Kamikochi (breakfast, walk, lunch)
Depart from Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 15:00 → (Awa Tunnel) → Arrive at Hirayu Bus Terminal at 15:25
Check-in at Hirayu Onsen around 16:00
3rd day
Hirayu Bus Terminal 8:00→(Norikura Skyline) -> Norikura Tatamidaira 9:00 arrival
Norikura Tatamidaira (walk and lunch)
Kamikochi Bus Terminal 14:00→(Norikura Skyline) →Hirayu Bus Terminal 15:00
Hirayu Bus Terminal 16:05→(Suwako SA, Shakado PA) →Arrive Shinjuku 20:45 *You can also enjoy cycling between Hirayu and Norikura-dake (Tatamidaira) on a rental e-bike!
*The model course above is based on the summer schedule. Seasonal buses may be used. Please check the bus schedule in advance.
Shinjuku – Kamikochi (Sawayaka Shinshu-go) Adults 10,000 yen – 16,000 yen Children 5,000 yen – 8,000 yen Details, Timetable, Reservations
Shinjuku – Hirayu Bus Terminal (to Hida Takayama) Adults 5,800 yen – 6,200 yen Children 2,900 yen – 3,100 yen Details, Timetable, Reservations
Hirayu Bus Terminal – Kamikochi Bus Terminal Adults 1,500 yen one way 2,800 yen round trip Child 750 yen one way, 1,400 yen round trip Details & Timetable
