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
Updated bloom forecast for April 2, 2024 Updated bloom forecast for March 26, 2024 Updated bloom forecast for March 9, 2024 Updated bloom forecast for February 17, 2024
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 groups of 20 or more) Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen (@250 yen for groups of 20 or more)
Access
From Tokyo
Basta Shinjuku ↓ (Highway Bus｜About 3 hours and 25 minutes) *Timetable and reservation ( highway-bus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Local bus, Takato line, about 25 min. Timetable ) ↓ Takato Station ↓ (about 15 min. on foot) ↓ Takato Joshi Park
Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya) ↓ (Express Bus｜About 3 hours) *Timetable & Reservation ( highway-bus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Local bus, Takato line, about 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.
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 ].
Updated March 25, 2024 Updated February 19, 2024 Updated February 8, 2024 Updated December 18, 2023
March 16, 2024, Kanazawa-Tsuruga of Hokuriku Shinkansen line opens! Tokyo is now conveniently connected to Fukui and Tsuruga by a single Shinkansen line. So how will this opening affect the travel between Nagoya and places like Fukui and Kanazawa, and how will it affect them? I looked into it.
Until March 15, 2024, there are three main ways to travel between Nagoya and Fukui by public transportation
[Railroad (1) Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Fukui/Kanazawa Nagoya – (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Fukui/Kanazawa Highway bus Nagoya – (highway bus) – Fukui/Kanazawa
With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line between Kanazawa and Tsuruga on March 16, 2024, the limited express train “Shirasagi” will be shortened to Nagoya, Maibara and Tsuruga.
[Railroad
Nagoya – ( Limited Express Shirasagi)
TsurugaFukui/Kanazawa Nagoya – ( Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi)
Tsuruga Fukui/Kanazawa
This means one more transfer at Tsuruga Station.
In addition, JR West announced that
Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Fukui The express fare for the route “1” has increased by 1,150 yen to 6,960 yen, and the travel time has shortened by about 3 minutes.
Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Kanazawa The express fare for the route “1” has increased by 1,620 yen to 9,080 yen, and the travel time has shortened by 16 minutes on average.
If time is your top priority are to use the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Nagoya- (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Fukui and the
The fastest time is 1 hour and 33 minutes and the fastest time is 1 hour and 33 minutes.
Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen About 2 hours and 11 minutes (average)
Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen about 1 hour and 42 minutes (average) Fastest time: 1 hour and 33 minutes
About 2 hours and 40 minutes (From/to JR Nagoya Station)
first departure (of the day) From Nagoya ／ From Fukui
Nagoya 7:11 (Kodama + transfer at Yonehara) Nagoya 7:51 (direct) ／ Departure from Fukui 6:36 From Fukui (transferring to Yonehara) 7:38
Meitetsu Bus Center 7:00 Nagoya station 7:15 ／ Fukui station 6:00
final From Nagoya ／ From Fukui
Nagoya 19:48 (direct) Nagoya 21:15 (Hikari + transfer at Maibara) ／ Departure from Fukui 19:42 From Fukui (transferring to Yonehara) 21:32
Meitetsu Bus Center 20:00 Nagoya station 20:15 ／ Fukui station 20:00
Charge
Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen Normal Fare 6,960 yen / one way WEB Early Special 7 (Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use) Limited number of seats 5,690 yen/one way — Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen Normal Fare 7,730 yen / one way WEB Early Special 7 (Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use) Limited number of seats 5,690 yen/one way Smart EX+ [EX service only]. connection (interline) ticket 5,590 yen / one way
3,600 yen / one-way purchase 6,500 yen/round trip purchase
Number of transfers
1 or 2 times
0 times
Amount of trains
Approx. 8 round trips (direct) About 7 round trips (transferring at Yonehara)
10 round trips
Rest stops on the way
Transfer at Tsuruga Station Transfer time is 8-19 minutes When using the Tokaido Shinkansen Transfer time at Yonehara is about 7 to 30 minutes.
Shokugatake SA *Subject to change.
Equipment
Railroad
Highway bus
Limited Express Shirasagi
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Toilet
〇
〇
〇
Wifi
✖
〇
〇 *Depends on the operating company There are cases where
Power (button on TV, etc.)
✖
〇
〇
Service
Railroad
Highway bus
Online Reservations
△ From the following WEB site Possible, but JR West’s For services, To pick up tickets Restrictions. Outing Net
If price, transfers, and effective use of travel time are important to you
No transfers, wi-fi and power supply in place. Express buses are recommended. Express buses without transfers are also recommended when luggage is large.
>>Highwaybus.com for Nagoya – Fukui Expressway Bus Reservations
At Eiheiji Temple, many monks practice Zen day and night, giving visitors a sense of the faith and culture of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The vast grounds are also home to many beautiful architectural structures and Buddhist statues, such as the Picture Ceiling Room and the Bodhisattva of the Holy Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Eiheiji is a fascinating place where nature, history, and modernity are in harmony. Going here can quiet your mind away from the hustle and bustle of daily life through Zen meditation and sutra copying.
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world’s three major dinosaur museums, with some 40,000 exhibits including actual fossils, full-body skeletons, and moving dinosaur robots. It is a place where visitors can see, touch, and learn about the fascination of dinosaurs.
How to get to Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum from Nagoya
About 3 hours and 45 minutes (From/to JR Nagoya Station)
First departure (of the day) From Nagoya ／ Departure from Kanazawa
Nagoya 7:11 (Kodama + transfer at Yonehara) Nagoya 7:51 (direct) ／ Departure from Kanazawa 6:00 From Kanazawa (transferring to Yonehara) 7:02
Meitetsu Bus Center 7:30 Nagoya station 7:45 ／ Kanazawa Station 6:30
Final departure From Nagoya ／ Departure from Kanazawa
Nagoya 19:48 (direct) Nagoya 21:15 (Hikari + transfer at Maibara) ／ Departure from Kanazawa 19:06 Kanazawa Departure (transferring to Yonehara) 20:56
Meitetsu Bus Center 19:30 Nagoya station 20:15 ／ Kanazawa station 18:00
Price
Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen Normal Fare 9,080 yen / one way WEB Early Special 7 (Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use) Limited number of seats 8,170 yen/one way — Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen Normal Fare 9,850 yen / one way WEB Early Special 7 (Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use) Limited number of seats 8,170 yen/one way Smart EX+ [EX service only]. connection (interline) ticket 8,070 yen / one way
If price, transfers, and effective use of travel time are important to you
No transfers, wi-fi and power supply in place. Express buses are recommended. Express buses without transfers are also recommended when luggage is large.
>>Highwaybus .com for Nagoya – Kanazawa Expressway Bus Reservations
