Kamikochi is always restricted to private cars and cannot be entered by private cars. Therefore, if you are driving your own car, you will need to park your car at the Sawatari area parking lot and transfer to a local bus or cab. Therefore, we recommend that you visit Kamikochi by public transportation such as trains and buses.
The rules for local buses have changed since 2024. Please be aware of the new rules.
Shinjuku Station ｜ (JR Express Azusa) Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes ｜ Matsumoto Station ｜ (Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line ) Approx. 30 min. ｜ ShinshimashimaStation ｜ (Bus route ) Approx. 1 hr. 05 min. ｜ Kamikochi Bus Terminal
■ For express buses ■ 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.
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
Save money from Shinjuku to Kamikochi! Conveniently! Transportation guide for accessing Kamikochi
Express buses that go directly to Kamikochi Bus Terminal are very popular and often fully booked because of their convenience. Also, the price is somewhat expensive. So, here’s a guide to a trick to make it a little cheaper and a little easier to get reservations! Here is a guide to the tricks that make it easier to make reservations. For the following methods, you can save more than 10,000 yen round-trip.
This method is to take an express bus from Shinjuku to Hida Takayama, get off at Hirayu Bus Terminal, and then transfer to a local bus bound for Kamikochi. After walking a lot in Kamikochi, it is recommended to take the bus back to Hirayu Bus Terminal and stay overnight at Okuhida Onsenkyo Hirayu Onsen or Fukuchi Onsen to relieve your fatigue.
Express buses between Shinjuku and Hirayu make 4-5 round trips per day.
This method is to take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Matsumoto Bus Terminal, get off at Matsumoto Inter-mae Bus Stop or Matsumoto Bus Terminal, and transfer to the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line and local buses.
It is recommended to stay the night before in Matsumoto, a mountain city that is the gateway to the Northern Alps, and to go to Kamikochi early in the morning.
Another attraction of the Shinjuku-Matsumoto highway bus is the large number of services.
Express buses between Shinjuku and Matsumoto make 24 round trips per day.
Kamikochi opened again this year (2024). What is different from before Corona and from previous years is the large number of people from home and abroad who visit the mountain as soon as it opens on April 17. In addition, direct buses from Shinjuku are becoming more difficult to book due to labor regulations for drivers and others starting in April 2024.
So, here is the second part of a back-up plan for traveling between Shinjuku and Kamikochi that is relatively easy to book and inexpensive. 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 Basta Shinjuku or Hino bus station to Matsumoto bus terminal and head for Kamikochi.
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.
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
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.
In addition, 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 you refer to Google Map when going to Oba Station on the Kamikochi Line from in front of the Matsumoto Interchange (in the direction of Matsumoto) on the outward journey, you will be directed to take the long way around as shown in the map below.
This is because there is no pedestrian crossing at Horimae, the intersection just after getting off the bus. The shortest way is to follow the red arrow in the photo below, but you cannot cross Route 158.
However, 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
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. 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.
Other accommodations near Matsumoto Station and Matsumoto Bus Terminal
It is 1, [Hirayu Bus Terminal (Hirayu Onsen) Route] How to take a highway bus from Basta Shinjuku to Hida Takayama and transfer at Hirayu Bus Terminal next to Kamikochi.
2, [ via Matsumoto Take a highway bus from Basta Shinjuku to Matsumoto Bus Terminal and transfer at the Matsumoto Inter-mae bus stop.
The two methods are
First, let’s look at the Hirayu route. Although it takes 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.
Click here for the version via Matsumoto via Matsumoto Interchange bus stop and Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line.
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, since highway buses are convenient, they are popular and crowded, making the price somewhat more expensive. Save a little money! Here is a guide to a backstage technique that makes it easier to make reservations.
Niijima Station ｜ (local bus ) about 1 hour 15 minutes
Kamikochi Bus Terminal
■ For express buses ■ 8,000 – 16,000 yen (adult one-way) Main price range 12,000 – 14,000 yen
Basta Shinjuku / Shibuya Bus Terminal (Mark City) / Yaesu South Exit of JR Tokyo Station ｜ (Express Bus, Sawayaka Shinshu-go ) about 4 hours 30 min~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, here is a backdoorhighway bus routethat is relatively inexpensive and easy to book,
Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) | (Highway Bus to Hida Takayama ) about 4 hours and 40 minutes ｜ Hirayu Bus Terminal ｜ ( local bus ) about 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. Hirayu Bus Terminal is also the stop for highway buses from Basta Shinjuku to Takayama, with 5 to 7 round trips being made 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 a 20-30 minute ride.
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 【By direct round-trip bus】About 26,000 yen
Shinjuku⇔Hirayu⇔Kamikochi [Round trip, via Hirayu] Approx. 14,200 yen, a savings of over 10,000 yen
Shinjuku→Hirayu→Kamikochi→Shinjuku [If you take a direct one-way bus, one way via Hirayu] about 21,000 yen and save about 5,000 yen.
Another trick is to take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Matsumoto, get off in front of the Matsumoto Interchange, and transfer to the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line from Oniwa Station . This is also very economical and convenient. Click here for more details…
(2) Healing in a famous hot spring. So what kind of place is Hirayu Onsen?
This is the gateway to Okuhida Onsenkyo. It is the largest hot spring resort near Kamikochi, with about 30 accommodations of various sizes. The town spreads out around Hirayu Bus Terminal, and most of the hot spring resort is within walking distance. 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 about 40 sources, gushing about 13,000 liters per minute of hot spring water at a high temperature of about 90°C.
Tsuyu-kusa A ryokan with a completely private hot spring for overnight stays with no meals. Onsen ryokan located a 3-minute walk from Hirayu bus terminal. Self check-in/check-out, so late arrivals and early morning departures are OK! A popular, small, cost-effective onsen ryokan. Please make reservations as early as possible! >>> Search availability, check rates, and make reservations
Hirayu-kan This onsen ryokan is a 3-minute walk from the Hirayu bus terminal and has a full range of onsen (hot spring) facilities. The ryokan has a particularly wonderful open-air bath. The ryokan offers a variety of plans, including overnight stays with no meal and one-night breakfast plans. There is also a convenience store inside the inn, which is recommended for consecutive nights or mid- to long-term stays. >>> Search availability, check rates, and make reservations
Hirayu Onsen Town seen from Awa PassHirayu Onsen Folk Museum
Hirayu Bus Terminal – Kamikochi Bus Terminal Adults 1,500 yen one way, 2,800 yen round trip Children 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. Please note that some buses may operate seasonally. Please check the timetable, etc. 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!
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 at Shinjuku 20:45 *You can also enjoy cycling between Hirayu and Norikura-dake (Tatamidaira) on a rental e-bike!
*The above model course is based on the summer schedule. Please note that some buses may operate seasonally. Please check the timetable in advance.
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 Children 750 yen one way, 1,400 yen round trip Details/Timetable
Hirayu Onsen Recommended Accommodations
Tsuyu-kusa A ryokan with a completely private hot spring for overnight stays with no meals. Onsen ryokan located a 3-minute walk from Hirayu bus terminal. Self check-in/check-out, so late arrivals and early morning departures are OK! A popular, small, cost-effective onsen ryokan. Please make reservations as early as possible! >>> Search availability, check rates, and make reservations
Hirayu-kan This onsen ryokan is a 3-minute walk from the Hirayu bus terminal and has a full range of onsen (hot spring) facilities. The ryokan has a particularly wonderful open-air bath. The ryokan offers a variety of plans, including overnight stays with no meal and one-night breakfast plans. There is also a convenience store inside the inn, which is recommended for consecutive nights or mid- to long-term stays. >>> Search availability, check rates, and make reservations
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.
平湯温泉→上高地｜往路 約2時間30分 上高地→平湯温泉｜復路 約2時間
Including the time spent in Kamikochi, the activity will last approximately 6 hours.
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.
ここからは下り坂です。 下りはとても危険なのでゆっくり走行してください。
Everyone cycled down the mountain pass with spectacular views of the Northern Alps, including Yake-dake (焼岳).
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
CAMP HACK is an outdoor web magazine that provides information for all those who are interested in camping. CAMP HACK is an outdoor web magazine that delivers information for everyone who is interested in camping. Please check it out! Japan’s largest camping and outdoor news magazine｜CAMP HACK
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.
