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. To make things easier, we recommend that you visit Kamikochi by public transportation such as trains and buses.
The rules for local buses have changed since 2025. Please note the new rules. Matsumoto/Niijima ⇔ Kamikochi The buses on the route are now fully reserved.
Starting in 2025, buses from Niijima to Kamikochi will also be available by reservation only. Reservations can only be made online or at the counter. Reservations by phone are not accepted.
From April 2024, buses on the Matsumoto – Takayama route will also be available by reservation only. Please be aware of this.
General directions from Tokyo area to Kamikochi
■ For Railroads ■
Approx. 10,370 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. ｜ ShinshimashimaStation ｜ (local buses )*Reservations required; accepted one month prior to boarding date 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! Convenient! A secret technique for accessing Kamikochi from Shinjuku!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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, but you can get to Kamikochi by either bus or bicycle. As it is a mountainous area, going by bicycle can be challenging, but the views along the way make it well worth it. We recommend you prepare yourself well in advance before taking on this route.
Gallery
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Where to rent an e-bike
E-bikes can be rented at a small e-bike station called Okuhida Base in Hirayu, Takayama, around a 3 minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal. It is connected to the side of the pizza shop and cafe AWAWA HIRAYU. The rental system is completely online and the bicycle can be retrieved contactless starting from 7AM. For more detailed information about the bicycles and reservations, you can visit the Okuhida Base website.
Hirayu Onsen can be reached from either Takayama City or from Matsumoto City. There is also a direct stop here from Shinjuku, Tokyo.
■ From Takayama City: At Takayama Nohi Bus Center, buy a ticket from the ticket machine and board the bus headed to Hirayu Bus Terminal at bus stop #6.
■ From Matsumoto City: Take the bus for Hirayu Onsen at Matsumoto Bus Terminal.
■ From Shinjuku: At Shinjuku Bus Terminal, take the bus going to Takayama and get off at Hirayu Bus Terminal.
1. [START POINT] Hirayu Onsen (a neighborhood in Okuhida) 2. Abo Pass (a curvy road avoiding usual traffic) [elevation 1,790m] 3. Kama Tunnel (a challenging tunnel where elevation increases significantly) [Length: 1,310m Maximum gradient: 10.9%] 4. Taisho Ike Pond (a famous pond in Kamikochi) 5. [END POINT] Kamikochi Bus Terminal (you can park your bike here)
*The Abo Pass (the winding old road on National Route 158) is closed from early November to late June due to snow accumulation.
Google Maps
When routing with google maps, set your destination to Kamikochi Bus Terminal. There will not be an option to route via bike, so instead use the walking route google displays (its the same as the bicycle route). You can also use the map we provided below.
Experience review
7:30 [Pick up the e-bike]
The E-bike rental station is a 3 minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal, where direct buses from Shinjuku, Takayama and Matsumoto arrive. Shuttle buses to Kamikochi also arrive and depart from this terminal.
Okuhida Base: This is an unmanned bike rental station with long opening hours. You can rent an e-bike and even an extra battery as early as 7:00 in the morning.
7:45 [Depart from Hirayu Onsen]
Okuhida Base is located in Hirayu Onsen at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level! At a stretch, it raises the elevation about 600 meters.
This roads around Hirayu Onsen have extremely little traffic and are very comfortable, but because the roads are a bit old, the road surface can be rough in some places. Please keep this in mind.
8:40 [Reach Abo Pass]
Abo Pass (elevation 1,790m)
After our departure, we reached the border point between Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture and Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, Abo Pass. 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 [Passing Nakanoyu Hot Spring]
Along Abo Pass is a hot spring and hotel called 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 (Abo 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 [Pass Nakanoyu Shop]
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 store inside. The store sells warm drinks, snacks, and hot curry. 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!
Once we got out of here…
9:50 [Taisho Ike Pond]
Yake-dake and Taisho Pond appeared right in front of our eyes! We felt rewarded for our hard work so far.
The Kamikochi area is truly very beautiful. Being able to enjoy this wonderful scenery at our own pace felt particularly rewarding. After soaking up the views, there was gradual uphill slope ahead, but then…
10:15 [Arrive at Kamikochi!]
We finally arrived at Kamikochi Bus Terminal! Right next to the entrance should be some bicycle racks.
Park your bicycle at the bicycle parking lot and walk to the Kappa Bridge from here (a 6 minute walk).
I wanted to enjoy more hiking routes 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 [Returning to Hirayu]
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’s 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 Abo 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 [back past Nakanoyu Hot Spring]
We returned to Nakanoyu Hot Spring. From here, it continues uphill.
Even with the electric bicycles, it was at times challenging.
12:30 [reach Abo Pass’s entrance]
But we were finally able to make it to Abo Pass! Once you reach this point, the hardest part is over.
Once you get to this point, all you have to do is go down. Descend slowly, putting your safety first.
13:00 [Return the e-bike]
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 aching feet ^^ Nearby are a lot of day trip hot springs and a free foot bath located the entrance of Hirayu-no-yu.
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).
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Norikura Skyline is considered a sacred route amongst Japanese cyclists. The summit, Tatamidaira, sits at 2,702 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in Japan accessible by bicycleor bus. True to its name, the route feels like you’re riding through the sky. The beauty of Norikura Skyline is something words can hardly capture.
Gallery
A road in the sky
To get an idea of what biking along Norikura Skyline is like, watch this video that was filmed there:
While you can’t drive here because of environmental protection traffic restrictions, you can go by cycling! 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.
Where is Norikura Skyline?
Norikura Skyline is the mountain road leading to Mt.Norikura, a picturesque mountain with many hiking routes located between Nagano and Gifu Prefecture. At the summit of Mt.Norikura is Tatamidaira, which has a parking lot, souvenir store, and rest area for buses and bicyclists. This is where you can park your bike and walk around the area to hike, grab some lunch, or enjoy the views.
As a 49 year old middle aged man who teleworks every day, I decided to take on the challenge by rentingelectrically power assisted bicycles (e-bikes) with my friend.
Route overview
*Hirayu Onsen is located directly at the base of Mt.Norikura. Daily e-bike rentals can be made here.
1. [START POINT] Hirayu Onsen (a neighborhood in Okuhida) 2. Norikura Skyline Hirayu Pass Gate (fill out a questionnaire with the guards before ascending) 3. Meotomatsu Parking Lot (a rest point with a bathroom) [bathroom under construction] 4. Norikura Skyline Bogakudai (small observation deck) 5. [END POINT] Tatamidaira (you can park your bike here)
The Norikura Skyline ends at Tatamidaira, where you can park your bicycle.
Where to rent an e-bike
E-bikes can be rented at a small e-bike station called Okuhida Base in Hirayu, Takayama, around a 3 minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal. It is connected to the side of the pizza shop and cafe AWAWA HIRAYU. The e-bikes can be retrieved contactless starting from 7AM and the booking process is all made online. For more detailed information about the bicycles and reservations, you can visit the Okuhida Base website.
When routing with google maps, set your destination to Norikura Tatamidaira. There’s no option to route via bike, but instead you can use the walking route google displays (its the same as the bicycle route). Feel free to use the map we provided below as well.
Experience review
7:45 [Pick up the e-bike]
At the base of Norikura Skyline is a small e-bike rental store in Hirayu called Okuhida Base. It is located about a 3 minute walk from the Hirayu Bus Terminal and is open from 7:00 AM.
Late September, the weather was sunny and the temperature was around 20°C, perfect for cycling. We departed after purchasing a 500 ml bottle of water at the liquor store nearby. I would later regret not buying any food for energy… (more to be explained later)
I strongly recommend that everyone purchase plenty of energy snacks along with water.
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.
8:00 [Depart]
After light preparation, 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 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’s 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 recommend raising the saddle when riding.
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! Watching other bicycles go by, I saw that everyone’s saddle was very high!
Their toes barely reached the ground, if at all!
I realized that in order to reduce the burden on my knees and to pedal with ease, I needed to raise the saddle.
If I had realized this earlier, I wouldn’t have gotten hurt! This has helped me recover quickly ^^.
On the other hand, since the return trip is downhill and steep, a lower saddle lowered the center of gravity and makes riding more stable and secure.
8:10 [Hirayu Pass]
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.
Eventally the Hirayu Pass got a bit difficult. I thought it was tougher than Norikura Skyline ^^;;;.
8:25 [Hirayu Pass Gate]
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, and that we were at a high altitude of over 2,500 meters. Its recommended to ascend in the morning and descend at noon.
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 could ride up the mountain easily. Couples can enjoy talking while viewing the spectacular view, but unfortunately me and my friend were just two uncles ^^;;;. From Kasagatake, Yarigatake, to Okuhotaka,… The whole view of the mountains of the Northern Alps was breathtaking.
Here’s a little advice 2) Use automatic mode
Automatic mode is recommended as the bicycle assist mode.
Long mode is good for able-bodied cyclists, but it was 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 mode. ^^
Keep your saddle low and descend slowly and safely first.
8:40 [Meotomatsu Parking]
Next, arrive at the Meotomatsu parking lot, which has a large observation deck and restrooms (currently under construction as of September 2025)! Here we took a short break. We recommended you take this time for restroom breaks. From here, you can also 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 [Norikura Skyline Bogakudai]
We next arrived at a small observatory called Norikura Skyline Bogakudai. It felt like we were at a much higher elevation. The weather was beautiful and Mt.Yarigatake and Mt.Nishi-Hotaka were clearly visible! The blue sky was so beautiful and the air felt so fresh and clean.
9:48
By now we reached a full-blown alpine area. The autumn leaves were slowly starting to change and it was really beautiful. It really felt like a bicyclists’ paradise because no cars pass by. All you could hear is the sound of the wind. The air was so thin and my head was getting a little dizzy.
And then the painful realization came… I’m hungry…! I need energy! I only had a little bit of water ^^;;;
At this point we’re 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 [Reaching Tatamidira]
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) At lost, a sense of despair and tragedy is in the air.
Then, good news! We were informed that the second floor restaurant at Ginreiso next door will open at 10:30… All at once, our spirits were restored!
10:30 [Breakfast at Ginreiso]
We had breakfast at the 2nd floor restaurant of Ginreiso. The pork miso soup set meal was 1,100 yen. It was a pretty reasonable price considering the location! I could feel the warm soup sinking into my body. It was very tasty ^^ My friend who climbed the mountain with me had a steak set meal and soba noodles with wild vegetables ^^.
*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. ↓.
11:00 [Heading back to Hirayu Onsen]
With our bellies full, we began our descent. I had underestimated how easy and effortless the return trip would be. But it was soooo cold! I was wearing only a short-sleeved T-shirt under a thin windbreaker, and it was 7 degrees. The only way down was through the wind. At that point 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 [Return to Hirayu Pass Gate]
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 [Return the e-bike]
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). We returned the bike safely with half the day still to spare.
Final Impressions
This 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. In my opinion, riding up Norikura Skyline is an emotional experience that only a limited number of trained and special people could enjoy without e-bikes.
I plan to go again soon, but when I do, I’ll make sure to bring food, gloves, and a jacket ^^;;;.
Hirayu Onsen is the at the base of Norikura Skyline. It can be reached via Takayama City or from Matsumoto City. There is also a direct stop here from Shinjuku, Tokyo.
■ From Takayama City: At Takayama Nohi Bus Center, buy a ticket from the ticket machine and board the bus headed to Hirayu Bus Terminal at bus stop #6.
■ From Matsumoto City: Take the bus for Hirayu Onsen at Matsumoto Bus Terminal.
■ From Shinjuku: At Shinjuku Bus Terminal, take the bus going to Takayama and get off at Hirayu Bus Terminal.
2,702 meters above sea level from the Hirayu Bus Terminal, Norikura Tatamidaira bus terminal is the highest bus stop in Japan! There is a direct bus service to Norikura Tatamidaira bus terminal with its spectacular view, and takes only 60 minutes. Ask the front desk at Hirayu Bus Terminal for more information. To read a more detailed review of what to do in the Tatamidaira area (hiking routes excluded) read more below.
