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  • 2025.04.30

Kamikochi Access 2025｜Train and bus from Tokyo area Public transportation guide

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 2025.
　　Please note the new rules.
　　Matsumoto/Niijima ⇔ Kamikochi
　　The buses on the route are now fully reserved.

Starting in FY2025, 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.

1, via Hirayu Bus Terminal (Hirayu Onsen) How to go via

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.

>>>Details

2. How to go through Matsumoto

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.

>>>Details

Highway Bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi (Direct / via Hirayu / via Matsumoto) Comparison Chart 2025

alignment
From Shinjuku		Kamikochi Hirayu
(To Takayama)		Matsumoto
Express Bus Service3 round trips4-5 round trips24 round trips
Highway Bus Fare8,000 yen
~ (after a number N)
16,000 yen		7,500 yen
~ (after a number N)
8,000 yen
*Overnight flights are +500 yen.

WEB coupon tickets
6,000 yen x 4		3,800 yen
~ (after a number N)
4,500 yen

WEB coupon tickets
3,250 yen x 4
Other than highway bus
Fares for		long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)One way 1,500 yen
Round trip 2,800 yen		Train + local bus
3,750 yen one way
Matsumoto→Kamikochi Direct bus
One way 4,450 yen
criterion
one-way total
fare		8,000 yen
~ (after a number N)
16,000 yen		9,000 yen
~ (after a number N)
9,500 yen		7,550 yen
~ (after a number N)
8,950 yen
Highway bus
journey time		Daytime flight: approx. 5 hours
Night flight approx. 7 hours		Approx. 4 hours and 40 minutesApprox. 3 hours and 20 minutes
Other than highway bus
journey time
*Excluding
Transfers and waiting time		long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)Approx. 25 min.Approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes
Approximate time required
*Includes
transit time		Daytime flight: approx. 5 hours
Night flight approx. 7 hours		Approx. 5 hours and 20 minutesApprox. 5 hours and 10 minutes
~ (after a number N)
Approx. 6 hours
⇓
Via Hirayu
Details		⇓
via Matsumoto
Details
Map of public transportation routes around Kamikochi
  • 2025.04.21

Takayama Festival | April 15th Information


Every year the Takayama Festival (Spring) is held on April 14th and 15th. April 14th is where most of the major festivities are held including the night festival. If you missed the festival on the 14th, don’t fret! You can still see the floats another day. On the 15th, the parade returns to the main shrine and several dances and puppet shows are held throughout the day. Depending on the weather, there are cases where the festival finishes early or is cancelled due to the fragile nature of the floats so please keep this in mind.

How to get to Takayama from Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka

Boarding AreaTime TakenBus FareReservation link
Tokyo (Shinjuku Station)~7 hoursAdult: 8,000 yen
Child: 4,000 yen		Direct bus
Nagoya Station~2 1/2 hoursAdult: 3,600 yen
Child: 3,600 yen		Direct bus
Kyoto Station~5 hoursAdult: 6,000 yen
Child: 2,750 yen		Direct bus
Osaka Station~6 hoursAdult: 7,000 yen
Child: 3,550 yen		Direct bus

Festival Schedule for April 15th (Tentative)


April 15th: On this day, a procession makes its way back to Hie Shrine where they departed the day before. There are also puppet shows put on through different times throughout the day. At the procession locals dress up in traditional wear and play music as they march back to Hie Shrine. There are also Shishimai (lion) dances that take place in front of the Takayama Historical Government House.

Takayama Spring Festival April 15th Schedule

Note: This is the basic schedule, however often schedules can be completely changed due to weather conditions so pay attention to live updates.

Marionette Performance #1　　　10:00 AM (around 15 mins)
Procession starts
(in front of Takayama Historical Government House )		　　　12:30 PM
Marionette Performance #2　　　2:00 PM (around 15 mins)
Procession ends at Hie Shrine　　　4:00 PM
The schedule is subject to change depending on weather (such as rain).

Takayama City decides and has live updates on which events are cancelled the day of found on their Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Takayama Float Locations (for the marionette dances)


*Each float has a unique performance. For example, the Shakkyo marionette includes a lion dance and lion transformation while the Ryujin marionette includes a blast of confetti. Floats in red show which ones are putting on shows.

12:30 PM

Get off at Takayama Nohi Bus Center adjacent to Takayama Station. I missed the lion dance earlier, but the streets were lively with a lot of tourists.

1:20 PM

Around Honmachi street, there are festival food and game stalls selling classic festival foods like chocolate bananas, sugar coated fruits, fried foods and more! Many local children were out with their friends playing games.


Similar to the Ponshukan Sake Museum in Niigata Prefecture, Takayama also opened a sake sample bar located in the souvenir store Maryuhyaku where you can sample 100 different types of the areas award winning sake, which is proudly produced in the area.



1:50 PM

After walking through the main streets and even doing some shopping, people started to make their ways to several different float stalls. I arrived 10 minutes early and was already far behind in the crowd!

Not all Takayama floats have puppets on them–my best advice is to see where the Japanese crowds migrate to (lol). Those with puppets will have a protruding stage in front of it for the doll. Floats with dolls on them are: Ebisu, Ryujin, Sanbasou, Shakkyo, Koukondai.

2:00 PM

The puppet dances start at each respective stall at 2PM and lasts around 15 minutes. This particular float (Shakkyo) was located right in front of the Takayama Municipal Government Memorial Hall. It did some pretty nifty tricks that were totally unexpected.

Hotels/ Lodging

Most guests opt to stay the night in Takayama to enjoy the festival and area at a more leisurely pace. The area is abundant in nature activities, luxurious foods like Hida beef, and natural hot springs. To truly experience the hot springs and hiking, the Okuhida region of Takayama has hiking trails, hot springs, and access to the national park Kamikochi. Next door is also Hida Furukawa famous for inspiring the anime movie, “Your Name” where many people enjoy riding bicycles by the rice fields. Lastly, the Kamioka region is a retro town famous for its outdoor bicycle experience on an old abandoned railway track!

 

Check more detailed information about the bus routes/ prices in the area: here

  • 2025.03.13

Cherry Blossoms in Takato Joshi Park in 2025｜Flower Bloom/Full Bloom Forecast｜Traffic Information

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.

How to get to Takato Joshi Park

Cherry blossoms in Takato Joshi Park

Viewing time in 2025 (estimated bloom and full bloom)

April 4, 2025 (Fri.) Takato Cherry Blossom Festival begins!

Ina City declared the blooming of Takatookohiganzakura cherry trees on April 4, 2025, one day earlier than in 2024, and almost the same as in a normal year. The “Cherry Blossom Festival” started on the same day. Full bloom is expected around the 11th.

The Cherry Blossom Festival will be held from the time of blooming until the end of the season.

■From Weather News

Estimated date of bloom: April 4, 2025
Fifth bloom April 7, 2025
Full bloom April 10, 2025
Cherry Blizzard April 16, 2025

How to get to Takato Joshi Park

Takato Cherry Blossom Festival

Period
From the beginning of bloom to the end of fall
Park opening: Saturday, March 22, 2025

The Takato Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year (Reference data)

March 26 – April 11, 2021
April 5 – April 14. 2022
March 25 – April 10, 2023
April 6 – April 26. 2024
Dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions and the blooming of cherry trees each year.


opening hours (of a park, etc.)
Normal period: 8:00 – 17:00
Peak season: 6:00 – 22:00 (last admission 21:00)

Live Camera

Takato Joshi Park Live Camera
Inadani.net

admission fee

Adults (high school students and older) 600 yen (@500 yen for 20 or more people)
Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen (@250 yen for over 20 people)

Digital ticket service will start in 2025.
Smooth ticket purchase!
Purchase the tickets in advance with your smartphone and simply present the QR code displayed on the screen to enter the park.

Details and purchase of digital tickets

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

Takato Cherry Blossom Festival Official WEB Site

From the direction of Nagoya

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

Takato Cherry Blossom Festival Official WEB Site

For highway bus reservations Highwaybus.com (from Keio Bus)

Keio Bus LINE official account opened!

You can add them as a friend on your LINE Account.

  • 2025.02.28

Kamikochi Opening Date: Spring 2025

Topic: Kamikochi Spring Forecast/ Kamikochi Reopening Date Published date: 2/28/2025

How to get to Kamikochi by bus:

Boarding AreaTime Taken Price (one way/ adults)Reservation Site
Tokyo (Shinjuku Station)~5 hours8,000 yenDirect bus
Takayama (Nohi Bus Center)~1hr 25 mins3,000 yenDirect bus
Takayama (Hirayu Bus Terminal)~25 mins1,500 yenDirect bus
Matsumoto (Matsumoto Bus Terminal)~2 hours4,000 yenDirect bus
*Note: All bus services resume reservations when the park opens again. Some reservations cannot be made until March or April.

Money Hack from Tokyo

If you are planning to do a round trip journey from Tokyo, there is actually a cheaper way to get to Kamikochi if you make one transfer via bus. It can save you up to 10,000 yen.

Read More

What to do in Kamikochi’s Green Season:

Kamikochi is one of the most popular national parks in all of Japan, located in the Japanese Alps of Nagano Prefecture. Annually, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the park’s pristine clear waters, fresh air, and hiking routes. Kamikochi can be reached in around 5 hours by bus from Tokyo and 1 hour by bus from central Takayama. Once a year the park closes during the winter season and reopens in spring due to the high amounts of snow. Spring in Kamikochi can still be a bit cool, but flowers and greenery start to take light again. Kamikochi is beautiful year-round, but spring offers unique sights that set it apart from other seasons.

Enjoy Nirinso Flowers Blooming

In Kamikochi there is a famous wildflower which blooms in Spring. The Nirinso is a small, delicate flower that blooms in fields around Kamikochi. You can spot these flowers by taking only a five minute walk from Kappa Bridge, the main photo spot in Kamikochi, or a 10 minute walk from the bus parking lot to Konashidaira Campground.

Nirinso

Nirinso is a wildflower that is part of the buttercup flower family, and is native to Japan and commonly found in the woodlands. The flowers can be spotted at Konashidaira Campground, located next to Kappa Bridge, the main bridge in Kamikochi and bloom starting May.

Field of Wild Nirinso in Kamikochi

Enjoy Wildlife Make Their Return

If you’re a fan of birdwatching, in spring, many birds wake from their hibernation and can be seen all around the park. Other wildlife such as monkeys, ducks and weasels can also be seen all around the park as they make their return for spring.

Wild Birds

The Kamikochi area has over 100 variety of birds. Some varieties include the Grey Wagtail, Brown Dipper, Bush Warbler, and Pygmy Woodpecker.

Tips for Spring in Kamikochi:


Cold Temperatures:
Although it is spring, temperatures in Kamikochi can still be quite cold especially during early April. It is advisable to wear thermals and prepare for some snow to still be on the ground. There also instances where you can still see snow on the mountains or on the paths during early spring.

Some Hiking Routes in Kamikochi:

Route
(from Parking Lot)		 Time Taken (one way/way up)
Taisho Pond Trail1 hour
Mt.Yakedake5 hours
Karasawa Hutte5 hours

Opening dates:

Kamikochi reopens April 17th, 2025.

Hotels on the premises will not be opened until later in the month. While day trips are possible, if you truly want to enjoy the Japanese Alps, we recommend booking a hotel on the premises or staying in the nearby onsen area, Okuhida or in Takayama City so you can take your time in Kamikochi. For those with more time on their hands, we recommend staying 2 or more days as the area has many breathtaking hiking routes spread throughout the Nagano and Gifu regions. Okuhida also offers many ryokan (Japanese Inn) and onsen (hot spring bathing) for nature lovers. Buses from Okuhida (Hirayu Bus Terminal) to Kamikochi have resumed on the 17th.

Nearby Attractions/ Hiking Routes

Mt.Norikura

Mt.Norikura is the highest mountain that can be reached by bus (and bicycle!). The mountain is only a 1 1/2 hours away by bus from Kamikochi. To get here, depart from Hirayu Bus Terminal for Honokidaira Bus Terminal. From Honokidaira Bus Terminal, there are buses once an hour that take you to Mt. Norikura.

Okuhida Onsengo

Okuhida Onsengo is a onsen resort area 20 minutes from Kamikochi. Some popular hiking routes include: Mt.Kasagatake, Mt.Yake, and Nishihotakadake.

 
  • 2025.02.18

Takayama Cherry Blossom Spots: 2025

UPDATE: Cherry blossom forecast
*Update (4/21) Currently, the majority of trees in Takayama and the Hida City (Furukawa and Kamioka) area have fully bloomed. There are a few sparce amount of trees not quite there yet such as Fukuji Onsen.
*Update (4/23) A majority of trees have started to shed the cherry blossoms, however Garyuzakura and the area around Ichinomiya still has trees in healthy condition. There is light rain expected today.

First bloom:
Takayama: ~4/19, 4/20
Hida Furukawa: ~4/19, 4/20
Kamioka: ~4/19, 4/20
Fukuji Onsen: ~5/5, 5/9

1. Garyuzakura (Ichinomiya, Takayama)

What to do in the area:

Garyuzakura is one of the oldest cherry blossom trees in Japan (over 1,100 years old) and is surrounded by a park and tranquil nature. The surrounding neighborhood, Ichinomiya, has hundreds of cherry blossom trees lined up against the natural rivers and mountains, making it a beautiful place to experience the surrounding nature. Next to Garyuzakura around 3 minutes by foot is Mizunashi Shrine, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Takayama. Ichinomiya is known as the heart of Takayama and because there are less buildings, visitors can truly enjoy a true sense of the countryside here.

🌸 Ichinomiya Cherry Blossom Festival 🌸
Date: April 19th, 2025

Hours: 11:00AM~2:00PM Check updates about the event: here

How to get there:

By bus:
Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #1 (Gero Line)
⬇
Ichinomiya Bus Stop (15 mins)

Boarding times:
8:05, 9:05, 10:05, 11:05, 12:05, 1:05, 2:05, 3:05, 4:05, 5:05, 6:05, 7:05


2. Fukuji Onsen (Fukuji, Takayama)

What to do in the area:

Fukuji Onsen is an adorable onsen town with a retro morning market, ramen shops, and plently of onsen or Japanese hot springs. This cherry blossom garden in Fukuji is the only one of its magnitude in the area. Fukuji is one out of the 7 hot spring neighborhoods in the Okuhida area of Takayama. The Okuhida area includes not only the hot spring but also hiking, waterfalls, and the Shinhotaka Ropeway. In Fukuji Onsen, there is also a (secret) open mountain viewing balcony area where anyone is free to sit and relax here.

🌸 Fukuji Onsen 🌸

While you’re in the area, you can enjoy the Okuhida Area (home of Shinhotaka Ropeway, mountain hiking, and high quality hot springs!)

Fukuji Onsen Morning Market

Hot springs & local Hida cuisine

Hida Beef at Izakaya Taranoki
Onsen at Isurugi no Yu

How to get there:

By bus:
Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #5 (for Hirayu)
⬇
Hirayu Bus Terminal (Platform 1)
⬇
Fukuji Onsen or Fukuji Onsen-guchi Bus Stop

Boarding times (at Hirayu Bus Terminal):
7:00, 7:40, 8:00, 8:40, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40PM, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40


Note: If you get off at Fukuji Onsen-guchi bus stop, you will have to walk an additional 14 minutes.

The local bus departing from Fukuji Onsen bus stop back to Hirayu Bus Terminal only departs a few times a day and there is no taxi. The times are: 6:31, 9:16, 10:16, 12:16, 2:16, 4:16

3. Sakurano Park (Kokufu, Takayama)

What to do in the area:
Sakurano Park is a spot spacious park in Takayama City where most locals can enjoy picnics and enjoy looking over the river. During the cherry blossom season, vendors sell hot snacks in the park area. It is also close to Hida Furukawa, the town that inspired the anime movie, Kimi no Nawa (your name). You can take a picture of the train station and library in the movie while enjoying cherry blossoms in the surrounding area.

🌸 Sakurano Park 🌸

Directly next to the park is a restaurant famous for yakiniku (Japanese bbq) and also a large assortment of Japanese set dishes.

How to get there:


By bus:
Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2
(for Furukawa/Kamioka)
⬇
Sakurano (19 minutes)

Boarding times:
7:00, 7:10, 8:10, 9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 2:10, 3:10, 3:40, 4:10, 4:40, 5:50, 6:10, 6:40, 7:10, 7:40


4. Miyagawa Ryouchi Park

What to do in the area:
Miyagawa Ryouchi Park is a local spot with enough space to host several hanabi (flower viewing) parties. Many people bring their pets here in the spring season. The park is a 12 minute walk from the main shrine in town, Sakurayama Hachimangu Shrine.

🌸 Miyagawa Ryouchi Park 🌸

Nearby is a local favorite cheesecake store, Le Ceil! They sell seasonal cheesecakes but careful–they sell out quickly and only make a limited amount a day!

Strawberry Basque Cheesecake
Le Ceil Cheesecakes
Le Ceil Cheesecakes

How to get there:



By bus:
Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2
(for Furukawa/Kamioka)
⬇
Sakurano (19 minutes)

Boarding times:
7:00, 7:10, 8:10, 9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 2:10, 3:10, 3:40, 4:10, 4:40, 5:50, 6:10, 6:40, 7:10, 7:40


BONUS: Hida City Cherry Blossoms

Hida City is home of the neighborhoods Hida Furukawa and Hida Kamioka. The charm of Hida City is that there are less buildings compared to Takayama, so you can really “feel the countryside” of the Hida Area. The cherry blossoms are scattered all over town, so if you rent a bicycle and ride around, you are bound to find many local spots local students and commuters get to enjoy. Some of the main cherry blossom attractions in town will be listed below.

1. Kamioka Castle (Hida Kamioka)

What to do in the area:
Kamioka Castle overlooks the entire city of Kamioka and is breathtaking in the spring. Around the castle grounds are a wide variety of cherry blossom trees scattered all over the premises. As it is next to a middle school, sometimes you can catch children running around playing tag here.

How to get there:


By bus:
Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2
(for Furukawa/Kamioka)
⬇
Nissato (1 hour~)

Boarding times:
9:10, 11:10, 12:40, 14:10, 15:40, 16:40


2. Gosho Sakura (Hida Furukawa)

What to do in the area:
Gosho Sakura is a long road of cherry blossom trees that line the Miyagawa River in Hida Furukawa. Every spring, they light up this beautiful road from 6PM~10PM. The cherry blossoms are right next to Ayuno Bridge– officially, the spot isn’t on google maps but is greatly celebrate by the locals.


How to get there:


By bus:
Nohi Bus Center Bus Stop #2
(for Furukawa/Kamioka)
⬇
Hida Furukawa Station
⬇
Sugisaki Station (~4 minute walk)
⬇
Gosho Sakura
(on the intersection of Ayuno Bridge and Daie River)