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  • 2025.08.13

From Hida Takayama to Matsumoto! A Spectacular Autumn Route – Enjoy the Autumn Foliage at Shin Hotaka Ropeway!

A special experience to enjoy the Japanese Alps in autumn by air!

If you are planning a trip from Hida Takayama to Matsumoto, Shinshu in October, there is one spot you definitely shouldn’t miss– the Shin Hotaka Ropeway. The Shin Hotaka Ropeway is the most popular ropeway in Japan.

The second half of the Shin Hotaka Ropeway operates the only double-decker gondola in all of Japan. It’s a special experience where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the 3,000-meter-high Japanese Alps from the air.


The view from here was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.
Autumn offers the most beautiful scenery of the year. Located at an elevation of 2,156 meters, the Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station observation platform offers a panoramic view of the Japanese Alps in the brilliant red and golden colors of the autumn leaves.

As the trail rises more than 1,000 meters in elevation from the foot of the mountain to the summit, visitors can enjoy the changes in autumn foliage at different elevation zones. This is a must-visit spot in autumn, where you can enjoy both a breathtaking photo-worthy view and Japanese autumn foliage viewing at the same time.

Limited to October 8th, 2025! [Special bus tour offers!]


Takayama Departure – Matsumoto (one way) via
[a limited time] Bus Tour

Fee: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)

If you participate in this bus tour, you will be:
-Free from transferring baggage
-Free of complicated transfers
-Free of stressful timely arrangements

This special limited bus tour will save you 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone and also includes admission fees to Shinhotaka Ropeway and Matsumoto Castle!

Save yourself from the hassle of transferring buses and paying extra costs!

This tour includes a round-trip ticket for the Shin Hotaka Ropeway!
The Shin Hotaka Ropeway round-trip ticket is 3,800 yen alone, but on this tour you will receive it absolutely free of charge.

Details & Reservations

Limited number of people! First-come, first-served.

A trip with a spectacular view starting at the morning market in Takayama

Takayama Morning Market, one of the three major morning markets in Japan

Start your trip with the Takayama morning market. Known as one of the three major morning markets in Japan, the Takayama morning market is a great place to enjoy fresh local finger foods, crafts, and local produce. Taking in the crisp morning air and leisurely browsing the stalls makes for a wonderful start to experiencing traditional Hida life.

Access to Shin Hotaka Ropeway from Takayama

After enjoying the morning market, head to the Shin Hotaka Ropeway from the Takayama Bus Center.
A direct bus service runs to the Shin Hotaka Onsen Station of the first Shin Hotaka Ropeway, arriving at the site in approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Traffic information:

Important Note: Due to the extremely crowded fall foliage season, it is strongly recommended to arrive early at the Alpine Bus Center to get in line.

Aerial views on the Shin Hotaka Ropeway

The second part of the Shin Hotaka Ropeway operates the only double-decker gondola in Japan, offering a special experience to enjoy the magnificent view of the 3,000-meter-high Northern Alps from the air. The view from the Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station observation platform at the summit station is breathtaking.
The view from here was awarded two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Ropeway information:

[Attention]
If you come by bus, please leave your large luggage in the coin locker at Shin Hotaka Onsen Station.
The ropeway requires an extra charge for luggage over 6 kg. Luggage tickets are 1,000 yen/piece for round trip.

Since the capacity of the ropeway No. 1 is small (45 passengers), it may take some time to get on the ropeway when it is crowded.
We recommend that you drive to the Shirakabadaira parking lot at the second ropeway stop.
If you use the local bus, only Shin Hotaka Onsen Station of Daiichi Ropeway is available.

There is also a bus tour to Shirakaba-daira, the second ropeway stop, by chartered bus.
　

Route to Matsumoto

After enjoying the spectacular autumn scenery of the Japanese Alps, head to Matsumoto, a city of history and culture. For transportation, you will need to change buses at the Hirayu Bus Terminal.

Travel Routes and Fees

  1. Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Shin Hotaka Onsen Station) → Hirayu Bus Terminal
    • Fare: 910 yen
  2. Hirayu Bus Terminal → Matsumoto Bus Terminal

Total cost of taking public transportation on your own

  • Takayama Bus Center → Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Shin Hotaka Onsen Station): 2,200 yen
  • Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Ropeway 1 + Ropeway 2) round trip: 3,800 yen
  • Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Shin Hotaka Onsen Station) → Hirayu Bus Terminal: 910 yen
  • Hirayu Bus Terminal → Matsumoto Bus Terminal: 2,800 yen * Reservations required

Total travel expenses: 9,710 yen

If you bring luggage weighing 6 kg or more onto the ropeway, you will be charged a luggage ticket (1,000 yen per piece) or a coin locker fee.

Limited to October 8th, 2025! [Special bus tour offers!]

Departure from Takayama – Matsumoto (one way)
by a limited Bus Tour

If you participate in this bus tour, you will be:
–Free from transferring baggage
-Free of complicated transfers
-Free of stressful timely arrangements

This special limited bus tour saves you 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone and also includes admission fees!

Tour Overview:

  • Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (day trip)
  • Route: Takayama → Shin Hotaka Ropeway (second ropeway) → Matsumoto
  • Fee: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)
    **Save 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone compared to individual travel!
    Furthermore, a boxed lunch and Matsumoto Castle admission fee* are also included!
    * Same-day ticket for admission to Matsumoto Castle by yourself is 1,300 yen.

Included in the tour:

  • Charter bus fare
  • Guide fee
  • Shin Hotaka Ropeway (Second Ropeway) round trip ticket
  • Lunch (Bento)
  • Matsumoto Castle Entrance Fee
  • Various toll road and parking fees

With this tour, you can enjoy the attractions of both cities efficiently without having to worry about complicated transfers and reservations, while leaving your luggage in the chartered bus.
In addition, you will be accompanied by a professional guide to learn more about the history and culture of each region.

Details & Reservations

Limited number of people! First-come, first-served.

Matsumoto Castle at Night (Fall)

While Matsumoto Castle is stunning during the day due to the backdrop of the Japanese Alps, the night time view is arguably even more breathtaking. Every night from sundown until 10PM, Matsumoto Castle is lit up creating a mesmerizing glowing image. During special holidays they also display more colorful light shows on the castle walls.

Matsumoto Light Up Hours: ~6PM to 10PM

Takayama to Matsumoto Timetable

If you are traveling on your own from Takayama to Matsumoto, up to two transfers by highway bus may be necessary. Since there are no trains connecting the two areas, your only options other than renting a car is by taking the bus. The direct bus to Matsumoto departs from Hirayu Bus Terminal, a bus terminal 1 hour from Takayama City proper.

Takayama Bus Center → Hirayu Bus Terminal [times]: 6:00, 7:00, 7;40, 8:40, 9:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40, 4:40, 5:40
Total price: 1600 yen

Hirayu Bus Terminal → Matsumoto Station [times]: 7:50, 11:50, 1:50, 2:50, 4:50
Total price: 2,800 yen

If you take the bus tour on October 8th, you can reach Shinhotaka Ropeway (with expense fees included), Kamikochi, and Matsumoto for around the same price. As the buses to Matsumoto are limited, its an ideal way to maximize your time and is really an unbeatable deal!

Summary

A trip from Takayama to Matsumoto is a special route that allows you to fully appreciate the beauty of autumn in Japan. The aerial walk on the Shin Hotaka ropeway is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Whether it be going on your own or going via a convenient bus tour, take time to enjoy this wonderful autumn scenic route according to your travel style.

Google Map (Takayama – Shin Hotaka Ropeway – Matsumoto) Location


Google Map (Takayama Station→Shin Hotaka Ropeway)


Google Map (Shin Hotaka Lowway→Hirayu Bus Terminal)

Google Map (Hirayu Bus Terminal→Matsumoto Bus Terminal)

Limited to October 8th, 2025! Special bus tour offers!

Takayama Departure – Matsumoto (one way) Bus Tour

Enjoy Takayama, Shin Hotaka Ropeway, and Matsumoto Castle, with lunch, transportation, and admission fees included!

**Save 4,710 yen in transportation costs alone by going via this tour!

Details & Reservations

  • 2025.08.13

If you come to Japan in October, don’t miss this area! Autumn foliage in Kamikochi and the Autumn Takayama Festival

Why is the Nagano and Gifu area the best place to travel to Japan in October?　

October is the most beautiful season in Japan for autumn foliage. The Kamikochi area in Nagano Prefecture and the Takayama area in Gifu Prefecture in particular are ideal destinations for foreign travelers who want to both enjoy jaw dropping autumn scenery and authentic traditional Japanese culture at the Takayama Autumn Festival.

Down below, we’ll introduce a 3-day model plan that starts with historical exploration in Matsumoto City, followed by breathtaking autumn foliage in Kamikochi and the traditional autumn Takayama Festival (held on Thursday and Friday, October 9th and 10th, 2025).

A Model Plan for Enjoying Spectacular Autumn Scenery and Cultural Experiences in 3 Days

Matsumoto, Kamikochi and the Takayama Festival in Autumn Foliage!

Day 1: October 7th (Tuesday) – Enjoy history and art in Matsumoto

Morning: Explore Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure

Experience firsthand the history of Japan from the Warring States Period to the present day.

Visit the beautiful Matsumoto Castle, one of the 12 existing castle towers in Japan, designated as a National Treasure.

Google Map

Afternoon: Visit the World of Yayoi Kusama at Matsumoto City Museum of Art

The exterior of the museum also features polka dots designed by Yayoi Kusama and is a popular photo spot.

Immerse yourself in the world of world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama in her hometown of Matsumoto, Japan.

Google Map

Evening: Enjoy Matsumoto’s local delicacies

  • Taste Nagano’s local cuisine such as Shinshu soba noodles and Sanzokuyaki
  • Stay at a hotel in Matsumoto City

Day 2: October 8th (Wed) – Spectacular view of autumn leaves in Kamikochi and transfer to Takayama

Early morning: Departure from Matsumoto to Kamikochi

There are two ways to access Kamikochi: by public transportation or on your own

(1) Railroad + local bus
Feature: High frequency, access by train and local buses , Matsumoto Station→Shinshimashima Station: Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line
(about 30 minutes, 710 yen)
From Shinnimashima Station→Kamikochi Bus Terminal: local bus
(about 1 hour, 3,000 yen)
Buses are available by reservation only.
＞ Details & Reservations

or

Direct route bus
Feature: Easy, direct route bus access
Matsumoto Bus Terminal→Kamikochi Bus Terminal: local bus
(5:30 and 10:15 departures, 4,450 yen)
　＞ Details & Reservations

Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line (CAUTION)
Caution (1)
The Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line cannot be boarded with IC cards. Please purchase a ticket at Matsumoto Station.

Caution (2)
The location of the ticket vending machines at Matsumoto Station is the same as for the JR line. Tickets for the Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line can be purchased at the two ticket vending machines on the left. Please pay with cash or a transportation system IC card.
Credit cards are not accepted.

Caution (3)
The ticket gates at Matsumoto Station are the same as for the JR line. After passing through the ticket gate, please go to “Line 7” on the right side. Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line is on platform 7.

Kamikochi Luggage Information
　Approximate fees (one day): small 350 yen, medium 400 yen, large 500 yen, extra large 600 yen
　*Small: about 10 liters, extra large: about 60 liters

Morning – Afternoon: Enjoy the spectacular autumn scenery at Kamikochi

  • Spectacular view of the Hotaka mountain range from Kappa Bridge
  • Take a walk to Taisho Pond and enjoy the autumn leaves reflected on the mirror-like surface of the lake.
  • Enjoy the clean air and beautiful nature in a highland resort at an altitude of 1,500 meters

Afternoon: Transfer from Kamikochi to Hida Takayama

  1. Kamikochi→Hirayu Bus Terminal (20-30 min., 1,500 yen)
  2. Enjoy Hida beef croquettes and other local delicacies at Hirayu Bus Terminal
  3. Hirayu Bus Terminal→Takayama Bus Center (about 1 hour, 1,600 yen)

Evening: Taste the flavors of Hida in Takayama

  • Taste Hida beef steaks, Takayama ramen, and other specialties of the Hida region
  • The atmosphere of the old town raises expectations for tomorrow’s festivities.

From Matsumoto to Kamikochi & Kamikochi to Hida Takayama!
[Special bus tour] for Affordable and Convenient transportation

Convenient and affordable 10/8 (Wed.) limited bus tour:
From Matsumoto to Hida Takayama via Kamikochi (one way)

Price: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)

On this bus tour be:
–Free from transferring baggage
–Free of complicated transfers/arrangements
–Free of stressful timely arrangements

Also, the value can’t be beat!
**Save about 33% compared to taking the train or local bus on your own

The most difficult part of the model plan above is going from Matsumoto to Kamikochi on the second day and then from Kamikochi to Takayama.
To go on this route, you will need to take a train and three different types of local buses. Moreover, advance reservations are required for some bus routes.
This route is easily confused by even seasoned Japanese travelers.

Therefore, we recommend the Bus tour from Matsumoto to Takayama via Kamikochi from Matsumoto to Takayama via Kamikochi.

Once you have booked the bus tour, all you have to do is go to the Alps Exit of Matsumoto Station (the meeting place), at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, October 8th, leave your luggage in the trunk of the chartered bus, and board the bus.

A guide will accompany you, making it easy and safe even for first-timers.

Moreover, you save about 33% compared to taking the train or local bus on your own!

Price: 5,000 yen (with a box lunch)

Save up to 33% compared to traveling individually from Matsumoto to Takayama via Kamikochi!
Most convenient for those with large luggage! We highly recommend this limited bus if you are planning to travel from Matsumoto to Takayama on Wednesday, October 8th!

Details & Reservations

Day 3: October 9 (Thursday) – The Autumn Takayama Festival has finally arrived!

All day: Experience the traditional Takayama Festival

The Takayama Festival is one of the “Three Great Beautiful Festivals of Japan” along with the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Chichibu Night Festival in Saitama. The October festival is called the “Hachiman Festival” and features the following attractions:

  • Gorgeous yatai (floats) being pulled around
  • Karakuri Dedication: Traditional performing arts featuring elaborate puppets dancing
  • Yoimatsuri: Fantastic night scenery with lanterns lit
  • Shopping for local products at morning markets

Takayama 2025 Autumn Festival Schedule

Spanning two days, the Takayama October Festival includes the display of festival floats around Sakurayama Shrine, the local’s procession to the local shrine, two marionette shows, and finally the grand finale at night time where all floats are lit and pulled throughout the town. The night time procession is held only on October 9th.

October 9th:
Festival Float Display: 9AM~5PM [Location: here]
Marionette Show: 12PM~12:20PM (1st show), 2PM~2:20PM (2nd show) [Location: here]
Shrine Procession: 1:30PM ~ 3:30PM
Night Time Float Procession: 6:15PM ~ 8:30PM

October 10th:
Festival Float Display: 9AM~4PM [Location: here]
Marionette Show: 11PM~11:20PM (1st show), 1PM~1:20PM (2nd show) [Location: here]
Shrine Procession: 8:30PM ~ 12:30PM , 1:30PM ~ 4PM

Marionette Locations:
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. On the 9th and 10th, the Hoteidai Float will put on the show two times a day in front of Sakurayama Shrine.

Post-Trip Options

After enjoying the Takayama Festival, you can continue your journey by following these routes:

  1. To Kyoto and Osaka area via Nagoya
  2. Kanazawa and Hokuriku area via Shirakawa-go: You can also enjoy the World Heritage Site of Gassho-Zukuri Village.

Fares for public transportation from Matsumoto to Takayama

For general methods:

  • Matsumoto→Shinshimashima→Kamikochi： 3,710 yen
  • Kamikochi→Hirayu→Takayama：3,000 yen (transfer set ticket)
  • Total: 6,710 yen

When using the direct bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi:

  • Matsumoto→Kamikochi： 4,450 yen
  • Kamikochi→Hirayu→Takayama：3,000 yen
  • Total: 7,450 yen

Points to note when making reservations

  • Reservations are required for buses to Kamikochi. Early reservations are recommended, especially during the fall foliage season when the buses are crowded!
  • Accommodations in Takayama are also crowded during the festival, so advance reservations are required!
  • Don’t forget to bring warm clothes as it gets cold in the mornings and evenings in Kamikochi in October.

[October 8th, 2025 only] Easy Travel from Matsumoto → Kamikochi → Takayama
Special bus tour (5,000 yen one-way, including box lunch)

Do you find it troublesome to move around? Then this tour is for you! Transport from Matsumoto to Takayama via Kamikochi can be complicated, as you have to take a train and three buses. Plus, some bus routes require advance reservations.

But with this tour…

You can leave everything to us for a peace of mind & comfort! You can even leave your luggage on the bus for easy access.

-No transfers & no reservations required.
-Accompanied by a guide, so you won’t get lost.
-Includes a boxed lunch.
-Up to 33% cheaper than connecting on your own!

Meet at Matsumoto Station Alps Exit at 7:45 a.m. on 10/8 (Wed.)
All you need to do is to take the bus and move to Takayama while enjoying Kamikochi♪

Details & Reservations

*Number of people limited, early birds win!

Summary:


The Nagano and Gifu areas in October are the best destinations for foreign tourists to experience both the beauty of Japanese autumn and traditional culture. The spectacular view of Kamikochi with its autumn leaves and the solemnity of the Takayama Festival with a history of over 400 years, will surely leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Please take this opportunity to experience the charm of autumn in Japan to your heart’s content!

Tour reservations and more information:

Location of Matsumoto – Kamikochi – Takayama
Google Map (Matsumoto Station→Kamikochi Bus Terminal)

Google Map (Kamikochi Bus Terminal→Takayama Station)

Matsumoto/ Kamikochi/ Takayama Bus Tour

  • 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. 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 about 33% in transportation costs to Kamikochi and Matsumoto for a limited time!

This limited time discount includes transport to Kamikochi and Takayama from Matsumoto for a limited time! Take advantage of this great deal!

Read more

Save 4,710 yen when going to Kamikochi or Matsumoto from Takayama!

This one day, limited time discounted offer conveniently takes you through Takayama, Kamikochi, and Matsumoto, for a limited time! Seats are limited, so act fast!

Read more

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. How to go via Hirayu Bus Terminal (Hirayu Onsen)

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

From ShinjukuKamikochi 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 (JP)

  • 2025.04.21

Takayama Spring Festival | April 15th Detailed Schedule and Info


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.

Save about 33% compared to taking the train or local bus on your own

This limited time discounted offer takes you to Kamikochi and Takayama from Matsumoto and includes luggage storage. Just in time for the Takayama Festival! Limited to October 8th, 2025.

Read more

Save 4,710 yen when going to Kamikochi from Takayama!

This one day, limited time discounted offer takes you through Takayama, Kamikochi, and Matsumoto, for a limited time! Seats are limited, so act fast!

Read more

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.