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.
Updated bloom forecast for April 2, 2024 Updated bloom forecast for March 26, 2024 Updated bloom forecast for March 9, 2024 Updated bloom forecast for February 17, 2024
Takato Joshi Park in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, is famous for its 1,500 Takato Okohigan cherry trees, an endemic species, and is one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.
Adults (high school students and older) 600 yen (@500 yen for groups of 20 or more) Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen (@250 yen for groups of 20 or more)
Access
From Tokyo
Basta Shinjuku ↓ (Highway Bus｜About 3 hours and 25 minutes) *Timetable and reservation ( highway-bus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Local bus, Takato line, about 25 min. Timetable ) ↓ Takato Station ↓ (about 15 min. on foot) ↓ Takato Joshi Park
Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya) ↓ (Express Bus｜About 3 hours) *Timetable & Reservation ( highway-bus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Local bus, Takato line, about 25 min. Timetable ) ↓ Takato Station ↓ (about 15 min. on foot) ↓ Takato Joshi Park
Updated March 25, 2024 Updated February 19, 2024 Updated February 8, 2024 Updated December 18, 2023
March 16, 2024, Kanazawa-Tsuruga of Hokuriku Shinkansen line opens! Tokyo is now conveniently connected to Fukui and Tsuruga by a single Shinkansen line. But how will this new shinkansen affect the travel between Nagoya and places like Fukui and Kanazawa?
Until March 15, 2024, there were three main ways to travel between Nagoya and Fukui by public transportation.
(1) Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) ➡ Fukui/Kanazawa (2) Nagoya – (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) ➡ Fukui/Kanazawa (3) Nagoya – (highway bus) ➡ Fukui/Kanazawa
With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line between Kanazawa and Tsuruga on March 16, 2024, the limited express train “Shirasagi” will be shortened to Nagoya, Maibara and Tsuruga.
Method 1: Going by train
There are two lines you can use to get to Fukui, Tsuruga, and Kanazawa. ①Nagoya – ( Limited Express Shirasagi) ②Nagoya – ( Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi)
In addition, JR West announced that:
①Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Fukui The express fare for the route “1” has increased by 1,150 yen to 6,960 yen, and the travel time has shortened by about 3 minutes.
②Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Kanazawa The express fare for the route “1” has increased by 1,620 yen to 9,080 yen, and the travel time has shortened by 16 minutes on average.
If time is your top priority , we recommend you using the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Nagoya Station and Tsuruga. The following route takes 1 hour and 33 minutes.
Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen About 2 hours and 11 minutes (average)
Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen about 1 hour and 42 minutes (average) Fastest time: 1 hour and 33 minutes
About 2 hours and 40 minutes (From/to JR Nagoya Station)
First departure (of the day) From Nagoya ／ From Fukui
Nagoya 7:11 (Kodama + transfer at Yonehara) Nagoya 7:51 (direct) ／ Departure from Fukui 6:36 From Fukui (transferring to Yonehara) 7:38
Meitetsu Bus Center 7:00 Nagoya station 7:15 ／ Fukui station 6:00
Final departure From Nagoya ／ From Fukui
Nagoya 19:48 (direct) Nagoya 21:15 (Hikari + transfer at Maibara) ／ Departure from Fukui 19:42 From Fukui (transferring to Yonehara) 21:32
Meitetsu Bus Center 20:00 Nagoya station 20:15 ／ Fukui station 20:00
Charge
Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen Normal Fare 6,960 yen / one way WEB Early Special 7 (Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use) Limited number of seats 5,690 yen/one way — Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen Normal Fare 7,730 yen / one way WEB Early Special 7 (Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use) Limited number of seats 5,690 yen/one way Smart EX+ [EX service only]. connection (interline) ticket 5,590 yen / one way
3,600 yen / one-way purchase 6,500 yen/round trip purchase
Number of transfers
1 or 2 times
0 times
Amount of trains
Approx. 8 round trips (direct) About 7 round trips (transferring at Yonehara)
10 round trips
Rest stops on the way
Transfer at Tsuruga Station Transfer time is 8-19 minutes When using the Tokaido Shinkansen Transfer time at Yonehara is about 7 to 30 minutes.
Shokugatake SA *Subject to change.
Equipment
Railroad
Highway bus
Limited Express Shirasagi
Hokuriku Shinkansen
Toilet
〇
〇
〇
Wifi
✖
〇
〇 *Depends on the operating company There are cases where
Power (button on TV, etc.)
✖
〇
〇
Service
Railroad
Highway bus
Online Reservations
△ From the following WEB site Possible, but JR West’s For services, To pick up tickets Restrictions. Outing Net
If price, transfers, and effective use of travel time are important to you
No transfers, wi-fi and power supply in place. Express buses are recommended. Express buses without transfers are also recommended when luggage is large.
>>Highwaybus.com for Nagoya – Fukui Expressway Bus Reservations
At Eiheiji Temple, many monks practice Zen day and night, giving visitors a sense of the faith and culture of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism. The vast grounds are also home to many beautiful architectural structures and Buddhist statues, such as the Picture Ceiling Room and the Bodhisattva of the Holy Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Eiheiji is a fascinating place where nature, history, and modernity are in harmony. Going here can quiet your mind away from the hustle and bustle of daily life through Zen meditation and sutra copying.
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world’s three major dinosaur museums, with some 40,000 exhibits including actual fossils, full-body skeletons, and moving dinosaur robots. It is a place where visitors can see, touch, and learn about the fascination of dinosaurs.
How to get to Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum from Nagoya
About 3 hours and 45 minutes (From/to JR Nagoya Station)
First departure (of the day) From Nagoya ／ Departure from Kanazawa
Nagoya 7:11 (Kodama + transfer at Yonehara) Nagoya 7:51 (direct) ／ Departure from Kanazawa 6:00 From Kanazawa (transferring to Yonehara) 7:02
Meitetsu Bus Center 7:30 Nagoya station 7:45 ／ Kanazawa Station 6:30
Final departure From Nagoya ／ Departure from Kanazawa
Nagoya 19:48 (direct) Nagoya 21:15 (Hikari + transfer at Maibara) ／ Departure from Kanazawa 19:06 Kanazawa Departure (transferring to Yonehara) 20:56
Meitetsu Bus Center 19:30 Nagoya station 20:15 ／ Kanazawa station 18:00
Price
Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen Normal Fare 9,080 yen / one way WEB Early Special 7 (Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use) Limited number of seats 8,170 yen/one way — Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen Normal Fare 9,850 yen / one way WEB Early Special 7 (Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use) Limited number of seats 8,170 yen/one way Smart EX+ [EX service only]. connection (interline) ticket 8,070 yen / one way
If price, transfers, and effective use of travel time are important to you：
No transfers, wi-fi and power supply in place. Express buses are recommended. Express buses without transfers are also recommended when luggage is large.
>>Highwaybus .com for Nagoya – Kanazawa Expressway Bus Reservations
Takato Joshi Park, located in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture, is a popular spot selected as one of the 100 best castles in Japan, and is also famous for its magnificent autumn foliage. The autumn leaves of approximately 250 maple trees all turning red at the same time is a spectacular sight.
Maple leaves in Takato Joshi Park
Takato Joshi Park in 2024: Best time to see the autumn leaves
■Weather News Takato Joshi Park Best time to see November 8, 2024- Falling leaves November 15, 2024-
Main Events Takato Soba “New Soba Festival” is held at the same time! This original type of soba is called “spicy sauce soba” and features sauce seasoned with grilled miso, spicy daikon radish, and green onion. In autumn, visitors can enjoy new soba made from locally produced flour.
Sales of “Chestnut Takato Joshi Manju
Takato Historical Exploration Rally
Access to Takato Joshi Park
From the direction of Tokyo
Shinjuku Bus Terminal ↓ (Highway Bus｜About 3 hours and 25 minutes) *Timetable and reservation ( highway-bus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Local bus, Takato line, about 25 min. Timetable ) ↓ Takato Station ↓ (about 15 min. on foot) ↓ Takato Joshi Park
From the direction of Nagoya
Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya) ↓ (Express Bus｜About 3 hours) *Timetable & Reservation ( highway-bus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Local bus, Takato line, about 25 min. Timetable ) ↓ Takato Station ↓ (about 15 min. on foot) ↓ Takato Joshi Park
There are two main ways to travel from Shinjuku to Matsumoto in Nagano Prefecture by public transportation.
1. From Shinjuku Station to Matsumoto Station on the JR Limited Express Azusa 2. Take a highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Matsumoto Bus Terminal
There are two ways to go. It would depend on where you live, your objectives, and your budget. We compared the “JR Limited Express Azusa” and “Highway bus“.
There is no such thing as one is better than the other, so it comes down to the purpose of your visit and what your priorities are. I think it depends on your purpose of use and what your priorities are.
▶ For details and reservations of highway buses, please visit ” Highwaybus.com Highwaybus.com”.
▶ For details and reservations of JR Limited Express Azusa, please visit “JR-EAST Train Reservation“.
I will write here from my personal and subjective point of view.
The closest station to me is Mitaka Station on the JR Chuo Line, so before the coronavirus pandemic, I used the JR Limited Express Azusa almost 100% of the time. Recently, however, I use the highway bus about 70% of the time and the JR Limited Express Azusa about 30% of the time.
Why is that?
For reference, Mitaka Station is easily accessible to “Shinjuku” and “Tachikawa” where the JR Limited Express Azusa stops, in about 15 minutes. Therefore, when going to Matsumoto, the only option was always the “Azusa” train.
However, the significant increase in travel to Matsumoto, teleworking, etc., and the Corona disaster have changed the way I work and my sense of values, Travel time has also turned into time for work and other activities.
The top priority before the coronavirus pandemic was [That there are convenient schedule]. [The quickness (short travel time)]. [Cost] but
Our top priorities right now are. [That there are convenient schedule]. [That I can also make the most of my travel time.] [Cost] The company has changed.
As a result, highway bus have become more convenient.
Why is that?
In my personal and subjective opinion, it highlighted three weaknesses of Azusa that had not bothered me much before the Corona disaster.
Azusa’s Weaknesses (1) The mobile WI-FI I always bring is very unstable. Especially from Hachioji to Kofu is unstable. I have resigned myself to the fact that the train runs through the mountains and has many long, narrow tunnels, as in the past, because it is a conventional train line.
Azusa’s Weaknesses (2) It is a bumpy ride. It may seem surprising, but for those who suffer from motion sickness, express buses are recommended. My son and wife get dizzy every time and seem to have a hard time.
I also get dizzy when working on the computer when I’m sleep deprived or tired.
We have changed our behavior to overcome the above two weaknesses.
Give up work and go to bed! Or drink! And work after arriving at your destination or after returning home (T T)
Azusa’s weaknesses (3) High prices.
I didn’t mind it before because it was only a few times a year, but now that I use it more often, I’m very concerned about the price.
There used to be discount tickets such as coupon tickets and special tickets, but in March 2019, coupon tickets and special tickets will be discontinued, and reservations will be made through JR East’s website, “JR-EAST Train Reservation“ Ticketless Discounts Tokudane 10% off *10% off the price of a good deal. Tokudane 30% off *30% off the price of a good deal. Only two are left.
It would be nice to be able to use the “Tokudane 30% off(トクだ値30％OFF)” discount, but it is extremely difficult for me, as I mostly use it for business purposes and my schedule is not fixed until the last minute.
That’s when I noticed a revolutionary solution. It is a Highway bus.
Highway buses connect Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, directly connected to Shinjuku Station, andthe Matsumoto Bus Terminal next to Matsumoto Station via the Chuo Expressway and Nagano Expressway.
Mobile WI-FI is always stable. Also, since most of the way is on the highway, shaking is not a concern. On the way, we also like to refresh ourselves with a break at the Futaba Service Area.
Furthermore, the price is very reasonable. Price list↓↓
Therefore, the means of transportation to Matsumoto was changed from the JR Limited Express Azusa to the highway bus.
*When traffic congestion is expected on the expressway, such as on weekends, or when accurate arrival is required, we use Azusa.
▶ For details and reservations of highway buses, please visit ” Highwaybus.com Highwaybus.com”.
▶ For details and reservations of JR Limited Express Azusa, please visit “JR-EAST Train Reservation“.
Number of services (survey date: January 24, 2022)
18 round trips/day
24 round trips/day
the time required
Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
Approx. 3 hours and 20 minutes
Price (survey date January 24, 2022)
Regular fee ¥6,620 Ticketless discount ¥6,520 Tokudane 10% off: ¥5,950 (*10% off the price of a good deal.) Tokudane 30% off: ¥4,620 (*30% off the price of a good deal.)
Regular price ¥3,900 Web payment ¥3,600 2 web coupon tickets @¥3,250 x 2 4 web coupon tickets @¥3,150 x 4
on-time rate (of operation)
Weekdays: ✔/Weekends: ✔
The trains are almost always on time, but because they are conventional trains, delays of 5 to 10 minutes are common.
Free Wi-Fi and mobile Wi-Fi routers are unstable in many tunnels and mountainous areas.
✔ Free Wi-Fi available
Stable connection with both Free Wi-Fi and mobile Wi-Fi router that you bring.
Toilet
✔
It is spacious and comfortable. Car 10 is recommended for passengers with small children. There is a universal restroom with diaper changing facilities in Car 9 next door.
✔
There is also a break at the Futaba service area.
Shaking
High speed driving at relatively high speeds in mountainous areas causes severe lateral shaking
Relatively little shaking since most of the roads are highways.
View
△
Fuji and the Yatsugatake and Southern Alps, but unfortunately there are many tunnels!
✔
Fuji, the Yatsugatake Mountains, the Southern Alps, and Lake Suwa!
JR Limited Express Azusa
Highway bus
Number of services
18 round trips/day
17 round trips/day
the time required
Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
Approx. 3 hours and 20 minutes
Price
Regular fee ¥6,620
Regular price ¥3,900
Ticketless discount ¥6,520
Web payment ¥3,600
Tokudane 10% off: ¥5,950 (*10% off the price of a good deal.)
2 web coupon tickets @¥3,250 x 2
Tokudane 30% off: ¥4,620 (*30% off the price of a good deal.)
4 web coupon tickets @¥3,150 x 4
on-time rate (of operation)
Weekdays: ✔ /Weekends: ✔
Weekdays: ✔ / Weekends: △
Power source (outlet)
✔
✔
Wi-Fi
△ Free Wi-Fi available
✔ Free Wi-Fi available
Toilet
✔
✔
Shaking
High speed driving at relatively high speeds in mountainous areas causes severe lateral shaking
Relatively little shaking since most of the roads are highways.
Shinjuku – Matsumoto: JR Limited Express Azusa / Highway Bus Comparison chart (Survey date: January 24, 2022)
▶ For details and reservations of highway buses, please visit Highwaybus.com
▶ For details and reservations of JR Limited Express Azusa, please visit “JR-EAST Train Reservation“.
In that case, the route is Mitaka Station ｜ (JR Chuo Line: about 15 minutes) ↓ Tachikawa Station ｜ (about 5 minutes walk) ↓ Tachikawa Minami Station ｜ (Tama Toshi Monorail Line : about 4 minutes bound for Tama-Center) ↓ Kōshū-Kaidō Station ｜ (about 7 minutes walk) ↓ Chuo EXPWY Hino
This is the root
For reference, Mitaka to Matsumoto is JR Limited Express Azusa ¥5,980 with ticket-less discount Travel time is about 2 hours and 40 minutes
Highway bus ¥3,284 with 2 coupon tickets, the trip takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes.
▶ For details and reservations for highway buses, please contact ” Highwaybus.com “
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.
