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Things to Know Before Booking Sunset Shibuya Sky Tickets

How to Get Guaranteed Access to Shibuya Sky at Sunset Hour/Sunset Time

Did you know there’s a rooftop observation deck at the top of Shibuya’s tallest high-rise building, Shibuya Scramble Square?

Shibuya at night

Shibuya Sky (SHIBUYA SKY) is directly connected to Shibuya Station about 230 meters above ground.

With the “SKY STAGE” skyscraper rooftop observation deck and the “SKY GALLERY” indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor, Shibuya Sky offers open and vast views from Shibuya skyline. While Shibuya Sky during the day is great in its own sense, sunset time (sunset hour) at dusk and the night time view are most popular!

We recommend that you purchase an online ticket in advance because this Shibuya Sky is a popular spot and it will be crowded. If you can’t secure a sunset ticket, we’ll teach you a loophole below.

※Estimated sunset times at SHIBUYA SKY

Escape the heat in Tokyo!
(FREE rest areas and indoor activities near Shibuya)

If you’re looking for some ideas to keep cool and to kill time in Tokyo, there are plenty of spaces near Shibuya. Plus–cooler climates like Kamikochi and Kusatsu can be reached by bus directly from Shibuya!

Read more


Unfortunately, admission tickets for later evenings sell out quickly, and reservations are often sold out months in advance.

This is the booking calendar on the official website as of September 19, 2024.
As you can see, there’s almost no availability after 15:00 until October 17, 2024.

※ Although there is a designated time for entering Shibuya Sky, you can leave at any time as long as it is during business hours.

Most people come all the way to SHIBUYA SKY, but find out that sunset tickets have been sold out. There’s actually a way to fix this problem!


How to secure SHIBUYA SKY tickets at sunset times.

All you have to do is…

Purchase a ticket for the open-top bus “SHIBUYA STREET RIDE” that includes an admission voucher, also known as the “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket”! The “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket” gives you guaranteed access to SHIBUYA SKY at any time in the day.

By purchasing this set of tickets, you will be able to get into Shibuya Sky even during sold-out times!


First, what is a SHIBUYA SKY set ticket?

The SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket is an online ticket voucher you are given when you ride SHIBUYA STREET RIDE.

The greatest advantage of this ticket voucher is that it guarantees admission to Shibuya Sky at any time.

When purchasing a regular ticket, you must specify the time of admission. This makes it almost impossible to purchase a ticket during sold-out times. You can use the “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket” any time after you get off at SHIBUYA STREET RIDE as long as its the same day. This is perfect if you are trying to secure a sunset ticket for a certain day on your trip, but didn’t have time to book ahead.



However, please note that this pass will only be available until the final entrance time of Shibuya Sky on the day of your trip. Re-entry is also not permitted.

During the daytime, you can take the open-top bus, and in the evening, you can enjoy the city of Shibuya on the Shibuya Sky.

The places you tour by bus are small and spread out around your feet, making for an interesting and memorable experience.

Details of SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY set ticket


SHIBUYA STREET RIDE

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE has two routes:
・Shibuya Excursion Route
・Shibuya⇔Shinjuku Route(※September 2024~January 2025)

These are two popular routes.

Both routes are designed to take in the sights.

shibuya street ride car
view from shibuya street ride

The bus is an open-top bus specification with no roof on the second floor, allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing from a perspective they would not normally be able to see.

Seats are equipped with multilingual audio guides and in-train monitors that provide information on each area during the trip. Of course, Japanese is also available.

It also comes with a digital version of a city walking guide to enjoy the streets of Shibuya even after getting off the bus.


SHIBUYA STREET RIDE Ride Experience

I immediately booked a SHIBUYA STREET and RIDE SHIBUYA SKY online set ticket.
This time, I rode on the round-trip route of SHIBUYA on the Shibuya Excursion route.

At the south exit of Shibuya Station is Shibuya Fuclas. There is a bus terminal there on the first floor.

The departure time was 11:25 but I arrived a before 11:00.
I was able to relax in the stylish area waiting area right in front of the bus stop.

shibuya fuclas bus terminal
 shibuya street ride at shibuya fuclas

Before I knew it, a stylish open-top bus entered the boarding area shortly after 11:15.

Next, all you have to do is show the screen of your cell phone to the crew and board the train!

At this time, I received a voucher for admission to Shibuya Sky on the same day.

Now you can enjoy the evening and night views from Shibuya Sky ^^.

shibuya sky set ticket


This time, the route took me from the Scramble Crossing to Harajuku, Omotesando, and other areas around Shibuya.

The colorful seating inside the car will surely be Instagram-worthy if you take pictures!

On the second floor, you can feel the breeze and enjoy the view from a different perspective than usual.

The thrill of passing under an overpass is especially unique to this bus.

 shibuya street ride seats
 shibuya street ride view of national stadium

The bus first departs from Shibuya Fuklas and head towards Harajuku on Meiji Street.

Along the way, you can see Meiji Shrine and Takeshita-dori Avenue from a slightly elevated vantage point. After that we headed towards Sendagaya and Gaienmae.

As we reach Omotesando, we can see the National Stadium, which was the main venue for the Olympics. There were no power lines so you could see the view of the sky really clearly and it felt great!

In Omotesando, you can feel the street trees up close while overlooking the rows of high-end fashion stores.

Finally, I returned to Shibuya for the last time to view the scramble crossing. It is a luxurious feeling to be able to see the scene of many people coming and going from above, up close and personal.

I returned to the bus terminal on the ground floor of the Shibuya Fuklas– the area I departed from around 12:30 p.m.

After a leisurely lunch, I went for a stroll in Shibuya, using the digital version of the city walking guide that was in the pocket of the car!

Don’t forget to check the passcode in the car!
Since the audio is also recorded, wearing earphones is recommended.

 shibuya street ride digital walking guide

It’s evening, and SHIBUYA SKY is located in Shibuya Scramble Square.

With this same-day admission voucher, I went to SHIBUYA SKY, and on the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square I was able to register and enjoy the evening and night views.

“Crossing Lights,” a light show held every 30 minutes after 7:00 p.m. every day, is a unique nighttime experience. The performance is said to change with the seasons.



SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket Details

couple enjoying shibuya sky at night

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket Details


Estimated Sunset Times at SHIBUYA SKY

“Twilight Time” in Shibuya takes place 15 minutes after sunset.

This is the most beautiful time to see Shibuya Sky as day transitions into night. “Twilight Time” can be seen only in this 15 minute time frame.

Sunset times may vary by month. Please use this as a reference.

Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)
Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)
January4:40PM~5:10PM~
February5:10PM~5:35PM~
March5:35PM~6:00PM~
April6:00PM~6:25PM~
May6:25PM~6:50PM~
June6:50PM~7:00PM~
July7:00PM~6:45PM~
*Around July and August, the sun sets a bit earlier.
Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)
Sunset Times
(Towards the beginning of the month)
August6:35PM~6:10PM~
September6:10PM~5:25PM~
October5:25PM~4:45PM~
November4:45PM~4:30PM~
December4:30PM~4:40PM~
*From around December 12th, the sun sets a little later.

Even if tickets are sold out, as long as you have the Shibuya Sky Set Ticket, you can enjoy the beautiful views of SHIBUYA SKY at any time.


Hokuriku Shinkansen from Kanazawa to Tsuruga! | We thoroughly compared Train and highway bus services between Nagoya and Fukui/Kanazawa.

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?

<Content Production Cooperation|Meitetsu Bus Co.>

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.

Method 2: Highway bus

Express Bus
Nagoya – (highway bus) – Fukui
  Highway Bus Details (Meitetsu Bus)
Nagoya – (highway bus) – Kanazawa
  Highway Bus Details (Meitetsu Bus)

>> For comparison of Nagoya ⇔ Fukui, please visit ↓↓↓↓

>> For comparison of Nagoya ⇔ Kanazawa, please visit ↓↓↓↓


Nagoya ➡ Fukui
Hokuriku Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi vs. Highway Bus

Basic InformationRailroadHighway Bus
*Official Meitetsu Bus WEB site
Time requiredLimited 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
ChargeLimited 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 transfers1 or 2 times0 times
Amount of trainsApprox. 8 round trips (direct)
About 7 round trips (transferring at Yonehara)
10 round trips
Rest stops on the wayTransfer 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.
EquipmentRailroadHighway bus
Limited Express ShirasagiHokuriku Shinkansen
Toilet
Wifi
*Depends on the operating company
There are cases where
Power (button on TV, etc.)
ServiceRailroadHighway bus
Online Reservations
From the following WEB site
Possible, but JR West’s
For services,
To pick up tickets
Restrictions.
Outing Net

The following WEB sites and
Possible with the app
Highwaybus.com
Detailed reservation information for highway bus routes
Ticketless
At highwaybus.com.
After booking and after online payment
Select a mobile phone ticket
Please do so.
*The above comparison chart is based on press releases as of January 23, 2024. It will be updated as soon as new information is released.

If time is a top priority

Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen
Nagoya- (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Fukui
is recommended.

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


Popular Spots in Fukui

Eiheiji

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.

How to get to Eiheiji from Nagoya:

The Eiheiji Transfer Ticket forHighway Bus (Nagoya⇔Fukui) and Route Bus (Eiheiji Liner|Fukui⇔Eiheiji) is a convenient and economical way to get to Eiheiji.

Outline of Eiheiji Transfer Ticket

ChargeNagoya⇔Eiheiji (Round trip)
Adult 7,700 yen
Child 3,850 yen
Target RouteHighway Bus “Nagoya⇔Fukui
 +
Eiheiji Liner (local bus)
Fukui Station⇔Eiheiji
*One-way tickets are not available.
Term of ValidityValid for 4 days from the day of departure from Nagoya
Sales OfficeMeitetsu Bus Center
JR Tokai Bus Nagoya Travel Center
RefundWhat about refunds for changes after purchase?
Please go to the ticket counter by the departure time indicated on the ticket.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

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

Highway Bus (Nagoya⇔Fukui)+Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Route (Fukui⇔Katsuyama) + Route Bus
A special set ticket that includes round-trip fare from train or bus (Katsuyama to Dinosaur Museum) and admission fee to the museum.


For highway bus reservations from Nagoya to Fukui, please contact highway-bus.com!


Nagoya ➡ Kanazawa
Hokuriku Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi vs. Highway Bus

Basic InformationRailroadHighway Bus
*Official Meitetsu Bus WEB site
Time requiredLimited Express Shirasagi
 +
Hokuriku Shinkansen
About 2 hours and 45 minutes (average)

Tokaido Shinkansen
 +
Limited Express Shirasagi
 +
Hokuriku Shinkansen about 2 hours 19 minutes (average)
Fastest time: 2 hours and 9 minutes
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
PriceLimited 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
3,600 – 5,500 yen / one way
Fee Details
Number of transfers1 or 2 times0 times
Amount of trainsApprox. 8 round trips (direct)
About 7 round trips (transferring at Yonehara)
11 round trips
Rest stops on the wayTransfer at Tsuruga Station
Transfer time is 8-19 minutes
If you are using the Tokaido Shinkansen
Transfer time at Yonehara is about 7 to 30 minutes.
Nanjo SA
*Subject to change.
EquipmentRailroadHighway Bus
limited express ShirasagiHokuriku Shinkansen
Toilet
Wifi
*Depends on the operating company
There are cases where
power (button on TV, etc.)
ServiceRailroadHighway Bus
Online Reservations
From the following WEB site
Possible, but JR West’s
For services,
To pick up tickets
Restrictions.
Outing Net

The following WEB sites and
Possible with the app
Highwaybus.com
Detailed reservation information for highway bus routes
Ticketless
At highwaybus.com.
After booking and after online payment
Select a mobile phone ticket
Please do so.
*The above comparison chart is based on press releases as of January 23, 2024. It will be updated as soon as new information is released.

If time is a top priority

Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen
Nagoya- (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Kanazawa
is recommended.

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


<Cooperation in the creation of these contents|Meitetsu Bus Co. >

Search hotels near Kanazawa Station:

2024 The Best Time to See the Autumn Leaves at Takato Joshi Park |Maple Festival and Traffic Information

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-

https://weathernews.jp/s/topics/202209/150155/


Takato Maple Festival

Period
Saturday, November 2, 2024 – Sunday, November 10, 2024

The Takato Maple Festival last year in 2023


Live Camera in Takato

Takato Joshi Park Live Camera
Inadani Net


Takato Castle Site Maple Festival Admission

Admission: 600 yen
Free Parking: Free

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


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

Keio Bus LINE official account opened!

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JR Limited Express Azusa or Highway bus for Shinjuku – Matsumoto? Here is a comparison.

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“.

Keio Bus LINE official account opened!

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PR Area

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

Shinjuku – Matsumoto
“JR Limited Express Azusa”, “Highway Bus” Comparison chart


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.

Weekdays: ✔ / Weekends: △

Due to a relaxed timetable, the trains often arrive 5~15 minutes early on weekdays.
However, on weekends, etc., it is sometimes caught in traffic jams on the Chuo Expressway.


Power source (outlet)


Wi-Fi


Free Wi-fi available

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 AzusaHighway bus
Number of services18 round trips/day17 round trips/day
the time requiredApprox. 2 hours and 40 minutesApprox. 3 hours and 20 minutes
PriceRegular fee ¥6,620Regular price ¥3,900
 Ticketless discount ¥6,520Web 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
ShakingHigh speed driving at relatively high speeds in mountainous areas causes severe lateral shakingRelatively 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 my case, I usually take the bus from the Chuo EXPWY Hino bus stop to Matsumoto, and on my return trip, I take the bus from the Matsumoto bus terminal and get off at the Chuo EXPWY Hino bus stop.

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

▶ For details and reservations of the JR Limited Express Azusa
JR-EAST Train Reservation

Keio Bus LINE official account opened!

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Recommended Hotels near Matsumoto Bus Terminal

These are recommended accommodations that our staff actually stayed at and found to be highly cost-effective.

Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto
A modern, stylish budget hotel specializing in overnight stays, located directly near the Matsumoto bus terminal.
Full service, including drink service for early check-in and tea rice with evening meal service.
The large baths, modeled after the Shirakotsu Onsen hot springs, separate for men and women, are also attractive.
In addition, children of elementary school age and younger sleep for free. Even more savings if you bring your children!

Hotel M Matsumoto
Located right in front of the Matsumoto Bus Terminal on the 6th floor of a building that also houses Maruzen Bookstore and Daiso, this capsule and business hotel offers the best value for money, with a bright and clean atmosphere, and is safe for women traveling alone.
Fully-equipped lounge, manga, etc. There is a large public bath with a gender-switching system.
It is especially recommended for solo travelers and those staying before Kamikochi.

Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Ekimae
It is about 400m 5 minutes away from the Matsumoto bus terminal.
It is a stylish new hotel with an elaborate design that is also used for weddings.
It is also recommended for women’s trips, etc.