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  • 2024.02.29

A Modern Coworking Space on the 7th floor of Matsumoto Bus Terminal

ALPICO PLAZA is a co-working space on the 7th floor of Alpico Plaza, a commercial building that houses the Matsumoto Bus Terminal, located right in front of Matsumoto Station.

It is only 500 yen a day and comes with a 100 yen coupon for a restaurant in the same building. With this in mind, it is actually only 400 yen/day.

For this price, we recommend using it as a power cafe for short periods of time (*eating and drinking are not allowed). I decided to try it out for this business trip– and it was nice to have a direct connection to the bus terminal!

I checked online for available seats on the express bus, made a reservation, worked until just before the departure time, and boarded the bus right away.

Today is the last day of my business trip. I check out of my hotel and head for the bus terminal.

Normally, I would have boarded the express bus immediately, but not today.

First, I headed to the Matsumoto bus terminal counter. Here, you tell them that you want to use the coworking space on the 7th floor, and you will be given a user guide to read through. After paying 500 yen, you will be given an “Entrance Card” and a 100 yen coupon coupon that can be used at restaurants in the building.

On the back of the “Entrance Pass” you will find the PIN number to unlock the door to the coworking space and the wi-fi password.　Please be careful not to lose it.

After registering and paying at the bus terminal on the first floor, take the elevator to the seventh floor.

In addition to the coworking space, there are restaurants on the 7th floor, including Saizeriya and Gyoza no Ousho.

Immediately unlock the door using the PIN code on the entrance pass!
Opening the door, there were three guests ahead of us that day, but it is spacious and roomy, so we find our favorites from the available seats.

All tables are equipped with a power supply as well as USB power and stand lights.
It’s an open space, so it’s not suitable for online meetings such as ZOOM.

But it’s great if you need a place to concentrate.

For lunch, I went to Saizeriya next door and used the 100 yen coupon I got here!
Originally an inexpensive lunch, now became even less expensive! It’s a great deal!

This time we stayed for 4 hours with lunch in between.

To check out, simply return the entrance pass to the box near the entrance/exit.

For me, the table was a little low and made my hips and back hurt a little.
Next time I thought of bringing a computer stand.

But other than that, it was comfortable, and I was able to get a lot of work done.

The express bus we boarded is also equipped with power and WIFI.

Highwaybus.com for reservations of highway buses from Matsumoto to Shinjuku.

Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto
A modern, stylish budget hotel specializing in overnight stays, located directly near the Matsumoto bus terminal.

Some benefits:

  • Drink service for early check-in
  • Tea and rice for the evening meal service
  • Large baths modeled after Shirakotsu Onsen hot springs
  • Children (elementary schoolers and younger) can stay for FREE!

Hotel M Matsumoto
Located right in front of the Matsumoto Bus Terminal on the 6th floor of a building that also houses Maruzen Bookstore and Daiso, this capsule and business hotel offers the best value for money.

Some benefits:

  • Bright and clean, its appealing for women solo-travelers
  • Lounge is stocked with comic books
  • Large public bath

Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Ekimae
It is about 400m, or 5 minutes away from the Matsumoto bus terminal.

Some benefits:

  • Stylish and elaborate/ often used for weddings
  • Recommended for girls trips, etc.

  • 2023.12.21

Shortage of rental cars in Matsumoto has become chronic! | Using the Kanbayashi bus stop on the Nagano Expressway for a lesser known store

I often travel to Matsumoto by highway bus or limited express train Azusa for public and private trips, and rent a car in Matsumoto. However, these days the car is always full and cannot be rented.

Toyota Rent-A-Car too crowded?


Since I am a corporate member of Toyota Rent-A-Car, I usually use Toyota Rent-A-Car, but recently, not only Toyota Rent-A-Car, but also Nippon Rent-A-Car, ORIX Rent-A-Car, and Station Rent-A-Car are all full and cannot be rented.

In the midst of all this,We found Nico Nico Rent-a-Car Matsumoto Airport Road Kanbayashi branch within a 3-4 minute walk from the bus stop [Nagano Road Kanbayashi] on the way to Matsumoto on the highway bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal!

We decided to give it a try right away. The first bus stop I get off at “probably in the middle of nowhere.”
I know Nico Nico Rent-a-Car is cheap, but is it safe?” I was anxious, but I had no other choice.

First, book an express bus and a Nico Nico Rental Car!

I booked a highway bus through highwaybus.com. By booking through this site, you can get off at a bus stop not at Matsumoto bus terminal but Nagano-do Kanbayashi. The fare between both stops are the same.

Next, make a reservation for Nico Nico Rent-a-Car. This too was easily reserved via the Internet.
Basic rates are low, but optional insurance waivers and other options are considerably more expensive than major car rental companies. Also, it differs from the major car rental companies in that they add mandatory fees such as car navigation fees.

Successfully completed the reservation!
On the day of the event (2023.12.21), I first headed to the Hino bus stop as usual to board the expressway bus.

Thursday, December 21, 2023

8:37 Board the highway bus from Hino bus stop for Matsumoto, 2 minutes behind schedule. We will head for Kanbayashi on the Nagano road.

10:04 Arrive at Kanbayashi, Nagano 4 minutes earlier than scheduled. Get off the highway bus.

Around the Kanbayashi bus stop on Nagano Road…
There is nothing…it is a relaxing view with fields spread out.

I wonder if there really is a car rental agency here…
I looked at Google Map with some anxiety and found a convenience store (7-Eleven) and a gas station right next to it. The Nico Nico Rent-A-Car is attached to this gas station.

Exit the highway onto the public road and turn left (south). As soon as you pass under the highway, you will see a 7-Eleven and a gas station on your right.

Easily reach a gas station.
This is the rental car procedure in this store. The receptionist was kind and courteous.
The car is a little older. It appears to be safe to drive.
Fees are also reasonable.

Once you have set your navigation system, you are ready to go.
This time, since our business was in the Kamikochi area, it was advantageous to avoid the congestion in downtown Matsumoto.

Then, return.

First, we will go to Apollo Station Matsumoto Airport Road SS/Misuzu Sekiyu Co.
Nico Nico Rent-A-Car Matsumoto Airport Dori Kanbayashi Branch is attached to Apollo Station Matsumoto Airport Road SS.

17:57
Arrival and return procedures while refueling

A gas station is attached to the building, making it convenient for fueling up when returning the car.

The highway bus stop “Nagano-dojinbayashi” is about a 2-3 minute walk away.

The disadvantage is that there are few stores and restaurants along the highway.
There is a 7-Eleven next door, but there is no souvenir shop or cafe, so there is no place to adjust your time.

I also finished returning my rental car 30 minutes before the bus departure time.

It is completely dark, and you have to wait for the express bus at a bus stop on the highway in winter.
However, the staff of Nico Nico Rent-a-Car told me, “The bus stop is just around the corner and it is cold outside, so please take a break inside the store until it’s time to go.” I decided to use a chair and table inside the store until the time was up. It was warm and comfortable.

18:30
Depart from the store and go to the bus stop on the highway.

18:32
Arrive at the entrance to the bus stop.
Climb the stairs toward the highway, turn around, and you will see a Nico Nico Rent-a-Car store and a 7-Eleven right there.
It’s right under your nose.

First, the bus stop at Kanbayashi on Nagano Road
It is different from bus stops in Tokyo and is designed for cold climates.
The waiting room has a door.

The feet and ceiling are also sealed to protect from rain and wind. ^^
Moreover, it is clean and safe.

18:43
The bus to Shinjuku arrived 7 minutes later than scheduled.
Boarded an express bus and departed for Tokyo!

I’m toasting alone with beer and snacks I bought at 7-Eleven ^^.

Express buses make approximately 20 round trips daily between Shinjuku ⇔ Shinbayashi-Matsumoto Bus Terminal in Nagano Province!

For details and reservations, please contact [ highway-bus.com ].