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  • 2024.04.30

Kamikochi Access 2024｜Train and bus from Tokyo area Public transportation guide

Kamikochi is always restricted to private cars and cannot be entered by private cars.
Therefore, if you are driving your own car, you will need to park your car at the Sawatari area parking lot and transfer to a local bus or cab.　Therefore, we recommend that you visit Kamikochi by public transportation such as trains and buses.

The rules for local buses have changed since 2024. Please be aware of the new rules.

[Change #1
　 All buses from Kamikochi to Niijima are now by reservation only.

[Change 2
　 Buses connecting Matsumoto – Hirayu – Takayama are now available by reservation only.

General directions from Tokyo area to Kamikochi

■ For Railroads ■

Approx. 9,900 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.
｜
Niijima Station
｜
(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.

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

This method is to take an express bus from Shinjuku to Hida Takayama, get off at Hirayu Bus Terminal, and then transfer to a local bus bound for Kamikochi. After walking a lot in Kamikochi, it is recommended to take the bus back to Hirayu Bus Terminal and stay overnight at Okuhida Onsenkyo Hirayu Onsen or Fukuchi Onsen to relieve your fatigue.

Express buses between Shinjuku and Hirayu make 4-5 round trips per day.

>>>Details

2. How to go through Matsumoto

This method is to take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Matsumoto Bus Terminal, get off at Matsumoto Inter-mae Bus Stop or Matsumoto Bus Terminal, and transfer to the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line and local buses.

It is recommended to stay the night before in Matsumoto, a mountain city that is the gateway to the Northern Alps, and to go to Kamikochi early in the morning.

Another attraction of the Shinjuku-Matsumoto highway bus is the large number of services.

Express buses between Shinjuku and Matsumoto make 24 round trips per day.

>>>Details

Highway Bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi (Direct / via Hirayu / via Matsumoto) Comparison Chart 2024

alignment
From Shinjuku		Kamikochi ordinary bathhouse
(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		5,300 yen
~ (after a number N)
6,200 yen
*Overnight flights are +500 yen.

WEB coupon tickets
5,300 yen x 4		3,300 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
One-way: 3,140-3,260 yen
Matsumoto→Kamikochi Direct bus
4,000 yen one way
criterion
one-way total
fare		8,000 yen
~ (after a number N)
16,000 yen		6,800 yen
~ (after a number N)
7,700 yen		6,560 yen
~ (after a number N)
7,760 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
  • 2024.04.29

I want to use the bus between Shinjuku and Kamikochi at a low price! I can’t get a reservation because the bus is full! In such a case, you can take the bus via Matsumoto.

Kamikochi opened again this year (2024).
What is different from before Corona and from previous years is the large number of people from home and abroad who visit the mountain as soon as it opens on April 17.
In addition, direct buses from Shinjuku are becoming more difficult to book due to labor regulations for drivers and others starting in April 2024.

So, here is the second part of a back-up plan for traveling between Shinjuku and Kamikochi that is relatively easy to book and inexpensive.
In Part 1, we showed you how to take the highway bus from Shinjuku to Takayama and transfer at the Hirayu Bus Terminal [ via Hirayu Bus Terminal (Hirayu Onsen) ], and this time we will show you the backstage procedure for the version via Matsumoto.

You can take a highway bus from Basta Shinjuku or Hino bus station to Matsumoto bus terminal and head for Kamikochi.

Although it is common to use the ” Matsumoto Bus Terminal” and “Matsumoto Station” to connect the highway bus to the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line, here we will use the “Matsumoto Inter-mae Bus Stop” and “Oniwa Station” on the Kamikochi Line to emphasize typa.

This backstage technique can shorten the time by about 30 minutes.
If you can connect to a train one train earlier, you can save an hour.

This is a back-up plan when rates and time are a priority.

root

Board the highway bus at the Basta Shinjuku/Hino bus stop.
　　　⇕
(Highway Bus / to Matsumoto)
Approx. 190 min. from Shinjuku, 160 min. from Hino
　　　⇕
Get off the highway bus at the Matsumoto Interchange bus stop.
　　　⇕
( about 550m / 7-8 minutes walk )
　　　⇕
Board the train at Oba Station.
　　　⇕
( Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line )
　　Approx. 25 min.
　　　⇕
Get off the train at Niijima station.
　Board a local bus at the Niijima bus terminal
　　　⇕
( Local bus bound for Kamikochi )
　　Approx. 65 min.
　　　⇕
Kamikochi Bus Terminal

Fees (Fares)

It costs about 7,000 yen one way.

The breakdown is
Shinjuku – Matsumoto Highway Bus: 3,300 – 4,000 yen/one way
　Reference 4-pack web coupon tickets
　　 Basta Shinjuku – Matsumoto 13,000 yen / 4 tickets （3,250 yen / 1 ticket)
　　 Hino bus stop – Matsumoto 11,400 yen/4 tickets (2,850 yen/1 ticket)
Oniwa – Niijima 590 yen/one way
　(Matsumoto – Niijima 710 yen/one way)
Shinshimadai – Kamikochi Bus Terminal 2,550 yen / one way
　All buses from Kamikochi to Niijimatsuri on the return trip will be operated on a reservation basis from FY2024.

The direct bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi, “Sawayaka Shinshu-go,” has variable fares ranging from 8,000 yen to 16,000 yen.
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.

The typical fee is 12,000-14,000 yen, which is almost half the price.

In other words, Save more than 10,000 yen round-trip (i.e., more than 10,000 yen savings for a round-trip flight)

We recommend using the “Matsumoto Bus Terminal” and “Matsumoto Station” if you plan to stay the night before or after in Matsumoto, or if you plan to shop or eat at Matsumoto.

If you stay the night before the tour, you can take the “National Park Liner,” a direct bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi that departs from the Matsumoto Bus Terminal at 5:30 am and arrives at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 7:05 am, allowing you to enjoy Kamikochi in the early morning.
>> >> Details of National Park Liner

>> >> Recommended for the first night or the second night! Hotels near Matsumoto Bus Terminal

Express Bus and Rail Transfers

Express buses and trains generally use the “Matsumoto Bus Terminal” and “Matsumoto Station” for connections.
The bus terminal and train station are a short 5-minute walk away.

However, as shown in the map below, it is necessary to make a round trip between the Matsumoto Interchange and Matsumoto Station, resulting in waste.
Therefore, if you wish to go directly from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Kamikochi or from Kamikochi directly to Tokyo (Shinjuku), we recommend that you transfer at the “Matsumoto Inter-mae Bus Stop” and “Oba Station” on the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line.

The bus stop in front of the Matsumoto Interchange on the return trip (toward Shinjuku) has a waiting room that was renovated in June 2019 and is equipped with air conditioning, restrooms, and 9 charging stations (outlets, USB) for cell phones and other devices.

In addition, the round-trip fare via Matsumoto is more than 10,000 yen less than the direct bus service from Shinjuku to Kamikochi.
We also recommend that you spend the night before or after your stay in Matsumoto with the money you save.
In this case, please use “Matsumoto Bus Terminal” and “Matsumoto Station”.

Matsumoto Interchange Bus Stop ⇔ Kamikochi Line Oba Station

If you refer to Google Map when going to Oba Station on the Kamikochi Line from in front of the Matsumoto Interchange (in the direction of Matsumoto) on the outward journey, you will be directed to take the long way around as shown in the map below.

This is because there is no pedestrian crossing at Horimae, the intersection just after getting off the bus.
The shortest way is to follow the red arrow in the photo below, but you cannot cross Route 158.


However, there is an underground promenade that does not appear on Google Maps that can be crossed safely and easily.

The underground promenade was well maintained and cleaned, and was relatively bright and safe.

From Oniwa Station, take the Kamikochi Line bound for Niijima-eki and arrive at the last stop, Niijima-eki, in about 25 minutes.
Niijima Station is the closest train station to Kamikochi, and from here it is a 65-minute bus ride to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
When boarding the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line, please pick up a numbered ticket at the entrance.　It will be used when you get off the train.
Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line does not accept IC cards such as Suica. Please have coins ready.

Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line “Oba Station” ⇒ “Matsumoto Interchange-mae Bus Stop

Niijima Station
Niijima Bus Terminal

Shinjuku – Matsumoto Highway Bus Reservation

Highwaybus.com allows you to change/cancel reservations and select seats for highway buses.

There are approximately 24 round trips/day by express bus from Matsumoto to Shinjuku ↔ Matsumoto.
For reservations
↓↓↓↓
Highwaybus.com

Futaba service area by taking a break on the way

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.

Other accommodations near Matsumoto Station and Matsumoto Bus Terminal

  • 2024.04.03

I want to use the bus between Shinjuku and Kamikochi at a low price! I can’t get a reservation because the bus is full! This is a backstage technique for such a case.

Updated April 3, 2024 (updated to 2024 rates)

Public Transportation Information for Kamikochi, Okuhida and Chubu-Sangaku National Park

That is to take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Hida Takayama and transfer at the Hirayu bus terminal next to Kamikochi.

Although the time required is about 30 minutes longer than the direct bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi, the round-trip fare is more than 10,000 yen less than the direct bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi.
In addition, you can enjoy Okuhida Onsenkyo (hot spring resort) such as Hirayu Onsen.

Kamikochi is always restricted to private cars and cannot be entered by private cars.

The only ways to enter Kamikochi are by bus, licensed cab, on foot, or by bicycle.
Therefore, the highway bus is by far the most convenient way to get to Kamikochi from Tokyo!

However, because express buses are convenient, they are popular and crowded, making prices somewhat more expensive.
A little less expensive! Here’s a guide to the tricks of the trade to make it easier to make reservations.

Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Kamikochi Bus Terminal

General directions from Tokyo area to Kamikochi

■ By train
 Approx. 9,500 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.
｜
Niijima Station
｜
(Bus route )
Approx. 1 hr. 15 min.
｜
Kamikochi Bus Terminal

■ For express buses ■
Approx. 10,000 yen (one-way for adults)

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

Buses from Shinjuku are especially convenient and numerous.
However, highway buses from Shinjuku (Basta Shinjuku) to Kamikochi are very popular, so reservations are difficult to obtain and the fares are a bit expensive.
So, what is theback-uphighway bus route that is relatively inexpensive and easy to book,

Shinjuku (Basta Shinjuku)
｜
( Highway bus to Hida Takayama )
Approx. 4 hours and 40 minutes
｜
Hirayu Bus Terminal
｜
( Bus routes )
Approx. 25 min.
｜
Kamikochi Bus Terminal

Express bus routes are available.
The fare is approximately 6,500 yen (one-way for adults ).

Hirayu Bus Terminal
Hirayu Bus Terminal

Hirayu Bus Terminal is the gateway toKamikochi, Mt. Norikura and Shin Hotaka Ro on the Gifu Prefecture (Takayama City) side.
The Hirayu Bus Terminal is also the stop for highway buses from Basta Shinjuku to Takayama, with 5 to 7 round-trip highway buses running daily.

There is also a shuttle bus service (high frequency) between Hirayu Bus Terminal and Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
>>Hirayu Bus Terminal ⇔ Kamikochi Bus Terminal Details

If you head to Kamikochi via this Hirayu bus terminal, you can save more than 10,000 yen round trip.

Location of Kamikochi and its surroundings

If you are going to Kamikochi by car
On the Matsumoto City side in Nagano Prefecture, park at Sawatari parking lot, and on the Takayama City side in Gifu Prefecture, park at Akandana parking lot (Hirayu Onsen ) and transfer to a bus for 20 to 30 minutes.

If you are going to Kamikochi, going via Hirayu Bus Terminal is not only economical but also healing.
The reason…

(1) Save more than 10,000 yen round trip via Hirayu!

There is a direct highway bus service from Shinjuku (Basta Shinjuku) to Kamikochi.
The trip takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes and costs about 12,000 yen to 16,000 yen one way per adult.
There are also four to five round-trip highway buses from Shinjuku to Hirayu Bus Terminal, located next to Kamikochi, every day. The trip also takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes and costs about 5,500 yen to 6,500 yen per adult one-way.
Buses run every 30 minutes from the Hirayu Bus Terminal to Kamikochi, taking 20-25 minutes and costing 1,180 yen one way or 2,090 yen round trip.

  • Shinjuku⇔Kamikochi
    Round trip by direct bus] Approx. 26,000 yen
  • Shinjuku⇔Hirayu⇔Kamikochi
    Round-trip, via Hirayu] Approx. 14,200 yen, a savings of more than 10,000 yen
  • Shinjuku → Hirayu → Kamikochi → Shinjuku
    In case of one-way direct bus, one-way via Hirayu] 21,000 yen, about 5,000 yen savings.
  • ・

(2) Healing in a famous hot spring. So what kind of place is Hirayu Onsen?

It is the gateway to Okuhida Onsenkyo.
The largest hot spring resort near Kamikochi, with about 30 accommodations of various sizes. The town spreads out around the Hirayu Bus Terminal, and most of the hot springs are within walking distance of each other. In addition to lodging facilities, there are also a variety of day-trip hot spring facilities and restaurants.
The hot spring water is abundant and hot. There are approximately 40 sources, gushing out approximately 13,000 liters per minute of hot spring water at a temperature of approximately 90°C.

Hirayu Onsen Tourist Association
Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourist Association

Hirayu Onsen Town seen from Awa Pass
Hirayu Onsen Folk Museum

Shinjuku – Kamikochi (Sawayaka Shinshu-go)
Adults 10,000 yen – 16,000 yen
Children 5,000 yen – 8,000 yen
Details, Timetable, Reservations

Shinjuku – Hirayu Bus Terminal (to Hida Takayama)
Adults 5,800 yen ～ 6,200 yen
Children 2,900 yen – 3,100 yen
Details, Timetable, Reservations

Hirayu Bus Terminal – Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Adults 1,500 yen one way 2,800 yen round trip
Child 750 yen one way, 1,400 yen round trip
Details & Timetable

Keio Bus LINE official account opened!

add a friend

Kamikochi Recommended Model Course

*The model course below is based on the summer schedule.
Seasonal buses may be used. Please check the bus schedule in advance.

1. hiking & cyclingAn active experience in the great outdoors!

Day 1

  • Departure from Shinjuku 8:15→(Shakado PA, Suwako SA) → Arrival at Hirayu 12:55
  • Hirayu Onsen 13:00-14:00Lunch
  • Hirayu Exploration Path, Hirayu Great Falls, etc. Hiking 14:00-16:30
  • Hirayu Onsen check-in around 16:30 (overnight stay)

2nd day

  • Cycling to Kamikochi ( rent a bike at OKUHIDA BASE )
  • Hirayu 8:00→(Awa Pass by e-bike) → Kamikochi Bus Terminal 11:00
  • Kamikochi (lunch and walking)
  • Kamikochi 13:00→(Awa Pass by e-bike) →Hirayu 15:00
  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 16:05→(Suwako SA, Shakado PA, etc.) →Arrive Shinjuku 20:45

2. enjoy hot springs and Kamikochi

Day 1

  • Departure from Shinjuku 8:15→(Shakado PA, Suwako SA) → Arrival at Hirayu 12:55
  • Hirayu Onsen 13:00-14:00Lunch
  • Hirayu Exploration Path, Hirayu Great Falls, etc. Hiking 14:00-16:30
  • Hirayu Onsen check-in around 16:30 (overnight stay)

2nd day

  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 8:00→(Awa Tunnel) → Kamikochi Bus Terminal 8:25
  • Kamikochi (walking/lunch)
  • Depart from Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 15:00 → (Suwako SA, Dangozaka SA) → Arrive at Shinjuku at 19:47

3. enjoy the spectacular ropeway and Kamikochi

Day 1

  • Departure from Shinjuku 7:05 → (Shakado PA, Suwako SA) → Hirayu 11:55
  • Hirayu Onsen Lunch
  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 12:40→arrive at Shin Hotaka Ropeway 13:36 (ropeway ride and walk)
  • Shin Hotaka Ropeway 15:55 arrival→Hirayu Bus Terminal 17:31 arrival
  • Hirayu Onsen check-in around 18:00 (overnight stay)

2nd day

  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 8:00→(Awa Tunnel) → Kamikochi Bus Terminal 8:25
  • Kamikochi (walking/lunch)
  • Depart from Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 15:00 → (Suwako SA, Dangozaka SA) → Arrive at Shinjuku at 19:47

4. trekking to enjoy the starry sky, sea of clouds & Kamikochi at a mountain lodge at 2500m altitude!

Day 1

  • Departure from Shinjuku 10:25p.m. → (overnight stay in car)

2nd day

  • →Arrive at Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 5:20
  • Kamikochi (breakfast and walking)
  • Kamikochi 8:30→(trekking)→arrive at Nishiho Villa 13:00
  • Lunch and overnight stay at Nishiho Villa

3rd day

  • Nishiho Sanso 7:00→(trekking) → Nishihomaruyama 7:30→(trekking) → Arrive at Nishiho Dokotoge 10:00
  • Departure from Nishiho Dokubetsu at 10:30→(trekking)→arrival at Nishihomaruyama at 11:30→(trekking)→arrival at Nishiho Sanso at 12:00
  • Nishiho Villa Lunch
  • Nishiho Villa 13:00→(trekking)→Nishihotaka-guchi station 14:45→(ropeway)→Shinhotaka Onsen station 15:10
  • Shin Hotaka Ropeway 15:55→(Takayama-bound local bus) → Arrival at Hirayu Bus Terminal 16:28
  • Hirayu Forest Bathing
  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 18:05→(Suwako SA, Shakado PA, etc.) →Arrive Shinjuku 22:45

5. enjoy the spectacular view of Norikura Tatamidaira at an elevation of 2,702 meters and Kamikochi!
*Norikura Skyline will be closed in 2023.

Day 1

  • Departure from Shinjuku 10:25p.m. → (overnight stay in car)

2nd day

  • →Arrive at Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 5:20
  • Kamikochi (breakfast, walk, lunch)
  • Depart from Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 15:00 → (Awa Tunnel) → Arrive at Hirayu Bus Terminal at 15:25
  • Check-in at Hirayu Onsen around 16:00

3rd day

  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 8:00→(Norikura Skyline) -> Norikura Tatamidaira 9:00 arrival
  • Norikura Tatamidaira (walk and lunch)
  • Kamikochi Bus Terminal 14:00→(Norikura Skyline) →Hirayu Bus Terminal 15:00
  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 16:05→(Suwako SA, Shakado PA) →Arrive Shinjuku 20:45
    *You can also enjoy cycling between Hirayu and Norikura-dake (Tatamidaira) on a rental e-bike!

*The model course above is based on the summer schedule.
Seasonal buses may be used. Please check the bus schedule in advance.

Shinjuku – Kamikochi (Sawayaka Shinshu-go)
Adults 10,000 yen – 16,000 yen Children 5,000 yen – 8,000 yen
Details, Timetable, Reservations

Shinjuku – Hirayu Bus Terminal (to Hida Takayama)
Adults 5,800 yen – 6,200 yen Children 2,900 yen – 3,100 yen
Details, Timetable, Reservations

Hirayu Bus Terminal – Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Adults 1,500 yen one way 2,800 yen round trip
Child 750 yen one way, 1,400 yen round trip
Details & Timetable

  • 2024.02.29

Power supply and nomadic work spot near Matsumoto station｜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.

And yet it is only 500 yen/day.　Moreover, it comes with a 100 yen coupon for a restaurant in the same building.　It is actually 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 immediately tried it out during this business trip.

It is 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.

I was impressed by the lean movement!

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.

Head to the Matsumoto bus terminal counter. Here, 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!
We opened the door and entered.　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 is great for concentrated work.
It was very easy.

For lunch, we went to Saizeriya next door!　I used a 100 yen coupon I got here!
Originally an inexpensive lunch, now 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 I would bring 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 reservation of highway buses from Matsumoto to Shinjuku.

  • 2023.12.21

Shortage of rental cars in Matsumoto has become chronic! Cars are full and cannot be rented. We have found a secret technique for such a situation. | Using the Kanbayashi bus stop on the Nagano Expressway

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.
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.

I am really in trouble.

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 am anxious, but there is no other choice.

We decided to try it first.

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

Book the highway bus as usual at highwaybus.com. This one is the same as usual, as we always use it. The difference is that the bus stop where you get off is not Matsumoto bus terminal but Nagano-do Kanbayashi.

In case you are wondering, the fare seems to be the same at both the Kanbayashi and Matsumoto bus terminals.

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 rent 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 ].