This winter, a limited-edition shuttle bus service will connect between Matsumoto and Hakuba, one of the world’s best snow resorts abundant with slopes, powder snow, and a variety of courses that attract skiers and snowboarders from Japan and abroad.
This shuttle bus is only: 1,000 yen/one way
To Hakuba (Matsumoto→Hakuba)
Cheap shuttle bus 1,000 yen
This is convenient for heading to Hakuba after sightseeing in Matsumoto. Date of operation: January 24th, 2025 to February 12th, 2025
Matsumoto Bus Terminal Departure: 8:30 PM ↓ Arrive at Hakuba Goryu 10:20 PM Arrive at JR Hakuba Station at 10:25 PM Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal 10:30 PM arrival
JR Oito Line 1,170 yen｜Time required: about 1 hour and 50 minutes (in case of express train: about 1 hour｜+1,020 yen)
It is also possible to go from Matsumoto Station to Hakuba Station by train. Direct train timetable from Matsumoto Station Departure: 9:20 AM Departure at 10:41 AM (Limited Express Azusa +1,020 yen) Departs at 11:20 AM Departs at 2:09 PM
Above is the timetable for direct trains. Some trains transfer at Shinano-Omachi Station.
To Matsumoto (Hakuba→Matsumoto)
1,000 yen shuttle bus｜Reservations required
This is convenient when traveling between Hakuba and Matsumoto Date of operation From January 24, 2025 to February 12, 2025
Hakuba Happo Bus Terminal Departure: 9:00 AM JR Hakuba Station Departure: 9:05 AM Hakuba Goryu Departure: 9:10 AM ↓ Arrive at Matsumoto Bus Terminal at 11:00 AM Matsumoto City Museum (Daimyo-machi) Arrival at 11:05 AM Arrive at Matsumoto Castle (in front of City Hall) at 11:10 AM
Now that covid has subsided, a large influx of people have been swarming to Kamikochi as soon as it opens on April 17th. As a result, direct buses from Shinjuku have become difficult to book due to labor regulations for drivers and others starting in April 2024.
We will introduce a second back-up plan for traveling between Shinjuku and Kamikochi. This method is relatively easy to book and inexpensive.
An Overview: Shinjuku to Takayama
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 Shinjuku Bus Terminal or Hino Bus Station to Matsumoto bus terminal and head for Kamikochi.
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
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.
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 are routing to Oba Station using Google Maps, you will be directed to take the long way around as shown in the map below.
Google maps routes you this way because there is no pedestrian crossing at Horimae, the intersection just after getting off the bus. The shortest way is to get to this stop is to follow the red arrow in the photo below. You cannot cross Route 158.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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 ].
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. So how will this opening affect the travel between Nagoya and places like Fukui and Kanazawa, and how will it affect them? I looked into it.
Until March 15, 2024, there are three main ways to travel between Nagoya and Fukui by public transportation
[Railroad (1) Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Fukui/Kanazawa Nagoya – (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Fukui/Kanazawa Highway bus 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.
[Railroad
Nagoya – ( Limited Express Shirasagi)
TsurugaFukui/Kanazawa Nagoya – ( Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi)
Tsuruga Fukui/Kanazawa
This means one more transfer at Tsuruga Station.
In addition, JR West announced that
Nagoya – (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.
Nagoya – (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 are to use the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Hokuriku Shinkansen.
Nagoya- (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Fukui and the
The fastest time is 1 hour and 33 minutes and the fastest time is 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 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
