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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 20 or more people) Children (elementary and junior high school students) 300 yen (@250 yen for over 20 people)
Access
From the direction of Tokyo
Basta Shinjuku ↓ （Express Bus｜3 hours and 25 minutes) Timetables and reservations ( highwaybus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Takato Bus Route, approx. 25 min. Timetable ) ↓ Takato Station ↓ (about 15 min. on foot) ↓ Takato Joshi Park
Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya) ↓ （Highway bus｜approx. 3 hours) Timetables and reservations ( highwaybus.com ) ↓ Ina Bus Terminal ↓ (Takato Bus Route, approx. 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. 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.
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 ].
Kamikochi is the southern gateway to the Northern Alps and a sacred place for mountain resorts. This Kamikochi area is not accessible by private car due to environmental regulations. If you drive your own car, on the Matsumoto City side in Nagano Prefecture, park at Sawando and take the local bus for 30 minutes or a cab for 25 minutes. On the Okuhida Onsenkyo side of Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture, park your car at the Akandana parking lot at Hirayu Onsen and take the 25-minute route bus.
However, it is possible to bike to Kamikochi.
So, I rented an e-bike at Okuhida Base in Hirayu Onsen and tried cycling in Kamikochi.
For two days only, on October 28, 2023 (Saturday) and October 29, 2023 (Saturday), “Only Now! Only here! Kamikochi and Awa Pass Cycling Tour by Rental e-bike” will be held.
The maximum number of participants is expected to be 6 for each session. Early reservations are recommended. Only Now! Only here! Please join us for our autumn Kamikochi Cycling Tour.
2-minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal where direct buses from Shinjuku, Takayama and Matsumoto and shuttle buses to Kamikochi arrive and depart. Arrival at Okuhida Base Because this is an unmanned bike rental station, it has long hours of operation and bicycles can be rented from 7:00 in the morning.
Located in Hirayu Hot Springs at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters above sea level Okuhida Base at Hirayu Onsen, about 1,200 meters above sea level!
Bicycles cannot pass through the Awa Tunnel and other Chubu Longitudinal Expressways. Take the old Route 158 road to Awa Pass (elevation 1,790m).
At a stretch, it raises the elevation about 600 meters.
This road has extremely little traffic and is comfortable, but because it is an old road, the road surface is rough in places. Please be careful.
The two men pedaled their bicycles through the pleasant forest, “hooting and hollering.
8:40
Awa Pass (elevation 1,790m) Arrive at the border between Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture and Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture
It is downhill from here. The descent is very dangerous, so please drive slowly.
Everyone cycled down the mountain pass with spectacular views of the Northern Alps, including Yake-dake (焼岳).
9:05
Nakanoyu Hot Spring
From this point on, the road surface is rough in places and hairpin curves continue, so cyclists continue to descend the hill slowly.
9:20
Arrive at the entrance/exit of the Chubu Jukan Expressway (Awa Tunnel)
Take the national highway down toward Kama Tunnel, Kamikochi, and Matsumoto. You can leisurely ride a bicycle downhill where you would normally pass by in a car in an instant.
Discover new scenery, including a beautiful river!
9:25
Arrive at the Nakano-yu store. From here, it is a connecting road to Kamikochi, where private cars are restricted.
A security guard comes up to me at the Nakano-yu store. Will they get mad at me?” I was nervous, but he gave me a card with a route guide and a warning about Kamikochi. And “Take care!” and kind words.
Now, from here, we will bike into the ” Kama Tunnel, ” which is once again a difficult obstacle to overcome. Length 1,310m Maximum gradient is 10.9 percent The kettle tunnel alone increases the elevation by about 100 meters. Although private cars are regulated, there is more traffic than you might imagine, including large buses, cabs, and cars of related parties. Watch out for cars and do your best to cycle up.
After passing through the KamaTunnel, the Kamikochi Tunnel appears, which is 588 meters long.
When we get out of here…
9:50
Yake-dake and Taisho Pond can be seen at a glance! It seems that they have been rewarded for their hard work so far.
Kamikochi is still wonderful!
The ability to enjoy this wonderful scenery at a leisurely pace at one’s own pace is one of the best things about biking!
From here, full-fledged cycling in Kamikochi begins!
A gradual uphill slope continues.
10:15
Arrive at Kamikochi Bus Terminal!
Park your bicycle at the bicycle parking lot and walk to the Kappa Bridge from here.
I would have enjoyed walking around Myojin Pond and more, but there was not enough time this time, so I could only walk around Kappa Bridge (T T). nevertheless
We enjoyed exploring Kamikochi until it was time to go.
11:10
Depart from Kamikochi Bus Terminal!
A gentle descent continues to the Kama Tunnel.
The inside of the kettle tunnel is a steep descent!
We descend, frightened by the sound of cars and buses approaching from behind. It is dangerous, so please descend slowly and carefully.
The bicycle passed through the kettle tunnel and returned to the Nakanoyu store.
But… the most difficult part is now waiting for us ^^;;;.
From the Nakanoyu store at an elevation of 1,315 meters to the Awa Pass at 1,790 meters, you will gain elevation in a single bound. It is an uphill slope.
On the way home, it is already tiring and enduring for a 50 year old. But…I have to go!
12:00
We returned to Nakanoyu Hot Spring. From here, it continues uphill.
Even with the electric bicycles, it’s still hard… hard… hard…
12:30
We arrived at the Awa Pass, the border between Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture and Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture!
Once you get to this point, all you have to do is go down.
We will descend slowly, taking safety first.
13:00
Arrive at ” Okuhida Base ” in Hirayu Onsen!
Return the rental bike and go straight to the hot springs to relieve your panting feet! ^^
advice of a point (advice that may be helpful to some people)
The route from Hirayu Onsen to Kamikochi has many ups and downs and consumes a large amount of e-bike battery power. In order for the assist to function throughout the entire journey, the healthy onward journey is operated in ECO mode to conserve energy! For the return trip, it is recommended to increase the assist power in Auto mode.
*Express buses are convenient from TokyotoHirayu Onsen (Okuhida Onsenkyo), the gateway to Kamikochi. Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes by direct highway bus from Basta Shinjuku (2 rest stops are included).
Shinjuku – Hirayu Bus Terminal (to Hida Takayama) Adults 5,800 yen ～ 6,200 yen Children 2,900 yen – 3,100 yen Details, Timetable, Reservations
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