What is the best way to get to Senjojiki Cirque from Tokyo/Shinjuku?
To reach Senjojiki Cirque in Nagano Prefecture’s Central Alps, you will have to take the Komagatake Ropeway up to an elevation of 2,612 meters. The road from the base to the ropeway station however is restricted to general vehicles, so many people take the bus to get there. When visiting from Tokyo, it’s common to go to Komagane Station (JR) or the express bus stops “Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop” or “Komagane Bus Terminal,” then transfer to a local bus and ropeway.
There are three main ways to access Senjojiki Cirque using public transportation. Access from Tokyo is quite convenient as there are many options and frequent services to choose from. Renting a car is not necessary. Below we have listed a summary of the three methods’ costs, travel times, and pros/cons.
① Train
Limited Express Azusa + JR Iida Line via Komagane Station
②Express Bus to Hida
Via Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop [Nyotai-iriguchi Bus Stop]
③ Express Bus to Ina/Komagane
Via Komagane Bus Terminal [Suzuran-dori Bus Stop]
Take the Shinjuku – Ina Iida Line bus
④ Car (Local bus from Suganodai Bus Center)
Via Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange
Route Comparison: Travel Time & Cost
① Train: Limited Express Azusa + JR Iida Line
Estimated time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Estimated cost: Approx. 9,560 yen / one way (seasonal variation)
Service frequency (Limited Express Azusa): Approx. 16 round trips/day
Advantages:
-High reliability with its schedules
-Spacious seating and freedom to move within the train
-Nearly almost always on-time operation even during weekend congestion
Disadvantages:
-Most expensive option
-Many transfers, especially with the infrequent JR Iida Line service, resulting in a longer travel time
-The JR Iida Line at Komagane Station doesn’t accept IC cards like Suica
-Many railway tunnels cause unstable internet/WiFi
Important Notes about the Limited Express “Azusa”
The Limited Express “Azusa” on the Chuo Line is all reserved seating. There are no unreserved seats, so you must purchase a reserved seat ticket before boarding. If you reserve in advance, you’re guaranteed a seat, but boarding without a reservation means buying an expensive “standing express ticket” with no guaranteed seating. Early reservation is recommended.
About Suica and IC Cards
The JR Iida Line doesn’t accept transportation IC cards – cash payment is required. If you enter the Tokyo-side gate with an IC card, you’ll need to buy a new ticket to Komagane at Okaya Station, or pay cash at Komagane Station. We recommend purchasing a paper ticket from your departure station to Komagane Station in advance.
Limited Express Azusa timetable and reservations (Eki-net)
② Express Bus to Iida (Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop)
Estimated time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Estimated cost: 6,900~ yen / one way (seasonal variation)
Service frequency: 17 round trips/day
Advantages:
-Fast, affordable, and simple with only one transfer
-Well equipped with: charging outlets/ USB ports, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and footrests in many vehicles
Disadvantages:
-Risk of delays due to traffic congestion, especially on weekends
-Few shops near Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop (Nyotai-iriguchi Bus Stop)
※ Warning ※
The boarding/alighting location for the Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop is the same stop for both directions. The upper line (towards Shinjuku) and the lower line (towards Iida) use the same location.
Shops Near Komagane Interchange Bus Stop (Nyotai-iriguchi Bus Stop):
- Cafe Woody Nana (approx. 350m from bus stop, 4-min walk)
- Biande Sakura-tei (approx. 450m, 6-min walk)
- Ramen Gyoza Komagane Raion (approx. 500m, 8-min walk)
- Country Cafe (approx. 500m, 8-min walk)
- B.B. Steak (approx. 700m, 11-min walk)
※ The distance listed above is from the Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop.
How to board the bus:
1. From Shinjuku Bus Terminal, take the Ina Iida Line, and get off at Komagane IC.
2. From Komagane IC, walk to Nyotai Iriguchi Bus Stop
3. Take the local bus to Shirabidaira
4. From Shirabidaira, take the Komagatake Ropeway to Senjojiki
Express bus timetable and reservations / Ina Iida Line (Highway Bus.com)
Convenient Set Ticket
「Komagatake Senjojiki Cirque Ticket [JP Lang]」
Includes:
１．Express bus round-trip ticket
２．Komagane Station ~ Shirabidaira Station local bus round-trip
３．Komagatake Ropeway round-trip
４．Hot spring and souvenir discount coupons
Adult: 12,500 yen
Child: 6,250 yen
■Purchase location Shinjuku Bus Station（departures from Shinjuku only）
Express buses are available not only from Shinjuku Bus Terminal but also from:
Hino Bus Stop (7-min walk from Tama Monorail “Koshu Kaido Station”) [JP ONLY]
Fuchu Bus Stop (10-min walk from Seibu Tamagawa Line “Kyotei-jo-mae Station”) [JP ONLY]
*Some express buses skip Fuchu Bus Stop
③ Express Bus to Ina/Komagane (Komagane Bus Terminal)
Estimated time: 4 hours 45 minutes
Estimated cost: 6,900~ yen / one way (seasonal variation)
Service frequency: 17 round trips/day
Advantages:
-Affordable, simple with only one transfer
-Well-equipped facilities: charging outlets/USB ports, free Wi-Fi, restroom, and footrests
-Bus terminal is near downtown, convenient for shopping
Disadvantages:
-Risk of delays due to traffic congestion, especially on weekends
-Slightly longer than via Komagane Interchange
How to board the bus:
1. From Shinjuku Bus Terminal, take the Ina Iida Line, and get off at Komagane Bus Terminal.
2. From Komagane Bus Terminal, walk to Suzuran-dori Bus Stop
3. Take the local bus to Shirabidaira
4. From Shirabidaira, take the Komagatake Ropeway to Senjojiki
Express bus timetable and reservations / Ina Iida Line (Highway Bus.com)
Convenient Set Ticket
「Komagatake Senjojiki Cirque Ticket [JP Lang] 」
Includes:
１．Express bus round-trip ticket
２．Komagane Station ~ Shirabidaira Station local bus round-trip
３．Komagatake Ropeway round-trip
４．Hot spring and souvenir discount coupons
Adult: 12,500 yen
Child: 6,250 yen
■Purchase location Shinjuku Bus Station（departures from Shinjuku only）
Express buses are available not only from Shinjuku Bus Terminal but also from:
Hino Bus Stop (7-min walk from Tama Monorail “Koshu Kaido Station”)
Fuchu Bus Stop (10-min walk from Seibu Tamagawa Line “Kyotei-jo-mae Station”)
*Some express buses skip Fuchu Bus Stop
Komagane Area Bus Transfer Guide
Whichever route you take to Komagane, you’ll ultimately board the same “Komagatake Ropeway Line” local bus. However, you’ll need to walk a bit from express bus stops or the station to the ropeway-bound bus stop. This transfer is the point where travelers most often make mistakes.
Local Bus Route
Shirabidaira ⇔ Komagatake Ropeway
｜
Suganodai Bus Center ⇔ Parking area (mountain base hub)
｜
Nyotai-iriguchi Bus Stop ⇔ Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop【Route ②】
Google map
｜
Suzuran-dori Bus Stop ⇔ Komagane Bus Terminal【Route ③】
Google map
｜
Komagane Station ⇔ JR Iida Line【Route ①】
Local Bus & Komagatake Ropeway Fares
Ropeway prices vary by date. Below are examples from 2025:
| 12/10 (Wed) | 10/21 (Tues) | 10/3 (Saturday) | |
| 【One way】 Komagane Stn / Suzuran-dori | 2,280 yen | 2,420 yen | 2,690 yen |
| 【One way】 Nyotai-iriguchi | 2,190 yen | 2,330 yen | 2,600 yen |
| 【Round trip】 All bus stops | 4,210 yen | 4,640 yen | 5,150 yen |
For detailed fares, check the official website.
Local Bus & Ropeway Digital Ticket
（Purchase Online）
A digital ticket that includes the route bus (Komagane Station / Suzuran-dori / Nyotai Entrance / Suganodai Bus Center ⇔ Shirabidaira) and the ropeway can be purchased on KKday.
Buy it online and simply show or scan the QR code when boarding.
Purchase now – cancellation is free until just before departure!
You can also cancel right up until just before departure, free of charge!
※ Please note: Internet access may not be available at places such as Shirabidaira Station and Senjojiki Station.
Book and purchase the highway bus on Highwaybus.com and select the mobile ticket option. If you buy the route bus and ropeway tickets on KKday, everything from reservation and payment to ticket issuance and boarding can be completed on your smartphone.
About Getting Off Partway on Local Buses
Even with round-trip tickets or combined ropeway tickets from Komagane Station, you can get off partway at Suganodai Bus Center. Tell the driver and show (don’t hand over) your ticket. You’ll need it to board again.
During busy periods, shuttle buses run between Shirabidaira and Suganodai Bus Center. When returning to Suganodai Bus Center, show (don’t hand over) your ticket to Komagane Station.
Other Important Points
- Bus Congestion and Wait Times: As a popular tourist destination, wait times can be long during holidays and autumn foliage season. Extra buses run during peak times, but waits can exceed 1 hour.
Highway bus timetables and reservations (Highwaybus.com)
| Route | Est. Time | Est. Cost | Frequency | Recommendation |
| ① Train (Azusa + Iida Line) | ~5.5 hrs | ~9,560 yen | 16 round trips/day | ★ |
| ② Express Bus (to Iida) via Komagane IC | ~4.5 hrs | ~6,900 yen | 17 round trips/day | ★★★ |
| ③ Express Bus (to Ina/Komagane) via Bus Terminal | ~4.75 hrs | ~6,900 yen | 17 round trips/day | ★★ |
④ Accessing Senjojiki Cirque by Car
The road to the Komagatake Ropeway is under private vehicle restrictions – only local buses and authorized vehicles can pass. Therefore, you cannot access by private car or rental car.
If driving, park at Suganodai Bus Center parking lot and use the local bus.
Purchase digital ticket for the local bus & ropeway
Directions to Suganodai Bus Center Parking
3-5 minutes from Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange
After passing through the Komagane IC toll gate, turn right toward Komagatake. Continue straight for 3-5 minutes to reach Suganodai Bus Center.
Suganodai Bus Center Parking:
300 spaces / open-air / no roof / 24 hours
800 yen/day (regular car)
To Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange
From Tokyo direction:
Shuto Expressway Route 4 → Chofu IC → (Chuo Expressway | approx. 210km | approx. 3 hours) → Komagane IC → (Chuo Alps Road | approx. 2km | approx. 3 minutes) → Suganodai Bus Center
To get to Senjojiki Cirque from Tokyo, using public transportation such as a highway bus is recommended.
Not Just Senjojiki Cirque and Mt. Kisokoma! Komagane – An Area Where You Can Enjoy the Finest Alcoholic Beverages
Komagane, where beautiful and delicious Alps spring water flows, is a treasure trove of various alcoholic beverages including whisky, craft gin, Mars wine, Minami-Shinshu beer, sake, and more. In particular, the whisky from “Mars Komagane Distillery” and the craft gin from “Kurasuwa no Mori” are popular among connoisseurs.
When visiting Senjojiki Cirque, be sure to enjoy some local sake as well!
For sake tours, we recommend using the “Komagane Sansan Bus [JP lang only]“.
【Travel Experience】
Perfect for Beginner Hikers! Two Amazing Days Enjoying the Senjojiki Cirque & Mt. Kisokoma Alpine Hike + Local Drinks [JP only]
Read more here (Japanese only)
Local Bus & Ropeway Digital Ticket
（Purchase Online）
A digital ticket that includes the route bus (Komagane Station / Suzuran-dori / Nyotai Entrance / Suganodai Bus Center ⇔ Shirabidaira) and the ropeway can be purchased on KKday.
Buy it online and simply show or scan the QR code when boarding.
Purchase now – cancellation is free until just before departure!
You can also cancel right up until just before departure, free of charge!
※ Please note: Internet access may not be available at places such as Shirabidaira Station and Senjojiki Station.
Book and purchase the highway bus on Highwaybus.com and select the mobile ticket option. If you buy the route bus and ropeway tickets on KKday, everything from reservation and payment to ticket issuance and boarding can be completed on your smartphone.
— PR —
Supervised by: OH Corporation, Hidetomo Takahashi | Chief Tour Manager / Domestic Travel Service Handling Manager
Cooperation with: Keio Bus
