Why is the Nagano and Gifu area the best place to travel to Japan in October?
October is the most beautiful season in Japan for autumn foliage. The Kamikochi area in Nagano Prefecture and the Takayama area in Gifu Prefecture in particular are ideal destinations for foreign travelers who want to both enjoy jaw dropping autumn scenery and authentic traditional Japanese culture at the Takayama Autumn Festival.
Down below, we’ll introduce a 3-day model plan that starts with historical exploration in Matsumoto City, followed by breathtaking autumn foliage in Kamikochi and the traditional autumn Takayama Festival (held on Thursday and Friday, October 9th and 10th, 2025).
A Model Plan for Enjoying Spectacular Autumn Scenery and Cultural Experiences in 3 Days
Matsumoto, Kamikochi and the Takayama Festival in Autumn Foliage!
Day 1: October 7th (Tuesday) – Enjoy history and art in Matsumoto
Morning: Explore Matsumoto Castle, a national treasure
Experience firsthand the history of Japan from the Warring States Period to the present day.
Visit the beautiful Matsumoto Castle, one of the 12 existing castle towers in Japan, designated as a National Treasure.
Afternoon: Visit the World of Yayoi Kusama at Matsumoto City Museum of Art
The exterior of the museum also features polka dots designed by Yayoi Kusama and is a popular photo spot.
Immerse yourself in the world of world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama in her hometown of Matsumoto, Japan.
Evening: Enjoy Matsumoto’s local delicacies
- Taste Nagano’s local cuisine such as Shinshu soba noodles and Sanzokuyaki
- Stay at a hotel in Matsumoto City
Day 2: October 8th (Wed) – Spectacular view of autumn leaves in Kamikochi and transfer to Takayama
Early morning: Departure from Matsumoto to Kamikochi
There are two ways to access Kamikochi: by public transportation or on your own
(1) Railroad + local bus
Feature: High frequency, access by train and local buses , Matsumoto Station→Shinshimashima Station: Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line
(about 30 minutes, 710 yen)
From Shinnimashima Station→Kamikochi Bus Terminal: local bus
(about 1 hour, 3,000 yen)
Buses are available by reservation only.
＞ Details & Reservations
or
Direct route bus
Feature: Easy, direct route bus access
Matsumoto Bus Terminal→Kamikochi Bus Terminal: local bus
(5:30 and 10:15 departures, 4,450 yen)
＞ Details & Reservations
Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line (CAUTION)
Caution (1)
The Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line cannot be boarded with IC cards. Please purchase a ticket at Matsumoto Station.
Caution (2)
The location of the ticket vending machines at Matsumoto Station is the same as for the JR line. Tickets for the Matsumoto Dentetsu Kamikochi Line can be purchased at the two ticket vending machines on the left. Please pay with cash or a transportation system IC card.
Credit cards are not accepted.
Caution (3)
The ticket gates at Matsumoto Station are the same as for the JR line. After passing through the ticket gate, please go to “Line 7” on the right side. Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line is on platform 7.
Kamikochi Luggage Information
Approximate fees (one day): small 350 yen, medium 400 yen, large 500 yen, extra large 600 yen
*Small: about 10 liters, extra large: about 60 liters
Morning – Afternoon: Enjoy the spectacular autumn scenery at Kamikochi
- Spectacular view of the Hotaka mountain range from Kappa Bridge
- Take a walk to Taisho Pond and enjoy the autumn leaves reflected on the mirror-like surface of the lake.
- Enjoy the clean air and beautiful nature in a highland resort at an altitude of 1,500 meters
Kamikochi Experience on Oct.8th
The temperature in Matsumoto City on Oct.8th was 20°C (Kōtōchi felt a bit chilly, with a perceived temperature of around 15°C to 20°C), and the weather was cloudy turning to clear. Since it had rained the day before, the weather was perfect for exploring.
There are no restrooms from Taisho Pond to the next area, Tashiro Bridge, so I recommend using the facilities here first. The restroom here operates on a tip system. The tips are used for restroom maintenance and preserving Kamikochi’s natural environment, so the bathrooms were very clean!
Some pictures of Taisho Pond in early October.
Stepping off the bus, a breathtaking view immediately unfolded before my eyes. Though it is still slightly too early for peak autumn colors, the mirror like lake reflecting the green trees felt truly magical. Many tourists were taking pictures and videos around the area making me realize how truly international Kamikochi has become.
After taking a lot of pictures, I headed to the next destination: Tashiro Pond!
From Taisho Pond, I began my hike along a well-maintained wooden path following the Azusa River. The path is relatively flat and easy to walk, so even beginners can feel at ease. Looking down at the beautiful spring water at my feet, I spotted Iwana (Char) swimming!
Iwana are said to inhabit only areas with excellent water quality, which speaking volumes about Kamikochi’s water. Some were so large I mistook them for carp at first!
Also, while walking along the forest road, you’ll find areas where fallen trees remain untouched.
This is to preserve the natural landscape; apparently, they deliberately avoid human intervention unless the trees pose a hazard, such as blocking the walking path.
On the pathway in the forest, you’ll find a lot of areas where fallen trees have remained untouched. Apparently this is to preserve the natural landscape. The workers at Kamikochi seem to deliberately avoid intervening with the surrounding nature unless it poses as a hazard.
After about a 25 minute walk from Taisho Pond, you arrive at Tashiro Pond. (Unfortunately, I couldn’t get very good photos this time…) It’s a quiet, mystical place where water bubbles up from the bottom of the shallow pond.
Another 15-minute walk brings you to Tashiro Bridge, where a bench provided the perfect spot to rest.
The view of the Hotaka Range from Tashiro Bridge is absolutely stunning. It was just a little further until we reached todays goal, Kappa Bridge.
The path from Tashiro Bridge to Kappabashi is full of interesting things to see. The clear stream flows directly next you, so you can really feel the nature of the area. While walking, I spotted a mushroom that looked like it could come straight out of Super Mario! It was so cute, I just had to take a picture!
Along the way, I came across the monument to Walter Weston (the Weston Monument), the British missionary who introduced modern mountaineering to Japan and brought the name “Japanese Alps” to the world. It made me reflect on the history of the area.
After about a 30-minute walk, I finally reached Kamikochi’s iconic Kappa Bridge! The view of the Hotaka Mountain Range from Kappa Bridge was breathtakingly beautiful, and surpassed any scenery I’ve seen today by far!
There are shops around the bridge selling popular soft serve ice cream and beer, making it the perfect treat while enjoying the stunning views!
Afternoon: Transfer from Kamikochi to Hida Takayama
- Kamikochi→Hirayu Bus Terminal (20-30 min., 1,500 yen)
- Enjoy Hida beef croquettes and other local delicacies at Hirayu Bus Terminal
- Hirayu Bus Terminal→Takayama Bus Center (about 1 hour, 1,600 yen)
Evening: Taste the flavors of Hida in Takayama
- Taste Hida beef steaks, Takayama ramen, and other specialties of the Hida region
- The atmosphere of the old town raises expectations for tomorrow’s festivities.
Day 3: October 9 (Thursday) – The Autumn Takayama Festival has finally arrived!
All day: Experience the traditional Takayama Festival
The Takayama Festival is one of the “Three Great Beautiful Festivals of Japan” along with the Gion Festival in Kyoto and the Chichibu Night Festival in Saitama. The October festival is called the “Hachiman Festival” and features the following attractions:
- Gorgeous yatai (floats) being pulled around
- Karakuri Dedication: Traditional performing arts featuring elaborate puppets dancing
- Yoimatsuri: Fantastic night scenery with lanterns lit
- Shopping for local products at morning markets
Takayama 2025 Autumn Festival Schedule
Spanning two days, the Takayama October Festival includes the display of festival floats around Sakurayama Shrine, the local’s procession to the local shrine, two marionette shows, and finally the grand finale at night time where all floats are lit and pulled throughout the town. The night time procession is held only on October 9th.
October 9th:
Festival Float Display: 9AM~5PM [Location: here]
Marionette Show: 12PM~12:20PM (1st show), 2PM~2:20PM (2nd show) [Location: here]
Shrine Procession: 1:30PM ~ 3:30PM
Night Time Float Procession: 6:15PM ~ 8:30PM
October 10th:
Festival Float Display: 9AM~4PM [Location: here]
Marionette Show: 11PM~11:20PM (1st show), 1PM~1:20PM (2nd show) [Location: here]
Shrine Procession: 8:30PM ~ 12:30PM , 1:30PM ~ 4PM
Marionette Locations:
Each float has a unique performance. For example, the Shakkyo marionette includes a lion dance and lion transformation while the Ryujin marionette includes a blast of confetti. On the 9th and 10th, the Hoteidai Float will put on the show two times a day in front of Sakurayama Shrine.
Post-Trip Options
After enjoying the Takayama Festival, you can continue your journey by following these routes:
- To Kyoto and Osaka area via Nagoya
- Kanazawa and Hokuriku area via Shirakawa-go: You can also enjoy the World Heritage Site of Gassho-Zukuri Village.
Fares for public transportation from Matsumoto to Takayama
For general methods:
- Matsumoto→Shinshimashima→Kamikochi： 3,710 yen
- Kamikochi→Hirayu→Takayama：3,000 yen (transfer set ticket)
- Total: 6,710 yen
When using the direct bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi:
- Matsumoto→Kamikochi： 4,450 yen
- Kamikochi→Hirayu→Takayama：3,000 yen
- Total: 7,450 yen
Points to note when making reservations
- Reservations are required for buses to Kamikochi. Early reservations are recommended, especially during the fall foliage season when the buses are crowded!
- Accommodations in Takayama are also crowded during the festival, so advance reservations are required!
- Don’t forget to bring warm clothes as it gets cold in the mornings and evenings in Kamikochi in October.
Summary:
The Nagano and Gifu areas in October are the best destinations for foreign tourists to experience both the beauty of Japanese autumn and traditional culture. The spectacular view of Kamikochi with its autumn leaves and the solemnity of the Takayama Festival with a history of over 400 years, will surely leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Please take this opportunity to experience the charm of autumn in Japan to your heart’s content!
Tour reservations and more information:
Location of Matsumoto – Kamikochi – Takayama
Google Map (Matsumoto Station→Kamikochi Bus Terminal)
Google Map (Kamikochi Bus Terminal→Takayama Station)
