While Nagoya is a huge metropolitan hub, it’s also surrounded by some of the most rich history in all of Japan! Gifu Prefecture, one hour from Nagoya is culturally rich in Samurai culture, and just west to Nagoya is Kansai with famous cultural capitals such as Kyoto and Nara. If you’re interested in old Japan, or deep nature and cultural history, Nagoya is a great option as a base for you to explore these places. Being the third largest city in Japan, there are countless of transportation methods to reach all of these places in around 2-3 hours or less.
Aichi Area
1. Inuyama Castle Town
Inuyama Castle Street
Located in Aichi Prefecture, Inuyama is home to one of Japan’s oldest and most well-preserved castles, Inuyama Castle. The castle town is charming, with a traditional atmosphere and several historical buildings, including merchant houses and shrines. The castle offers stunning views of the Kiso River and the surrounding landscape.
By train: ~58 minutes
2. Meiji Mura Museum
The Meiji-Mura Museum is an open-air museum that showcases architecture from the Meiji era (1868-1912). It features buildings that were relocated from all over Japan, allowing visitors to explore the transition from traditional to modern Japan. It also makes for a great photo-op!
By train & bus: 1hr 10 mins
Kansai Area
3. Nara
Known for its historical sites and friendly, free-roaming deer, Nara was Japan’s first permanent capital. Key attractions include Todai-ji Temple, housing a massive bronze Buddha, and Nara Park, where visitors can interact with the deer. Nara is also home to several other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofuku-ji Temple. Visitors can roam the streets similar to the deer and eat hand made mochi or delicious Nara pudding!
Gifu castle, which dates back to the 16th century, was the home of famous samurai lord Oda Nobunaga. Historically, a very important battle occurred at this castle. Visitors can hike or take a cable car to reach the top. On the top is a gorgeous panoramic view over the entirety of Gifu Prefecture and even a small squirrel park!
By train & bus: ~1 hr 20 mins
5. Tsumago-juku
Post Town of Tsumago Juku
This historic post town on the Nakasendo Trail was a former highway that connected Kyoto and Edo (modern Tokyo) during the Edo period. It’s a popular destination for those wanting to experience old Japan. Tsumago-juku has preserved its traditional wooden buildings and picturesque streets, allowing visitors to feel as if they’re traveling through traditional Japan.
By train: ~2 hours
6. Takayama
Takayama Festival Bridge
Located in the Japanese Alps, Takayama is a city hidden in the mountains known for its well-preserved Edo-period streets and buildings. The town is famous for its traditional wooden houses, vibrant markets, delicious food, and the Takayama Matsuri (a popular festival in Japan). Takayama also serves as a gateway to explore the nearby mountainous regions including Shirakawago and the onsen town of Okuhida.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfalls. Located in Gifu Prefecture, Shirakawago offers a glimpse into rural Japan’s past and is particularly beautiful during the winter when the village is covered in snow. Recently, it has been one of the post popular places to visit in Japan because of its isolated nature.
This town’s picturesque streets, traditional buildings, and beautiful natural surroundings make it a popular destination for photographers. A popular attraction is feeding hundreds of carp in the river that flows through town. It is also popular for inspiring the hit anime movie, “Your Name”. Spots such as the train station and Wakamiya Shrine are famous points in the movie.
By train & bus: 2 hours 40 mins
Mie Area
9. Ise Jingu
Town Area Surrounding Ise Jingu
Located in Mie Prefecture, Ise Jingu is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines where the imperial family often visits. Annually, thousands of visitors come here to pray for good luck or health. The shrine complex is surrounded by beautiful nature and is considered a spiritual site. The inner shrine, known as Naiku, is particularly significant and is rebuilt every 20 years as part of the Shinto tradition. It’s known as a powerful place to go pray!
By train & bus: ~2 hours
Shiga Area
10. Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle in the Spring
Located in Shiga Prefecture on the shores of Lake Biwa, Hikone Castle is one of the few original castles remaining in Japan. The castle grounds are beautiful, especially during cherry blossom season, and the castle’s interior offers a glimpse into feudal-era life. The mascot of the area, “Hikonyan”, is a cat with a samurai helmet. It is one of the top 5 famous mascots in Japan!
Topic: Nagoya day tours / Day trips from Nagoya / Nagoya Travel/ Shirakawago Day Trip Itinerary
Why Nagoya As A Base for Day Trips?
Thatched roofs in ShirakawagoDeer in Nara
Nagoya as a Base
Nagoya is the 4th largest city in Japan. As it is in the center of Japan, it is in an ideal spot to travel from as it is very easily accessible to other areas. We recommend traveling from Nagoya as a base because it is very convenient, affordable, and most importantly, fun. We’ll explain how to get to Shirakawago, Takayama, and even Nara in the cheapest way possible from Nagoya below.
Benefits of Nagoya include:
Easy Day Tours Day trips from Nagoya include “Shirakawago”, “Takayama”, “Nara”, and “Kyoto”. Each of these sightseeing spots can be accessed comfortably, allowing you to have a fulfilling day. By highway bus, you can conveniently go to Shirakawago in about 2 hours and 40 minutes one way, Takayama in about 2 hours and 50 minutes one way, Nara in about 2 hours and 30 minutes one way, and Kyoto in about 2 hours and 50 minutes one way.
Convenience Nagoya is one of Japan’s major cities, and there are many restaurants open late at night and early in the morning. Whether it be early in the morning or late at night, you can always find a place to eat.
Great Shopping With an abundance of department stores and bustling shopping streets, Nagoya is a perfect shopper’s paradise. You can find everything from the latest fashions to traditional souvenirs.
Popular Theme Parks Nagoya has a variety of theme parks that you can enjoy with your family and friends, such as Ghibli Park and Legoland. They are perfect for making memories.
Cheap Lodging Compared to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, lodging costs in Nagoya are often cheaper. You can enjoy sightseeing and shopping while keeping travel costs low.
If you use Nagoya as your base, you can easily go to famous spots such as: Shirakawago, Takayama, and Naraall in less than 3 hours. We highly recommend you reserve bus tickets in advance as they often sell out!
Shirakawago, registered as a World Heritage site, is a beautiful thatched-roof village built in the Gassho-zukuri style. The scenery is breathtaking no matter what time of year you visit. With its old townscape, strolling in Takayama is like stepping back in time to old Japan. You can enjoy various local specialties as well as delicious Hida beef.
Recommended one day trip route from Nagoya (1) Shirakawago and Takayama
Shirakawago in SummerShirakawago with Snow
Getting to these two spots from Nagoya is fairly easy. You can get there by train, bus, or car, but going by bus is by far the cheapest method. We’ll teach you how to get to Shirakawago and Takayama by bus below.
Shirakawago
Shirakawago is a picturesque village which preserves a glimpse of ancient Japan with its traditional gassho-zukuri houses. Once remote and inaccessible, its preserved history and buildings eventually earned it recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even today, it is not possible to go there directly by train, but with the opening of the expressway, going by express bus has become quite popular.
Takayama
Known as “Little Kyoto,” Takayama has a charming townscape that retains the atmosphere of the Edo period. Lined with traditional townhouses and beautiful wooden buildings, visitors will feel as if they have stepped back in time.
* If you also want to go to Takayama, please book a one-way highway bus from Nagoya to Shirakawago. * If you wish to go ticketless, please select Keitai Ticket as the ticket type. * Keitai tickets will be sent to the e-mail address entered at the time of reservation. * Web tickets must be printed.
Bus to Shirakawago and Takayama from Nagoya
Around 7:30AM
I arrived at the Meitetsu Bus Center, located in the Meitetsu Department Store building near Nagoya Station.
The bus bound for Shirakawa-go departs from the third floor at bus stop 7.
Since I didn’t have much time, I bought breakfast at a convenience store on the third floor of the Meitetsu Bus Center and waited for the buses to arrive at the waiting room on the same third floor.
There is also a cafe (Doutor Coffee) on the 4th floor, but please note that it is only open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.
Around 7:40 AM
A bus bound for Shirakawago enters bus stop No. 7. Show your mobile ticket to the crew and board the bus. All seats are reserved, so sit in your seat indicated on the ticket and wait for the departure. The bus is fully equipped with AC power and free Wifi for all seats, and a restroom at the end of the bus.
Around 7:50 AM
Use the Meitetsu Bus to get to Shirakawago.
Next to Nagoya Station is the Meitetsu Bus Center.
(From Meitetsu Bus Center, 3rd floor, bus stop #7) Depart for Shirakawago.
This bus terminal is exclusively for local and highway buses and is conveniently located for sightseeing in Shirakawago. It is convenient for visiting Gassho-zukuri villages and the Shirakawago Observatory.
Hours of operation: 8:30AM – 5:30PM Facilities: waiting room, restroom, tourist center, large coin lockers, luggage storage, automatic foreign currency exchange, bus reservation counter, WIFI
For a detailed report of Shirakawago’s luggage storage (including measurements) click here.
Upon arrival in Shirakawago, we recommend first visiting the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory, which offers a panoramic view of Shirakawago.
After viewing Shirakawa-go from the observatory, next visit Hagi-cho, the center of Shirakawa-go. Hagi-cho is a wonderful place where beautiful natural scenery and rich history are in harmony.
Distance by foot (from the bus terminal)
It is 15 minutes walk from Shirakawago Bus Terminal to the Shirakawago Observatory Details (Google map)
Other Shirakawago Attractions
Gassho-zukuri Houses Hagicho is lined with approximately 30 historic gassho-zukuri houses. These houses are a precious reminder of the traditional architectural style of the past, and are astonishing in both their beauty and functionality. Hagicho is part of the Shirakawago World Heritage Site area. It resembles the Edo Period (1603-1868) in Japan.
Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine Shirakawa Hachiman Shrine is an ancient and historically significant Shinto shrine believed to have been founded in the 17th century. Surrounded by huge cedar trees, its known as one of the oldest areas of Shirakawago.
Traditional Food and Fashionable Cafes In Hachigo you can cafe hop between the gassho-style houses. One of the famous foods in Shirakawago is soba noodles, and there are a lot of restaurants that serve it here. You can also buy a variety of snacks and walk through the streets as if you were living in old Japan.
After enjoying Shirakawago, take the express bus to Takayama.
A 1 hour trip from Shirakawago ⇒ Takayama
It takes about one hour from Shirakawago to Takayama. This bus is available by reservation or by non-reservation. We recommend making a reservation as this is a busy route.
Upon arrival in Takayama, enjoy the atmosphere of Little Kyoto with its old streets and camps, and Takayama’s gourmet food such as Takayama ramen and Hida beef.
After enjoying Takayama, take a highway bus back to Nagoya.
Nara is the oldest capital city in Japan and is renowned for its many historical legacies. In Nara Park, you’ll be greeted by friendly deer. Beautiful and famous temples like the Great Buddha and the Five-Story Pagoda also create a calm and historic atmosphere. Walking along the old streets, you can also find a lot of stylish cafes and traditional souvenir shops scattered throughout the area. Nara sells a lot of local delicacies such as Nara zuke (pickles) and kakinoha sushi (persimmon leaf sushi).
Express buses connect Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center) and Nara (Kintetsu Nara Station and JR Nara Station) in approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, offering good value and convenience.
A less known one day trip from Nagoya is Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. By bus it only takes 2 1/2 hours to get to Nara from Nagoya. There are four round-trip express buses that run directly from Nagoya to Nara every day, providing easy and inexpensive access. This makes it easy to enjoy Nara as a day trip. Places to visit in Nara
World Heritage Sites (cultural, natural, etc.) Nara is home to eight World Heritage sites including: Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Simply visiting these historically and culturally rich sites truly showcase Nara’s ancient history.
Nara Park In Nara Park, you will be greeted by cute deer roaming freely. Interacting with the deer is one of the major attractions of sightseeing in Nara.
Old town In Naramachi, you can enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the old town. While strolling around, stop by stylish cafes and traditional souvenir shops. A day trip from Nagoya to Nara is a wonderful way to experience history, nature, and healing. We hope you will visit Nara!
First, head to the Meitetsu Bus Center, located in the Meitetsu Department Store building near Nagoya Station. The bus bound for Nara departs from the 3rd floor at bus stop 8.
Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center, 3rd floor, #8) 7:40 AM ↓ Arrive at Kintetsu Nara Station
at 10:05 (JR Nara Station at 10:15)
If you are heading for Nara Park, we recommend getting off at Kintetsu Nara Station.
Nara Park is about a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.
We also recommend that you purchase a bus pass, which allows you to freely get on and off local buses in Nara City.
The bus pass is available on the opposite side of the road when you get off the express bus at Kintetsu Nara Station. Available at ” NARAKOTSU BUS INFORMATION “.
Nara Day Trip Recommendation
First time in Nara/ Basic Sightseeing Course (about 4 hours)
Todaiji Temple Todaiji Temple, registered as a World Heritage site, is a symbol of Nara. Visit the Big Buddha and stroll through the beautiful gardens.
Kofukuji Temple Like Todaiji Temple, Kofukuji Temple is a World Heritage Site and is lined with buildings from the Nara period. You can feel the history in the still and quiet atmosphere.
Nara Park Nara Park is famous as a place where you can spend time with deer. Relax and enjoy nature in this spacious park.
Kasuga Taisha Shrine Kasuga Taisha Shrine, a World Heritage Site, is a cultural asset of the ancient capital of Nara. Approaching the shrine, you will see old architectural structures and stone monuments scattered throughout the area. The deer fortune is also popular, and an English version is also available.
Visit Kasuga Taisha, a World Heritage Site 15 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station to the main shrine of Kasuga Taisha by bus.
Hike to the summit of Mt.Wakakusa It takes about 5 minutes by foot from the main shrine of Kasuga Taisha to get to the base gate of Mt.Wakakusa. It is about a 40-minute walk from the foot gate to the summit. At the peak of Mt.Wakakusa, you can see a panoramic view of Nara, with its surround temples, shrines, and even mountains in the distance. You can also enjoy interacting with cute wild deer. *Hours of entry are from 9:00 to 17:00 *Closed during winter (mid-December to mid-March).
Naramachi: Shopping/ A Gourmet Stroll (about 2 to 3 hours)
Naramachi is an area with a traditional townscape in the central part of Nara City. The narrow streets are lined with many historical buildings called machiya. There are also many restaurants and souvenir stores where you can enjoy gourmet food and shopping unique to this area.
1. [Hirayu Bus Terminal (Hirayu Onsen) Route] How to take a highway bus from Basta Shinjuku to Hida Takayama and transfer at Hirayu Bus Terminal next to Kamikochi.
2. via Matsumoto Take a highway bus from Basta Shinjuku to Matsumoto Bus Terminal and transfer at the Matsumoto Inter-mae bus stop.
First, let’s look at the Hirayu route. Although it takes 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.
Click here for the version via Matsumoto via Matsumoto Interchange bus stop and Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line.
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, since highway buses are convenient, they are popular and crowded, making the price somewhat more expensive. Save a little money! Here is a guide to a backstage technique that makes it easier to make reservations.
Niijima Station ｜ (local bus ) about 1 hour 15 minutes
Kamikochi Bus Terminal
■ For express buses ■ 8,000 – 16,000 yen (adult one-way) Main price range 12,000 – 14,000 yen
Basta Shinjuku / Shibuya Bus Terminal (Mark City) / Yaesu South Exit of JR Tokyo Station ｜ (Express Bus, Sawayaka Shinshu-go ) about 4 hours 30 min~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, here is a backdoorhighway bus routethat is relatively inexpensive and easy to book,
Shinjuku (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal) | (Highway Bus to Hida Takayama ) about 4 hours and 40 minutes ｜ Hirayu Bus Terminal ｜ ( local bus ) about 25 min. ｜ Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Express bus routes are available. The fare is approximately 6,500 yen (one-way for adults).
Hirayu Bus TerminalHirayu Bus Terminal
Hirayu Bus Terminal is the gateway toKamikochi, Mt. Norikura, and Shin Hotaka Ro on the Gifu Prefecture (Takayama City) side. Hirayu Bus Terminal is also the stop for highway buses from Basta Shinjuku to Takayama, with 5 to 7 round trips being made daily.
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 a 20-30 minute ride.
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!
Shinjuku ⇔ Kamikochi 【By direct round-trip bus】About 26,000 yen
Shinjuku⇔Hirayu⇔Kamikochi [Round trip, via Hirayu] Approx. 14,200 yen, a savings of over 10,000 yen
Shinjuku→Hirayu→Kamikochi→Shinjuku [If you take a direct one-way bus, one way via Hirayu] about 21,000 yen and save about 5,000 yen.
Another trick is to take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Matsumoto, get off in front of the Matsumoto Interchange, and transfer to the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line from Oniwa Station . This is also very economical and convenient. Click here for more details…
(2) Healing in a famous hot spring. So what kind of place is Hirayu Onsen?
This is the gateway to Okuhida Onsenkyo. It is the largest hot spring resort near Kamikochi, with about 30 accommodations of various sizes. The town spreads out around Hirayu Bus Terminal, and most of the hot spring resort is within walking distance. 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 about 40 sources, gushing about 13,000 liters per minute of hot spring water at a high temperature of about 90°C.
Tsuyu-kusa A ryokan with a completely private hot spring for overnight stays with no meals. Onsen ryokan located a 3-minute walk from Hirayu bus terminal. Self check-in/check-out, so late arrivals and early morning departures are OK! A popular, small, cost-effective onsen ryokan. Please make reservations as early as possible! >>> Search availability, check rates, and make reservations
Hirayu-kan This onsen ryokan is a 3-minute walk from the Hirayu bus terminal and has a full range of onsen (hot spring) facilities. The ryokan has a particularly wonderful open-air bath. The ryokan offers a variety of plans, including overnight stays with no meal and one-night breakfast plans. There is also a convenience store inside the inn, which is recommended for consecutive nights or mid- to long-term stays. >>> Search availability, check rates, and make reservations
Hirayu Onsen Town seen from Awa PassHirayu Onsen Folk Museum
Hirayu Bus Terminal – Kamikochi Bus Terminal Adults 1,500 yen one way, 2,800 yen round trip Children 750 yen one way, 1,400 yen round trip Details/Timetable
Keio Bus LINE official account opened!
Kamikochi Recommended Model Course
*The model course below is based on the summer schedule. Please note that some buses may operate seasonally. Please check the timetable, etc. 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)
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!
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 at Shinjuku 20:45 *You can also enjoy cycling between Hirayu and Norikura-dake (Tatamidaira) on a rental e-bike!
*The above model course is based on the summer schedule. Please note that some buses may operate seasonally. Please check the timetable in advance.
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 Children 750 yen one way, 1,400 yen round trip Details/Timetable
Hirayu Onsen Recommended Accommodations
Tsuyu-kusa A ryokan with a completely private hot spring for overnight stays with no meals. Onsen ryokan located a 3-minute walk from Hirayu bus terminal. Self check-in/check-out, so late arrivals and early morning departures are OK! A popular, small, cost-effective onsen ryokan. Please make reservations as early as possible! >>> Search availability, check rates, and make reservations
Hirayu-kan This onsen ryokan is a 3-minute walk from the Hirayu bus terminal and has a full range of onsen (hot spring) facilities. The ryokan has a particularly wonderful open-air bath. The ryokan offers a variety of plans, including overnight stays with no meal and one-night breakfast plans. There is also a convenience store inside the inn, which is recommended for consecutive nights or mid- to long-term stays. >>> Search availability, check rates, and make reservations
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 ].
