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  • 2024.11.19

Recommended day trips from Nagoya: “Shirakawa-go, Takayama” and “Nara/ Using Nagoya As A Base

Enjoy your trip to Japan with Nagoya as your base!
We recommend traveling from Nagoya as a base because it is very convenient, affordable, and most importantly, fun.

  1. Easy Day Trips
    From Nagoya, it is very easy to make individual day trips to “Shirakawa-go”, “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 Shirakawa-go 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.
  2. A Convenient Metropolis
    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.
  3. There’s also great shopping too!
    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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 are traveling in central Japan, you should definitely use Nagoya as your base!If you use Nagoya as your base, you can easily go to “Shirakawa-go”, “Takayama”, and “Nara”.

Table of Contents

  1. Recommended Route ① Shirakawago and Takayama
  2. Recommended Route ②「Nara」

Shirakawa-go, 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.Step back in time and experience history and nature woven together.

Recommended one-day trip route from Nagoya (1)
Shirakawa-go and Takayama

Shirakawa-go in Summer
Shirakawa-go with Snow

From Nagoya! The most popular “Shirakawa-go” and “Takayama” one-day model route
Explore the beauty of Shirakawa-go and charming Takayama, often referred to as “Little Kyoto,” with our recommended itinerary from Nagoya.

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go 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.

Two popular day trips from Nagoya are the World Heritage Site, Shirakawago, and the town of Takayama, known for its old townscape.

Nagoya – Shirakawa-go Highway Bus Online Reservation

* If you also want to go to Takayama, please book a one-way highway bus from Nagoya to Shirakawa-go.
* 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.

Departure day to Shirakawa-go and Takayama

Around 7:30

We 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 we have little time, we 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 open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

Around 7:40 a.m.

A bus bound for Shirakawa-go 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

Nagoya (Meitetsu Bus Center, 3rd floor, bus stop #7) Depart for Shirakawa-go.

　

Around 8:40

We will take a 10-minute break at the Hirugano service area.

Around 10:32 a.m.

Arrival at Shirakawa-go bus terminal.

Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal Information

This bus terminal is exclusively for local and highway buses and is conveniently located for sightseeing in Shirakawa-go.
It is convenient for visiting Gassho-zukuri villages and the Shiroyama Observatory.

Hours of operation: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Facilities: waiting room, restroom, tourist center, large coin lockers, luggage storage, automatic foreign currency exchange, bus reservation counter, WIFI

Nagoya – Shirakawa-go Highway Bus Online Reservation

Travel time: approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
Fare: 3,400 – 4,200 yen/person, one-way

Upon arrival in Shirakawa-go, we recommend first visiting the Ogimachi Castle Ruins Observatory, which offers a panoramic view of Shirakawa-go.

15 minutes walk from Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal
Details (Google map)

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.

Hagicho Attractions

  1. Part of the World Heritage Site
    Part of the Shirakawa-go World Heritage Site area, this area retains the classic beauty of traditional Japan.
  2. 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.
  3. Experience Traditional Culture
    In Hagicho, you can cafe hop through the gassho-style houses and enjoy local cuisine such as delicious soba noodles. Leisurely strolling through the gassho houses and trying the local foods brings you back in time to the Edo Period.
    Travel from Nagoya and experience the charms of Shirakawa-go and Hagicho. You’ll be swept away by both the natural beauty and cultural traditions of the area.

Hagicho is home to about 30 gassho-zukuri, historic buildings with a strong traditional culture, making it a popular place for tourists. You can also enjoy the calm atmosphere of the Gassho-zukuri style cafes, soba noodles, and local cuisine.

After enjoying Shirakawa-go, take an express bus to Takayama.

Taking an express bus from Shirakawa-go to Takayama.It takes about one hour from Shirakawa-go to Takayama.
This bus is available by reservation or non-reservation.
We recommend making a reservation as this is a busy route.

By appointment only

Shirakawa-go 12:35 → Takayama 13:25
Shirakawa-go 13:30 → Takayama 14:20
Shirakawa-go 13:50 → Takayama 14:50

Non-reserved regular (first-come, first-served)

Shirakawa-go 13:15 → Takayama 14:05

Shirakawa-go Bus Terminal

Reservations can be made through
Fare 2,600 yen/one-way (revised in December 2024, to be confirmed)

Shirakawa-go – Takayama Highway Bus Online Reservation

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.

"Little Kyoto" - Takayama

After enjoying Takayama, take an highway bus back to Nagoya.

It takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes from Takayama ( Takayama Nohi Bus Center ) to Nagoya ( Meitetsu Bus Center) by direct bus.

Takayama – Nagoya Highway Bus Online Booking

Takayama 17:30 → Nagoya 20:15
Takayama 19:00 → Nagoya 21:45

Takayama → Nagoya
Fare 3,400 yen
Time required: approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes

Remember to take a break at your hotel after your trip!

Express Bus Online Reservations

Shirakawa-go from Nagoya
　Fare: 3,400 yen to 4,200 yen
　Travel time: approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes
Shirakawa-go to Takayama
　Fare: 2,600 yen
　Time required: approx. 60 min.
Takayama to Nagoya
　Fare: 3,400 yen
　Travel time: approx. 2 hr. 50 min.

Another recommended course is Nara.

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 will also find many stylish cafes and traditional souvenir shops scattered throughout the area, where you can enjoy delicious Nara delicacies such as Nara zuke (pickles) and kakinoha sushi (persimmon leaf sushi).
Why not take a trip from Nagoya to experience the atmosphere and history of the ancient Japanese capital?

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.

Nagoya – Nara Highway Bus Online Reservation

Recommended day trip route from Nagoya (2)
Nara

A recommended area for a one-day trip from Nagoya is Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, home to eight World Heritage sites. Many people may think of Osaka or Kyoto when they hear the word “Nara,” but Nara on its own is a wonderful tourist destination with a lot to offer.
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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

Nagoya – Nara Highway Bus Online Reservation

Recommended course of action.


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 a.m.
↓
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.

Bus Pass Details

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 Individual Travel Model Course

First time in Nara. Basic Sightseeing Course (about 4 hours)

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Nara Park
    Nara Park is famous as a place where you can spend time with deer.
    Relax and enjoy nature in this spacious park.
  4. 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.

Wakakusa, Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Todaiji Daibutsuden Course (approx. 7 hours)

  1. Visit Kasuga Taisha, a World Heritage Site
    15 minutes from Kintetsu Nara Station to the main shrine of Kasuga Taisha by bus.
  2. 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).
  3. Todaiji Temple
  4. Naramachi (shopping district in Kyoto)
    Visitors can enjoy strolling, shopping, and dining.

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.

Other recommended spots

Highway bus from Nara back to Nagoya

Commuting Time in Nara
For about 4 hours and 30 minutes

Kintetsu Nara Station, Bus Stop No. 20 Departure at 14:55
(Depart from JR Nara Station, Bus Stop #4 at 14:50)
↓
Arrive at Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya) at 17:25

Commuting Time in Nara
Around 9 hours

Kintetsu Nara Station, Bus Stop No. 20 Departure at 19:15
(Depart from JR Nara Station, bus stop #4 at 19:10)
↓
Arrive at Meitetsu Bus Center (Nagoya) at 21:45

Highway Bus Facilities
Restroom, AC power supply, free WiFi

Where to board the train in Nara
Kintetsu Nara Station, Bus Stop No. 20
JR Nara Station, No. 4 bus stop

Nagoya – Nara Highway Bus Online Reservation

< This content was produced in cooperation with Meitetsu Bus Co. >

  • 2024.04.03

I want to use the bus between Shinjuku and Kamikochi at a low price! I can’t get a reservation because the bus is full! This is a backstage technique for such a case.

Updated April 3, 2024 (updated to 2024 rates)

It is
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.

The two methods are

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.

Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Kamikochi Bus Terminal

General directions from Tokyo area to Kamikochi

■ By train
 Approx. 9,900 yen (one-way for adults)

Shinjuku Station
｜
(JR Express Azusa)
about 2 hours and 40 minutes
｜
Matsumoto Station
｜
(Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line )
about 30 min.

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 Terminal
Hirayu 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.

There is also a shuttle bus service (high frequency) between Hirayu Bus Terminal and Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
>>Hirayu Bus Terminal ⇔ Kamikochi Bus Terminal Details

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!

There is a direct highway bus service from Shinjuku (Basta Shinjuku) to Kamikochi.
The trip takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes, and the fare ranges from 12,000 to 16,000 yen per adult one-way.
There are also 4 to 5 round-trip highway buses from Shinjuku to the Hirayu Bus Terminal, located next to Kamikochi,every day. The trip takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes and costs about 5,500 yen to 6,500 yen per adult one-way.
Buses from Hirayu Bus Terminal to Kamikochi run every 30 minutes, taking 20-25 minutes, and cost 1,500 yen one way or 2,800 yen round trip.

  • 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.

Hirayu Onsen Tourism Association
Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association

Recommended Accommodations in Hirayu Onsen

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 Pass
Hirayu Onsen Folk Museum

Shinjuku – Kamikochi (Sawayaka Shinshu-go)
Adults 10,000 yen – 16,000 yen
Children 5,000 yen – 8,000 yen
Details, timetable and reservations

Shinjuku – Hirayu Bus Terminal (to Hida Takayama)
Adults 5,800 yen – 6,200 yen
Children 2,900 yen – 3,100 yen
Details, timetable, and 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

Keio Bus LINE official account opened!

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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)

2nd day

  • Cycling to Kamikochi ( rent a bike at OKUHIDA BASE )
  • Hirayu 8:00→(Awa Pass by e-bike) → Kamikochi Bus Terminal 11:00
  • Kamikochi (lunch and walking)
  • Kamikochi 13:00→(Awa Pass by e-bike) →Hirayu 15:00
  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 16:05→(Suwako SA, Shakado PA, etc.) →Arrive Shinjuku 20:45

2. enjoy hot springs and Kamikochi

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)

2nd day

  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 8:00→(Awa Tunnel) → Kamikochi Bus Terminal 8:25
  • Kamikochi (walking/lunch)
  • Depart from Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 15:00 → (Suwako SA, Dangozaka SA) → Arrive at Shinjuku at 19:47

3. enjoy the spectacular ropeway and Kamikochi

Day 1

  • Departure from Shinjuku 7:05 → (Shakado PA, Suwako SA) → Hirayu 11:55
  • Hirayu Onsen Lunch
  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 12:40→arrive at Shin Hotaka Ropeway 13:36 (ropeway ride and walk)
  • Shin Hotaka Ropeway 15:55 arrival→Hirayu Bus Terminal 17:31 arrival
  • Hirayu Onsen check-in around 18:00 (overnight stay)

2nd day

  • Hirayu Bus Terminal 8:00→(Awa Tunnel) → Kamikochi Bus Terminal 8:25
  • Kamikochi (walking/lunch)
  • Depart from Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 15:00 → (Suwako SA, Dangozaka SA) → Arrive at Shinjuku at 19:47

4. trekking to enjoy the starry sky, sea of clouds & Kamikochi at a mountain lodge at 2500m altitude!

Day 1

  • Departure from Shinjuku 10:25p.m. → (overnight stay in car)

2nd day

  • →Arrive at Kamikochi Bus Terminal at 5:20
  • Kamikochi (breakfast and walking)
  • Kamikochi 8:30→(trekking)→arrive at Nishiho Villa 13:00
  • Lunch and overnight stay at Nishiho Villa

3rd day

  • Nishiho Sanso 7:00→(trekking) → Nishihomaruyama 7:30→(trekking) → Arrive at Nishiho Dokotoge 10:00
  • 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 – Kamikochi (Sawayaka Shinshu-go)
Adults 10,000 yen – 16,000 yen Children 5,000 yen – 8,000 yen
Details, timetable, and reservations

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

  • 2023.12.21

Shortage of rental cars in Matsumoto has become chronic! Cars are full and cannot be rented. We have found a secret technique for such a situation. | Using the Kanbayashi bus stop on the Nagano Expressway

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.

Then, return.

First, we will go to Apollo Station Matsumoto Airport Road SS/Misuzu Sekiyu Co.
Nico Nico Rent-A-Car Matsumoto Airport Dori Kanbayashi Branch is attached to Apollo Station Matsumoto Airport Road SS.

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 ].