A challenging cycling route
Awa Pass is a popular road used to cycle to Kamikochi and to reach the parking lot to reach Kamikochi. The ascent is very steep with an elevation of 1790m in height, but is possible to bike through with e-bike assist. Currently the road is also open to cars and is expected to close around October 31st.
Autumn foliage prediction
As of late September, the foliage at Awa Pass is still very much green, with incredibly refreshing and cool temperatures around Hirayu in Okuhida. The warm season is lasting longer in Japan this year, compared to last year when the peak autumn foliage in Hirayu was around October 20th. As of late September and early October the weather is cool around 20 deg celcius.
Abo Pass (Matsumoto Border) as of 9/29/2025
Photo taken September 29th, 2025.
Abo Pass Hirayu birch grove as of 9/29/2025
Photo taken September 29th, 2025.
Abo Pass Chayato (View point) as of 9/29/2025
Photo taken September 29th, 2025.
Where to rent an e-bike
E-bikes can be rented at a small e-bike station called Okuhida Base in Hirayu, Takayama, around a 3 minute walk from Hirayu Bus Terminal. It is connected to the pizza shop and cafe AWAWA HIRAYU. E-bikes can be retrieved contactless starting from 7AM with bookings made completely online. For more detailed information about the bicycles and reservations, you can visit the Okuhida Base website.
Akadana Parking Lot Information
Akadana Parking Lot is a large 24HR parking lot with shuttle buses departing to Kamikochi. The first 30 minutes at the parking lot are free and there are bathrooms on the premises. Please be aware that this parking lot closes around the same time Kamikochi closes, November 15th.
Address: 791-38 Hirayu, Okuhida Onsengo, Takayama City, Gifu
Operator: Nohi Bus/ 578-89-2351
Parking lot size: ~850 parking spaces
Fee (flat fee/one day): 600yen [car], 300yen [motorcycle], 1,200 [microbus], 2,400 [large bus]
Shuttle bus to Kamikochi: 4:50, 5:20, 5:50, 6:20, 6:50, 7:20, 7:50, 8:20, 8:50, 9:20, 9:50, 10:20, 10:50, 11:20, 11:50, 12:20, 12:50, 13:20, 13:50, 14:20, 14:50, 15:20, 15:50, 16:20, 16:50
*The shuttle bus first stops at Hirayu Bus Terminal where you can take the shuttle bus to Kamikochi, running every 30 minutes.
How to book a bus ticket online
Reservations for buses departing from Hirayu Bus Terminal can be made online in advance, in case the ticket window is not open. There is a ticket office and ticket machine inside the bus terminal waiting room, however please note that tickets to local stops such as Takayama, Kamikochi, Mt.Norikura, and Shinhotaka Ropeway can only be purchased on the same day at the bus terminal. If you would like to purchase an e-ticket, in some cases the local bus company, Nohi Bus also offers set ticket deals which can be displayed on your phone: here.
