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  • 2024.04.03

Is the discounted bus between Shinjuku and Kamikochi always full? A cheaper solution exists!

Updated April 3, 2024 (updated to 2024 rates)


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.

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! | Using the Kanbayashi bus stop on the Nagano Expressway for a lesser known store

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.

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 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 ].