{"id":16265,"date":"2025-12-22T13:43:03","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T04:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/?p=16265"},"modified":"2026-02-04T17:00:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T08:00:19","slug":"komagane-senjojiki-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corritrip.jp\/jpn\/blog\/en\/komagane-senjojiki-access\/","title":{"rendered":"Senjojiki Cirque Access Guide | What’s the Best and Most Convenient Way? A Comprehensive Comparison between Train, Express Bus, and Car!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

What is the best way to get to Senjojiki Cirque from Tokyo\/Shinjuku? How do I get to the Senjojiki Cirque hike?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n

To reach Senjojiki Cirque<\/strong> in Nagano Prefecture’s Central Alps, you will have to take the Komagatake Ropeway up to an elevation of 2,612 meters. The road from the base to the ropeway station however is restricted to general vehicles, so many people take the bus to get there. When visiting from Tokyo, it’s common to go to Komagane Station (JR) or the express bus stops “Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop” or “Komagane Bus Terminal,” then transfer to a local bus and ropeway<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

There are three main ways to access Senjojiki Cirque using public transportation.<\/mark><\/strong> Access from Tokyo is quite convenient as there are many options and frequent services to choose from. Renting a car is not necessary. Below we have listed a summary of the three methods’ costs, travel times, and pros\/cons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2460 <\/strong>Train<\/a>
\u3000Limited Express Azusa + JR Iida Line via Komagane Station
\u2461<\/strong>Express Bus to Hida<\/a>
\u3000Via Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop [Nyotai-iriguchi Bus Stop]

\u2462 <\/strong>Express Bus to Ina\/Komagane<\/a>
\u3000Via Komagane Bus Terminal [Suzuran-dori Bus Stop]
Take the Shinjuku – Ina Iida Line<\/strong> bus <\/mark>
\u2463 Car<\/a> (Local bus from Suganodai Bus Center)
\u3000 Via Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Route Comparison: Travel Time & Cost<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n

\u2460 Train: Limited Express Azusa + JR Iida Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>
\n

Estimated time: 5 hours 30 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Estimated cost: Approx. 9,560 yen \/ one way<\/strong> (seasonal variation)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Service frequency (Limited Express Azusa): Approx. 16 round trips\/day<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages:<\/strong>
-High reliability with its schedules
-Spacious seating and freedom to move within the train
-Nearly almost always on-time operation even during weekend congestion<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disadvantages:<\/strong>
-Most expensive option
-Many transfers, especially with the infrequent JR Iida Line service, resulting in a longer travel time
-The JR Iida Line at Komagane Station doesn’t accept IC cards like Suica
-Many railway tunnels cause unstable internet\/WiFi<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Important Notes about the Limited Express “Azusa”<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Limited Express “Azusa” on the Chuo Line is all reserved seating<\/strong>. There are no unreserved seats, so you must purchase a reserved seat ticket before boarding. If you reserve in advance, you’re guaranteed a seat, but boarding without a reservation means buying an expensive “standing express ticket” with no guaranteed seating. Early reservation is recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Suica and IC Cards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The JR Iida Line doesn’t accept transportation IC cards – cash payment is required. If you enter the Tokyo-side gate with an IC card, you’ll need to buy a new ticket to Komagane at Okaya Station, or pay cash at Komagane Station. We recommend purchasing a paper ticket from your departure station to Komagane Station in advance.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limited Express Azusa timetable and reservations (Eki-net)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\u2461 Express Bus to Iida (Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>
\n

Estimated time: 4 hours 30 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Estimated cost: 6,900~ yen \/ one way<\/strong> (seasonal variation)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Service frequency: 17 round trips\/day<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advantages:<\/strong>
-Fast, affordable, and simple with only one transfer
-Well equipped with: charging outlets\/ USB ports, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and footrests in many vehicles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disadvantages:<\/strong>
-Risk of delays due to traffic congestion, especially on weekends
-Few shops near Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop (Nyotai-iriguchi Bus Stop)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u203b Warning \u203b<\/mark><\/strong>
The boarding\/alighting location for the Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop is the same stop for both directions. The upper line (towards Shinjuku) and the lower line (towards Iida) use the same location.<\/p>\n<\/div>

\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Shops Near Komagane Interchange Bus Stop (Nyotai-iriguchi Bus Stop):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Cafe Woody Nana<\/a>\u3000(approx. 350m from bus stop, 4-min walk)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Biande Sakura-tei<\/a>\u3000(approx. 450m, 6-min walk)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Ramen Gyoza Komagane Raion<\/a>\u3000(approx. 500m, 8-min walk)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Country Cafe<\/a>\u3000(approx. 500m, 8-min walk)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. B.B. Steak<\/a> \u3000(approx. 700m, 11-min walk)

    \u203b The distance listed above is from the Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    How to board the bus:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1. From Shinjuku Bus Terminal, take the Ina Iida Line, and get off at Komagane IC.
    2. From Komagane IC, walk to Nyotai Iriguchi Bus Stop
    3. Take the local bus to Shirabidaira
    4. From Shirabidaira, take the Komagatake Ropeway to Senjojiki<\/p>\n\n\n\n


    Express bus timetable and reservations \/ Ina Iida Line (Highway Bus.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    Convenient Set Ticket<\/strong>
    \u300c<\/strong>    Komagatake Senjojiki Cirque Ticket<\/a>\u300d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Includes:<\/strong>
    \uff11\uff0eExpress bus round-trip ticket
    \uff12\uff0eKomagane Station ~ Shirabidaira Station local bus round-trip
    \uff13\uff0eKomagatake Ropeway round-trip
    \uff14\uff0eHot spring and souvenir discount coupons
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Adult: 12,500 yen
    Child: 6,250 yen
    \u25a0Purchase location\u3000Shinjuku Bus Station\uff08departures from Shinjuku only\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \uff1e\uff1e\uff1edetails<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Express buses are available not only from Shinjuku Bus Terminal but also from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hino Bus Stop (7-min walk from Tama Monorail “Koshu Kaido Station”)<\/a> [JP ONLY]
    Fuchu Bus Stop (10-min walk from Seibu Tamagawa Line “Kyotei-jo-mae Station”)<\/a> [JP ONLY]

    *Some express buses skip Fuchu Bus Stop<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \u2462 Express Bus to Ina\/Komagane (Komagane Bus Terminal)
    <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/figure>
    \n

    Estimated time: 4 hours 45 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Estimated cost: 6,900~ yen \/ one way<\/strong> (seasonal variation)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Service frequency: 17 round trips\/day<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Advantages:<\/strong>
    -Affordable, simple with only one transfer
    -Well-equipped facilities: charging outlets\/USB ports, free Wi-Fi, restroom, and footrests
    -Bus terminal is near downtown, convenient for shopping<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Disadvantages:<\/strong>
    -Risk of delays due to traffic congestion, especially on weekends
    -Slightly longer than via Komagane Interchange
    <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    How to board the bus:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1. From Shinjuku Bus Terminal, take the Ina Iida Line, and get off at Komagane Bus Terminal.
    2. From Komagane Bus Terminal, walk to Suzuran-dori Bus Stop
    3. Take the local bus to Shirabidaira
    4. From Shirabidaira, take the Komagatake Ropeway to Senjojiki<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Express bus timetable and reservations \/ Ina Iida Line (Highway Bus.com)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    Convenient Set Ticket<\/strong>
    \u300c<\/strong>    Komagatake Senjojiki Cirque Ticket<\/a> \u300d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Includes:<\/strong>
    \uff11\uff0eExpress bus round-trip ticket
    \uff12\uff0eKomagane Station ~ Shirabidaira Station local bus round-trip
    \uff13\uff0eKomagatake Ropeway round-trip
    \uff14\uff0eHot spring and souvenir discount coupons
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Adult: 12,500 yen
    Child: 6,250 yen
    \u25a0Purchase location\u3000Shinjuku Bus Station\uff08departures from Shinjuku only\uff09<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \uff1e\uff1e\uff1edetails<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n


    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Express buses are available not only from Shinjuku Bus Terminal but also from:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hino Bus Stop (7-min walk from Tama Monorail “Koshu Kaido Station”)<\/a>
    Fuchu Bus Stop (10-min walk from Seibu Tamagawa Line “Kyotei-jo-mae Station”)<\/a>

    *Some express buses skip Fuchu Bus Stop<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Komagane Area Bus Transfer Guide
    <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Whichever route you take to Komagane, you’ll ultimately board the same “Komagatake Ropeway Line” local bus. However, you’ll need to walk a bit from express bus stops or the station to the ropeway-bound bus stop. This transfer is the point where travelers most often make mistakes.<\/p>\n<\/div>

    \"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    Local Bus Route
    <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Shirabidaira<\/strong><\/strong>\u3000\u21d4\u3000Komagatake Ropeway<\/mark>
    \u3000\uff5c<\/strong>
    Suganodai Bus Center<\/strong><\/strong>\u3000\u21d4\u3000Parking area (mountain base hub)<\/mark>
    \u3000\uff5c<\/strong>
    Nyotai-iriguchi Bus Stop<\/strong>\u3000\u21d4\u3000Chuo Expressway Komagane Interchange Bus Stop\u3010<\/mark>    Route \u2461<\/a>\u3011<\/mark>
    Google map<\/a>
    \u3000\uff5c<\/strong>
    Suzuran-dori Bus Stop<\/strong>\u3000\u21d4\u3000Komagane Bus Terminal\u3010<\/mark>    Route \u2462<\/a>\u3011<\/mark>
    Google map<\/a>
    \u3000\uff5c
    Komagane Station<\/strong>\u3000\u21d4\u3000JR Iida Line\u3010<\/mark>    Route \u2460<\/a>\u3011<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Local Bus & Komagatake Ropeway Fares<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Ropeway prices vary by date. Below are examples from 2025:
    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/td>12\/10 (Wed)<\/td>10\/21 (Tues)<\/td>10\/3 (Saturday)<\/td><\/tr>
    \u3010One way\u3011
    Komagane Stn \/ Suzuran-dori<\/td>    		2,280 yen<\/td>2,420 yen<\/td>2,690 yen<\/td><\/tr>
    \u3010One way\u3011
    Nyotai-iriguchi<\/td>    		2,190 yen<\/td>2,330 yen<\/td>2,600 yen<\/td><\/tr>
    \u3010Round trip\u3011
    All bus stops<\/td>    		4,210 yen<\/td>4,640 yen<\/td>5,150 yen<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    For detailed fares, check the official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    Local Bus & Ropeway Digital Ticket
    \uff08    Purchase Online<\/a>\uff09<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n


    A digital ticket that includes the route bus (Komagane Station \/ Suzuran-dori \/ Nyotai Entrance \/ Suganodai Bus Center \u21d4 Shirabidaira<\/strong>) and the ropeway can be purchased on     KKday<\/a>.

    Buy it online and simply show or scan the QR code when boarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Purchase now – cancellation is free until just before departure!<\/strong>
    You can also cancel right up until just before departure, free of charge!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    Details & Purchase (KKday)<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \u203b Please note: Internet access may not be available at places such as Shirabidaira Station and Senjojiki Station.<\/mark><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Book and purchase the highway bus on Highwaybus.com<\/a> and select the mobile ticket option. If you buy the route bus and ropeway tickets on KKday<\/a>, everything from reservation and payment to ticket issuance and boarding can be completed on your smartphone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

    <\/div>\n\n\n\n

    About Getting Off Partway on Local Buses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Even with round-trip tickets or combined ropeway tickets from Komagane Station, you can get off partway at Suganodai Bus Center. Tell the driver and show (don’t hand over) your ticket. You’ll need it to board again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During busy periods, shuttle buses run between Shirabidaira and Suganodai Bus Center. When returning to Suganodai Bus Center, show (don’t hand over) your ticket to Komagane Station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Other Important Points<\/h2>\n\n\n\n