PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Regarding Final Departures and Changes in Bus and Train Schedules
The departure times of the last train and bus leaving for Kamikochi are subject to change with the seasons.
When you look at schedules for buses and trains, please ensure that buses are actually running on the dates on which you wish to travel. Also, check that you will arrive in time to transfer buses. Last buses can be fairly early in the mountains and mistaking train and bus times can result in having to take taxis to get over or off the mountains.
There are Three Options to Get to Kamikochi.
Direct Bus Service to Kamikochi
- Shinjuku
- Tokyo
- Shibuya
- Osaka / Kyoto
- Nagano
Direct Bus 5-7 hrs
Direct Bus 5-7 hrs
Direct Bus 5-7 hrs
Direct Bus 6-7 hrs
Direct Bus 2.5 hrs
Kamikochi

- Nagoya
Direct Bus 5-6 hrs
Kamikochi
The direct bus runs only on specific days from around July to September. This bus stops at Shinhotaka Ropeway (outbound only) and Hirayu Bus Terminal. Detailed information and reservations (from one month prior to travel) are available on this page.
Access from Matsumoto Station
Via
Shin-shimashima Station

- Shinjuku
JR Line 2.5-3 hrs
Expressway Bus 3-3.5 hrs
- Matsumoto
Matsumoto Dentetsu Line 30 min
Expressway Bus 3-3.5 hrs
- Shin-Shimashima
Bus 60 min
Kamikochi
Step 1: Take the Matsumoto Dentetsu (Alpico Railway) from Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima Station (30 min)
Step 2: Transfer at Shin-Shimashima Station to a bus bound for Kamikōchi (About 60 min)
Note: YOU HAVE TO RESERVE YOUR BUS FROM KAMIKOCHI TO SHIN-SHIMASHIMA/MATSUMOTO AND FROM MATSUMOTO DIRECT TO KAMIKOCHI (National Park Liner). For additional information on the bus to Kamikochi, including answers to frequently asked questions, please see the Alpico website.
*For access information on getting to Matsumoto click here or see it on Google Maps.
Access from Takayama Station
Via
Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal
- Kanazawa
JR Line 2.5-3 hrs
- Takayama
Bus 60 min
- Hirayu Onsen
Bus/Taxi 25 min
Kamikochi
From Takayama
Take the Nohi bus from Takayama Bus Center to Hirayu Onsen (60 min)
From Hirayu Onsen
Take a bus or taxi bound for Kamikochi (25 min)
- Kanazawa
JR Line 75 min
- Shirakawa-go
Bus Terminal
Bus 50 min
- Takayama
Bus Center
Bus 50 min
- Hirayu
Bus Terminal
Bus/Taxi 25 min
*For access information on getting to Takayama, click here or see it on Google Maps.

Discount Bus Tickets
Alps Crossing Route Ticket
There is discount bus tickets for Northern Japan Alps crossing route.
Matsumoto City Circle Bus – Town Sneaker
The Town Sneaker is a city circle bus, which tours round the center of the Matsumoto City on four courses: Northern, Eastern, Southern and Western Ones.
You can take the Bus at a small fare, 200 yen for adults, and 100 yen for children. Or you can get the One-Day tickets at 500 yen for adults (250 yen for children).