Kamikochi, the crown jewel of the Japan Alps in Nagano Prefecture, offers some of Japan’s most spectacular mountain scenery. If you’re planning your trip to this famous alpine resort, figuring out the best way to get to Kamikochi is the first step. Since private cars are restricted year-round, you must rely on public transport. This comprehensive access guide breaks down the easiest and most efficient ways to travel from various parts of the Chūbu region, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to Kamikochi.
How to Get to Kamikōchi
- Getting to Kamikochi By Bus Services Operated by Alpico Kōtsū from Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nagano, and Matsumoto
- Getting to Kamikochi By Bus Services Operated by Nohi Bus from Takayama and Hirayu onsen
- Getting to Kamikochi By Bus Services Operated by Meitetsu Bus from Nagoya
- Getting to Kamikōchi by Train then, Bus?
- Tips for Getting to Kamikōchi
If you plan to drive to Kamikochi, refer to HERE for more information on where to park your car before taking a shuttle bus service to Kamikochi.
Getting to Kamikochi By Bus Services Operated by Alpico Kōtsū
The area around Nagano Station is a popular base when people visit the Chūbu region. The buses running by Alpico Kotsu is the best way to travel from Kamikochi to Nagano Station. Alpico Kotsu also offers express bus services from Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Matsumoto, and Shinshimashima Station to Kamikochi.
- From Shinjuku Bus Terminal and Tokyo Station: 3 services each day, including 1 nighttime service.
- From Shibuya Station, Osaka, and Kyoto: 1 service each day.
- From JR Nagano Station: 1 morning service each day.
- From JR Matsumoto Station and JR Shinshimashima Station (新島々駅): several services run each day.
Please note that additional services may be running on the day you plan to travel to Kamikochi. For more service details, please refer to Alpico Kōtsū’s website HERE.
Important: Please note that all bus services travelling between Kamikochi and JR Shinshimashima Station (新島々駅) require a reservation to board. Please follow the instructions on Alpico Kōtsū’s website HERE to book your return trip.
Getting to Kamikochi By Bus Services Operated by Nohi Bus
In addition to Nagano, Takayama is the top destination in the region for tourists. The great news is that Takayama to Kamikochi day trip is possible through the bus services provided by Nohi Bus (濃飛). The bus from Takayama to Kamikochi departs from Takayama Bus Terminal (高山濃飛バスセンター). The bus service also pick up passengers from Hirayu Onsen (平湯温泉).
Refer to HERE for the bus timetable and fare from Kamikochi to Takayama, Hirayu Onsen, and vice versa.
If you plan to do this, don’t forget to use the discount bus ticket HERE and translate the webpage to English using Google Chrome’s translation function, located to the right of the address bar.
Getting to Kamikochi By Bus Services Operated by Meitetsu Bus
If you are coming from Nagoya, then utilize Meitetsu Bus’s services departing from Meitetsu Bus Centre (名鉄バスセンター). We will update this article once the English website is back online.
Refer to HERE for the bus timetable and bus fare from Nagoya to Kamikochi and vice versa.
Getting to Kamikōchi by Train then, Bus?
As mentioned above, you have several options to choose from to board the bus bound for Kamikochi. However, except for services departing from JR Shinshimashima Station (新島々駅), there are only three services per day at most. This leads to the benefit of taking a train to Shinshimashima Station (or any other location that suits your schedule better), then changing to a bus to Kamikochi.
Tip: Most people travel from Matsumoto Station to Shinshimashima Station. Purchase the set ticket from either the ticket vending machine at Matsumoto Station or the Matsumoto Bus Terminal, which opens at 7:00 a.m. You don’t want to be the person who needs to buy a bus ticket at Shinshimashima Station because it may mean you won’t be able to board the bus you want to take. Also, move forward to the first train carriage as the train approaches Shinshimashima Station, so you can be at the front of the queue to board the bus.
Important: Please note that all bus services travelling between Kamikochi and JR Shinshimashima Station (新島々駅) require a reservation to board. Please follow the instructions on Alpico Kōtsū’s website HERE to book your return trip.
Tips for Getting to Kamikōchi
- The right-hand side of the bus has a better view when heading to Kamikochi.
- The 4-Day Alps Crossing Ticket can save you some money on transportation. It provides you with unlimited bus and train rides in the Kamikochi, Takayama, Shinhotaka, Norikura, and Matsumoto areas. Please note that the ticket is not valid on JR trains. For more information, please visit the official website HERE.
- You can also purchase Okuhida & Kamikochi Bus Tickets with the Shinhotaka Ropeway if you are coming from Takayama.
- Watching the sunrise from Taishō Pond and Myōjin Pond is highly recommended. The nighttime buses usually arrive at the Taishō Pond at 5:20 in the morning. This means from October onwards, you will be at the Taishō Pond before sunrise. To save time and money, consider getting off the bus at Taishō Pond and watching your first sunrise in Kamikochi. Stay one night at accommodations in the Myōjin Area, and the next morning, before sunrise, head to Myōjin Pond.
Combine Your Visit With Other Nearby Popular Destinations and Save on Transportation
If you are visiting Kamikochi and visit at least 2 of the following spots, the 4-Day Alps WIDE Free Passport might save you money! The ticket is valid for 4 consecutive days, allowing you ample time to sightsee in each of the destinations!
- Kanazawa
- Shirakawago
- Gokayama
- Takayama
- Matsumoto
For more details about the ticket, please refer to our Chūbu region transportation article HERE (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Tip: If you plan to spend more time in the Nagano Prefecture, it might be worthwhile to consider the 5-Day Nagano Pass, which gives you unlimited rides on Shinano Railway, Nagano Dentetsu, Ueda Dentetsu, and Alpico Kotsu buses. Please note you must hold a valid (unexpired) JR East Pass, Hokuriku Arch Pass, or JR Tokyo Wide Pass to purchase this ticket. To purchase your ticket, please refer to HERE.
Discover the Stunning Spots in Kamikōchi
Surrounded by the magnificent Northern Japanese Alps, Kamikochi is the ultimate tourist destination for all nature lovers. There is not a single day that Kamikochi looks the same, due to the natural changes that occur as the seasons pass. There are rivers, ponds, forests, and wetlands along the tracks in the area. All of these have disappeared due to the growing human population.
If you want to escape from the daily hustle and bustle, refer to our article on Kamikochi to plan your visit!
