Local Bus From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen / Kamikochi
The Nohi Bus Company is the main bus operator in Takayama City, connecting visitors to major cities like Nagoya, Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka as well as the region’s most popular alpine destination, Kamijkochi. Nohi also operates many of the local buses covering Takayama City and the surrounding area.
Nohi operates comfortable express coaches complete with spacious luggage storage. Your journey to Kamikochi, the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, one of the several mountain hot spring villages including Hirayu Onsen, and just about anywhere else starts at the Takayama Nohi bus center right next to Takayama Station.
Check the following links for all the information you need.
— Local Bus From Takayama to Hirayu / Kamikochi
— 15 Things to Do in Kamikochi & Where to Stay
LOCAL BUS FROM TAKAYAMA TO HIRAYU / KAMIKOCHI
The Local Bus connecting Takayama with Hirayu Onsen operates year-round. The bus from Hirayu Onsen to Kamikochi runs from mid-April to mid-November. All buses depart Takayama from the the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, right next to Takayama Station.
Finding the Takayama Nohi Bus Center could not be any easier. Exit Takayama Station via the East Exit and look to your left. The Bus Center is right there.
The bus for Hirayu Onsen departs from Bus Stop 5. The trip to Hirayu Onsen takes about an hour. Buses for Kamikochi depart from Bus Stop 2 outside the Hirayu Bus Terminal. The ride to Kamikochi takes 25 minutes.
The Hirayu Bus Terminal serves as the primary hub for travelers heading into the Japanese Alps, including Kamikochi, Shinhotaka Ropeway, and Matsumoto. Located just 25 minutes by bus from Kamikochi, this terminal is a crucial stop for those exploring the region. It offers a convenient transfer point, with buses to Takayama, Kamikochi, and other key destinations departing regularly. The terminal provides essential facilities, including ticket counters and waiting areas, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
While Hirayu Onsen is also a stop along the bus route between Takayama and Matsumoto, you have to purchase a separate ticket at Hirayu if you want to visit Kamikochi. It is better, simpler, and cheaper to buy a ticket for Kamikochi via Hirayu at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center. If you are visiting Kamikochi and returning to Takayama, ask for a round-trip ticket, valid for seven days. If you are continuing on to Matsumoto, purchase a one-way ticket to Kamikochi, then get your ticket to Matsumoto at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal ticket counter.
FARES & TIMETABLE
One-way bus fare from Takayama to Kamikochi via Hirayu Onsen is JPY2,650 per adult and 1,330 for children ages 6-12. Round trip fare is 5,130 for adults, 2,570 for children.
Keep in mind that if you are planning to visit Kamikochi and then continue on to Matsumoto you must buy two separate tickets, one for Kamikochi at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center and one for Matsumoto at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
As a side note, some buses departing Takayama for Matsumoto are operated by the ALPICO Bus Company, based in Matsumoto.
For the current timetable for the Takayama-Hirayu-Kamikochi express buses see our ‘Takayama-Kamikochi Express Bus Timetable’ page.
BUYING TICKETS FOR BUS
How you purchase your ticket to Kamikochi depends on how you are getting there.
To purchase bus tickets from Takayama to Kamikochi or to Matsumoto, simply go to the ticket counter inside the Takayama Nohi Bus Center next to the Takayama Station. You can pay with cash or credit card. Foreign currency exchange machine is also available.
Reservations are not required for Kamikochi-bound or Matsumoto-bound buses departing from Takayama.
15 THINGS TO DO IN KAMIKOCHI & WHERE TO STAY
A visit to Kamikochi makes for an unforgettable chapter in the story of your visit to Japan. Sitting in its alpine perch right between the alluring twin cities of Matsumoto and Takayama, Kamikochi is also easy to fit into your overall adventure. Most visitors make a day trip out of it – and are plenty happy they did. But there are several ways and many reasons to spend a little more time here on the roof of Japan. Check out our ’15 Things To Do Around Kamikochi & Where To Stay’ page and see how much time you’ll want to set aside to satisfy your personal mountain exploration appetite.
25 THINGS TO DO AROUND TAKAYAMA & WHERE TO STAY
Takayama isn’t just a place that happens to be a great jumping-off point for Kamikochi. With a compact and eminently walkable city center, Takayama’s singular charm makes this town a top-notch destination. The Miyagawa Morning Market, the beautifully-preserved Sannomachi District, and the Takayama Jinya, the only regional administrative building that remains from Japan’s Edo Era, are just the beginning of the wealth of treasures Takayama holds. Check out our ’25 Things to Do Around Takayama & Where to Stay’ page and find the perfect way to spend your time in this alluring mountain town.
