Local Bus Timetable From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen / Kamikochi

The Nohi Bus Company operates express bus services between Takayama and several major cities as well as the onsen village of Hirayu and the alpine wonderland of Kamikochi. Tickets for all buses can be purchased at the Takayama Nohi Bus Center ( Takayama Bus Terminal ), next to Takayama Station.

The bus for Hirayu Onsen departs from Bus Stop 5 at the Takayama Bus Terminal. The trip to takes about an hour.

Buses for Kamikochi depart from Bus Stop 2 outside the Hirayu Bus Terminal. The ride to Kamikochi takes 25 minutes.

For full details regarding how to use the Hirayu Onsen & Kamikochi Local bus services, please refer to our ‘Local Bus From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen & Kamikochi’ page.

On this page you will find the following information:

Local Bus Timetable From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen & Kamikochi

From Takayama to Hirayu Onsen - Kamikochi

Takayama - Hirayu Onsen

★…Drop-off only
Red text = Operates from July 19 to August 24

Hirayu Onsen - Kamikochi

Service Period: April 17 – November 15, 2025

〇 = Operates daily from May 3 to May 6 and from July 19 to August 24
▲ = Operates on weekends and national holidays from April 26 to July 13 and from August 30 to October 19

Buses bound for Hirayu Onsen depart the Takayama Nohi Bus Center ( Takayama Bus Terminal ) up to twenty times daily. Note that none require reservations. The same applies to buses returning to Takayama from Kamikochi and Hirayu Onsen.

If your destination is Kamikochi you’ll need to transfer buses at Hirayu Onsen. You’ll need to do the same if you are returning to Takayama.

One-way bus fare from Takayama to Kamikochi via Hirayu Onsen is 3,000 JPY per adult and 1,500 JPY for children ages 6-12. Round trip fare is 5,800 JPY for adults, 2,900 JPY 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.

From Kamikochi-Hirayu Onsen to Takayama

Kamikochi - Hirayu Onsen

Hirayu Onsen - Takayama

Service Period: April 17 – November 15, 2025

Key Bus Terminals for Your Journey

Takayama Bus Terminal

Located conveniently next to Takayama Station, the Takayama Bus Terminal is the region’s primary transport hub, offering connections to popular destinations like Shirakawa-go, Kamikochi, Gujo Hachiman, and the Shinhotaka Ropeway. Known for its efficiency and seamless access to scenic and cultural landmarks, the terminal is an essential starting point for exploring the Japanese Alps and Gifu Prefecture. Reserved seating is available for many routes, making it ideal for travelers looking to secure hassle-free journeys, especially during peak seasons.

Hirayu Bus Terminal

Situated in the heart of the Okuhida region, Hirayu Bus Terminal serves as a key gateway to destinations like Kamikochi, Shinhotaka Ropeway, and Takayama. It is a perfect stopover for travelers journeying between Takayama and the Matsumoto side, offering access to nearby attractions, including the relaxing hot springs of Hirayu Onsen. With regular bus services and a strategic location, it ensures smooth transportation for those exploring the Northern Japan Alps.

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. 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.

Kamikochi Charters & Taxis

Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a fully-accredited charter operator with the expertise to ensure your journey is safe, comfortable and convenient. With vehicles to accommodate single travelers, couples and families as well as groups of up to 45 people, we can transport you and all your luggage from downtown Nagano all the way to Kamikochi. Get on your way starting here.

We also have you covered for pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the wider Northern Alps region, including Matsumoto, Kanazawa and Takayama, as well as more distant points including Nagoya, Tokyo, and even your airport. Which vehicle suits you best depends on your group size and amount of luggage. Learn more about charters on this page.

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.

Book With Us! Accommodation & Charter Packages in Kamikochi

Based in Nagano and operating all year round, we are a registered travel agent and tour and charter operator offering a full suite of services including accommodations, private charters, and a range of tour packages including both group and private options covering the Matsumoto/Kamikochi region. So get your game on and PLAN YOUR TRIP!