The Alpico Group Company, commonly referred as ALPICO, operates most of the local and intercity Highland Express buses running in and out of Matsumoto City. In addition, ALPICO connects Matsumoto Station with the popular alpine destination of Kamikochi via an efficient combination of trains and comfortable coaches.
Sitting 1,500 meters above sea level, the alpine valley of Kamikochi is a veritable jewel among the towering and rugged peaks of the northern Japanese Alps. Located along the route connecting Nagano and Gifu Prefectures, Kamikochi makes for a fantastic day trip whether you return to Matsumoto after your visit or continue on to Takayama on the other side of the mountains. Either way, ALPICO - working in tandem with the Nohi Bus Company of Takayama - has you covered the entire way.
Check the following links for all the information you need.
TRAIN & BUS FROM MATSUMOTO TO KAMIKOCHI
Private cars and rental vehicles are not permitted to enter Kamikochi. Visitors can drive as far as Sawando and continue by shuttle bus, or travel from Matsumoto using ALPICO’s train and bus services.
Two direct National Park Liner buses normally depart from Matsumoto Bus Terminal for Kamikochi each day during the operating season. These services require advance reservations. There is no equivalent direct bus from Kamikochi back to Matsumoto.
For other departures, take the Kamikochi Line train from Platform 7 at Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima Station. The train journey takes approximately 30 minutes. At Shin-Shimashima, transfer to a bus for the approximately one-hour journey to Kamikochi.
The Kamikochi Line train does not require a reservation. However, all buses between Shin-Shimashima and Kamikochi require reserved seats in both directions. Same-day bus tickets may be available when seats remain, but advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during weekends, public holidays and the autumn foliage season.
The Kamikochi Line train departs Matsumoto Station from Track 7. Buses to Kamikochi depart from right in front of Shin-Shimashima Station. Station attendants are generally present to politely guide you on your way, so there's no problem making your connection.
Services normally operate from 17 April until 15 November. Departure times and connections vary throughout the season, so travellers should check the current timetable when planning their journey.
Kamikochi Line trains depart Matsumoto Station twelve times daily for the thirty-minute trip to Shin-Shimashima Station. Buses for Kamikochi generally depart from Shin-Shimashima Station approximately ten minutes after the train arrives. The bus ride up to Kamikochi takes about an hour.
The return trip from Kamikochi to Matsumoto likewise involves a bus ride down to Shin-Shimashima and a train into Matsumoto, with a fifteen to twenty minute wait in between. Note that all return buses are reservation-only, with reservations made online or at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
Also be aware that buses running between Matsumoto and Takayama do not stop at Kamikochi. If you wish to visit Kamikochi on your way over the mountains you must purchase two separate tickets, one to Kamikochi and one from Kamikochi.
And hey, Kamikochi isn't the only alpine playground around. A few buses departing Shin-Shimashima run to Norikura. If you are going to Kamikochi you can still take a Norikura-bound bus, just transfer buses at the Sawando Bus Terminal. Piece of cake.
FARES & TIMETABLE
There are two ways to travel from Matsumoto to Kamikochi: take a direct National Park Liner bus from Matsumoto Bus Terminal beside Matsumoto Station, or take the Kamikochi Line train to Shin-Shimashima and transfer to a reserved bus.
The direct National Park Liner bus has departure-specific pricing. The 05:30 service costs ¥5,000 for adults and ¥2,500 for children, while the 10:15 service costs ¥4,600 for adults and ¥2,300 for children.
For the train and bus route, current one-way fares are:
- Adults: ¥710 for the train and ¥3,100 for the bus, totalling ¥3,810
- Children: ¥360 for the train and ¥1,550 for the bus, totalling ¥1,910
Children aged 1 to 6 require a reserved child-fare seat on the bus. Children aged 7 to 12 pay the child fare, while passengers aged 13 and over pay the adult fare. Infants under one year old can travel free, although a child-fare reservation is required if they need their own seat.
There is currently no direct bus from Kamikochi back to Matsumoto. For the return journey, take a reserved bus to Shin-Shimashima and transfer to the Kamikochi Line train for Matsumoto.
Passengers travelling from Kamikochi onwards to Takayama must purchase a separate ticket. Buses operating directly between Matsumoto and Takayama do not stop inside Kamikochi.
For the current timetable for the Matsumoto-Kamikochi-Takayama express buses as well as a few other area routes, please see our 'Train & Bus Timetable From Matsumoto to Kamikochi' page.
BUYING TICKETS FOR TRAIN & BUS
How you purchase your ticket to Kamikochi depends on how you are getting there.
(1) For the reserved bus direct from the Matsumoto Bus Terminal to Kamikochi you can purchase your ticket online or at the ticket counter in the ALPICO Plaza Matsumoto Bus Terminal. You can pay with cash or credit card.
(2) If you are taking the Matsumoto Dentetsu Line train to Shin-Shimashima and then catching a bus to Kamikochi you can purchase your tickets with cash or credit card at the Matsumoto Bus Terminal ticket counter or via the blue ticket machine in Matsumoto Station (cash only). To purchase your ticket from the machine, touch the English box near the top right of the screen, tap the Norikura-Shirahone-Kamikochi box near the bottom left, then among the boxes in the center of the screen hit Kamikochi and insert your money.
(3) Tickets for all buses departing Kamikochi can be purchased at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal ticket counter (cash or credit) or online.
**If you are driving to the Sawando Bus Terminal and taking the bus from there you can purchase your ticket at the Sawando Bus Terminal ticket window (cash or credit).
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi?
Yes. Two direct National Park Liner buses normally depart from Matsumoto Bus Terminal for Kamikochi during the operating season. Seats must be reserved in advance. There is currently no direct bus from Kamikochi back to Matsumoto.
How long does it take to travel from Matsumoto to Kamikochi?
The direct bus takes approximately 90 minutes. The train and bus route via Shin-Shimashima usually takes around two hours, depending on the connection.
Do I need to reserve the train and bus to Kamikochi?
The Kamikochi Line train between Matsumoto Station and Shin-Shimashima does not require a reservation. However, all buses between Matsumoto, Shin-Shimashima and Kamikochi require reserved seats. Advance booking is strongly recommended.
Where does the direct bus to Kamikochi depart?
The direct National Park Liner bus departs from Matsumoto Bus Terminal, located across the road from Matsumoto Station.
Can I use an IC card on the Kamikochi Line?
IC transport cards cannot be used to purchase tickets for the Kamikochi Line. Train tickets can be purchased with cash from the ticket machine at Matsumoto Station.
Can I drive directly into Kamikochi?
No. Private cars and rental vehicles are not permitted inside Kamikochi. Drivers approaching from Matsumoto must park at Sawando and continue by shuttle bus or authorised taxi. See our complete guide to how to get to Kamikochi for further information.
When do services to Kamikochi operate?
Regular public transport normally operates from 17 April until 15 November. Services do not operate during Kamikochi’s winter closure, and some departure times change during the season.
Can I travel from Kamikochi to Takayama?
Yes. Buses connect Kamikochi with Hirayu Onsen, where passengers can transfer to a service for Takayama. This requires a separate ticket from the Matsumoto to Kamikochi journey.