Kamikochi by bus
Yesterday | 2:44 am
#16
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,546
My 2 options:
1). Take reservable highway bus called Sawayaka Shinshu-gou from/to Shinjuku. Almost 5 hours each way (ugh).
2). Train to Matsumoto, then take a reservable bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi. Train back to Tokyo from Matsumoto. Problem is, there is no bus directly from Kamikochi back to Matsumoto for reasons I don't get.
...
(2) worries me, because the Kamikochi to Matsumoto leg seems like a lot of trouble. I just have a history of not dealing well with unfamiliar situations, unless it's very straightforward. I'm reading that it gets super crowded where you board the bus in Kamikochi. And then the bus drops you off at Shinshimashima train station instead of Matsumoto station. If anyone has experience with this, how chaotic does it get where you catch the bus in Kamikochi in mid-afternoon?
1). Take reservable highway bus called Sawayaka Shinshu-gou from/to Shinjuku. Almost 5 hours each way (ugh).
2). Train to Matsumoto, then take a reservable bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi. Train back to Tokyo from Matsumoto. Problem is, there is no bus directly from Kamikochi back to Matsumoto for reasons I don't get.
...
(2) worries me, because the Kamikochi to Matsumoto leg seems like a lot of trouble. I just have a history of not dealing well with unfamiliar situations, unless it's very straightforward. I'm reading that it gets super crowded where you board the bus in Kamikochi. And then the bus drops you off at Shinshimashima train station instead of Matsumoto station. If anyone has experience with this, how chaotic does it get where you catch the bus in Kamikochi in mid-afternoon?
Only two of the Kamikochi bound routes pick up at Matsumoto as direct bus National Park Liner https://visit-nagano.alpico.co.jp/timetable/kamikochi-matsumoto?utm_source=kamikochi.org&utm_medium=bann er&utm_campaign=kamikochi_official_global and of them, you'd only be able to take 10:15 departure if you're set on direct but there isn't an Asuza which arrives around 10:15, just the Asuza 1 which arrives at 9:38. If you take the earliest possible routing(s) you could transfer at Matsumoto for the 8:43 Alpico train to Shin-shimashima Station, arriving by bus to Kamikochi at 10:35.
Alpico did release a "How to Transfer" video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU2DLxtxYkY and Kamikochi also released a similar video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrckncB5tsU
If you planning on taking the bus + train + JR route back, reserving it as the combo bus + train ticket seems simpler. I don't think the route/Alpico train accepts suica (per the guide @maerim mentioned). The bus states reservation preferred on the JP version of the website and required on the English. Presumably those who have reservations would be able to board first?
Probably does not help your July trip planning but I also recalled this video from a YT hiker who stayed in Kamikochi during the off season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwsKeGxJtVQ&t=275s It isn't entirely true that all hotels in Kamikochi area are closed in the winter and they're the ones who run a shuttle. It is also possible to get there by taxi or a public bus to nearby area https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIAu-5XQcFI Use CC Translate to English if curious/needed. Looking at the second video, I think there could be a small sweet low crowds window where there wouldn't be too much snow on the paths if not going to the upper elevations, before mid April when Alpico train & bus resume. Maybe an option if you visit during a early ended ski season?
Yesterday | 10:56 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2019
Posts: 1,149
I realize I'm trying to decide between two choices that seem suboptimal.
Nonetheless I'd like to keep the focus on daytripping to Kamikochi, and gathering anecdotes and facts related to making decisions for it.
@freecia Thanks for your research and well-intentioned advice. you're always very resourceful. Based on your info about the Sunday traffic, I might now try and see if I can go on Tuesday instead of Sunday.
Nonetheless I'd like to keep the focus on daytripping to Kamikochi, and gathering anecdotes and facts related to making decisions for it.
@freecia Thanks for your research and well-intentioned advice. you're always very resourceful. Based on your info about the Sunday traffic, I might now try and see if I can go on Tuesday instead of Sunday.
Today | 11:15 am
#19
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,546
I know most repeat Japan visitors expect Japan transit to run like clockwork. Big city transit systems mostly do in decent weather conditions. Popular tourist attractions can be a scrum in their own ways. I think it is reasonable consideration to ask if Kamikochi's shuttle system is holding up these days given the popularity. I hadn't thought of how crowded Hakone gets during a 2025 visit and should have changed my plans to depart earlier or later than check-out via the train rather than waiting for the bus after it snowed & I wasn't near the start of the bus line. Saw some people who couldn't board. Live and learn.