Area Information Japan Alps Kamikochi Seasonal Bus Services
About Kamikochi
Located in Nagano Prefecture, Kamikochi is a pristine highland in the Chubu Sangaku National Park. This beautiful valley features the clear Azusa River flowing beneath the majestic peaks of Mt. Hotaka and the active volcano, Mt. Yakedake.
This guide provides information on direct buses to Kamikochi from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagano, and Nagoya. Discover the bus seat types and popular spots of Kamikochi in the Japan Alps.
Explore Kamikochi by Highway Bus
Explore the breathtaking beauty of Kamikochi with easy bus access!
Taking a direct bus departing from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagano, or Nagoya is the best way to travel to Kamikochi!
Depart at night and arrive in the early morning to enjoy the stunning morning views.
Daytime buses are also highly recommended for a scenic and relaxing journey!
Bus Routes to Kamikochi
From Tokyo
Taishoike / Teikoku Hotel / Kamikochi Bus Terminal
From Osaka/Kyoto
Taishoike / Teikoku Hotel / Kamikochi Bus Terminal
From Nagano
Taishoike / Teikoku Hotel / Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Seat Types
3-row individual seats (Green Car)
Sawayaka Shinshu-go (Alpico Kotsu)
Standard 4-row seats
Sawayaka Shinshu-go (Alpico Kotsu)
Spacious 4-row seats
Meitetsu Bus
4-row seats
Keio Bus
Highlights
Kamikochi is one of Japan's premier scenic destinations, beautifully shaped by the Northern Alps and the Azusa River.
This highland resort, sitting at 1,500 meters above sea level, offers perfectly maintained walking trails attracting many visitors.
Kappabashi Bridge
Kappabashi Bridge is the symbolic suspension bridge of Kamikochi and a prime viewing spot. Standing on the bridge over the Azusa River, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the mountains.
Myojin Pond
Myojin Pond is one of Kamikochi’s signature spots, where its waters reflect a truly mystical landscape. The reflection of trees on the water against majestic Mt. Myojin is a sight to behold.
Tashiro Marsh
Tashiro Marsh is a vast wetland formed over ages by decayed plants. Beside it lies the serene Tashiro Pond, reflecting the sky and peaks amid colorful seasonal flowers.
Taisho Pond
Taisho Pond, formed by a 1915 eruption of Mt. Yakedake, remains mystical with its iconic standing dead trees. It offers enchanting views of the Hotaka Mountains and Mt. Yakedake.
Mt. Yakedake
Mt. Yakedake, a 2,455-meter active volcano nicknamed the "incense burner of the Alps," created Taisho Pond during a massive eruption in 1915.
The Walter Weston Relief
Walter Weston, a British missionary and avid mountaineer, summited numerous peaks across Japan and introduced Kamikochi to the world through his book. In 1937, this relief was embedded into a large rock upstream from Kamikochi Onsen.
Kamikochi 5 Rules
Check before you go!
Please follow these rules to enjoy and protect the beautiful wilderness.
No Collecting
Please do not collect plants or living creatures, including insects.
No Feeding
Please do not feed the wild animals.
No Littering
Please take all your litter with you.
No Foreign Species
Please do not bring any pets or other non-native species.
No Venturing Out
Please stay on the path.