Kamikochi is one of the most beautiful places in Japan, known for its clear rivers, mountain views, and peaceful hiking trails. But getting there can be a little confusing—especially if it’s your first time.

This guide explains how to get to Kamikochi from Matsumoto. Please read carefully before your trip!

Things to know before going to Kamikochi

Option 1: Direct Bus (National Park Liner)

You can take a direct bus from Matsumoto Bus Terminal to Kamikochi. This is the easiest and most comfortable way.

• This direct bus is called National Park Liner, departing from Matsumoto Bus Terminal and goes directly to Kamikochi. 
• There are only two buses per day, departing at 5:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
• The ticket sell out quickly, especially the 5:30 bus. So please reserve your ticket online in advance.
• Reservations open one month in advance. For example, tickets for May 15 will be available from April 15.
• The new bus timetables are usually posted in late March each year. If reservations are not yet available, please check again after the updated schedule has been released.

Option 2: Train + Bus via Shin-Shimashima Station

If the direct bus is full or doesn’t fit your schedule, you can take a train and then transfer to a bus.

Step 1: Train from Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima Station

Please buy a train ticket (710 yen) at the vending machines inside JR Matsumoto Station and take the Kamikochi Line (aka Matsumoto Dentetsu line) train from Platform 7. Enjoy Japan’s countryside scenery on the 30 minutes train ride and get off at the final station, Shin-Shimashima.

This is not a JR train, so:

• JR Pass is not valid
• IC cards (like Suica or PASMO) are not accepted
• Credit cards are not accepted (Cash only)

All seats are non-reserved. You can always get a seat. Tickets are valid only on the day of purchase, so buy it on the day you ride.

Kamikochi Line trains usually come with 5 color stripes, sometimes with its mascot “Nagisa Endo” but also at times it comes in bright orange color.

The ticket vending machines for the Kamikochi Line train at JR Matsumoto Station are the blue ones located on the left side.

Step 2: Take a Bus from Shin-Shimashima to Kamikochi

From Shin-Shimashima station, take a bus bound for Kamikochi. The ride takes about 1 hour, going through beautiful landscapes before reaching to Kamikochi. 

• Reservations are required starting from 2025.
• If you don’t book in advance, you can still buy a ticket at Shin-Shimashima Station or Kamikochi Bus Terminal on the same day—but there are chances that the bus on your preferred departure time is full.
• Reservations open one month in advance. For example, tickets for May 15 will be available from April 15.
• The new bus timetables are usually posted in late March each year. If reservations are not yet available, please check again after the updated schedule has been released.

Shin-Shimashima Station / Bus Terminal

How to Get from Kamikochi to Matsumoto

There is no direct bus from Kamikochi back to Matsumoto. You’ll need to take a bus from Kamikochi to Shin-Shimashima, then take a train to Matsumoto.

• Unlike the outbound route, you can book both the return bus and train tickets together online. When you make the reservation, just select "Matsumoto Station" as your drop-off point, and it will include both the bus and the train.
• If you don’t book in advance, you can still buy a ticket at Matsumoto Bus Terminal or Kamikochi Bus Terminal on the same day—but there are chances that the bus on your preferred departure time is full.
• Reservations open one month in advance. For example, tickets for May 15 will be available from April 15.

Ticket windows at Kamikochi Bus Terminal 

Bus and Train Fare

To check bus and train ticket fares, please refer to the Matsumoto – Kamikochi Timetable page.

Ticket Cancellations and Changes

• If you booked your ticket online, you can cancel it through the “Manage My Booking” page on the Japan Bus Online website. However, you cannot make changes to your departure time, passenger name, or other details. If something changes, you’ll need to cancel and make a new reservation. (Cancellation Fee: 100 yen)
• If you bought your ticket at a ticket counter (at Matsumoto Bus Terminal, Shin-Shimashima Station, or Kamikochi Bus Terminal), go back to any of those locations to cancel or make changes.