This is the most detailed guide about how to get to Kamikochi from Matsumoto by bus – from a transfer guide to buying tickets and timetable links.
Due to the easy access and the fame of the Matsumoto castle, getting to Kamikochi from Matsumoto is the most popular route to travel to this picturesque national park.
From JR Matsumoto station, take the Kamikochi line train (aka Matsumoto Dentetsu line) from platform no.7. Enjoy Japan’s countryside scenery on the 30 minutes train ride and get off at the final station, Shin-Shimashima. Please note that even though this train departs from JR Matsumoto station, it is operated by ALPICO, not JR. Thus, any JR passes will not cover this train.
From Shin-Shimashima station, take a bus bound for Kamikochi. The ride takes about 1 hour, going through beautiful landscapes before reaching to Kamikochi.
Timetable for Matsumoto － Kamikochi line >
We also have two direct buses from Matsumoto Bus Terminal to Kamikochi. This bus is called the “National Park Liner”.
Book a direct bus from Matsumoto to Kamikochi >
As for the return trip, please take a bus back to Shin-Shimashima sttion, then change to the train to Matsumoto. (No direct for the return trip)
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.
Timetables of the departing buses are displayed on the digital signboard at the train exit. 10 points for your convenience!
Shin-Shimashima Station / Bus Terminal
*There are no round-trip tickets available.
The ticket vending machine for Kamikochi line train at the JR Matsumoto Station is the blue one on the left.
On the machine, choose “ALPICO Discount Ticket”, then select your destination.
Ticket windows at Kamikcohi Bus Terminal
We used to have a “Seiri-ken” system (queuing for tickets) to help lessen the crowds. However, starting from 2020, we have changed this to a reservation system.
Reservations can be changed until 15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to depart from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
Reservations can be made from 1 month in advance to 15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to depart from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, either at the Kamikochi Bus Terminal or online via the reservation website.
Following is the list of bus passes that cover the train and bus between Matsumoto and Kamikochi.
Those who have any passes listed above don’t need to pay an additional fare but still have to reserve their seats for the return trip. Show your pass and inform the staff about the time and place you wish to board to reserve your seat at Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
If you wish to board the National Park Liner direct bus to Kamikochi, please also bring your bus pass and inform the staff of the bus time you prefer to reserve your seat at Matsumoto Bus Terminal.
Timetable for Matsumoto – Kamikochi line >
Timetable for Shinjuku – Kamikochi line >
Timetable for Tokyo – Kamikochi line >
Timetable for Kyoto/Osaka – Kamikochi line >
Timetable for Shibuya – Kamikochi line >
Timetable for Omiya/Kawagoe – Kamikochi line >
Timetable for Nagano – Kamikochi line >
Timetable for Takayama -Kamikochi line >
Timetable for Sawando Parking – Kamikochi line >
Timetable for Akandana Parking – Kamikochi line >
Q: Is it cheaper to buy a ticket online?
A: No, the ticket price is the same for online and walk-in purchases.
Q: I am going to Matsumoto by JR train. Do I need to exit the ticket gate at the JR Matsumoto station to buy a ticket and enter the ticket gate again?
A: No, you can board the Kamikochi line train without exiting the ticket gate. After you have arrived at Shin-Shimashima station, please adjust your fare by paying for the distance between Matsumoto and Shin-Shimashima (710 yen).
Q: I’m worried that I won’t be able to board the bus because it’s full.
A: Our buses and trains for Kamikochi depart at frequent intervals (about every 45 minutes). During holidays and popular hours, we normally increase the number of buses. Even so, we cannot guarantee that you’ll be able to board the bus you wish. Please spare some time to queue to board a bus. As for the return trip from Kamikochi, please make sure to reserve your seat in advanced to the following destinations: Matsumoto, Shin-Shimashima, Norikura and Shirahone onsen.
Q: Can I put my luggage on the bus?
A: Yes, you can put your luggage on the bus trunk. We don’t have specific luggage size restrictions; however, we may not take in your luggage if it is too large that it may cause damages to other passengers’ luggage.
Q: Is the train from Matsumoto to Shin-Shimashima included in the JR Pass?
A: No, this train is not covered by any JR passes and cannot be paid for using IC cards (SUICA, etc.).
Are you looking for a hotel in Matsumoto? Here are our recommended hotels under ALPICO Group.
Or how about staying overnight in Kamikochi at Lemeiesta Hotel, so that you can leisurely enjoy your time while gazing at the sparkling night sky above Kamikochi!