Updated for 2023: An Ultimate Guide on How to Travel Between Kamikochi and Matsumoto by Bus

Oct 30, 2020

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.

Summary

  1. 1. Traveling between Kamikochi and Matsumoto
  2. 2. How to buy and reserve a ticket (from Matsumoto to Kamikochi)
  3. 2.1. By direct bus (National Park Liner)
  4. 2.2. By train and bus
  5. 3. How to buy and reserve a ticket (from Kamikochi to Matsumoto)
  6. 4. Cancellation of “Seiri-ken” system
  7. 5. Reservation changes
  8. 6. Reservation period
  9. 7. Bus pass holders
  10. 8. Kamikochi bus timetables
  11. 9. Ticket refunds
  12. 10. Frequently asked questions

Traveling between Kamikochi and Matsumoto

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.

A route map for getting to Kamikochi from Matsumoto. The two direct buses from Matsumoto to Kamikochi departs at 5:30 and 10:15 AM.

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

How to buy and reserve a ticket (from Matsumoto to Kamikochi)

By direct bus (National Park Liner)

  • There are two buses, departing at 5:30 and 10:15 from Matsumoto Bus Terminal.
  • Online booking is available at this link.
  • For those who have booked online, it is a requirement to show your printed E-ticket or the E-ticket on your smartphone to the staff or bus driver before boarding.
  • You can also buy the ticket at Matsumoto Bus Terminal if there are seats available.
  • Check the bus timetable here.
  • Bus fare: 2,570 JPY

By train and bus

  • Take the Alpico train (Kamikochi line ) from the JR Matsumoto station (platform no. 7), and get off at Shin-Shimashima station to change to the bus bound for Kamikochi.
  • Train and bus depart every hour.
  • Online booking is unavailable. Please buy the train and bus set tickets before boarding the train from a vending machine in JR Matsumoto station.
  • You can use the ticket to board any train and bus on the same day of purchase.
  • Unless it is during the holiday seasons, such as the Golden Week or Obon festival, you don't need to worry about seat vacancies.
  • Check the bus timetable here.
  • Train and bus set ticket: 2,570 JPY

*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.

How to buy and reserve a ticket (from Kamikochi to Matsumoto)

  • There is no direct bus service for the return trip. Please board the bus to Shin-Shimashima station, then chage to the train to Matsumoto.
  • Online booking is available at this link.
  • For those who have booked online, it is a requirement to show your printed E-ticket or the E-ticket on your smartphone to the staff or bus driver before boarding.
  • You can also buy the ticket at Kamikochi Bus Terminal. The following credit cards are accepted: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB. When buying the ticket, please inforn the staff your preferred departing time.
  • Train and bus depart every hour. Check the bus timetable here.
  • Train and bus set ticket: 2,570 JPY
Ticket windows at Kamikcohi Bus Terminal

Cancellation of “Seiri-ken” system

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.

Reservation changes

  • Reservations can be changed until 15 minutes before the bus is scheduled to depart from the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.

  • For reservations made via Japan Bus Online, you can personally make changes to the reservation on the reservation website.
  • For reservations made at the ticket window of the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, please go to the ticket window to make any changes.

Reservation period

  • 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.

  • In case the bus departs in less than 15 minutes, we will let you board the bus if there are seats available.

Bus pass holders

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.

Kamikochi bus timetables

Ticket refunds

  • Tickets purchased within Japan at ticket offices cannot be refunded, except in the case of bus or train being cancelled due to unprecedent circumstances such as road closure, bad weather, etc. In that case, please contact our staff at Matsumoto Bus Terminal, Shin-Shimashima station or Kamikochi Bus Terminal. We cannot accept ticket refund requests from the homepage’s inquiry form.
  • For tickets purchased via Japan Bus Online website, please contact them directly regarding your refund.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What if I miss my reserved bus? Can I take the next bus?

A: If you miss your reserved bus, you will be charged a fee of 100 yen per person to change your ticket on the same day. This can be done only at Kamikochi Bus Terminal.

 

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: What if I was late for the bus I booked?

A: Please come to the ticket booth at Kamikochi Bus Terminal on that day to change your ticket for the next available bus. The handling fee is 100 yen per person. We don’t accept requests for changing or refund of the ticket after the departure date.

 

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 included in any JR passes.


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!

“Karasawa Cirque”, the Best Autumn Hike in Kamikochi
Press Release | Regarding the National Park Official Partnership agreement

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