From Norikura Kogen
to Kamikochi
From the bus stop right outside Eureka it is about an hour, with one change at Sawando. The first bus at 7:29 gets you there while the valley is still quiet. The fare is 2,210 yen one way. By car it is fifteen minutes to the Sawando car park, where you change to the bus for Kamikochi.
Kamikochi · Hotaka
Going by bus
Take the bus for Shin-Shimashima from the Bandokoro stop right outside Eureka, then change at Sawando Bus Terminal for the Kamikochi shuttle. That is the only change.
Take the bus bound for Shin-Shimashima. The first one leaves at 7:29.
Change to the Kamikochi shuttle. Tickets are sold at the machines in the terminal, and the shuttle runs about every 30 minutes.
Kappa Bridge is a five-minute walk, and the valley is still quiet.
Buses on the way out cannot be reserved. Weekends and holidays get busy, so we suggest taking an early one.
The bus back can be reserved on the Alpico Kotsu website — but only if you are returning to Norikura Kogen, not if you are heading on to Matsumoto or Takayama. With a reservation you ride straight back without waiting.
That is one more reason to stay two nights in Norikura and take your time.
Going by car
By car it is fifteen minutes to the Sawando car park, where you change to the bus for Kamikochi.
Park at Sawando: about 2,000 spaces, 800 yen a day for a car.
Take the Kamikochi shuttle: 1,600 yen one way, 3,000 yen return.
Kappa Bridge is a five-minute walk.
Kamikochi is closed to private vehicles all year. Park at Sawando and change to the shuttle bus or a taxi.
You are also welcome to leave your car in our free car park and go by bus instead.
Changing at Sawando
Sawando Bus Terminal, where you change, is indoors. Tickets come from the machines, and there is a shop with drinks, snacks and local souvenirs — handy if you missed breakfast. There are toilets too.
On summer weekend mornings a queue can form for the Kamikochi shuttle. If you are wondering what to expect, just ask us the night before.
When you can go
Kamikochi is only open between the start and the end of the season — in 2026, from 17 April to 15 November. In winter the Kama Tunnel is shut and no buses run.
Fresh green from late May into June, cool air in July and August, autumn colour in October. Every season is good, but a calm autumn morning is something else.
If you visit Norikura in winter, swap Kamikochi for a walk across the snowy plateau on snowshoes or touring skis.
Things to do in Norikura →Norikura and Kamikochi
in three days
Even when the inns in Kamikochi are full, you can enjoy both from a base in Norikura Kogen. Stay the same two nights with us and leave your luggage in your room while you go.
Arrive in Norikura and take a private bath
After dark, step outside for the stars.
Take the 7:29 bus to Kamikochi
Walk from Kappa Bridge to Myojin Pond, then come back for another soak. The bus back towards Norikura can be reserved, so you skip the queue, return early and rest.
Climb Mt. Norikura from Tatamidaira, or just wander the plateau
The summit is 3,026 m, and the bus takes you to 2,700 m.
Common questions
* Times and fares on this page are current as of November 2026, based on the 2026 season timetable. They can change for the next season.
The bus stop is right outside the door. Seven tatami rooms and a private milky-white onsen.