Looking for a cheap bus ticket to Kamikochi, but can't secure a seat?
Try the back-door route via Matsumoto

In the case that a bus is sold out, we'll teach you about an alternative route from Shinjuku to Kamikochi that'll save you some money in the process below.

As we introduced on this page, one alternative way to get to Kamikochi is from Shinjuku to Takayama and then transferring at the Hirayu Bus Terminal. The second alternative way is to go through Matsumoto.

This route to Kamikochi involves taking a highway bus from either the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal or the Hino bus stop on the Chuo Expressway.

Transfer to Kamikochi via Oniwa Station and Shinshimashima Station

Most travelers going to Kamikochi from Matsumoto transfer to the Alpico Kamikochi Line (bus) at Matsumoto Station.
*Starting 2025, the Alpico Kamikochi Line shuttle bus to Shinshimashima requires a reservation.

For the purpose of saving as much time as possible, we recommend transferring to Oniwa Station by disembarking from the highway bus at the Matsumoto Interchange bus stop. Once at Oniwa Station, take a train to Shishimashima Station where you can board the local bus to Kamikochi.

This will shorten your travel time by roughly 30 minutes - 1 hour if you manage to catch the earlier train.

Route

Matsumoto Interchange Bus Stop

Instead of disembarking at Matsumoto Station, we recommend you get off at the Matsumoto Interchange bus stop and transfer to the Alpico Kamikochi Line at Oniwa Station if you are heading to Kamikochi from Tokyo (Shinjuku), or vice versa.

How to transfer from Matsumoto Interchange bus stop to Oniwa Station

When walking from the Matsumoto Interchange bus stop to Oniwa Station, Google Maps will send you the long way around, as shown below.

This is because there is no pedestrian crossing at the Horigome intersection, which you will soon come to after getting off the bus. The red arrow shown in the image below indicates where you need to get to, but you will be unable to cross the road (route 158) here.

However, there is an underground walkway not shown on Google Maps that you can use to safely and quickly get to the other side of the road.

This tunnel is properly managed, clean, and relatively well-lit, and therefore safe to use.

After 25 minutes on the train, you will arrive at the last stop, Shin-shimashima Station. This is the closest train station to Kamikochi, and from here, it is approximately 65 minutes on local bus to the Kamikochi Bus Terminal.

After you board the train, please take a ticket from the dispenser located near the train doors. You will need it when disembarking.
You cannot use a Suica or other contactless pre-paid card on this train line, so be sure to have some coins handy.

From Oniwa Station on the Kamikochi Line to the Matsumoto Interchange bus stop

Highway bus reservations for Shinjuku~Matsumoto

About 24 round-trip highway bus services operate daily between Shinjuku and Matsumoto.

Reservation

 Recommended hotels nearby the Matsumoto Bus Terminal

Of the hotels we have actually stayed in, we think the following offer great value for money.

Tabino Hotel lit Matsumoto
A modern, yet stylish, budget hotel very close to the Matsumoto Bus Terminal.
Offers complimentary services, including a free drink upon early check-in and ochazuke for those craving a late-night snack.
The spacious gender-separate public bath is also a highlight, which has been designed to resemble the famous Shirahone hot springs.
Great for families with children, as kids younger than elementary school age that can share a bed with a parent get to stay free.

Hotel M Matsumoto
Located on the 6th floor of a building in front of the Matsumoto Bus Terminal, which also houses the Maruzen bookstore and the Daiso 100-yen shop, this capsule and business hotel offers excellent value, a bright and clean environment, and is also safe for solo female travelers.
There is also a lounge and plenty of amenities, such as manga. The large communal bath is available for both men and women on an alternating schedule. This hotel is particularly recommended for solo travelers and as an overnight stay before heading up to Kamikochi.

Iroha Grand Hotel Matsumoto Ekimae
Located approximately 400m and about a five-minute walk from the Matsumoto Bus Terminal. A stylish new hotel with an elaborate design and often utilized for weddings and other events.

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Other accommodation around Matsumoto Station and Matsumoto Bus Terminal