TRANSPORTATION INFO
Reservation
During peak periods it is necessary to either make a reservation online, or receive a numbered ticket at the bus terminal, when travelling from Kamikochi to Shin-Shimashima, Matsumoto, Shirahone Onsen or Norikura Kogen (In addition to reserving a bus, travelers are also required to simultaneously purchase a boarding ticket.)
Please receive a numbered ticket with your boarding time from the ticket office at Kamikochi Bus Terminal. Visit Japan Bus Online for further information.
To change your reservation, please contact the ticket office at Kamikochi bus terminal. Advance reservations made online can be changed online.
Reservations are not required for other local buses.
Advance reservations are required to ride highway buses.
Discount Tickets
See here.
BEFORE ARRIVAL
Wi-Fi Spots
- Sawando: Sawando National Park Gate, Glen Park Sawando
- Kamikochi: Kamikochi Information Center, Kamikochi Visitor Center, Kamikochi Bus Terminal, Myojin, Tokusawa, Yokoo
- Norikura: Norikura Tourist Center
- Okuhida Onsengo Hot Springs: Hirayu bus terminal, Within the Shinhotaka Ropeway facility, Okuhida Bear Park, Hida Great Limestone Cave
- Shirahone Onsen: Shirahone Onsen Tourist Information Center
Luggage Storage Services
- Kamikochi: There are no coin lockers, but temporary luggage storage is provided at the Kamikochi Information Center. The center is open between the hours of 6:00 - 17:00 during the open season.
- Okuhida Onsengo Hot Springs: There are coin lockers at Hirayu Bus Terminal, Shinhotaka Ropeway, and the Alps Kaido Hirayu premises.
* The Shinhotaka Ropeway lockers can only be accessed during business hours. Luggage that does not fit in a locker can also be stored (fees apply). - Norikura: There are coin lockers at the Norikura Tourist Center and Tatamidaira Bus Terminal. Items that do not fit in a locker can be stored at the bus terminal.
* Please note that the Tatamidaira Bus Terminal is closed when the Norikura Skyline is not in service.
Additional lockers are available at Shin-Shimashima Station.
Shops and Stores
- Kamikochi: There are small shops at hotels and campsites but it is uncertain whether you will be able to find what you are looking for. We recommend that you purchase anything you need prior to visiting Kamikochi.
- Norikura: There are the Tsuzuki Shoten in Norikura Kogen (closes 18:00), etc. Additionally, there are stores in areas such as the Tatamidaira Bus Terminal and Ginreiso. However, it is uncertain that you will be able to find the item that you are looking for so please check with the stores in advance or make your purchases before visiting. There are no supermarkets.
- Shirahone Onsen: Some items may be available from hotel shops. There is also a souvenir shop; Shirahone Saito. There are no supermarkets.
- Okuhida Onsengo Hot Springs: There are several liquor stores and supermarkets in Shin-Hirayu Onsen and Tochio Onsen, though they are not open 24 hours. You may be able to purchase daily necessities at hotel shops or tourist facilities.
ATMs
- Kamikochi: There are small shops at hotels and campsites but it is uncertain whether you will be able to find what you are looking for. We recommend that you purchase anything you need prior to visiting Kamikochi.
- Within Okuhida Onsengo, the Tochio Post Office
- Norikura: JA Azumi-Onogawa branch ATM.
- Shin-Shimashima Station: 7-11 Hata-Akamatsu store
Accommodations on the Day
There is an abundance of accommodation available, but as a general rule, please make a reservation in advance.
Caution: Please be sure to check the last bus times for transport links to and from your accommodations. If you miss the last bus, you may not make it to your reservation, or be unable to depart for your next destination.
Medical Facilities
- Kamikochi: The Tokyo Medical University Kamikochi Clinic is situated near the bus terminal. (operates from the opening ceremony in April, through to the closing ceremony in November, TEL 0263-95-2935). Additionally, the Hotel Shirakabaso has a ‘medicine corner’ that sells non-prescription, over-the-counter medicines.
- Mt. Norikura (Tatamidaira): The Norikura Tatamidaira Clinic is located within the bus terminal. (only open on Sat, Sun, and on public holidays during Aug and Sep)
- Okuhida Onsengo Hot Springs: The Tochio Clinic is located in Okuhida Onsengo (Closed: Sat, Sun, public holidays, and from Dec 29 to Jan 3, TEL 0578-89-2053)
CLIMBING
Before
Many of the mountains in the southern region of the Chubusangaku National Park are steep and reach elevations exceeding 3,000m. Please be sure to gather information in advance and prepare a detailed climbing plan prior to climbing. It is important to assess the difficulty of the climbing route in comparison to your own skills, physical strength, and equipment, in order to determine whether you are personally capable of climbing a given route. Additionally, all hikers are required to submit a “climbing plan” before heading into the mountains.
See also here.
Time
Depart as early as possible and aim to arrive at your mountain hut by 15:00, or 16:00 at the latest. Consider the possibility of unexpectedly overrunning your planned hiking time and allow for it in your climbing plan. When planning long treks, it is usual to depart around sunrise. In the afternoons the possibility of thick fog and thunderstorms increases significantly, and the temperature begins to drop sharply. Being out after dark is extremely dangerous. If an accident should occur, rescues are not possible after sunset, so there is a high risk of a life-threatening situation developing, such as spending the night on the mountainside. We recommend carrying emergency equipment such as emergency sheets (space blankets) or an emergency shelter. In the unlikely event that you expect to arrive at a mountain hut after 17:00, please call the hut to inform them in advance.
See also here.
