Traveling by Bus

Japan’s buses tend to be cheaper than taking the train, and visitors can easily access hotspots in Nagano Prefecture by bus. Expressway buses run to and from Japan’s major cities, while local loop buses run within Nagano City and Matsumoto City. Nagano is also home to Japan’s highest bus stop near Mt. Norikura’s summit sitting at an altitude of 2,700 meters! Other local buses allow for easy access to popular locations such as Kamikochi, Togakushi, Tsumago, and Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park.

Expressway Buses and Express Buses

• Depending on the route, rides may take between 3.5 and 9 hours, usually including a rest stop every 2 to 3 hours. Overnight buses also are available.
• Most expressway buses are equipped with bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
• Buses also have space for large luggage and suitcases. Staff will help load luggage outside before boarding.

Boarding Buses

• Bus information and online reservations are available in a variety of languages at Japan Bus Online.
• Show the driver your ticket or confirmation email when boarding and disembarking.
• Seat reservations can be made for most buses.

Main Routes

• Osaka/Kyoto/Nagoya/Shinjuku – Nagano City
• Osaka/Kyoto/Shinjuku – Hakuba
• Osaka/Kyoto/Shinjuku/Nagoya – Matsumoto
• Osaka/Kyoto/Nagoya – Iida/Komagane/Ina
• Takayama – Matsumoto
• Nagano – Matsumoto (weekdays only)

Sightseeing Buses

• Rides may take between 45 and 90 minutes. These are the same buses as those used on express routes, so luggage space is available.

Boarding Buses

• Please reserve online or purchase a ticket at the ticket counter.
• Show the driver your ticket or confirmation email when boarding and disembarking.
• Most seats are unreserved seats.
• Press the stop button when nearing your bus stop to alert the driver.

Main Routes

• Nagano – Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park – Shiga Kogen
• Nagano – Togakushi
• Nagano – Hakuba
• Shin-Shimashima – Kamikochi/Norikura/Shirahone

Local Buses

Use these buses to get around within a given city or escape to a countryside spot. You may even get a chance to interact with locals!

Boarding Buses

• Most buses are boarded from a door located at the center of the bus. Use the door at the front when disembarking.
• Take a ticket when boarding, and then insert both the ticket and the fare in the device at the front when disembarking. The fare is displayed on a monitor at the front of the bus.
• Fare should be paid in cash or in a charged card for buses. Most local buses do not take electronic payments. You cannot receive change, so please pay with the exact amount. You may need to convert bills if you lack small change.
• Press the stop button when nearing your bus stop to alert the driver.

Main Routes

• Gururin Route (Nagano City loop bus)
• Binzuru Route (Nagano Station - Zenkoji Temple)
• Town Sneaker (Matsumoto City excursion bus)
• Yudanaka Station - Jigokudani Wild Snow Monkey Park - Shiga Kogen
• Nagiso Station – Tsumago/Magome
• Karuizawa Town loop bus
• Komagane Station - Shirabidaira (Mt. Komagatake ropeway boarding spot)