Nohi Bus and Keio Bus operate direct highway buses between Tokyo and Takayama that make a stop in Hirayu, the transportation hub of Okuhida, along the way. The one way journey between Tokyo and Hirayu Onsen takes about 4.5 hours and costs between 5,300 and 6,200 yen depending on travel date and purchase method.
Take a JR limited express train from Tokyo to Matsumoto (6620 yen), transfer to a bus bound for Takayama and get off at Hirayu (2800 yen). The entire one way journey costs 9420 yen and takes around five hours. The train portion of the trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and JR East Nagano Niigata Area Pass, but the bus portion is not. Seat reservations are required on both the train and bus.
Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.
Okuhida is comprised of five onsen towns along a valley: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shin-Hirayu, Tochio and Shin-Hotaka. Hirayu Onsen, the largest of these towns and the regional transportation hub, lies along the national route that connects Takayama with Matsumoto.
Public transportation within Okuhida is provided by buses that run from Takayama to all the hot spring towns along the valley. Buses depart hourly from Takayama and stop at Hirayu Onsen (60 minutes, 1600 yen), Fukuji Onsen (70 minutes, 1800 yen), Shin-Hirayu Onsen (75 minutes, 1850 yen) and Tochio Onsen (80 minutes, 1930 yen) before terminating at Shin-Hotaka Ropeway (90 minutes, 2200 yen) at the far end of Shin-Hotaka Onsen.
Various free passes are offered to visitors to Okuhida for unlimited use of buses along specified routes:
Alternatively, rental cars are a convenient option for exploring the Okuhida region, but there is a risk of encountering snow on the roads during the winter months. Rental car outlets can be found in Takayama and Matsumoto.
Questions? Ask in our forum.
