Access and Orientation

How to travel between Okuhida and Tokyo

By direct bus

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.

By train and bus via Matsumoto

Take a JR train from Tokyo to Matsumoto and transfer to a bus at Matsumoto. 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 (2800 yen) is not:
- How to travel between Tokyo and Matsumoto
- How to travel between Matsumoto and Okuhida

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How to travel between Okuhida and Osaka

Travelling between Osaka and Okuhida requires a transfer at Takayama.

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How to travel between Okuhida and Kyoto

Travelling between Kyoto and Okuhida requires a transfer at Takayama.

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How to travel between Okuhida and Takayama

Nohi Bus operates hourly buses between Takayama and Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, the last stop at the far end of Okuhida. The buses stop at Hirayu Onsen and the other onsen towns along the way. The one way trip between Takayama and Hirayu Onsen takes about one hour and costs 1600 yen, while travelling from Takayama to the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway takes about 90 minutes and costs 2200 yen.

The "Takayama & Shin-Hotaka 2-Day Free Pass" provides unlimited use of Nohi Buses between Takayama, Hirayu Onsen and Shin-Hotaka Onsen on two consecutive calendar days for 4190 yen.

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How to travel between Okuhida and Matsumoto

Nohi Bus and Alpico Bus operate buses between Matsumoto and Takayama that make a stop in Hirayu Onsen, the transportation hub of Okuhida, along the way. The one way journey between Matsumoto and Hirayu Onsen takes about 90 minutes, costs 2800 yen and there are four departures per day.

From mid July to late August additional buses operate between Matsumoto and Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, the terminal stop at the far end of Okuhida. The buses stop at Hirayu Onsen and the other Okuhida onsen towns along the way. The one way trip between the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway and Matsumoto takes about two hours and costs 3710 yen.

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How to travel between Okuhida and Takayama

Nohi Bus operates hourly buses between Takayama and Shin-Hotaka Ropeway, the last stop at the far end of Okuhida. The buses stop at Hirayu Onsen and the other onsen towns along the way. The one way trip between Takayama and Hirayu Onsen takes about one hour and costs 1600 yen, while travelling from Takayama to the Shin-Hotaka Ropeway takes about 90 minutes and costs 2200 yen.

The "Takayama & Shin-Hotaka 2-Day Free Pass" provides unlimited use of Nohi Buses between Takayama, Hirayu Onsen and Shin-Hotaka Onsen on two consecutive calendar days for 4190 yen.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

Getting around

Okuhida is comprised of five onsen towns along a valley: Hirayu Onsen, Fukuji Onsen, Shin-Hirayu Onsen, Tochio Onsen and Shin-Hotaka Onsen. 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 Hirayu and then serve all the other hot spring towns along the valley. Buses depart hourly from Takayama and stop at Hirayu Onsen (60 minutes, 1600 yen), Fukuji Onsen (70 minutes, 1840 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.

Passes and Tickets

Various free passes are offered to visitors to Okuhida for unlimited use of buses along specified routes:

Takayama & Shin-Hotaka 2-Day Free Pass (4,190 yen)
Unlimited use of Nohi Buses between Takayama, Hirayu Onsen and Shin-Hotaka Onsen on two consecutive calendar days. Sold at the Takayama Bus Center.
Okuhida Onsen 2-Day Free Pass (1,570 yen)
Unlimited use of Nohi Buses between Hirayu Onsen and Shin-Hotaka Onsen on two consecutive calendar days. Sold at the Hirayu Bus Terminal.
Alps Wide Free Passport (11,000 yen)
Unlimited use of most buses around Takayama, Gero, Shirakawago, Okuhida, Kamikochi and Matsumoto on four consecutive calendar days.

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.