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 (3000 yen from April 2026) and there are four departures per day. Seat reservations are mandatory.
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 passes are offered to visitors for unlimited use of buses along specified routes in the Okuhida area:
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.
