Matsumoto-Takayama bus route in late May

We are hoping to take the last Nohi bus (5pm) from Matsumoto to Takayama on a Sunday evening in late May, and I'm having difficulty finding info on how often those buses sell out (or if that is even a concern).

We are trekking through the Alps the weekend prior, and will be dropped off near the Matsumoto station around 4pm, so not much time really to get the tickets ahead. If we miss that bus, we'll travel to Takayama in the morning, but I'm worried about missing out on accomodation, etc. For those who have traveled that route in late May on a Sunday night- is selling out even a concern, or should we make alternate arrangements and just stay overnight in Matsumoto? Thanks!

When I have spoken to the bus company about this, because the buses are non-reserved, they said it wasn't an issue - almost like they would find another bus it it was for some reason full, however, I think that is unlikely. It is a little frustrating, especially as they even refuse to sell thickets the day before - they are very much turn up and buy on the day, on the spot.

The other times I have used the bus it was a popular time of day (earlier in the morning) and there were not too many travelling. I'm doing the route again tomorrow (on a Sunday, but not late), and not expecting any problems. Sorry I don't have a more definitive answer.

almost like they would find another bus

This might actually be true.

I only travelled once with Nohi bus from Takayama to Nagoya and this was on a day when due to a typhoon the previous day all trains between Takayama and Nagoya (and I think also the ones to Toyama) had been cancelled. I had a train reservation but none for the bus. Yes, I needed to wait for about 2 hours but then I had a seat on a bus. They had apparently ramped up their service and added multiple additional busses. I.e. the 14:00 bus instead of being one were I think 4.

I can�ft speak to Matsumoto-Takayama at end May, but if they told you on the phone not to worry �gthen you are not to worry �g ;-)

Enjoy your trip to Japan!

Just on the "extra" bus item, I have experienced this before in Nagano on one of my visits to the monkeys. The bus company got us an extra bus in about 10 minutes as (at the time) there were 17 of us that didn't make it onto the first one. The flip side, last year there were 20+ that didn't make it and all needed to use the train option as a back-up (of course, train isn't really a good option for Matsumoto to Takayama).

Thank you all for your input! I think we will operate as if we will have no issues, and just go with the flow if that isn't the case. Thanks!