Okama Crater Trip

On Japan-Guide website, it says "there are two buses per day between Kaminoyama Onsen Station on the Yamagata Shinkansen and the Kattadake peak outside of winter. The one way trip takes about one hour and is free of charge!"

Does the shinkansen stop at Kaminoyama Onsen station, or must I get off the shinkansen elsewhere and find my way there by another means? If the latter, then what options are there?

What times to these two buses depart the station bound for the top?

What times to they depart the top for the return trip to the station?

Are they really free rides? What's the catch? What conditions apply to this?

Does one need to book these bus trips, or is it first come first served?

And, of course, what is the definition of winter in this context? Will the buses operate in the first half of October?

I've read somewhere there is a shuttle bus from Kaminoyama Onsen, but I wasn't able to get reliable information about it so far.

Kaminoyama onsen is a shinkansen station, but not every shinkansen stops there. Check your dates with one of the services listed here https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2323.html to see which train you should take to get to Kaminoyama.


I can give you some informations about normal busses from Yamagata. I'm planning a trip to Okama as well and I have a post here https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+177840.

I was planning to go on a day trip from Yamagata. There is a bus that goes from Yamagata station to Kattadake. It operates only on weekends and holidays from April 29th to July 31st. Operates daily from August 1st to October 22nd. After 22ns October you can't get to the summit from Yamagata and you have to stop at Zao Onsen. You can check the timetable here https://www.yamakobus.jp/busroute1/z90/#02 just translate it with Chrome.

In my case I will depart on the 21st October at 9:30 from Yamagata and arrive at 11:06 to Kattadake (90 min 2.050\). Some trekking, launch, onsen and then back to Yamagata from Zao Onsen at 16:20 (1.000\ 40 min)

I wish this forum allows message editing...

In my case I will depart on the 21st October at 9:30 from Yamagata and arrive at 11:06 to Kattadake (90 min 2.050 YEN). Some trekking, launch, onsen and then back to Yamagata from Zao Onsen at 16:20 (1.000 YEN, 40 min)

Could anyone please confirm the correct date?
I am planning to take the bus on the 25th of OCT 2023

https://www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/access/
< Bus service day >
From 27th April to 31st July : Saturday, Sunday and Holidays only
*Suspended week day and 19th May
From 1st August to 27th October Every day

https://travel.yamakobus.jp/en/timetable/routebus-yamagata-zaoline.htm...
*The buses bound for Okama Crater are in service from April 29th to October 22nd. From April 29th to July 31st, they operate only on weekends and holidays;
from August 1st to October 22nd, they operate daily.

I've read somewhere there is a shuttle bus from Kaminoyama Onsen, but I wasn't able to get reliable information about it so far.

Precautions when using the "Green Echo"
Reservations are not accepted for the free shuttle.
Please be sure to wait in front of the bus stop sign.

Since many customers will be using it, please store large luggage such as suitcases in a coin locker at Kaminoyama Onsen Station.
Please note that you may not be able to board if the bus is full.
Please note that if it is difficult to operate due to bad weather near the summit of Zao,
all services may be suspended or the section between Zao Liza World and Katta parking lot may be suspended for safety reasons.
"Green Echo" timetable
From March 27th to April 21st, 2023, it will be operated only on weekends and holidays with one round trip per day. →　 Timetable PDF
From April 22, 2023 to November 3, 2020, the train will operate twice a day. →　Timetable PDF
http://www.zaoliza.co.jp/smmr/d1c0bcd93120e8cab8833861afa7a3c3b131ca02...

During the period from April 22nd to November 3rd, 2023, when Zao Liza World (Restaurant) is temporarily closed →　Timetable PDF
http://www.zaoliza.co.jp/smmr/40513682ca67ba9d9f2a4ef6977ce430ffa43c34...

From November 4, 2020 to December 14, 2020, it will operate only on weekends and holidays with one round trip per day. →　Timetable PDF
The operation period may change due to road conditions on the Zao Echo Line.

http://www.zaoliza.co.jp/smmr/access/

http://www.zaoliza.co.jp/smmr/40513682ca67ba9d9f2a4ef6977ce430ffa43c34...

Free shuttle bus "Green Echo" 09:20 and 13:25, bus stop:
In front of the Kaminoyama Onsen Tourist Information Center
(In front of Kaminoyama Onsen Station)

I am planning to take the bus  from Yamagata  station on the 26th of OCT 2023. Could anyone please help to confirm which timetable below is the correct one?

https://www.zao-spa.or.jp/english/access/
< Bus service day >
From 1st August to 27th October Every day

https://travel.yamakobus.jp/en/timetable/routebus-yamagata-zaoline.htm...
from August 1st to October 22nd, they operate daily.

The one from Yamakobus should be correct. It was posted in April this year https://www.yamakobus.jp/blog/2023/04/post-21.html

@ Mellye
Thank you.
Looks like I have to take the Green Echo bus from Kaminomiyaonsen station.