Access To Takato Castle Ruins

Hello, I'm interested in visiting the sakura at the Takato Castle Ruins as a day trip from either Shinjuku or from Nagoya.

Japan Guide says take JR Azusa from Shinjuku to Chino Station (2 hrs) and then a bus from Chino to Takato Bus terminal (50 minutes "every 2-4 hours"). Is that "every 2-4 hours" correct? Is that bus schedule online anywhere? I would hate to be stuck at Chino station for 2-4 hours waiting for the bus.

Alternatively, in non-sakura season, Japan Guide says take JR Azusa to Okaya Station, then a local to Inashi Station (3hrs 20 minutes). From Inashi, take a bus to Takato Bus terminal (20 minutes "hourly departures").

From Nagoya, it appears that I could take the JR Shinano to either Matsumoto or Shiojiri and then connect to Chino. But at Chino, there would still be the timing issue for the bus to the Takato Bus Terminal.

Ideally, I would love to stop off at Matsumoto-jo, perhaps on my way back to Nagoya. Thank you.

Japan Guide says take JR Azusa from Shinjuku to Chino Station (2 hrs) and then a bus from Chino to Takato Bus terminal (50 minutes "every 2-4 hours"). Is that "every 2-4 hours" correct? Is that bus schedule online anywhere?

The bus between Chino and Takato runs only temporarily for a few days during the peak of the blooimng season. The details for 2025 have not been published yet, but if I remember correctly, the timetable hasn't changed much over the past years.

From Nagoya, it appears that I could take the JR Shinano to either Matsumoto or Shiojiri and then connect to Chino. But at Chino, there would still be the timing issue for the bus to the Takato Bus Terminal.

If you come from or go to Nagoya, then I recommend to avoid that almost-never-running bus from Chino and travel all the way by train (it is probably also faster, but will probably involve a transfer at Tatsuno Station).

Ideally, I would love to stop off at Matsumoto-jo, perhaps on my way back to Nagoya. Thank you.

That seems feasible. It is just a short train ride north of Shiojiri.

Is it also possible to board the bus at Inakita Station instead of the bus terminal at Inashi Station? Are there any implications? Thanks.

Cherry blossom festival 2025 for Takato Castle Ruin is available.
the access info can be found here: https://takato-inacity.jp/2025/access-seasonal_bus

Have a nice trip!