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The bus from Takayama to Matsumoto crosses the mountains between Gifu and Nagano prefectures. Nohi Bus and Alpico Kotsu run it together, with a stop at Hirayu Onsen on the way.[1] The road leads from the old town of Takayama to the gateway of the Northern Alps. You can easily secure your seat for this mountain crossing on GoAsia.cc to ensure your itinerary stays on track.
Takayama to Matsumoto by Bus
The highway bus is the direct link between the two cities. It leaves from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center at JR Takayama Station.[2] In Matsumoto it ends at the Matsumoto Bus Terminal in front of Matsumoto Station.[3] The ride takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.[4]
The adult fare is 4,400 yen one way. Round-trip fares do not exist, so you buy each direction separately. From April 1 to November 15, 2026, six buses a day leave Takayama at 6:50, 7:50, 11:50, 13:50, 14:50 and 16:50. They reach Matsumoto at 9:23, 10:23, 14:23, 16:23, 17:23 and 19:23.[5] From November 16, 2026 to March 31, 2027, the 6:50 bus does not run, so five buses a day remain.[6]
You need a reservation. Book online or by phone with the Nohi Bus Reservation Center on +81 577 32 1688 (9:00 to 17:00).[1] Reservations open one month before the travel date. Alpico does not run its own booking site and sells tickets through platforms such as highwaybus.com and japanbusonline.com.[5]
The bus has no restroom on board, but it stops once at Hirayu Onsen for a restroom break. Suitcases go into the luggage compartment. You load and unload them yourself.[5]
By train the trip runs via Nagoya. The Hida limited express links Takayama and Nagoya in 140 minutes,[4] and the Shinano limited express links Nagoya and Matsumoto in about 2 hours.[3]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Departures per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highway bus (Nohi Bus / Alpico Kotsu) | 4,400 yen[5] | 2h 30min[4] | 6 (Apr 1 to Nov 15), 5 (Nov 16 to Mar 31)[5] |
Tips for Traveling from Takayama to Matsumoto
- Reserve early: Reservations are required, and you can make them up to one month ahead.[5]
- Restroom: Use the restroom at the bus center before you board. The only break on the way is at Hirayu Onsen, about 65 minutes after the 6:50 departure.[5]
- Luggage: Suitcases go into the luggage compartment under the bus. Do not leave mobile batteries in the compartment: keep them with you in the cabin.[1]
- Hirayu Onsen: You can get off at Hirayu Onsen. The fare from Takayama is 1,600 yen.[5]
- Kamikochi in winter: From November 16 to April 16 no bus runs into Kamikochi. The nearest stop is Nakanoyu, which this bus serves. From there it is about 1 hour (3 km) on foot or snowshoes to Taisho Pond, and longer in deep snow.[7]
- Winter timetable: The winter timetable runs from November 16 to March 31 and has fewer departures. Alpico updates it in late October.[6]
- Onward trains: Traffic delays can make you miss a connection, so leave a margin before a train in Matsumoto.[1]
Timetable
| Bus Takayama - Matsumoto $ 31.14 2h 30m | |
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Takayama to Matsumoto, including current prices and schedules.
The direct highway bus costs 4,400 yen for an adult one way.
The direct bus takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. By train you travel via Nagoya, with 140 minutes on the Hida limited express to Nagoya and about 2 hours on the Shinano limited express to Matsumoto, plus the transfer.
The bus takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The 6:50 departure arrives in Matsumoto at 9:23.
Yes. Reservations are required. You can book online or by phone with the Nohi Bus Reservation Center, up to one month before travel.
From April 1 to November 15, 2026, six buses a day leave Takayama. From November 16, 2026 to March 31, 2027, five buses a day run.
No. The bus has no restroom on board, but it stops once at Hirayu Onsen for a restroom break.
Yes. Hirayu Onsen and Nakanoyu are stops on the route. In winter, from November 16 to April 16, no bus runs into Kamikochi and Nakanoyu is the nearest stop.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Nohi Bus: Takayama-Matsumoto Line. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [2] Nohi Bus: Express Bus. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [3] Matsumoto City Tourism and Convention Association: How to get to Matsumoto. Retrieved October 17, 2026.
- [4] Takayama City (HIDA TAKAYAMA): How to get to Takayama. Retrieved October 16, 2026.
- [5] Alpico Group: Takayama - Matsumoto (Green Season): Route & Timetable. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [6] Alpico Group: Takayama - Matsumoto (Winter Season): Route & Timetable. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
- [7] Alpico Group: Matsumoto - Kamikochi: Route & Timetable. Retrieved October 24, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.