Traveling to NORTHSTAR Kamikochi Snowshoe Tour by Bus/Car
Kamikochi is deep into the mountains of Nagano, and so traveling here can be complicated sometimes. Most of our tours start at at NORTHSTAR. Follow our guide below for details about traveling here.
~Travel Options for Tours~
Custom Kamikochi/Norikura
START TIME: 8:00 or 9:00 AM
Bus 🚌 8:00❌ 9:00✅
Car 🚙 ✅
Taxi 🚕 ✅
Stay 🏠 ✅
>>More Information
**Notice for the Custom Kamikochi Full Day Tour:
For those who want to do a full day Tour to Kappa Bridge should plan on a 8:00 AM starting time. As it is a long tour a 9:00 AM start may not guarantee reaching the bridge depeding on physical fitness and weather. It is best to plan for an early start to allow more time to enjoy the tour.
Traveling by Bus 8:47 Arrival @ NORTHSTAR
This options is only for Frozen Water Fall Tour or Custom Snowshoe Tour. From Matsumoto Station, take the 7:15 train on the Kamikochi Train Line towards Shinshimashima Station. Get off at the last stop (Shinshimashima station) and transfer to a bus that departs at 8:05 for Norikura Kogen. Train tickets can be purchased at the ticket machine in Matsumoto Station. There is no reservation required for the train or bus to Norikura.
7:15 Matsumoto Bus Station (Train)
7:49 Shinshimashima Station (Train)
8:00 Shinshimashima Station (Bus)
8:47 Get off at “Norikura Kogen Tourist Information Center” (Bus)
Walk 3 minutes to NORTHSTAR Outdoor Adventure
>>Alpico Bus Timetable
Traveling by Car
If you are traveling by car, please meet at Northstar Outdoor Adventures in Norikura. Please make sure your vehicle has winter snow tires. For full day Tours we would start early around 8:00am and so please check with your guide about starting time. Here we will get rentals fitted and do a final check of gear before heading out in the Northstar shuttle towards Kamikochi. There is free parking available in front of the building.
Address: 390-1513 Nagano Prefecture, Matsumoto City, Azumi 4306-4
>>NORTHSTAR Outdoor Adventures
Traveling by Taxi
To hire transportaion please contact land@alps-sangakukyo.jp to arrange a transport to Norikura Kogen. Make sure to specify date, time, pick-up and drop-off locations.
Stay in Norikura Kogen
We also recommend staying a night in Norikura Kogen prior to your tour to experience more of the mountain lifestyle. Many of the lodges around this area have hot springs and traditional Japanese style inns. If you stay in Norikura, we can pick you up from your hotel upon request!
NORTHSTAR Loft Condominums -> We offer apartment style condominiums where the tours start from your front door. Great for families and long stays to experience living inside of the national park. Combine the snowshoe tour with a ski/snowboard lesson to make the most of your stay.
NORTHSTAR LOFT >>More Information
Final Preparations
There are many ways to get to Northstar’s Kamikochi Tour starting points. Please make sure to communicate with the guides through email before the tour about how you will travel here. Make sure to reserve rental boots and clothing before hand if you are coming by bus. Check out our other blog posts for more information in the links below.