Mt. Hotaka (穂高岳)

Mt. Hotaka (穂高岳) is the collective name for the Hotaka Range, with Mt. Okuhotaka (3,190m) as the chief peak, including rocky peaks such as Mt. Karasawa, Mt. Kita-Hotaka, Mt. Mae-Hotaka, Mt. Nishi-Hotaka, and Mt. Myojin. The highest peak, Mt. Okuhotaka, is the third-highest in Japan. In summer alpine plants and the grand-scale rocky ridge are stunning; in autumn the foliage of the Karasawa Cirque is breathtaking — selected as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.
The gateway to the Hotaka area is Kamikochi. Because Kamikochi has a private-vehicle restriction, access via local bus from Shin-Shimashima Station or direct buses from each city (Sawayaka Shinshu-go). Walking itineraries range widely from day-hike to traverse and rock-ridge climbs; for first-timers, breaking the plan into stages Kamikochi – Myojin – Tokusawa – Yokoo – Karasawa is recommended.

*Timetable last checked: May 11, 2026
How to access the trailheads

1. [Going] Shin-Shimashima Station → Kamikochi Bus Terminal
2. [Going] Kanto / Kansai → Kamikochi Bus Terminal (Sawayaka Shinshu-go)
3. [Return] Kamikochi Bus Terminal → Shin-Shimashima Station
4. [Return] Kamikochi Bus Terminal → Kanto / Kansai (Sawayaka Shinshu-go)

1. [Going] Shin-Shimashima Station → Kamikochi Bus Terminal

Use the Alpico Kotsu “Matsumoto / Shin-Shimashima ⇔ Kamikochi” local bus. From Matsumoto Station to Shin-Shimashima Station, Alpico Railway Kamikochi Line is convenient (about 30 minutes / one-way ¥710).

• Operating period: April 17 – November 15, 2026 (daily operation)
• Travel time: about 65 minutes
• One-way fare: Shin-Shimashima → Kamikochi ¥2,850 (adult, revised 2026/4/17)

Bus TimetableShin-Shimashima Station → Kamikochi

Reference:

2. [Going] Sawayaka Shinshu-go

Direct bus from major cities to Kamikochi. All are reservation system; operating days follow the calendar.

• One-way fare (reference): Shinjuku Line from ¥8,000 / Osaka / Kyoto Line varies by service and season (all services reservation-only)

Travel time: about 5 hours (from Shinjuku)

Bus Timetable Shinjuku → Kamikochi (Sawayaka Shinshu-go)

Operating period: 2026 Kanto-departure services not yet confirmed (2025 actual: July 11 – November 14)

Operating period: Shinjuku → Kamikochi Bus Terminal
※ 2026 operating information is not yet confirmed (as of 2026-05-11). Verify the latest information on the official. The information below is from 2025.

Reference: Route details / July-November 2025 operating guide PDF

Bus Timetable Shibuya ⇔ Kamikochi (Sawayaka Shinshu-go)

Operating period: Shibuya departure July 11 – October 26, 2025
※ 2026 operating information not yet confirmed (as of 2026-05-11). The information below is from 2025.

Reference: Route details / 2026 operating guide PDF / Tokyu Bus guide

Bus Timetable Osaka / Kyoto ⇔ Kamikochi (Sawayaka Shinshu-go)

Operating period: Osaka / Kyoto departure April 17 – November 14, 2026 (daily)

Reference: FY2025 Osaka / Kyoto – Kamikochi timetable / operating guide PDF

3. [Return] Kamikochi Bus Terminal → Shin-Shimashima Station

From Kamikochi Bus Terminal, take the Alpico Kotsu “Matsumoto – Shin-Shimashima – Kamikochi Line” bus and get off at Shin-Shimashima Station.

• Operating period: April 17 – November 15, 2026 (daily operation)
• Travel time: about 65 minutes
• One-way fare: Kamikochi → Shin-Shimashima ¥2,850 (adult, revised 2026/4/17)

Bus TimetableKamikochi Bus Terminal → Shin-Shimashima Station

Reference: Alpico Kotsu local bus Matsumoto / Shin-Shimashima ⇔ Kamikochi (official), Timetable PDF

4. [Return] Sawayaka Shinshu-go

From Kamikochi Bus Terminal, use the Sawayaka Shinshu-go operated by Alpico Kotsu to each area. (Reservation required)
Travel time (reference): about 5 hours to Shinjuku / about 8 hours to Osaka / about 2 hours 40 minutes to Nagano

• One-way fare (reference): Shinjuku Line from ¥8,000 / Osaka / Kyoto Line varies by service and season (all services reservation-only)

Bus TimetableSawayaka Shinshu-go Bus Timetable

Reference: Shinjuku Line | Shibuya Line | Osaka / Kyoto Line PDF