Karasawa Cirque (涸沢カール)

Karasawa Cirque is a mountain destination located on the Nagano side of the Hotaka mountain range in the southern part of the Northern Alps. A “cirque” (kar) refers to a huge valley carved out by glaciers, and Karasawa Cirque spreads at approximately 2,300m elevation. In autumn, the entire cirque turns red, orange, and yellow, making it one of Japan’s finest autumn foliage spots that attracts many hikers. The area between Karasawa Hutte and Karasawa Koya serves as a tent site, and on the busiest weekends, up to 1,000 tents may be pitched. Kamikochi is the standard starting point for reaching Karasawa Cirque.

This page shows how to get to Kamikochi by bus.

*Timetable last checked: [sc name=”updated_date”][/sc]

Map

Access to Trailhead

1. 1. Going: Shin-Shimashima Sta. → Kamikochi Bus Terminal
2. 2. Going: Sawayaka Shinshu-go (Highway Bus)
3. 3. Return: Kamikochi Bus Terminal → Shin-Shimashima Sta.
4. 4. Return: Sawayaka Shinshu-go (Highway Bus)

1. Going: Shin-Shimashima Sta. → Kamikochi Bus Terminal

From the bus terminal in front of Shin-Shimashima Station on the Alpico Kotsu Kamikochi Line, take the “Matsumoto – Shin-Shimashima – Kamikochi” line bus and get off at Kamikochi Bus Terminal. Reservations are required from 2025.

Travel time: 55 min
Fare: 3,000 yen

Bus Timetable: Shin-Shimashima Sta. → Kamikochi BT

Reference: Alpico Kotsu

2. Going: Sawayaka Shinshu-go (Highway Bus)

From various areas, use the Sawayaka Shinshu-go highway bus operated by Alpico Kotsu (reservation required).

Bus Timetable: Sawayaka Shinshu-go → Kamikochi

Reference: Sawayaka Shinshu-go (Alpico Kotsu)

3. Return: Kamikochi Bus Terminal → Shin-Shimashima Sta.

From Kamikochi Bus Terminal, take the Alpico Kotsu “Matsumoto – Shin-Shimashima – Kamikochi” line bus to Shin-Shimashima Station.

Travel time: 55 min
Fare: 3,000 yen

Bus Timetable: Kamikochi BT → Shin-Shimashima Sta.

Reference: Alpico Kotsu

4. Return: Sawayaka Shinshu-go (Highway Bus)

Return to various areas using the Sawayaka Shinshu-go highway bus (reservation required).

Bus Timetable: Kamikochi → Sawayaka Shinshu-go

Reference: Sawayaka Shinshu-go (Alpico Kotsu)