Mt. Norikura

Mt. Norikuradake (3,026m, Kengamine Peak) is a mountain straddling Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture and Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Located at the southern end of the Hida Mountains (Northern Alps), it is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. A massive compound volcano with 23 peaks and 7 lakes, it is known as the highest point accessible by bus in Japan, with shuttle buses running up to Tatamidaira (2,702m). From Tatamidaira, the hike to the summit Kengamine takes only about 1.5 hours, making it the most accessible 3,000m peak in Japan.

Access to Tatamidaira is via the Echo Line shuttle bus from Norikura Kogen (Nagano side) or the Skyline shuttle bus from Hounoki-daira (Gifu side). Both roads are closed to private vehicles — only buses, taxis, and bicycles are permitted.

*Timetable last checked: May 17, 2026

The summit of Mt. Norikuradake is Kengamine (3,026m). The standard route is an out-and-back from Tatamidaira via Kata-no-koya hut to Kengamine, taking about 2.5–3 hours round trip. The summit area is rocky with loose stones, so hiking boots are essential. Be aware of altitude sickness as the entire route is above 2,700m.

1. Going: Shin-Shimashima Sta. → Norikura Kogen → Tatamidaira (Nagano side)

From Shin-Shimashima Station, take the Alpico Kotsu “Norikura Kogen Line” bus to Norikura Kogen Kanko Center, then transfer to the Echo Line shuttle bus for Tatamidaira. From Matsumoto Station, the Kamikochi Line reaches Shin-Shimashima in about 30 min (¥710).

Transfer Timetable Shin-Shimashima Sta. → Norikura Kogen Kanko Center → Tatamidaira (Norikura Kogen Line + Echo Line Shuttle)

*Reservation is required for every Tatamidaira-bound shuttle (book up to 1 month ahead via “Hassha Orai Net”). Fares: ¥1,350 Shin-Shimashima Sta. to Norikura Kogen Kanko Center, plus ¥1,750 one way / ¥3,400 round trip for the shuttle. The Norikura Kogen Line runs Apr 17 – Nov 15, 2026; the shuttle runs early July to late October (check official sources for exact 2026 operating days and times).
*The first two shuttles (7:00 and 8:30) suit hikers who stayed overnight in Norikura Kogen the night before — the first bus from Shin-Shimashima, at 8:00, connects with the 9:30 shuttle. Leaving Shin-Shimashima after 14:10 means missing the last shuttle of the day (14:30), so plan to stay overnight in Norikura Kogen or hike the next day. The Norikura Kogen Line also runs from Shin-Shimashima at 14:10, 15:30 and 17:25 (Norikura Kogen only).

Reference: Alpico Kotsu Norikura Kogen Line

Reference: Alpico Kotsu Norikura Echo Line

2. Going: Takayama Nohi BC → Hounoki-daira → Tatamidaira (Gifu side)

From Takayama Nohi Bus Center (approx. 2 min walk from JR Takayama Station), take the Nohi Bus “Takayama–Shin-Hotaka Line” to Hounoki-daira. Transfer to the Skyline shuttle bus to Tatamidaira. If driving, use the Hounoki-daira parking lot (free, approx. 1,500 spaces).

Bus Timetable Takayama Nohi BC → Hounoki-daira (Nohi Bus)

Ride time: Approx. 50 min
Fare: ¥1,340

Operating period: Year-round (daily, no reservation required)

*Above shows selected services on the Takayama–Shin-Hotaka Line. Hounoki-daira is approx. 10 min before Hirayu Onsen.

Reference:

Bus Timetable Hounoki-daira → Tatamidaira (Skyline Shuttle Bus)

Ride time: Approx. 45 min
Fare: ¥1,800 (one way) / ¥3,400 (round trip)

Operating period: Mid-May to late Oct (2025: May 15 – Oct 31)
*No reservation required. Boarding also available from Hirayu Onsen Bus Terminal.

*Takayama BC 7:00 dep. (Hounoki-daira arr. 7:48) → connects to 7:55 shuttle bus.

Reference: Norikura Skyline Information

3. Return: Tatamidaira → Norikura Kogen → Shin-Shimashima Sta. (Nagano side)

Take the Echo Line shuttle bus down from Tatamidaira to Norikura Kogen Kanko Center, then transfer to the Norikura Kogen Line bus back to Shin-Shimashima Station.

Transfer Timetable Tatamidaira → Norikura Kogen Kanko Center → Shin-Shimashima Sta. (Echo Line Shuttle + Norikura Kogen Line)

*The last Norikura Kogen Line bus departs Norikura Kogen Kanko Center at 17:06 and reaches Shin-Shimashima at 17:53. Morning services on the Norikura Kogen Line are sparse, so both the 9:35 and 11:05 shuttles from Tatamidaira connect with the same 12:13 bus from Norikura Kogen Kanko Center.

Reference: Alpico Kotsu Norikura Echo Line

Reference: Alpico Kotsu Norikura Kogen Line

4. Return: Tatamidaira → Hounoki-daira → Takayama Nohi BC (Gifu side)

Take the Skyline shuttle bus from Tatamidaira to Hounoki-daira. Transfer to the Nohi Bus “Takayama–Shin-Hotaka Line” to Takayama Nohi Bus Center.

Bus Timetable Tatamidaira → Hounoki-daira (Skyline Shuttle Bus)

Ride time: Approx. 45 min
Fare: ¥1,800 (one way)

Reference: Norikura Skyline Information

Bus Timetable Hounoki-daira → Takayama Nohi BC (Nohi Bus)

Ride time: Approx. 50 min
Fare: ¥1,340

Operating period: Year-round (daily)

*Tatamidaira 12:55 dep. (Hounoki-daira arr. 13:40) → connects to 13:43 Nohi Bus.

Reference: