Mt. Norikuradake Bus & Access

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: [sc name=”updated_date”][/sc]

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 on the Alpico Railway Kamikochi Line, take the Alpico Kotsu “Norikura Kogen Line” bus to Norikura Kogen Kanko Center. Transfer to the Echo Line shuttle bus to Tatamidaira. From Matsumoto Station, take the Kamikochi Line to Shin-Shimashima (approx. 30 min, ¥710).

Bus Timetable Shin-Shimashima Sta. → Norikura Kogen Kanko Center (Norikura Kogen Line)

Ride time: Approx. 50 min
Fare: ¥1,350

Operating period: Year-round (reduced service in winter)

Reference: Alpico Kotsu Norikura Kogen Line

Bus Timetable Norikura Kogen Kanko Center → Tatamidaira (Echo Line Shuttle Bus)

Ride time: Approx. 50 min
Fare: ¥1,750 (one way) / ¥3,400 (round trip)

Operating period: Early Jul to late Oct (2025: Jul 1 – Oct 31)
*Reservation required for all services. Book via “Hatsha Orai Net” up to 1 month in advance.

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: Nohi Bus Takayama–Shin-Hotaka Line

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 from Tatamidaira to Norikura Kogen Kanko Center. Transfer to the Alpico Kotsu “Norikura Kogen Line” bus to Shin-Shimashima Station.

Bus Timetable Tatamidaira → Norikura Kogen Kanko Center (Echo Line Shuttle Bus)

Ride time: Approx. 50 min
Fare: ¥1,750 (one way)

Reference: Alpico Kotsu Norikura Echo Line

Bus Timetable Norikura Kogen Kanko Center → Shin-Shimashima Sta. (Norikura Kogen Line)

Ride time: Approx. 50 min
Fare: ¥1,350

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: Nohi Bus Takayama–Shin-Hotaka Line