Mt. Tsubakuro

Mt. Tsubakuro (燕岳) is a 2,763m peak in the Northern Alps.
Called the “Queen of the Alps,” it is an elegant and beautiful mountain. With white granite gravel, colorful alpine plants including Komakusa, and the ability to climb relatively safely through all four seasons, it is beloved by many hikers as a healing paradise and a popular choice for first-time Northern Alps climbs. It is one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains.
From Hotaka Station on the JR Oito Line, you can access the Nakabusa Onsen trailhead by bus.

The trailhead is the Mt. Tsubakuro Trailhead at Nakabusa Onsen (elevation about 1,450m). From there to Enzan-so (elevation about 2,712m) is a distance of about 5.5km and an elevation gain of about 1,260m, with a well-maintained trail taking about 5 hours. The trail to Kassen Hut is a continuous steep climb, but the path is well-maintained for safety.

*Timetable last checked: May 30, 2026

How to access the trailheads

1. [Outbound] Hotaka Station → Nakabusa Onsen
2. [Outbound] Takebashi Station → Nakabusa Onsen
3. [Return] Nakabusa Onsen → Hotaka Station
4. [Return] Nakabusa Onsen → Shinjuku Station

1. [Outbound] Hotaka Station → Nakabusa Onsen

From in front of JR Hotaka Station, board the “Regular Bus to Nakabusa Onsen” operated by Nan-an Taxi and get off at Nakabusa Onsen.

Travel time: 55 minutes
Fare: ¥1,500
Operating period: typically scheduled days from late April – early November

The number of departures depends on the daily service category: Schedule A, B, or C. Schedule A days run 6 buses including the early 5:15 departure; Schedule B days run 5 buses (no early 5:15); and Schedule C days run only 3 buses, with no morning service and a first departure at 11:10. On selected peak-season dates (marked on the operator’s service calendar), an extra 4:30 departure is added to Schedule A. Always check which category applies to your date on Nan-an Taxi’s official service calendar.

Bus TimetableHotaka Station to Nakabusa Onsen

Reference: Nan-an Taxi – Nakabusa Onsen Bus (service calendar)

2. [Outbound] Takebashi Station → Nakabusa Onsen

Board the Mainichi Alpen-go “Mt. Tsubakuro / Mt. Jonen / Mt. Cho” at “Takebashi Station” on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, and get off at the Mt. Tsubakuro Trailhead / Nakabusa Onsen. (Reservation required)

Takebashi Station (Tokyo Metro Tozai Line) gather 22:45 / depart 23:00 (Mainichi Shimbun west entrance lobby)
Mt. Tsubakuro Trailhead / Nakabusa Onsen arrive around 5:30–6:00

Travel time: about 6–7 hours (overnight)
Fare: ¥8,800–13,800 (varies by season and seat, reservation required)

Details: Mainichi Alpen-go Hiking Bus Mt. Tsubakuro / Mt. Jonen / Mt. Cho

3. [Return] Nakabusa Onsen → Hotaka Station

From Nakabusa Onsen, board the “Regular Bus to Hotaka Station” operated by Nan-an Taxi and get off at Hotaka Station.

Travel time: 55 minutes
Fare: ¥1,500
Operating period: typically scheduled days from late April – early November

Return buses also vary by service category. Schedule A and B days run 5 buses; on Schedule C days the two morning departures (9:00 and 10:45) do not run, leaving 3 buses.

Bus TimetableNakabusa Onsen to Hotaka Station

Reference: Nan-an Taxi – Nakabusa Onsen Bus (service calendar)

4. [Return] Nakabusa Onsen → Shinjuku Station

From Nakabusa Onsen, board the Mainichi Alpen-go “Mt. Tsubakuro / Mt. Jonen / Mt. Cho” and get off at the terminus, Shinjuku Station West Exit. (Reservation required)

Nakabusa Onsen departs 12:45 or 13:45 (varies by date, check the link)
Shinjuku Station West Exit arrives around 18:00 – 19:00

Travel time: about 5–6 hours
Fare: ¥8,800–13,800 (varies by season and seat, reservation required)

Details: Mainichi Alpen-go Hiking Bus Mt. Tsubakuro / Mt. Jonen / Mt. Cho