Mt. Yarigatake (槍ヶ岳)

Mt. Yarigatake is a 3,180m peak located in the southern part of the Northern Alps in Nagano Prefecture. Its distinctive spear-like shape pointing toward the sky has earned it the nickname “Japan’s Matterhorn.” It is one of the most popular and aspired-to mountains among Japanese climbers, along with the Hotaka peaks. If aiming to climb Mt. Yarigatake alone, Kamikochi is the standard starting point.

This page shows how to get to Kamikochi by bus.

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

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

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

Travel time: Approx. 65 min
Fare: 3,000 yen (one-way)
Operating period: April 17 to November 15, 2025 (reservation required)

Bus Timetable: Shin-Shimashima Sta. → Kamikochi BT

Reference: Alpico Kotsu

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

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 bus to Shin-Shimashima Station.

Travel time: Approx. 65 min
Fare: 3,000 yen (one-way)

Bus Timetable: Kamikochi BT → Shin-Shimashima Sta.

Reference: Alpico Kotsu

4. Return: Kamikochi → 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)