bus transportation in Japanese alps, June
Jan 26th, 2008, 01:49 PM
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bus transportation in Japanese alps, June
1) Does anyone have experience with the bus transportation in the Japanese Alps? We will be visiting in June and plan to visit Takayama, walk the Nakasendo in the Kiso Valley, and probably stay over in Matsumoto, as well as doing some hiking around Kamikochi. Looking at the Alpico bus schedule online, it seems to me that it says passengers can get off the bus at Hirayu Onsen but not get on there. We were thinking of staying at the Hirayukan Hotel after leaving Takayama, as a way to experience the hot springs baths in a mountainous setting and also to get close to Kamikochi for a day of hiking between Takayama and Matsumoto without Kamikochi's prices. 2) Another question: guide books describe reaching the Kiso Valley from Nagoya for a day, then continuing on by bus to Matsumoto for the night. No mention of getting to the Kiso Valley from anywhere else--say Kamikochi. Has anyone done that? I would appreciate any feedback, as the logistics of getting to the places we would like to visit by public transportation will in large measure determine our itinerary and overnight stay plans.
3) Has anyone stayed at either Ryokan Seiryu or Sumiyoshi, or at the minshuku Kuwataniya in Takayama? Any other wonderful lodging recommendations in this area? Many thanks in advance for your ideas and advice!
3) Has anyone stayed at either Ryokan Seiryu or Sumiyoshi, or at the minshuku Kuwataniya in Takayama? Any other wonderful lodging recommendations in this area? Many thanks in advance for your ideas and advice!
Jan 26th, 2008, 02:47 PM
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I can't help with an answer to your question as we haven't been to Japan yet - we intend to go next October.
I am mainly replying to say that I hope you will do a trip report when you get back because we are thinking of spending about a week in the region you are talking about. I would love to know your opinions.
We only decided a few days ago to go to Japan so I have not looked at it in-depth yet, but public transportation does seem as though it might be a bit of an issue in the area, particularly if you want to get off the beaten track.
We are contemplating hiring a car for that part of the trip to give us the flexibility we want. I thought we could get off the train at possibly Nagoya, pick up a car there and head straight out of town. We would then return the car to Nagoya and continue by train for the rest of the trip. As I said, this is no more than a vague idea yet - have no idea how feasible this is. Is driving in and out of Nagoya nerve-wracking - I have no idea? Anyway, lots of research to do yet.
I look forward to reading what advice you get. It will be helpful for me too.
I am mainly replying to say that I hope you will do a trip report when you get back because we are thinking of spending about a week in the region you are talking about. I would love to know your opinions.
We only decided a few days ago to go to Japan so I have not looked at it in-depth yet, but public transportation does seem as though it might be a bit of an issue in the area, particularly if you want to get off the beaten track.
We are contemplating hiring a car for that part of the trip to give us the flexibility we want. I thought we could get off the train at possibly Nagoya, pick up a car there and head straight out of town. We would then return the car to Nagoya and continue by train for the rest of the trip. As I said, this is no more than a vague idea yet - have no idea how feasible this is. Is driving in and out of Nagoya nerve-wracking - I have no idea? Anyway, lots of research to do yet.
I look forward to reading what advice you get. It will be helpful for me too.
Jan 26th, 2008, 03:00 PM
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http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6040.html
Don't know if you've already checked this out or if it will help.....
Japan-guide has a forum as well if no one can answer you here.
Enjoy!
Don't know if you've already checked this out or if it will help.....
Japan-guide has a forum as well if no one can answer you here.
Enjoy!
Feb 2nd, 2008, 11:43 AM
#4
I've taken the bus up to Hirayu Onsen and returned to Takayama. What makes you think you can't get on the bus there.
On an earlier trip, I took the bus from Takayama to Kamikochi and spent a few hours walking around. Then on to Matsumoto.
To get to the Kiso Valley towns of Magome, Tsumago, etc. from Kamikochi, yes you would go thru the mountains to Matsumoto and then down the valley. No better way, really: there are big mountains in the way!
Your only other option would be to go to Takayama then down the valley to Gero, then east by bus to the Kiso Valley.
Take a look at the map on the top of page 3 here:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/pdf/pg-409.pdf
I stayed a Sumiyoshi. It was fine. The futons were not particularly comfortable. Friendly folks. Meal was good. Shared bath was not so wonderful (but the price reflects that vs other, lux, ryokans). I know other folks really enjoyed their stay there. It is in a pretty good location.
I really liked the Best Western in Takayama. Extremely convenient to the bus/train station. Good quality room for the price. Definitely would stay there again.
On an earlier trip, I took the bus from Takayama to Kamikochi and spent a few hours walking around. Then on to Matsumoto.
To get to the Kiso Valley towns of Magome, Tsumago, etc. from Kamikochi, yes you would go thru the mountains to Matsumoto and then down the valley. No better way, really: there are big mountains in the way!
Your only other option would be to go to Takayama then down the valley to Gero, then east by bus to the Kiso Valley.
Take a look at the map on the top of page 3 here:
http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/rtg/pdf/pg-409.pdf
I stayed a Sumiyoshi. It was fine. The futons were not particularly comfortable. Friendly folks. Meal was good. Shared bath was not so wonderful (but the price reflects that vs other, lux, ryokans). I know other folks really enjoyed their stay there. It is in a pretty good location.
I really liked the Best Western in Takayama. Extremely convenient to the bus/train station. Good quality room for the price. Definitely would stay there again.
Feb 2nd, 2008, 11:50 AM
#5
I took the third or fourth bus of the day from Takayama to Kamikochi. I don't remember if I got my bus ticket for Kamikochi- Matsumoto when I arrived in Kamikochi or when I was ready to leave. I think it was on arrival.
But when I bought the ticket I was surprised to find that seats were reserved and I bought the last or next to last one. It was a popular time to be leaving Kamikochi. Probably people who got to Kamikochi on the earlier buses from Takayama were now all going on that one. (also, I suppose there were people returning to Matsumoto on a day trip and also overnighters).
But when I bought the ticket I was surprised to find that seats were reserved and I bought the last or next to last one. It was a popular time to be leaving Kamikochi. Probably people who got to Kamikochi on the earlier buses from Takayama were now all going on that one. (also, I suppose there were people returning to Matsumoto on a day trip and also overnighters).
Feb 2nd, 2008, 12:00 PM
#6
I reread the OP. I see the part about the guidebooks saying go from Nagoya, walk the Nakasendo, night in Matsumoto. I think you are wondering what about continuing on to Kamikochi (but are really interested in the opposite direction).
The itinerary Nagoya- Nakasendo walk- Matsumoto is a full day. Likely get to Matsumoto too late for a bus into the mountains. And just transiting Matsumoto means missing the wonderful castle there.
The itinerary Nagoya- Nakasendo walk- Matsumoto is a full day. Likely get to Matsumoto too late for a bus into the mountains. And just transiting Matsumoto means missing the wonderful castle there.
