2-Day Bus Tour from Nagoya: Autumn Colors of Kamikochi and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Departing Nagoya, Day One Takes You to Kamikochi, the "Garden of the Gods"

This is a 2-day group tour departing from Nagoya, with the first day centered on Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture. This mountain scenic area, where the clear waters of the Azusa River, primeval forest, volcanic lakes, and towering snow-capped peaks come together like a painting, is considered one of Japan's premier natural attractions.

Two recommended routes are available at Kamikochi. Route ① goes from Taisho-ike Bus Stop through Taisho Pond and Tashiro Pond to Kappa Bridge, ending at Kamikochi Bus Stop. Route ② is a loop starting at Kamikochi Bus Stop, passing through Kappa Bridge, Dakesawa Marsh, Myojin Bridge, the Hotaka Shrine Okumiya, and Myojin Pond before returning.

Whichever route you walk, you'll enjoy continuous views of ponds reflecting the mountains and the Hotaka mountain range. Following the autumn colors along the way, the first day becomes one to savor slowly, on foot.

Staying at Hakuba Sun Valley Hotel, Ready for the Next Day's Alpine Crossing

On the first night, you'll stay at Hakuba Sun Valley Hotel. After exploring Kamikochi, you'll move on and rest in preparation for the next day's crossing of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.

Sometime between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM the day before departure, you'll receive an email with information about your guide and vehicle for the day. Since this email may end up in your spam folder, be sure to check there so that your meeting point runs smoothly on the day.

During busy seasons, the email may be sent later than usual, and if you receive multiple emails, the most recent one takes precedence.

Day Two: Crossing the "Roof of Japan" via Six Different Modes of Transport

On day two, you'll cross the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route from Ogizawa through Murodo to Bijodaira, connecting via six different forms of public transportation. From Ogizawa to Kurobe Dam, you'll take the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus; from there, a hike to Kurobeko; the Kurobe Cable Car to Kurobedaira; the Tateyama Ropeway to Daikanbo; the Tateyama Tunnel Bus to Murodo; and finally the Kogen (Highland) Bus onward to Tengudaira, Midagahara, and Bijodaira.

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route crosses the Northern Alps (Hida Mountains), connecting Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture with Ogizawa Station in Nagano Prefecture. With each change of transport, the altitude and scenery shift, and each tunnel opens onto a new view.

The highlight is exploring the Murodo Highlands. Standing above the clouds, looking out over the Tateyama mountain range, is the culmination of these two days.

No Waiting in Line, Thanks to Guaranteed Tickets and Entry

One of the practical strengths of this tour is that transportation tickets and entry for the Alpine Route are secured in advance. There's no need to line up at crowded ticket counters—you'll simply receive them from your guide on site.

The Tateyama Kotsu ticket fee is paid in cash to your guide on the day. This is separate from the tour price, so be sure to have this cash ready in advance.

Since this route involves so many transfers, having your tickets already secured brings great peace of mind, letting you spend your limited two days focused on the scenery.

The Day's Schedule May Change Due to Weather and Local Conditions

The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather and other factors. For safety reasons, staff may decide to cancel outdoor activities, and alternative arrangements may be made in consultation with participants.

Depending on traffic or weather conditions, your guide may change the order of sightseeing spots or shorten certain segments with participants' agreement. The actual time spent traveling, sightseeing, and resting will depend on conditions on the day.

Since this route crosses high mountains, it helps to accept the possibility of changes as a given—this makes it easier to stay flexible with decisions made on the day.

Rules for Participating in a Group Tour

Each participant may bring one piece of luggage free of charge. This must be noted in the "special requests" field when booking; if you bring luggage on the day without prior notice, you may be refused boarding for safety reasons, with no refund given.

Vehicles are arranged according to the actual number of participants, and you cannot request a specific vehicle type. As this is a group tour, you cannot leave the group partway through, and no refund will be given for any unused portion if you choose to do so.

Understanding these rules in advance means you can focus on the scenery of Kamikochi and Murodo on the day, without worrying about luggage or logistics.

Things to Check Before Booking

• The meeting point and departure time in Nagoya
• Checking the guide and vehicle information email sent between 5:00–9:00 PM the day before
• Having cash ready for the Tateyama Kotsu ticket fee
• Which route you'll walk in Kamikochi (via Taisho Pond or via Myojin Pond)
• That your accommodation is Hakuba Sun Valley Hotel
• Clothing suited to temperature changes at high altitude, and comfortable walking shoes
• One piece of carry-on luggage per person, with advance notice required
• The guide's language(s) and how guidance will be provided on the day
• How itinerary changes or cancellations due to weather are handled
• That leaving the group partway is not possible, and the refund conditions
• Cancellation/change conditions and the latest pricing

Pricing and itinerary may vary depending on the season and conditions on the day. Please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

This is a 2-day group tour departing from Nagoya, exploring the autumn colors of Kamikochi and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. On day one, you'll walk through Kamikochi—known as the "Garden of the Gods"—either via the Taisho Pond, Tashiro Pond, and Kappa Bridge route, or the loop passing through Kappa Bridge, Dakesawa Marsh, Myojin Bridge, the Hotaka Shrine Okumiya, and Myojin Pond. You'll stay overnight at Hakuba Sun Valley Hotel.

On day two, you'll connect through six different modes of transport—the Kanden Tunnel Electric Bus from Ogizawa, a hike at Kurobeko, the Kurobe Cable Car, the Tateyama Ropeway, the Tateyama Tunnel Bus, and the Kogen Bus—passing through the Murodo Highlands to Bijodaira. Since transportation tickets and entry are secured in advance, there's no need to wait in line, and the Tateyama Kotsu ticket fee is paid in cash to your guide on site.

For details and availability, check this booking page.