Photo: Alpsdake, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mt. Norikura Hiking Guide: Buses to Tatamidaira, Fares, Seasons and the Route to Kengamine (2026)
Mt. Norikura (3,026 m) is one of the easiest 3,000 m peaks in Japan: buses climb to Tatamidaira at 2,702 m, and Kengamine is about 1 hour 30 minutes on foot. Bus seasons, fares, the late-October timetable and what to know before you go, based on official operator information.
This guide is based on information from Nohi Bus, Alpico Kotsu, the Norikura Kogen tourism association and Nagano Prefecture, checked October 24, 2026. Timetables and fares change every season, so check the operator pages before you travel.
Mt. Norikura (3,026 m) straddles Gifu and Nagano prefectures and is one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Private cars are banned on the roads to the top, but shuttle buses run all the way to Tatamidaira (2,702 m), so the summit, Kengamine, is only about 1 hour 30 minutes on foot from the bus terminal.
Getting to Tatamidaira
There are two bus routes: from Hoonokidaira on the Gifu side (Norikura Skyline) and from Norikura Kogen on the Nagano side (Echo Line).
| Gifu side (Nohi Bus) | Nagano side (Alpico) | |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Hoonokidaira | Norikura Kankō Center (Norikura Kogen) |
| 2026 season | May 15 – October 31 | July 1 – October 31 |
| Ride time | About 60 min | About 55 min |
| Fare | 1,800 yen one way, 3,400 yen return (5,700 yen for the combined ticket) incl. 100-yen tax | 2,450 yen up, 2,250 yen down, 4,700 yen return, incl. 200-yen contribution |
Gifu side (Nohi Bus)
- From October 19 to 31, timetable C applies. Buses leave Hoonokidaira at 7:55, 8:55, 12:55 and 13:55 (arriving 8:40, 9:40, 13:40, 14:40), and leave Tatamidaira at 8:55, 9:55, 13:55 and 14:55 (arriving 9:40, 10:40, 14:40, 15:40).
- If services up to the 13:55 departure are cancelled (for example because of snow or ice), there is no service for the rest of the day.
- A mobile ticket is needed for the ride down from Tatamidaira.
- Pets are not allowed. Bear spray must go in the luggage compartment, and ski boots and spiked footwear are not allowed on board.
Nagano side (Alpico)
- Buses leave the Kankō Center from 7:00 until 14:40, and leave Tatamidaira at 8:15, 9:15, 10:15, 10:45, 12:30, 13:30, 14:00, 15:00 and 15:50.
- Passengers with reservations board first. Reservations: 0570-055-588 (9:00–17:00), from one month before travel.
Routes from Tatamidaira
Walking times from Tatamidaira according to Nohi Bus:
| Destination | Time |
|---|---|
| Flower garden | 1 min |
| Tsurugaike pond | 5 min |
| Maōdake (2,763 m) | 15 min |
| Daikokudake (2,772 m) | 20 min |
| Fujimidake (2,817 m) | 25 min |
| Kengamine (3,026 m, summit) | 1 h 30 min |
Alpine flowers bloom from July to early September, with the flower garden at its best from mid-July to mid-August.
Altitude and weather
Air pressure at Tatamidaira is about 730 hPa, and when it is 30°C in Takayama it is only about 17–18°C at Tatamidaira. Bring a warm layer and rain gear even in midsummer, and walk slowly to avoid altitude sickness. In late October, snow and ice can stop the buses.
Where to stay
Ginreisō and Hakuunsō are at Tatamidaira, and Kata-no-Koya is on the route to the summit. Camping is not allowed at Tatamidaira.
Summary
- Buses run to Tatamidaira (2,702 m) from both Gifu and Nagano until October 31.
- Kengamine is about 1 h 30 min on foot from Tatamidaira.
- From October 19 the Gifu-side buses are few, so check the timetable C times and plan your return bus.
References
- Nohi Bus: Norikura line (Japanese)
- Alpico Kotsu: Norikura Echo Line shuttle bus (Japanese)
- Norikura Kogen: Echo Line shuttle bus 2026 (Japanese)
- Norikura Kogen: buses to Tatamidaira (Japanese)
- Nagano Prefecture: Mt. Norikura guide (PDF, Japanese)