Experience

Norikura Rock Ptarmigan Route Sightseeing Bus
~Hirayu Onsen, Norikura Tatamidaira, Norikura Plateau, and Kamikochi Sightseeing Tour~

We parked the car and went above the clouds.
This is a rare circular route around Mount Norikura, passing through both the Norikura Skyline on the Gifu Prefecture side and the Norikura Echo Line on the Nagano Prefecture side. It takes you from Hirayu Onsen to Tatamidaira (2,702m above sea level), Norikura Plateau, and finally to Kamikochi. You can put your hands off the road and spend a full day immersed in the mountains.

Last year's inaugural event saw a total of 352 passengers, and 99.3% of participants responded in a survey that they would like to participate again. This year marks the second year of operation.

[A scenic route to visit in one day]

We depart from Takayama Bus Terminal at 7:20 AM. We pass through Hirayu Onsen, the gateway to Okuhida, and ascend rapidly to Norikura Tatamidaira Bus Terminal at an altitude of 2,702m. After a 1 hour and 25 minute stroll through the world above the clouds, we head to Norikura Plateau on the Nagano Prefecture side.

Enjoy a full 1 hour and 40 minutes of milky-white hot springs and the natural beauty of the highlands. The final stop is Kamikochi. Spend 2 hours exploring Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond, arriving at Hirayu Bus Terminal around 5 PM and returning to Takayama around 6:10 PM.

Since Hirayu Onsen is also a departure and arrival point for the tour, we recommend staying overnight at a hot spring inn after the tour to fully enjoy the lingering memories of your trip.

[Highlights of each area]

■ Hirayu Onsen
This hot spring resort is located within the Chubu Sangaku National Park. Those traveling by car can get on and off at the Hirayu Otaki Parking Lot (free of charge). After the tour, take a break at "Hirayu no Yu," a day-use hot spring adjacent to the Hirayu Folk Museum. Near the Hirayu Bus Terminal, be sure to try the local specialty, "Hantai Tamago," a hot spring egg, at Tsuruya Shoten.

■ Norikura Tatamidaira
This is one of Japan's leading mountainous regions, easily accessible by bus. You can choose a walking course to suit your fitness level, such as the "Flower Fields" (1 minute walk) where alpine plants spread out, or Mt. Maō (approximately 15 minutes one way, elevation 2,763m) where a 360-degree panoramic view awaits. You might even spot the rock ptarmigan, a national special natural monument. The Norikura Nature Tourist Information Center also offers mini guided tours by expert guides (registration on the day, 2,000 yen per person/course, approximately 30-40 minutes).

■ Norikura Plateau
Mount Norikura, viewed from the Nagano Prefecture side, presents a different, majestic appearance. The autumn foliage near the summit begins in late September. The Norikura Tourist Center has a tourist information office and restaurants, and electric bicycles ("E-chari") are available for rent. A round-trip cycling trip to Ichinose Grassland, which takes about 40 minutes, is very popular. At the Yukemuri-kan, a 5-minute walk away, you can enjoy milky-white hot springs and meals.

■ Kamikochi
The bus passes in front of the Taishoike Hotel, so a popular walking route is to walk from Taishoike Pond along the Azusa River to Kappabashi Bridge (about 1 hour on foot). The scenery of Mt. Yake and the Hotaka mountain range reflected in the water continues. Near Kappabashi Bridge, the Kamikochi Hotel Shirakabaso has a restaurant and a takeaway cafe.

[Digital stamp rally held simultaneously]

During the event period, digital stamps will be placed at nine locations along the route. Collect stamps by scanning the QR codes with your smartphone, and if you collect stamps from five or more locations, you can win an original prize at the lottery venue inside the Hirayu Bus Terminal.

• Implementation period: September 1st (Tue) - 30th (Wed), 2026
*The event will also be held from September 19th (Sat) to 23rd (Wed) when buses are not running.
Prizes: A Prize - Original bear bell (mont-bell), B Prize - Original hand towel
*Prizes are available while supplies last.

[Event Overview]

Operating period: September 1st (Tue) - 18th (Fri), 2026, and September 24th (Thu) - 30th (Wed), 2026 (total of 25 days)
Itinerary: Takayama Bus Terminal 7:20 departure - Hirayu Onsen - Norikura Tatamidaira - Norikura Kogen -
Kamikochi - Hirayu Bus Terminal (around 17:00) - Takayama (around 18:10)
Fares: Departure/Arrival at Takayama Station West Exit: Adults 8,000 yen / Children (6-12 years old) 4,000 yen
Departing from/arriving at Hirayu Bus Terminal: Adults 5,000 yen / Children (6-12 years old) 2,500 yen
Takayama Station West ⇔ Hirayu Bus Terminal (one way each way)
Adults: 6,500 yen / Children (6-12 years old): 3,250 yen
Minimum number of participants: 1

[Reservations]
Reservations are accepted via Nohi Bus's website. Please apply at least 3 days before your desired travel date.
Reservation site:https://www.nouhibus.co.jp/hida/bustrip/jh0025/
Tour official website:https://norikura-tour.com/