Advisory: Silver Week 2015

Sep. 13, 2015

Written by: William Habington

Date: September 13, 2015

A warm hello to all of our readers!  This is an advisory concerning the upcoming "Silver Week" holiday, spanning five days from September 19th to the 23rd.  Due to many Japanese visitors being on holiday, crowds are expected to be much larger than usual. 
 
 
Visitors departing from Matsumoto and Takayama are advised to travel via public transportation.  Those planning to travel by car should be aware that, in addition to the usual restrictions about bringing cars into the park, care should be taken to arrive early in order to secure a parking space.  Also, anyone planning on hiking in the mountains should plan to descend as early as possibly on the final day of their visit to make sure they can catch the last bus out of the park (see bus schedule links below).
 

Visitors Travelling by Car

 

In keeping with Kamikochi's policy of maintaining a car free resort, privately owned automobiles (including motorcycles) are not allowed to go through the Kama Tunnel.  Those driving from Matsumoto should drive as far as the Sawando Parking Area, park there, and proceed by bus or taxi through the tunnel.  Those driving from the Takayama side are asked to do likewise at the Hirayu Parking area.

 

Taking Shuttle Buses and Taxis

 

Please be aware that the hours during which taxis and shuttle buses go in and out of Kamikochi are limited to the period between 5am and 7pm.  We strongly advise all visitors to take care in planning their arrival and departure to coincide with these hours.

 

Catching the Last Bus out of the Park

 

The times for the final buses departing from Kamikochi are as follows:

 

Kamikochi to Sawando, up to November 13th: 6pm departure.

 

Kamikochi to Sawando, up to November 15th: 6pm departure.

 

Kamikochi to Hirayu, up to November 15th: 5pm departure

 

Useful Links

 

This information from Kamikochi's offical site should help you plan your visit:

http://www.kamikochi.or.jp/access/

http://www.kamikochi.or.jp/access/bus-timetable_3/

 

We wish you a safe, enjoyable, and trouble-free visit to Kamikochi.  Please review the information above for your convenience and safety.

 

Source of Information:

 

Kamikochi official website: http://www.kamikochi.or.jp