What is the Nakabusa Hot Springs bus route?

Mt. Tsubakurodake is called the queen of the Northern Japan Alps, and the starting point for mountain climbing courses like Omote Ginza that tackle the Alps is in the little-known Nakabusa Hot Springs.
This bus route starts in Azuminonosato and links Hotaka Station and bus stops along the foot of the mountain, stretching all the way to Nakabusa Hot Springs.
Service runs through the period from late April to early November.
In the peak of the season, we also run an additional bus (early morning bus).
Prefectural Route 327 (known as the Nakabusa Line) is a popular road for those going to Mt. Tsubakurodake trailhead or to enjoy Ariakeso and Nakabusa Hot Springs, but this prefectural route is also notorious for being a narrow road where it’s difficult for cars to pass each other.
There are many places where it’s difficult not only for large buses but even for regular cars to pass in opposite directions.
Our service runs to keep the amount of on-street parking and traffic accidents that interfere with traffic as low as possible, so that those who come here can enjoy mountain climbing and using the hot springs with peace of mind.

* Please hold the baggage on your lap.
* During crowded times, please utilize the auxiliary seats.
* Please understand that there are no standing seats available.

Service dates and sections

Service for 2024 ended on November 4.
Service for 2025 is scheduled to begin in late April.
When service dates and sections are decided, the information will be posted here.

Timetable and bus stops

*Hotaka Station doesn’t have a parking lot.
Those coming by their own cars should please use the Hotaka parking lot.
On foot, it takes about 5 minutes from the Hotaka parking lot to the Hotaka Station bus stop.
*You can’t get off the bus between Nakabusa Hot Springs and Ariakeso.

Fare table

Elementary school students and the physically or mentally challenged (presenting their passbook) pay half the usual fare
The physically or mentally challenged (and one caregiver can ride for half the usual fare)
Preschool age and younger children ride for free

Parking lot and bus stop

• Hotaka parking lot

  See Google maps

• Azuminonosato parking lot for mountain climbers

  See Google maps

• Hot spring park parking lot for mountain climbers

  See Google maps

• Ariakeyama Shrine parking lot for mountain climbers

  See Google maps