Whether driving or coming by train, everyone traverses the picturesque Kiso Valley en-route to Otaki. This means you’ll arrive either via Matsumoto to the north (or Nagano City if using the Shinkansen), and Nagoya to the south. The closest station to Otaki is in the historic Nakasendo town of Kisofukushima. From there, a number of buses run to Otaki throughout the day (40 mins.)
If you’re staying over in Otaki, your accommodation may be able to pick you up from Kiso-Fukushima Station. Check with them for details.
By Train / Bus
No matter where you are coming from in Japan, you’ll want to get a train to Kiso-Fukushima Station. You can easily find train schedules via Google.
About IC cards
IC cards (rechargeable transit cards like Suica, Pasmo, ICOCA, and manaca) are widely used throughout Japan’s major cities and can be used interchangeably on many JR lines. However, some smaller rural stations, including Kiso-Fukushima, do not accept IC cards for ticket purchases or gate access. This means you’ll need to buy paper tickets from the station machines or ticket office. For those without rail passes, when departing from Kiso-Fukushima, plan to purchase your onward ticket with cash or credit card.
From Tokyo
From Tokyo Station to Nagoya via the Shinkansen, then Nagoya to Kisofukushima via the Shinano LTD. Express (About 3.5 hrs.)
From Osaka
From Shin-Osaka Station to Nagoya via the Shinkansen, then Nagoya to Kisofukushima via the Shinano limited express (About 2.5 hrs.)
From Nagano City, Matsumoto
Take the Shinano limited express to Kisofukushima (Nagano, 1.5 hrs, Matsumoto, 40 mins)
Buses to Otaki
Several buses run throughout the day from in front of Kisofukushima Station to Otaki’s village center (40 mins.) Buses marked in red don’t run on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.
Kisofukushima to Otaki Otaki to Kisofukushima
| 6:58 → 7:39 | 6:50 → 7:31 |
| 7:28 → 8:06 | 7:43 → 8:21 |
| 9:03 → 9:40 | 8:12 → 8:50 |
| 13:40 → 14:22 | 9:42 → 10:19 |
| 16:00 → 16:38 | 14:30 → 15:11 |
| 17:12 → 17:50 | 16:42 → 17:20 |
|
18:15 → 18:53 | 17:57 → 18:35 |
| 19:40 → 20:18 |
See the Seasonal Kodo Bus page for weekend buses from Kiso Fukushima Station to Tanohara via Otaki Village center and points along the Ontake Pilgrimage Trail.
By Car
From Osaka: 4.5 hours
Nagoya: 2 hrs. 40 mins
Tokyo: 4 hours
Otaki Experience 