【Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association】Heartwarming 'Handmade Hospitality' on the 'Okuhida Mountain Bus' 2026 Media Preview Event to be Held on May 21 (Thursday)

The Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association has jointly produced 'handmade hospitality' with local elementary schools for the operation of the 'Okuhida Mountain Bus' in 2026. In 2026, as the tourism environment faces unprecedented challenges such as rising gasoline prices and changes in global affairs, we chose not high-tech solutions, but 'hospitality created with our own hands.' At the preview event on May 21 (Thursday), 2026, we will unveil the culmination of efforts by children, adults, and local residents working together.

Three types of 'Handmade Hospitality'

【① Handmade Map】Okuhida's Treasures Known Only to Children

Children from Takayama City Tochio Elementary School, the only elementary school in Okuhida Onsenkyo, have drawn illustrations for a map of recommended spots in Okuhida Onsenkyo. It's a single sheet filled with Okuhida's treasures expressed through adorable drawings.

【② Handmade Quiz】Deepening Okuhida's Secrets on a Round Trip

Children have devised a quiz after much thought on 'How can we make people love Okuhida even more?' The quiz content, with 6 questions for the round trip, covers areas and Okuhida's forests, featuring ingenious questions that are beyond what one might expect from elementary school students. The bus guide will share the quiz questions and answers with passengers inside the bus.

【③ Handmade In-bus Announcement】Children's Energetic Calls

Upon bus departure and arrival, welcome and thank-you messages recorded by the children's voices in unison will be played. The energetic and straightforward voices of the children create a warm sense of unity inside the bus.

Regarding Media Coverage for the Preview Event 'Unveiling Ceremony & Advance Test Ride'

All students from Tochio Elementary School, the Mayor of Takayama City, and local volunteers from Okuhida Onsenkyo will gather at the 'Unveiling Ceremony & Advance Test Ride.' The details of the handmade hospitality will be announced at the unveiling ceremony, so please come and see.

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026, 9:00 AM reception starts, 9:30 AM opening, 10:30 AM advance test ride starts

Scheduled to disband at Nabedaira Kogen Parking Lot at 11:30 AM

*The return bus departs at 12:00 PM, scheduled to arrive at Hirayu Bus Terminal at 1:00 PM.

*If you wish to cover the summit by ropeway, separate individual transportation will be required.

Location: Chubu Sangaku National Park Okuhida Visitor Center

Application: https://forms.gle/k5x73XQmoz9CRXBx5

Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026, 3:00 PM

Content: First public unveiling of the handmade map, handmade quiz, and handmade in-bus announcement

Test ride will be taken on the 'Okuhida Mountain Bus' together with students from Tochio Elementary School

Project overview explanation by the organizer and interviews with the collaborating children

Okuhida Mountain Bus Overview

Period: Friday, May 22, 2026, to Friday, June 12, 2026

Route: Hirayu Bus Terminal ⇔ Shinhotaka Ropeway (some services to/from Takayama Nohi Bus Center only in the morning and evening)

Fares: From Hirayu: 2,500 yen one way per person, 4,000 yen round trip

From Takayama: 3,500 yen one way per person, 6,000 yen round trip

From Hirayu onwards, a flat rate applies regardless of the boarding stop.

All seats are by reservation only and require advance payment (tickets cannot be purchased inside the bus).

Adults and children (including preschoolers) pay the same fare.

Seating capacity: 44 seats

Number of services: 6 services per day (3 outbound, 3 inbound)

Operator: Nohi Bus (Nohi Noriai Jidosha Co., Ltd.)

Sales: Currently on sale via Hassha Ohrai Net

Japanese: https://secure.j-bus.co.jp/hon/Route/Highway?gpcd=210201&rocd=0021

English: https://japanbusonline.com/en/CourseSearch/12102010021

Counter sales are available at the Hirayu Bus Terminal ticket counter and Takayama Nohi Bus Center.

Organizer: Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association

Cooperation: Nohi Noriai Jidosha Co., Ltd., Okuhida Kanko Kaihatsu Co., Ltd., Hinomaru Jidosha Kogyo Co., Ltd., Hoshino Resorts (Kai Okuhida)

Details: https://okuhida-mountainbus.jp/

Remarks: Shinhotaka Ropeway tickets must be purchased separately.

About Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association

The Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association aims to protect tourism resources and promote tourism business in the Okuhida Onsenkyo and Kamitakara-cho areas, while fostering the sound development of tourist travel and promoting international tourism, thereby contributing to the improvement and development of local culture and economy, and international goodwill.

Contact Information

Operation/Reservations: Nohi Bus Reservation Center TEL: 0577-32-1688 (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Media Inquiries: Okuhida Onsenkyo Tourism Association (Secretariat / Kai Okuhida) info@kai-okuhida.jp