Reservation Website Opened for Mitsuune Trailhead Route Bus (July 17 – October 13 Operation)

Key facts

  • Reservation Website Opened for Mitsuune Trailhead Route Bus (July 17 – October 13 Operation)
  • The Azumino City Regional Public Transportation Council has launched a reservation website for the 'Mitsuune Line' bus service connecting JR Hotaka Station to the Mitsuune trailhead, operating from July 17 to October 13. The initiative aims to reduce parking congestion and prevent illegal roadside parking near the Northern Japan Alps trailheads.
  • Source: PR Times
  • Date: June 19, 2026

Direct answer

The Azumino City Regional Public Transportation Council has launched a reservation website for the 'Mitsuune Line' bus service connecting JR Hotaka Station to the Mitsuune trailhead, operating from July 17 to October 13. The initiative aims to reduce parking congestion and prevent illegal roadside parking near the Northern Japan Alps trailheads.

Citation
Reservation Website Opened for Mitsuune Trailhead Route Bus (July 17 – October 13 Operation) (June 19, 2026), PR Times
Source
PR Times
Date
June 19, 2026
The Azumino City Regional Public Transportation Council has launched a reservation website for the 'Mitsuune Line' bus service connecting JR Hotaka Station to the Mitsuune trailhead, operating from July 17 to October 13. The initiative aims to reduce parking congestion and prevent illegal roadside parking near the Northern Japan Alps trailheads.
イベント出典:PR Times

📋 Article Processing Timeline

  • 📰 Published: June 19, 2026 at 22:45
  • 🔍 Collected: June 19, 2026 at 14:03
  • 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 19, 2026 at 20:08 (6h 5m after Collected)
The Azumino City Regional Public Transportation Council (administrative office: Azumino City) will conduct a demonstration operation of the route bus 'Mitsuune Line,' connecting the trailhead at Mitsuune—the access point for Mount Tatega and Mount Jōnen in the Northern Alps Panorama Ginza—to JR Hotaka Station and other locations, as detailed below.

This year, a new website enabling online advance reservations and prepayment has been launched to evaluate the feasibility and optimal operation model of the service.

## Overview

- Operating Dates
July 17 (Fri) – October 13 (Tue), 2024
※ Service will operate on 63 designated days, including Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and the Obon period.
View the operation calendar here.

- Route
JR Hotaka Station → Shakunage-no-Yu Higashi Parking Lot → Horideyu → Shikinogo Parking Lot → Mitsuune First Parking Lot

- Schedule
Number of daily departures varies by day of the week.

- Fare (per ride)
General (junior high school students and above): ¥2,000
Elementary school students and younger: ¥1,000
Holders of a disability certificate: ¥500 discount applied to each fare
Fares must be paid in advance. Please complete payment by the specified deadline after making a reservation.

## Reservations

Advance reservations are required to ride.
Reservations can be made via the website starting at 5:00 AM, two months prior to the intended travel date.
Reservation website

## Cancellation Fees

Cancellation after payment will incur the following fees:

- Up to 8 days before departure: ¥0
- 7 to 2 days before departure: 20% of fare
- 1 day before departure to 2 hours before departure time: 50% of fare
- Within 2 hours of departure time (including no-shows): 100% of fare

## Route Map

## Parking Information

The following are the nearest parking lots for each stop. Capacity is limited; availability is not guaranteed if full.

- JR Hotaka Station (Hotaka Parking Lot, 5-minute walk to station, south side of Hotaka Shrine)
Capacity: Approximately 170 vehicles (paid)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZgEzpDLGbgxD4H5v5
※ Please note: The bus stop is located in front of JR Hotaka Station.

- Shakunage-no-Yu Higashi Parking Lot
Capacity: Approximately 45 vehicles
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4EbFGwMgKoCd8kYt9

- Horideyu ~ Shikinogo Parking Lot
Capacity: Approximately 30 vehicles
https://maps.app.goo.gl/B2Ab1Ebyara15BJb8

## Inquiries

Policy Division, Policy Management Section
Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture
TEL: 0263-71-2401
Email: kotsuseisaku@city.azumino.nagano.jp
6000 Tokiwa, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture 399-8281

FAQ

When does the Mitsuune Line bus operate?

From July 17 to October 13, 2024, on 63 designated days including weekends and holidays.

How can I reserve a seat on the bus?

Reservations open at 5:00 AM, two months prior to your travel date via the official website.

What is the fare?

¥2,000 for adults, ¥1,000 for children. ¥500 discount for disability certificate holders.

Are there cancellation fees?

Yes: 100% within 2 hours of departure, 50% the day before, 20% 7–2 days prior.

What is the bus route?

JR Hotaka Station → Shakunage-no-Yu Higashi → Horideyu → Shikinogo → Mitsuune 1st Parking Lot.