
New Purple Line for Sky Hop Bus Kyoto Operated Until January 31, 2026
Alpico Kotsu will operate a direct bus between Matsumoto and Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza from December 23, 2025, through January 5, 2026.
The service will run twice a day round-trip. For the outbound route, buses will depart from Matsumoto Bus Terminal at 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., stop in front of Matsumoto Interchange, and arrive at Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza at 10:40 a.m. and 12:10 p.m. For the return route, buses will depart the plaza at 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., arrive in front of Matsumoto Interchange at 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and reach Matsumoto Bus Terminal at 5:10 p.m. and 7:10 p.m.
There will be a 10-minute rest stop at Tobu Yunomaru Service Area (SA) along the way. For both routes, Matsumoto Bus Terminal and in front of Matsumoto Interchange are boarding-only stops on the outbound trip and alighting-only stops on the return trip.
Advance reservations are required to board the bus, and bookings are accepted only via the website.