Looking for a hidden gem in your Nagano Japan travel itinerary?
Senjojiki Curl in the Central Alps Japan isn’t the easiest place to reach—but that’s exactly what makes it so unforgettable.
This guide is for travelers who want to discover Japan’s lesser-known wonders, including families with small kids or anyone without hiking experience. Thanks to the ropeway Japan is proud of, you can enjoy stunning alpine views high above the clouds—without a long climb.
1. 🌄 What is the Senjojiki Curl?
Senjojiki Curl is a majestic glacial landform located at the foot of Mount Hōken in the Central Alps Japan. Formed by ancient glaciers, this bowl-shaped valley sits at around 2,600 meters above sea level and offers some of the most breathtaking views in Nagano Japan travel.
2. ✨ Why You’ll Love Senjojiki Curl
Ride a Scenic Ropeway to the Clouds
You don’t need to hike for hours to reach the summit. The Komagatake Ropeway Japan lifts you up to the alpine zone in just minutes—perfect for kids, older travelers, or anyone not into strenuous hikes.
Enjoy All Four Seasons
In spring, snow lingers on the peaks. Summer brings alpine flowers Japan in full bloom. Fall is painted with vivid foliage, and winter transforms the entire scene into a snowy fairytale.
Hidden Hot Springs Nearby
Nagano and nearby Gifu are packed with rustic onsen towns. Combine your visit with a soak in one of Japan’s hidden hot springs for a complete mountain escape.
3. 🌸 Summer & ❄ Winter at Senjojiki Curl – My Experience
In Summer: The trail was lined with vibrant alpine flowers and buzzing with life. The crisp mountain air and clear skies made every step feel magical.
In Winter: A silent world of snow stretched in all directions. My child played in the snow while we sipped hot drinks at the mountaintop lodge. No hiking, no stress—just beauty.
If you’re lucky with the weather, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance!
4. 🚆 How to Get to Senjojiki Curl
🚗 We’ve been to Senjojiki Curl twice—and both times we landed at Centrair and drove.
Having a rental car gave us the freedom to explore not just Senjojiki Curl, but also Nagano’s onsen towns and scenic spots over several days.
✈️ Even if you don’t plan to drive, Chubu Centrair Airport is still the closest and most convenient access point, with public transport options available too.
🚉 Starting from Tokyo? Totally possible—many travelers add Senjojiki Curl as a side trip from Tokyo using train or bus.
We haven’t done it ourselves, but it works well with the right planning.
👉 For us, renting a car from Centrair was the perfect choice.
But no worries—you can still enjoy the Central Alps Japan without a car if you prefer public transport!
🚗 Travel Time Comparison (to Senjojiki Curl)
| Method | From Tokyo | From Nagoya |
|---|---|---|
| 🚅 Train + Bus + Ropeway | ~5.5–6 hrs | ~4 hrs |
| 🚌 Highway Bus + Ropeway | ~5–5.5 hrs | ~4 hrs |
| 🚗 Rental Car + Ropeway | ~5.5–6 hrs | ~4 hrs |
Note: Times include travel to Komagane Station, local bus to Shirabidaira, and Komagatake Ropeway to Senjojiki Curl.
Pros & Cons of Each Method
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 🚅 Train + Bus | Comfortable, reliable, scenic | Requires transfers, higher cost |
| 🚌 Highway Bus | Direct, affordable, luggage-friendly | Limited schedules, longer ride time |
| 🚗 Rental Car | Ultimate flexibility, ideal for visiting onsen or hidden spots | Driving in Japan, tolls, navigation needed |
5. 🚅 🚌 🚗 Book Your Ride
👉 Book via Klook to get a 5% discount for first-time users. Just apply the coupon code “BetterOnApp2″
🗼From Tokyo
Reserve a Highway Bus on Willer
Direct ride from Shinjuku to Komagane. No transfers, budget-friendly.
🏯From Nagoya
Reserve a Highway Bus on Willer
Not available from Nagoya.
Use train or rental car instead.
6.🏨Recommended Places to Stay
For your visit to Senjojiki Curl, staying in Komagane City or the nearby Komagane Kogen area is ideal. You’ll find cozy ryokans, mountain-view hotels, and even onsen resorts—perfect for relaxing after a day in the mountains.
Here are a few options to consider:
Hotel Senjojiki – Located right next to the ropeway station, offering unmatched alpine views.
Komagane Kogen Resort Hotels – Great for families, often with hot springs and spacious rooms.
👉 Book via Klook to get a 5% discount for first-time users. Just apply the coupon code “HotelOnApp”
7. 🔗 Related Guides & Hot Spring Trips
Nagano isn’t just about Senjojiki Curl—this prefecture is filled with natural beauty and relaxing hot springs. And because it borders both Gifu and Aichi, it’s an ideal base for extended travel. If you have a few extra days, consider exploring these neighboring regions too.
Official Ropeway Info
Check operation status, fares, and seasonal updates before you go.
Official Access Guide
🚉🚗🚌 Train, bus, or rental car? Check all your options in one place!
❄ From snowy escapes to summer blooms, my visits to Senjojiki Curl gave me some of the most unforgettable views I’ve ever seen in Japan. Whether standing in fresh summer air surrounded by flowers or watching my child play in winter snow, I truly felt the magic of the Central Alps Japan.
(All photos by the author)
