How to travel from Matsumoto to Kōchi, Japan

The distance between Matsumoto and Kōchi is around 639km (397 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to fly which takes around 3hrs.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Matsumoto to Kōchi by train, bus, car and plane. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out KōchiMatsumoto if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+

Fly

Fly from Matsumoto (MMJ) to Kochi (KCZ).

  • Duration3hrs
  • Flight time2h 35m
  • Typical cost
    ¥37,100($270)
Operated by

Fuji Dream

+ 1 others
2
3 x train
+

Train

Take the train to Nagoya then Okayama and then to Kochi(Kochi).

  • Duration6h 20m
  • Departshourly
  • Typical cost
    ¥21,905($160)
Operated by

Multiple train operators

💰 Cheapest
3
3 x bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Meitetsu Bus Centre then Sannomiya BT and then to Harimayabashi.

  • Duration11h 10m
  • Departs4 times a day
  • Typical cost
    ¥16,290($120)
Operated by

Multiple bus operators

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Kōchi.

  • Duration8h 15m
  • Distance639km (397 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Matsumoto and Kōchi

There are several options for getting from Matsumoto to Kōchi by train, bus, car and plane. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around ¥16,290 ($120) and will take around 11h 10m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and arrive in approximately 3hrs, though it is a bit more costly at approximately ¥37,100 ($270).

The distance between Matsumoto and Kōchi is around 639km (397 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 501km (311 miles)

It takes around 6h 20m to get from Matsumoto and Kōchi by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 8h 15m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Matsumoto to Kōchi is to fly which takes around 3hrs and will set you back approx ¥37,100 ($270).

The cheapest way to travel between Matsumoto and Kōchi, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around ¥16,290 ($120) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Matsumoto and Kōchi. It typically takes around 6h 20m and departs hourly.

There are no direct train services that runs from Matsumoto to Kōchi. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Nagoya and Okayama. These services run hourly and will take a minimum of 6h 20m.

Japan Railways Limited Express and Japan Railways Shinkansen run train services between Matsumoto and Kōchi. Trains depart hourly and will take around 6h 20m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Matsumoto and Kōchi. It typically takes around 11h 10m and departs 4 times a day.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Matsumoto to Kōchi. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Meitetsu Bus Centre and Sannomiya BT. These services run 4 times a day and will take a minimum of 11h 10m.

Alpico Group, Meitetsu Bus and JR Shikoku Bus run regular bus services between Matsumoto and Kōchi. Buses run 4 times a day and take around 11h 10m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

Yes you can fly from Matsumoto and Kōchi. Flights depart from Matsumoto (MMJ) and arrive at Kochi (KCZ) - via Fukuoka (FUK). The flight takes around 2h 35m.

There is no direct flight from Matsumoto to Kōchi. There is however a flight that goes via Fukuoka (FUK). This services will take at least 3hrs (not including layover time).

The flight from Matsumoto to Kōchi typically takes around 2h 35m. Flights depart from Matsumoto (MMJ) and and arrive into Kochi (KCZ).

The closest major airport to Kōchi is Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ) (KCZ) which is approximately 13km (8 miles) from Kōchi. Kansai International Airport (KIX) (KIX) and Fukuoka Airport (FUK) (FUK) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Matsumoto and Kōchi. The distance is around 639km (397 miles) by road and it will take around 8h 15m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Matsumoto to Kōchi is to take the train which takes, on average, 6h 20m and will usually cost around ¥21,905 ($160).

How do I get from Matsumoto to Kōchi

Compare travel optionsbetween Matsumoto and Kōchi

Transport options from Matsumoto to Kōchi
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Fly
3hrs
¥37,100($270)
hourly1,065km (662 miles)
Train
6h 20m
¥21,905($160)
hourly695km (432 miles)
Bus
11h 10m
¥16,290($120)
4 times a day719km (447 miles)
Drive
8h 15m
¥9,310($68)
on demand639km (397 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Matsumoto and Kōchi

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Airports near Kōchi

The following major airports near Kōchi offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Japan and internationally.

KCZ
Kochi Ryoma Airport (KCZ)
Domestic Airport
Distance
13km (8 miles) from Kōchi
KIX
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
International Airport
Distance
184km (115 miles) from Kōchi
FUK
Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
International Airport
Distance
287km (178 miles) from Kōchi