Bunguitoge

On the border of the Hase area of Ina City and Oshika Village, the 1,424-meter Bunguitoge is a pass sitting directly atop the Median Tectonic Line, one of Japans largest fault belts. It is known as a zero magnetic field and a place of energy, where opposing forces from both sides of the fault are said to push against each other so that the magnetic field locally approaches zero. This has not been scientifically proven and some regard it as pseudoscience, yet many visitors say that spending time quietly here helps them find balance, making it a long-loved power spot for those who want to take a deep breath in the bosom of the Southern Alps.

Highlights

• The grand geosite scenery, with a view over the straight fault valley carved along the Median Tectonic Line.
• Quiet moments of deep breathing and refreshment in the area regarded as a place of energy, where benches let you sit and linger.
• The clear air and rich forest green cradled in the folds of the Southern Alps.
• A setting that lets you sense how the Japanese archipelago was formed, of interest even to geology enthusiasts.

Enjoying the Seasons

From the fresh-green season into summer, the peaks of the Southern Alps are lush and a deep breath in the shade is wonderful. In autumn the trees around the pass turn beautiful colors, and many people visit while out for a gorge drive. The shuttle bus generally runs from spring through late autumn and is suspended in winter, so the green and foliage seasons are recommended. Early-morning departures tend to be less crowded, letting you savor the stillness even more.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Hase, Ina City, Nagano (on the border of Ina City and Oshika Village)
• Access: Private cars are restricted around the pass, so use the shuttle bus departing from a parking lot at the foot; the ride is about ten-odd minutes one way
• Operating period: Roughly April to November, with a seasonal schedule (suspended in winter); operating days and times vary by year
• Fares: A round-trip shuttle fare plus an entry cooperation fee apply (a rough guide is around one thousand-something yen round trip for adults and about half that for children; amounts may be revised)
• Parking: There is parking at the shuttle departure point; private cars cannot be parked at the pass

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: The fresh green of May to June and the foliage of mid to late October are most comfortable, and earlier departures are quieter.
• Avoiding crowds: On weekend daytimes there can be waiting times, so weekdays or morning visits let you explore at ease.
• Rough time needed: Allow about two to three hours in total for the round-trip shuttle and time at the pass.
• Real spots nearby: The Hase area at the foot has stopping points such as the Minami Alps Mura Hase facility, and the city center has shops serving Ina Valleys signature sauce-katsudon.
• Budget sense: The round-trip shuttle fare and cooperation fee come to around one thousand-something yen per person, and even with a drink or meal it stays quite affordable.

A Quick Tip

Private vehicles are restricted around the pass, so visiting by shuttle bus is the norm. The departure point, schedule, and fares can change from year to year, so be sure to check the latest official information from Ina City and others before you set out. The pass is high in elevation and mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bringing a layer even in summer keeps you comfortable.

📚 Sources

The information about Bungui Pass was compiled by our editorial team from Ina City tourism information, local guidance, and interpretive signs at the pass. The account of a 1,424-meter pass sitting directly above the Median Tectonic Line and known as a zero-magnetic-field spot follows these public references. Because the shuttle-bus operating period and parking availability change with the season, please confirm the latest information from Ina City or local sources before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to an hour to look around the pass.
• What to prepare: The elevation is high and cool, so a jacket and comfortable walking shoes are reassuring.
• Getting around: Private cars are restricted in some periods, so the usual approach is to transfer to a shuttle bus.
• Viewing tips: It is a quiet mountain spot, so allow time to spare and take it calmly.