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In the bosom of the Northern Alps lies Kamikochi, an unspoiled summer resort.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it retains its most pristine nature and is known as one of Japan's most spectacular mountain views.
The valley is about 15 kilometers long, and the lush forests rustle like a sea of green.Stepping on the rhythm of nature and breathing in the fresh air, this may be the spiritual habitat you have been looking for.
Be sure to know before you go
Kamikochi is not open to the public all year round, but is officially open from April 17 to November 15 each year.During the closure period, buses to the park will be suspended, and shops and restaurants in the park will be closed.
However, this "winter lockdown" is actually a closed car, and those who want to challenge can take a bus to get off at the entrance of the tunnel in Nakatsu, and then walk in through the tunnel.
Snowshoeing is more physically demanding, so it's important to travel safely.
Due to the high altitude of Kamikochi, the minimum temperature in early spring and early autumn is below freezing.
Summer lows can sometimes drop below 10 degrees Celsius, so be sure to bring a jacket to keep warm.
And the weather in the mountains is changeable, remember to bring your own rain gear~
In addition to the right clothing, remember to buy bear bells and carry them with you, there are really bears in the mountains.
Do not feed animals that touch the mountains or use drones. Don't be curious about areas that are forbidden to enter.
In addition, in order to protect the environment, garbage needs to be carried out of Kamikochi, and kitchen waste should not be discarded at will, which can easily "attract" bears.
Also remember to bring some 100 yen coins and pay when you use the public toilets, which do not have change, so you will not suffer if you are prepared.
Finally, if you want to climb the mountain, you need to submit a climbing plan, put on comfortable hiking shoes or sneakers, and let's go!
🤗 How to get to Kamikochi
If you don't want to change trains, the direct bus is undoubtedly the best transportation option.
Matsumoto operates direct buses to Kamikochi that depart from Matsumoto Bus Terminal at 05:30 and 10:15 respectively.
Tickets can only be purchased by appointment, and it is highly recommended to get up early to take the 5:30 class, and you can enjoy the unmanned Kamikochi ~
Buses departing from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal to Kamikochi run at night and morning buses, so you can choose when you book your ticket.
Three-row buses (green buses) have more comfortable seats and facilities, and the fare is a bit more expensive, but it is suitable.
It is important to note that the journey time is longer and will arrive in Kamikochi after sunrise.
Buses departing from Shibuya and Kawagoe are only available on the morning bus, and the bus seats are four rows of seats.
Night buses departing from Osaka can choose a three-row bus (green bus) to enjoy a more comfortable long-distance journey; The morning bus has only four rows of seats.
If you want to drive, you will need to park your vehicle in the Sawando Parking Lot or Akakena Parking Lot and take the shuttle bus to Kamikochi.
This is because Kamikochi prohibits private vehicles from entering the area, so noise and air pollution are avoided.
🤗 Hiking trails are recommended
One of the great things about hiking in Kamikochi is that the trails are easy to walk. Although there are some ups and downs, most of the road is flat and suitable for leisurely walks.
In addition to Kappa Bridge, there is also a bus terminal. These six routes from the bus terminal are placed here, and each one takes a different amount of time, so you can choose according to your needs↓↓
- 1-hour route
Bus Terminal→ Kappabashi → Azusa River Right Bank→ Weston Monument→ Tashiro Bridge →Azusa River Left Bank→ Bus Terminal
- 2-hour route
Bus Terminal→ Kappabashi → left bank of the Azusa River→ Myojinike → right bank of the Azusa River→ Kappabashi → Bus Terminal
Bus Terminal→Kappabashi →Nature Trail→ Taisho Pond (round trip)
- 4-hour route
Bus terminals→ Kappabashi → Myojin Branch Road→ Tokuzawa → Shinchon Bridge→ Azusa River Right Bank Forest Road → Myojin Pond → Kappa Bridge
- A specially selected 4-hour hiking course
Bus Terminal→Kappabashi → Nature Classroom→ Myojin Bridge→ Myojin Pond→ Kappabashi → Weston Monument→ Tashiro Bridge → Nature Trail → Taisho Pond to and from → Bus Terminal
- 5-hour route
Bus terminals→ Kappabashi → Myojin → Tokusawa → Nimurabashi → Azusa River right bank Hayashi Road → Myojin Pond → Kappabashi → Weston Monument → Tashiro Bridge → bus terminals
🤗 Kappa Bridge ⇄ Taisho Pond
Kappabashi is also the starting point chosen by many people, and the route is about 4km long, about 80 minutes to hike each way, and about 3 hours round trip to Taisho Pond.
It can be returned before noon in the morning, so it is a great place to take a walk and breathe in the fresh air.
⭐ Route 1: Right bank of the Azusa River
✅ Kappa Bridge
↓Approx. 20 min. walk / approx. 1.1 km
✅ Weston Monument
↓Approx. 10 min. walk / approx. 500m
✅ Tashiro Bridge · Hotaka Bridge
↓Approximately 20 minutes / 1km on foot
✅ Tashiro Pond
↓Approximately 25 min. 1.2 km on foot
✅ Taisho Pond
Kappa Bridge
Kappabashi is undoubtedly one of the top check-in spots in Kamikochi, and it is very popular with photography enthusiasts.
Standing here, you can see the Kappa Bridge, Hotaka Renfeng, and Azusa River intertwined, like a dream.
There are also many restaurants and shops nearby, so those who want to hike can replenish their stamina and nutrients here before setting off~
Weston Monument
This small stone monument is simple but significant, commemorating Walter · Weston, a United Kingdom missionary who is known as the "father of modern mountaineering in Japan.”
Weston didn't just introduce Western-style mountaineering to Japan and Kamikochi;
The name "Japan Alps" has spread to Japan and the rest of the world.
Tashiro Bridge · Hotaka Bridge
Standing on the bridge and watching the clear stream flow, my soul seems to be washed away.
Looking at Mt. Kasumawa and the Six Hundred Mountains from afar, it is spectacular and shocking.
⭐ Route 2: Left bank of the Azusa River
✅ Kappa Bridge
↓Approx. 6 min. walk / approx. 300m
✅ Kamikochi Bus Terminal
↓Approx. 30 min. hike / approx. 1.5 km
✅ Tashiro Bridge · Hotaka Bridge
↓Approximately 20 minutes / 1km on foot
✅ Tashiro Pond
↓Approximately 25 min. 1.2 km on foot
✅ Taisho Pond
Tashiro Pond
Surrounded by wetlands, Tashiro Pond is known as one of the most beautiful spots in Kamikochi.
When you hike to Tashiro Pond, you will see a fantastic picture of the sky and mountains reflected in the clear water.
In the warm summer, the poolside is surrounded by seasonal flowers.
In late autumn, the vegetation turns white under frost cover; In winter, there is no freezing due to the underground springs, so it is a great place to enjoy.
Taisho Pond
After the eruption of the volcano "Yakedake" near Kamikochi, the Azusa River was blocked and the Taisho Pond was formed.
The rotten wood on the edge of the pond adds a mysterious and ancient atmosphere to the Taisho Pond, and the water of the pond reflects Mt. Hotaka and Mt. Yakidake under the azure sky, which is fascinating.
🤗 Drunk in the landscape: Kappa Bridge ⇄ Myojin
The hike from Kappabashi to Myojin is a scenic hike that takes about an hour each way.
Compared to other routes, it is off-the-beaten-track and more leisurely on foot.
⭐ Route 1: Right bank of the Azusa River
✅ Kappa Bridge
↓10 min. walk / approx. 500m
✅ Yuezawa Wetland
↓Approx. 40 min. on foot / approx. 2 km
✅ Myojin Pond
↓Walk for about 10 minutes / 500m
✅ Myojin Bridge
Yuezawa Wetland
This wetland is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also a habitat for wildlife.
The tranquil and beautiful natural surroundings are a delight, and there is a chance to observe a variety of wildlife up close, including monkeys.
Myojin Pond
Myojin Pond is a stopover area for hiking in Kamikochi, and the nearby inns and shops are a great place to recharge your energy and stop for a while.
There is also a delicate country cottage - Jiamenci Cottage, the delicious fried fish dishes are often praised, you can also come and try it~
Every year on October 8th, Hotaka Shrine Okunomiya holds a sacred event called "Myojinike Boat Festival", which is full of solemnity and mystery, so don't miss it if time permits.
⭐ Route 2: Left bank of the Azusa River
✅ Kappa Bridge
↓10 min. walk / approx. 500m
✅ Kolipira
↓Approx. 40 min. on foot / approx. 2 km
✅ Myojin
Kolipira
Feeling a bit monotonous hiking? You can choose to camp here in Koridaira!
It is especially recommended for those traveling with families, as the campsite is convenient and full of nature.
It's a beautiful and well-equipped campsite, with tents and camping supplies for rent, as well as food and fuel.
Even beginners who don't have camping-related equipment can easily enjoy camping.
🤗 Energetic to challenge: Kappa Bridge → Yokoo
If you are confident in your physical strength, you can choose to walk from Kappa Bridge to Yokoo, which takes about three hours each way.
It's a long road, but the road is relatively smooth, so you can try it.
⭐ Route: Left bank of the Azusa River
✅ Kappa Bridge
↓10 min. walk / approx. 500m
✅ Kolipira
↓Approx. 40 min. on foot / approx. 2 km
✅ Myojin
↓Approx. 60 min. hike / approx. 3 km
✅ Tokuzawa
↓Approx. 70 min. hike / approx. 3.5 km
✅ Yokoo
Tokuzawa
Tokuzawa is unique in Kamikochi, where it was once a pasture of grazing cattle and horses at the beginning of the Showa period, and it was full of the simplicity of nature.
Not only that, but there is also a campsite here, which is spacious and fresh. In summer and autumn, as many as 100 tents are dotted among the flowers and trees, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery to the fullest.
Yokoo
The Yokoo area is very quiet and is the area where the Azusa River starts and the starting point of the trail leading to Mt. Cho and Mt. Tonnen.
The natural scenery is spectacular, and mountaineering enthusiasts from all over the country come every year.
If you're not planning to climb the mountain, you can enjoy a quiet time in Yokoo.
The magnificent scenery of the 3,000-meter-high mountain range, the changing seasons and the beauty of nature purify the body and mind.
🤗 Kamikochi specialties
I brought food and water, my backpack was heavy, and it was already cold when I ate, and the taste was not good. Kamikochi is home to a variety of restaurants, eateries and cafes, some of which you can enter without a reservation to recharge your energy.
Hanamaki yaki, sweets made with apples, and soba noodles are all popular, so let's check out the restaurants with Senbei!
⭐ Kamikochi Shokudo
If you're arriving in Kamikochi early in the morning by the first bus, look no further than Kamikochi Shoku.
Located on the second floor of the Kamikochi Tourist Center, this eatery is open from 7am. The cafeteria uses local ingredients such as Shinshu salmon and Shinshu pork to make a set meal at a reasonable price.
You can also enjoy Kamikochi's special meal "Kappa yaki", which is a dessert with a cute kappa face, and it is also good to take it to Kappa Bridge to check in~
⭐ Nakanoyu buckwheat
With a history of more than 120 years, Nakanoyu Onsen offers Shinshu-style soba noodles.
The soba noodles are freshly ground and made on the same day, and they have a rich flavor and texture. However, due to the limited number of books, reservations need to be made one day in advance, and reservations may not be available during peak seasons and weekends.
⭐ グリーンポット
Located just a two-minute walk from Kappabashi, Kamikochi Nishiito Sanso offers an elegant restaurant with a wide variety of meals.
In addition to the curry set, Shinshu-style bandit yaki and daiyaki courses are popular. And the portions are huge, so if you want to eat enough, you can't go wrong here.
🤗 Which season is better to go
Throughout the year, Kamikochi has something to marvel at and many visitors to hike here.
Let's take a look at the four seasons of Kamikochi and make your choice!
⭐ spring
As mentioned earlier, Kamikochi is high above sea altitude and low in temperature, and snow is usually still on the ground from open to early May.
The temperature does not exceed 10 degrees Celsius, and it feels more like winter than spring.
The cold is especially pronounced in dense fog and strong winds.
If you choose this time to go hiking in Kamikochi, be sure to prepare winter clothes and keep warm.
In addition, some shops and restaurants remain closed for one to two weeks after the opening of Kamikochi.
It is also important to bring your own drinking water and food~
After Japan's Golden Week, the temperature rises and the trees are green. Although the temperature is not very stable during the day, it is generally comfortable.
At this time, there are fewer tourists in Japan, so it is more suitable for domestic tourists.
⭐ summertime
From July to mid-September, it's summer in Kamikochi.
The average temperature here is 5~9 degrees Celsius lower than in Tokyo, making it a great place to escape the heat.
In summer, it is perfect for hiking and mountain climbing.
As a reminder, remember to avoid Obon (August 13~16), otherwise you may have to wait for hours to get to the return bus.
⭐ autumn
If you want to know when Kamikochi is most crowded, it's autumn.
The red maples in October and the yellow leaves in November give Kamikochi a brilliant color.
However, typhoons are common in Japan in September and October, so it is necessary to deduce the best time to see foliage leaves based on the climate of that year.
At the beginning of November, there are more sunny days and less crowds, making it a great place to visit.
About a week before closing, the temperature in Kamikochi drops and snow is prone to fall. But it's also worth it on a sunny day, and the view is definitely worth the trip.
⭐ winter
As mentioned earlier, Kamikochi's "winter lockdown" requires you to submit a climbing plan, warm clothing, and non-slip equipment to be prepared in advance, so be sure to be safe.
- Author:japan guides
- URL:https://japan-guides.com/article/culture-32
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