Kamikochi / 上高地 (Nagano)
About Kamikochi
Kamikochi, located in western Nagano Prefecture, is a sacred highland in the Chubusangaku National Park on the border with Gifu Prefecture at an altitude of about 1,500 meters. Being an automobile-free resort, Kamikochi preserves much of pristine nature and wilderness, despite that there are 1.2 million visitors every year. Some of the fascinating sites at Kamikochi are: the "Taishoike" [Taisho Pond] formed after the major eruption of Mt. Yakedake in 1915 (during the Taisho Era - which the name of the pond derived from), "Kappabashi" [Kappa Bridge] (known for the landmark of Kamikochi), and "Myojinike" [Myojin Pond] appearing mystically nestled among coniferous trees.
The greatest charm of Kamikochi is undoubtedly the spectacular view of the Hotaka Mountains seen from various points in Kamikochi. The magnificent peaks, all ranging at around 3,000 meters in height, reveal other sides depending on the angles, locations, and seasons, which is just divine! The highest peak in the Northern Japan Alps and the third highest mountain in Japan, Oku-Hotaka (3.190m) is designated as one of the Hundred Mountains of Japan, and Nishi-Hotaka (2,909m) is designated as one of the Hundred Floral Mountains of Japan.
For a casual hiking experience, the course from Kappabashi [Kappa Bridge] to Taishoike [Taisho Pond] is recommended. The round trip of the course is approximately 4Km long, taking about 3 hours, is an enjoyable hike even for beginners, due to relatively easy path. Enjoy the beautiful scenery while soothed by the clear water of Azusagawa [Azusa River] and Mother Nature. Kamikochi Bus Terminal is a 5-minute walk from the Kappabashi [Kappa Bridge].
Professional guides will escort you to make your stay even more enjoyable at Kamikochi.
*All guided tours are in Japanese.
Getting there and around
by Plane
Shinshu Matsumoto Airport → Matsumoto Bus Terminal [30 minutes by Airport Shuttle Bus] → JR Matsumoto Station [5 minutes on foot]
*Domestic direct flights to/from Sapporo, Kobe, and Fukuoka are available.
by Train
JR Nagoya Station → JR Matsumoto Station (about 2 hours and 30 minutes by Limited Express Shinano)
JR Shinjuku Station→ JR Nagano Station (about 2 hours and 30 minutes by Limited Express Shinano)
by Train (from Matsumoto)
Take the Alpico Kamikochi Line to "Shinshimashima Station". Transfer to local bus bound for "Kamikochi Bus Terminal" [60 minutes]. Walk for 5 minutes to Kappabashi.
by Bus
Direct bus from Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka to Kamikochi Bus Terminal.
Recommendations
Kamikochi Onsen / 上高地温泉
Kamikochi Onsen is a natural onsen [hot spring] spirting out under the Yakedake [Mt. Yake] volcanic zone at an elevation of 1,500m, containing elements gentle on the skin. Found in the 1830s, Kamikochi Onsen is blessed with the ultimate location and has been loved by numerous tourists and mountain climbers for a long time.
Some hotels and other accommodation facilities offer day-trip bathing, so soak away the fatigue of the trip in the onsen [hot spring] while relaxing in a pristine, natural setting.
Stargazing
The Taishoike [Taisho Pond] area is shrouded in darkness at night and it becomes an excellent spot for stargazing. On a clear night, the stars filling the sky are an exquisite sight exclusive for persons staying overnight to enjoy. In addition to resort hotels, such as the Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, there are also three campgrounds: Konashidaira Campground, Tokusawa Campground and Yokoo Campground, where visitors are able to enjoy the "Kamikochi camping" at one of the most scenic mountain locations in Japan.
Chubusangaku National Park / 中部山岳国立公園
Chubusangaku National Park, spanning the entire Northern Japan Alps, is one of the first National Parks found in 1934 and is one of the top-tier mountain parks in Japan. The park consists of 3,000m high peaks including the Ushirotateyama Mountain Ranges (where Mt. Shiroyama is located), the Hotaka Mountains, Mt. Norikura, and more.
The scenery is breathtaking in all seasons, especially in early summer, when the valley is covered with lush green trees below and capped with snow overhead.
To protect the rich natural environment, Kamikochi, is an automobile-free resort throughout the year. In addition, the region is actively working to preserve the environment to create a litter-free town.
Unique Local Experiences
Kamikochi has cool weather even in summer. The "wind holes" along the Kamikochi walking trail from Kappabashi [Kappa Bridge] to Myojinike [Myojin Pond] are known as the "natural refrigerators", where cool air spurts out from the spout in the rocks, which is cooled by the frozen soil formed in winter. Place your hand over the top of one of these wind holes and feel the cool gusts of air for yourself!
Travel Recommendations
Gosenjaku Hotel, located at the foot of Kappabashi [Kappa Bridge], is said to have the best view of Mt. Hotaka. The hotel offers authentic French cuisine, original coffee and sweets, and a selection of alcoholic beverages to be enjoyed while leisurely appreciating the gorgeous Kamikochi scenery.
Accommodations
Shoho / 翔峰（Nagano）
527 Satoyamabe, Matsumoto, Nagano
Shoho is a luxurious onsen ryokan [traditional Japanese accommodation facility], located in the highlands of Utsukushigahara Onsen, Nagano Prefecture. The premium hospitality makes guests feel at home, earning praises among many guests wishing to sta....
Nagoya Travel Guide