A relaxing trip to the sacred nature of the highland resort "Kamikochi"

The foothills of the Hotaka mountain range. A highland resort surrounded by beautiful nature

The key to talking about Kamikochi is the two titles it has been given by the government: a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" for its aesthetic value, and a "Special Natural Monument" for its academic value. Currently, Kurobe Gorge and Kamikochi are the only places in Japan that have been recognized as having both of these titles.

Kamikochi is a place where diverse nature and rare vegetation live in close proximity to you, even within the vast Chubu Sangaku National Park, which is made up of mountains and valleys. Right in front of you are the steep Hotaka mountain range that stands like a folding screen, and the beautiful, clear waters of the Azusa River. What's surprising is that you can easily access this place with such magnificent scenery by using a shuttle bus or taxi.

In fact, even before the current restrictions on private cars were put in place, the local residents have been protecting the beautiful nature of Kamikochi. In 1909, the collection of alpine plants was banned and protected, and in the Taisho era, larch trees were planted and the Kamikochi area was designated a national park. Even now, trash pick-up activities are frequently carried out, led by the "Kamikochi Beautification Association."

From here, we will introduce a two-day, one-night model itinerary that will allow you to fully enjoy the charms of Kamikochi.

13:00 Enjoy the beautiful scenery on a walking tour of Kamikochi

Trekking while admiring the magnificent mountain ranges is the most recommended activity in Kamikochi. Although it's fun to just stroll around casually, there are several walking courses in Kamikochi that connect famous places, so please make a plan according to your physical strength and equipment and enjoy it.

Here we will introduce two courses that start from Kamikochi Bus Terminal and go around Taisho Pond and Myojin Pond.

Taisho Pond Route (total length approx. 4km, approx. 85 minutes one way)
10 minute walk from Kamikochi Bus Terminal → 20 minute walk from Kappa Bridge → 10 minute walk from Weston Garden → 20 minute walk from Kamikochi Nature Study Trail → 25 minute walk from Tashiro Pond and Tashiro Marshland → Taisho Pond

Myojin Pond Route (total length approx. 3km, approx. 60 minutes one way)
Kamikochi Bus Terminal / approx. 10 minute walk → Kappa Bridge / approx. 10 minute walk → Dakezawa Marsh / approx. 40 minute walk → Myojin Pond / approx. 60 minute walk → Kappa Bridge / approx. 10 minute walk → Kamikochi Bus Terminal

Taisho Pond Route

The Taisho Pond Route is a course that combines the best of Kamikochi, connecting the two major tourist spots of Kamikochi, Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge. Most of the path is flat, so even beginners can easily walk it. However, it is recommended that you wear shoes that are as comfortable as possible when walking.

Kappa Bridge, about 10 minutes from the bus terminal, is a wooden suspension bridge over the Azusa River. It is a popular spot from which you can see Mount Yakedake downstream and the Hotaka mountain range and Mount Myojin upstream. Just looking at the magnificent view of the Hotaka mountain range rising up against the blue sky is sure to make you feel refreshed.

Going along the right bank of the Azusa River, we head to Weston Garden, where there is a relief of Walter Weston. Weston was a British missionary and also a mountaineer with a glorious career. He loved Kamikochi in particular among the Northern Alps, and spread its splendor all over the world, earning him the nickname "the father of modern mountaineering in Japan."

After that, when you reach the "Kamikochi Nature Study Trail", the route splits into two: the Azusa River Course and the Forest Course. If you want to fully enjoy forest bathing, we recommend the Forest Course, where you walk along the boardwalk.

After passing through the Kamikochi Nature Study Trail, you will arrive at the Tashiro Marsh. From summer to autumn, alpine plants such as white rhododendrons, day lilies, and the rare ginkgo lily bloom one after another, delighting the eyes with a variety of colorful flowers. After viewing Taisho Pond, where mallards and ducks swim, head to the Taisho Pond bus stop. From here you can return to Kamikochi Bus Terminal, but if you feel like walking a little further, it is a good idea to follow the Azusa River Course, where you can see the Azusa River and Mount Yakedake.

Myojin Pond Route

The Myojin Pond Route is a course that takes you around the mystical Myojin Pond and the inner shrine of Hotaka Shrine, allowing you to fully appreciate the depths of nature. Compared to the major Taisho Pond Route, there are fewer walkers, so you can walk at your own pace.

The starting point is the Kamikochi Bus Terminal. After walking for about 10 minutes past Kappa Bridge, the dynamic scenery of Maehotakadake and Dakezawa spreads out before you. The shape of the mountain and the surrounding vegetation change with each step, so you can enjoy the walk without getting bored.

If you continue along the Azusa River, you will arrive at the Dakezawa Marsh. It is a small marsh surrounded by a primeval forest of Japanese cedar and Korean pine. The scenery of the cold, clear water blending with the blue sky is so beautiful that you will want to lose track of time and just stare at it for an eternity. You will understand why some people say that the scenery from here is their favorite in Kamikochi.

After that, after a 40-minute walk, you will arrive at the heart of Mt. Myojin. The banks of Myojin Pond are where the Okusha Shrine of Hotaka Shrine is enshrined, and are filled with a solemn aura. Wherever you walk in Kamikochi, clear water springs forth, but the beauty of the water surface of Myojin Pond is exceptional. You will be soothed by the shadows of the char and the adorable figures of the mallards, and you will have a luxurious time that will cleanse your soul.

15:00 Enjoy sweet treats at Kamikochi Imperial Hotel

Kamikochi Imperial Hotel, with its distinctive red roof standing amongst the trees, is Japan's first full-scale mountain resort hotel, which opened in 1933. The current building was rebuilt in 1977, but its log cabin-style exterior, which blends in with the surrounding nature, retains the elegance and style of the past.

The Grindelwald café, with its central mantelpiece, is well known among tourists as a place to casually stop by during your stroll. Here, you can enjoy some delicious sweets to blow away the fatigue of your walk.

The most popular menu item is the "Kamikochi Imperial Hotel Custard Pudding Set," which is limited to 20 servings per day and costs 1,750 yen (tax and service charges included). This custard pudding, made using the Imperial Hotel's traditional recipe, is sure to satisfy you not only with its taste but also with its volume.

Other recommended items include the "Cake Set" for 1,750 yen (tax and service charges included), which allows you to choose from Camembert cheesecake, seasonal fruit shortcake, and the "Special Cake Assortment Set of 5" for 2,550 yen (tax and service charges included), which allows you to taste five different cakes.

*The facility is scheduled to begin operations on or after July 1st (Wednesday). For details, please see the official website.

20:00 Discover the real starry sky at Kamikochi

Within Shinshu, Achi Village and Nobeyama are well known as places where you can see the stars, but Kamikochi is actually a hidden gem where you can also enjoy a beautiful starry sky.

One of the conditions for a place where the stars can be seen clearly is the absence of light.
However, because Kamikochi is located in a national park, there are no streetlights. Furthermore, due to restrictions on private cars, no cars are allowed on the roads after 7pm, meaning no headlights are used for illumination. Additionally, many facilities turn off their lights at night, so the area is enveloped in a silence and darkness that is hard to believe for a popular tourist destination.

The recommended spots for stargazing in Kamikochi are as follows:

The starry sky seen at Kamikochi is a supreme gift given only to guests staying at the hotel. When you lie down and look at the sky full of stars, you will feel as if you are being embraced by the far reaches of space. It will be a memory that you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Some facilities hold events such as stargazing events for guests staying at their hotels, so be sure to inquire.

Day 2 8:00 Start your day active at the hot springs of Kamikochi

It has long been known that hot springs gush forth in Kamikochi. There are four inns in Kamikochi that draw natural hot spring water and allow non-residents to bathe, including the Kamikochi Onsen Hotel where Walter Weston stayed.

At inns with their own hot springs and inns with a view of the Northern Alps right in front of you, you can enjoy a different feeling of freedom than at night. Some places allow outside bathing from the morning, so why not start the second day of your trip with a hot spring to refresh yourself?

Kamikochi Onsen Hotel

Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel

Sakamaki Onsen Ryokan

Nakanoyu Onsen Ryokan

11:00 Take a raft boat and tour the lake

After soaking in the hot springs, why not get in touch with nature through some relaxing activities?

On the way down to Matsumoto City, you can experience raft touring at Lake Azusa, which is located along National Route 158.

Board a boat from the shore and go for a stroll on the lake. The boat moves slowly as you enter the silence. A specialized staff member will accompany you and row, so you can sharpen your senses and concentrate on your eyes and ears.

In addition to raft touring, you can also enjoy SUP. In hot weather, we recommend diving into the lake and floating while looking at the blue sky or getting splashed by the waterfall. Experience the great outdoors through all five senses.

A trip to Kamikochi is a series of pure experiences that will free your mind. When you feel tired of not being able to move around as you wish every day, try sending your thoughts back to Kamikochi.
Staying there, exercising, relaxing... a place where you can gain power from nature and be regenerated, Kamikochi is a resort full of attractions that will make you want to return again and again.

*Each facility may be closed or have changed business hours due to the impact of COVID-19. Please check the official website of each facility for details.