Kamikōchi (上高地) in Japanese literally means “the ground that God descends upon”. It is the perfect name to describe how beautiful this area is. Surrounded by the magnificent Northern Japanese Alps, it is the ultimate tourist destination for nature lovers. There is not a single day that Kamikochi looks the same, because nature changes with the passing seasons.
Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture is a plain lying between the Northern Japanese Alps. Although it is located 1,500 meters above ground, the trekking courses in Kamikochi are fairly flat and well-maintained. These tracks are up to 10 km long. There are rivers, ponds, forests, and wetlands along the tracks. All of these have disappeared from the lives of most people nowadays.
This is why over 1.5 million Japanese or foreign tourists choose Kamikochi when they are after a getaway from their busy urban life! And if you are an experienced hiker, basing at Kamikōchi to hike the spectacular Hotaka mountain range can be a great choice as well (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
All You Need to Know About Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture
- Explore Kamikōchi With a Guided Tour
- The Best Time to Visit Kamikōchi and Kamikōchi Open Time
- The 5 Rules to Follow in Kamikōchi
- The Scenic Spots in Kamikōchi
- What to Bring to Kamikōchi
- What to Wear at Kamikōchi and the Average Temperatures in Kamikōchi in Each Season
- How to Get to Kamikōchi
The Scenic Spots in Kamikōchi
Taishō Pond to Kappa Bridge Trekking Course
- Taishō Pond (大正池)
- Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池)
- Tashiro Bridge (田代橋)
- Kamikōchi Onsen Hotel (上高地温泉ホテル)
- Kamikōchi Lemeiesta Hotel (上高地ルミエスタホテル)
- Weston Monemunt (ウエストン碑)
Kappa Bridge to the Myōjin Area Trekking Course
- Dakesawa Marsh (岳沢湿原)
- Hotaka Shrine (穂高神社), Myōjin Pond (明神池), and Myōjin Bridge (明神橋)
- Resort Konashi (森のリゾート小梨)
- Kamikochi camping site
Myōjin Area to Yokoo Area Trekking Course
Refer to HERE for the Kamikochi Japan map.
Explore Kamikōchi With a Guided Tour
You can book a guided tour with either Viator or Klook.
Book Through Viator
Other Guided Options Include:
- Multilingual Mountain Guides
- They have a Kamikochi Nature Tour. You can choose from a 2-hour, 4-hour, or full-day option, depending on your preference.
- Please refer to HERE for further details.
- NIGN (Nagano Interpreter / Guide Network)
- Customized private tours with an English-speaking guide.
- The fee varies according to your plan.
- Please email them at [email protected] for further details and a quotation.
- Karuizawa Guide Service (KGS)
- They have various tour plans for you to choose from. Although they don’t currently have one in Kamikochi, you can opt for the customized option.
- The fee varies according to your plan.
- Please refer to HERE for all available tour plans.
- For experienced hikers, you can consider joining the Norikura Kōgen＆ Kamikochi Tour.
- A 3-Day tour that will guide you through Mt. Norikura and Kamikochi.
- Please refer to HERE and use Google Chrome’s translation function, located to the right of the address bar, for further details.
How to Get to Kamikōchi
If you are planning a trip to Kamikochi, figuring out the best way to get there is the first step. Since private cars are restricted year-round, you must rely on public transport. By taking a bus, you can easily get to Kamikochi from various parts of the Chūbu region, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
For more information, refer to our article on How to Get to Kamikochi!
The Best Time to Visit Kamikōchi and Kamikōchi Open Time
Kamikochi is open to the public from late April to mid-November each year. Because the temperature is still chilly even in mid-summer (August in Kamikochi has a similar temperature to May or June in Tokyo), there is no standout tourist season.
From April to mid-May, as well as November (November depends on when the first snow of the year happens), you can see the Japanese Alps covered in snow.
From late May to mid-June, the number of tourists is usually lower than in other months. It is probably the best time to enjoy Kamikochi (although it is also the rainy season). However, be aware that the weather is still cold, with temperatures ranging from 6 to 10 degrees in the early morning and at night, to 12 to 17 degrees during the day.
If you plan to camp in Kamikochi, visiting during the warmer months of July and August is probably best. Fall colours will start replacing the vibrant green of summer in October. The autumn foliage is best seen from mid to late October.
Lastly, on August 11 of each year, the Shikatayama Festival (四方山祭り) is held in Kamikochi. You will find it particularly interesting if you love to stroll around craft markets (^_-)-☆.
The 5 Rules to Follow in Kamikōchi
Before we move on to introduce this stunning place to you, please take note of the following five rules when you get there:
- Don’t pick any plants or try to capture any insects
- Don’t feed the wild animals here
- Take all your rubbish home
- Don’t bring your pets of different species to Kamikochi
- Don’t walk off the promenade
Following the above five rules will ensure that Kamikochi’s beauty is preserved for future generations.
The Most Relaxed Trekking Course: Taishō Pond to Kappa Bridge
Taishō Pond ⇒ Tashiro Marsh & Tashiro Pond ⇒ Tashiro Bridge ⇒ Kappa Bridge
The walking track between Taishō Pond (大正池) and Kappa Bridge (河童橋) is the easiest in Kamikochi. With the track almost flat, even for those who don’t normally enjoy trekking, the one-hour course should still be a great experience, offering beautiful natural scenery.
When we walked back to Taishō Pond from Kappa Bridge in the late afternoon, we even ran into a flock of wild monkeys! There were even little ones, and one was on the mother’s back!
Taishō Pond (大正池)
If you take a bus to Kamikochi, the Taishō Pond would be the first stop after the bus enters what the Japanese call the ground that God descends upon. Especially if you take the nighttime express bus from Tokyo, we highly recommend getting off the bus here instead of staying on until you reach the Kamikōchi Bus Terminal. Why? The pond is best known for its stunning sunrise scenery.
For more information about the stunning pond, refer to our Taishō Pond article!
The Stunning Spot Between Taishō Pond and Tashiro Marsh
Not far from Taisho Pond, a wide area covered by white sand and pebbles is at the end of the wooden promenade above a small stream. Head left, and you will get to the Azusa River. This is another spot where you can take picturesque photos of Mt. Yake and the surrounding mountains.
Compared to the Taishō Pond, you will be closer to the vegetation across the water.
Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池)
While not as famous as Kappa Bridge or Taisho Pond, Tashiro Marsh (田代湿原) and Tashiro Pond (田代池), located between the two scenic spots, are picturesque throughout the year. Especially in the morning of the colder months, you will find these two spots extra stunning because a thin layer of frost covers the plants!
Refer to our article on Tashiro Marsh and Tashiro Pond for more information!
Which Course Will You Choose to Get to Tashiro Bridge from Tashiro Marsh?
Not far from Tashiro Pond is an intersection. You have 2 courses to choose from, the Azusa River Course (梓川コース) or the Forest Course (林間コース). If you don’t have time to explore both courses, we recommend opting for the Azusa River Course, as it offers a greater variety of views.
Walking along the Azusa River, apart from being surrounded by the spectacular mountain range, because the water is so clean and clear, you can also see the fish swimming in the river!
Tashiro Bridge (田代橋)
Soon after the two divided tracks merge, there is another intersection just in front of Tashiro Bridge. Here, you need to make a decision again, whether to go with the Left Bank Course (左岸コース) and the Right Bank Course (右岸コース).
If you choose not to cross the Tashiro Bridge, take the Left Bank Course. This course features a smooth road, and the first half offers a nice view of the Hotaka Mountain Range.
If you cross the Tashiro Bridge, you are on the Right Bank Course. This course is for those who want a great view of the Roppyakusan mountain (六百山) and enjoy detouring to different attraction spots. You can also utilise the free foot spa located in front of Kamikochi Onsen Hotel (pictured in the 2nd and 3rd photos on Instagram).
Tip: If you often take toilet breaks, we recommend choosing the Right Bank Course because the only public toilet available from here to Kappa Bridge is located on the other side of the Tashiro Bridge. Alternatively, you can use the toilet located not too far away from Tashiro Bridge if you prefer the Left Bank Course.
Lastly, you may find many cute monkeys lingering around Tashiro Bridge. They are accustomed to humans, so taking a selfie with them shouldn’t be a difficult task (keep your distance, of course). However, please refrain from feeding them, as they may start to take food from future visitors.
Kamikōchi Onsen Hotel (上高地温泉ホテル)
If you choose the Right Bank Course, Kamikochi Onsen Hotel is not far away from Tashiro Bridge. As you have been walking for a while, how about resting at the free foot spa (足湯) outside of the Kamikochi Onsen Hotel?
Note that the temperature is a bit high, so don’t put both feet into the onsen water at once. If it is around lunchtime, you should be able to buy some lunch from the hotel’s restaurant as well (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Moreover, the hotel allows day visitors to use its hot spring facility. So, if that is what you are after, purchase a ticket from the vending machine next to the onsen entrance (the 3rd photo in the IG post). Towels can also be rented.
Kamikōchi Lemeiesta Hotel (上高地ルミエスタホテル)
Around Kamikochi Onsen Hotel and Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel, there are several benches and tables, perfect for a picnic. Of course, carrying a picnic box with you to trek in Kamikochi is quite cumbersome, which is why lunch boxes are sold at the Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel.
The lunch boxes look mouth-watering, but there are probably no vegetarian options. So, if you like to picnic in Kamikōchi’s nature, it is probably a good idea to get some onigiri (rice ball) and snacks from the convenience stores in Nagano (or wherever you board the bus bound for Kamikochi)!
Or, you can always utilize our Essential Japanese Travel Phrases for Vegetarians and Vegans article to check with the staff (^_-)-☆.
Weston Monument (ウエストン碑)
Passing the Kamikochi Lemeiesta Hotel, you will see this relief of Walter Weston. He was a British missionary and mountaineer. Without him, we probably would have only known about the charm of Kamikochi after the internet boom.
The park nearby is also named after him.
From Weston Park, the view is also stunning. It is the spot that many photographers come to Kamikochi for. The view of Mt. Kasumizawa (霞沢岳) and Roppyakusan mountain (六百山) is just splendid!
Additionally, the Weston Festival is held here on the first Sunday in June each year. If you are interested, plan your trip ahead!
The most important to us, however, is the public toilet in the park (´▽｀*). Without knowing there is a toilet there, we probably wouldn’t dare to drink much water or tea…
You might also spot a couple of wild monkeys in this area (refer to the 3rd and the 4th photo in the IG post).
How to Get to the Weston Monument
The Weston Relief is located around a 20-minute walk from Kappa Bridge!
Kappa Bridge (河童橋), Kamikōchi Bus Terminal (上高地バスターミナル), and the Nearby Facilities
If you take the Left Bank Course, you will walk past the Kamikochi Bus Terminal before reaching the Kappa Bridge. On the other hand, the Right Bank Course will get you to this landmark in Kamikochi first. Regardless of the angle and part of the bridge, your photo is guaranteed to be stunning.
The area’s important facilities, including the Kamikochi Bus Terminal, are conveniently located near the bridge. This part of Kamikōchi serves as a transport hub, providing tourists with the necessary information to explore the area and rejuvenate.
For more information about what you can do around Kappa Bridge, including restaurants, refer to our article on The Guide to Kappa Bridge and the Nearby Facilities. You can even send a postcard to your family and friends from the post office here!
The Trekking Course from Kappa Bridge to the Mysterious Myōjin Area
Kappa Bridge ⇒ Dakesawa Marsh ⇒ Hotaka Shrine and Myōjin Pond ⇒ Myōjin Bridge ⇒ Resort Konashi ⇒ Kappa Bridge
This loop course starting from Kappa Bridge will take around 2 hours. While the scenery is extraordinary, there aren’t as many attraction spots as the trekking course between Taishō Pond and Kappa Bridge. This is perfect for all nature lovers who just want to indulge in Kamikōchi’s beauty!
Compared to the trekking course from Taishō Pond to Kappa Bridge, the course leading to Myōjin Area has a deeper slope. While it is not as hard as mountain climbing, you may get tired if you don’t normally exercise. We therefore highly recommend wearing proper trekking footwear to complete this course.
Tip: Make sure to use the bathroom before you begin this journey. The only toilet in this loop course is at Myōjin Shrine, an hour away from Kappa Bridge.
Dakesawa Marsh (岳沢湿原)
If you choose the Right Bank course (the track on the side of the Parklodge Kamikochi), after walking for 10 to 15 minutes in the coniferous forest from Kappa Bridge, you will reach Dakesawa Marsh.
The view of Roppyakusan Mountain from Dakesawa Marsh is just spectacular! Ensure you get onto the wooden deck because that is where you will get the best photo!
Different from the Tashiro Pond, the pond at Dakesawa Marsh is a sapphire color. Reflecting the bright blue sky and the greenery nearby, the view is just a painting itself!
The moss that grows on the tree is also beautiful (^_-)-☆.
Hotaka Shrine (穂高神社), Myōjin Pond (明神池), and Myōjin Bridge (明神橋)
Trekking further for another hour upstream of the Azusa River, you will reach the Myōjin Area. Here is the ground of God. Not sure if it is because this is where God lives, but the atmosphere around the area is distinctly different from Kappa Bridge.
Unless you plan to trek to the Yokoo area, the Myōjin Bridge is the return point of the loop course.
Refer to our article on the Myōjin Area for more information!
Resort Konashi (森のリゾート小梨)
Resort Konashi, also known as the Konashi-daira Campground (小梨平でキャンプ場), is the most affordable accommodation in Kamikochi. You can choose whether to spend a night in one of their tents or cabins.
While you have to cook your own food at night, there is a shop selling ingredients for you to prepare your dinner. Come prepared with enough clothes and your wallet, and you will be able to survive a night in Kamikochi.
For further information, you can visit their Official Website and use your browser’s translation function to translate it into English.
Important: The temperature at Kamikochi rarely exceeds 23 degrees, even in summer (which is why it is the perfect spot to escape summer heatwaves). Especially at night, it can be freezing cold. Before booking one of their tent sites, ensure you are prepared and bring enough clothing to Kamikochi.
Resort Konashi’s Access Information
- To get to the Resort Konashi, take any bus service bound for Kamikochi and get off at the last stop – Kamikochi Bus Terminal (上高地バスターミナル).
- The Resort is just a 10-minute walk away from the bus stop.
- Please note that the area is closed to travellers from mid-November to late April.
Click HERE for more information about how to get to Kamikochi!
The Most Difficult Trekking Course in Kamikōchi: Myōjin Area to Yokoo Area
Myōjin Bridge ⇒ Yokoo Bridge
Although we said the “most difficult”, the track’s difficulty is still nowhere near mountain hiking. You will just travel through a gentle mountain road (with ups and downs).
And why do we recommend it? Because Yokoo (横尾) is a particularly beautiful place surrounded by silence. Along the way, you will be welcomed by rare plants and wild birds!
Yokoo is also the starting point for climbing the Northern Japanese Alps. So if you plan to do some real hiking, basing at Yokoo Area is definitely what you would want to do (^_-)-☆.
By the way, if you are looking for the starting point of the gorgeous Azusa River, Yokoo is the place that you need to visit!
Yokoo Bridge (横尾大橋)
The view of the Hotaka mountain range from Yokoo Bridge is definitely more magnificent than Kappa Bridge because it towers over you! (≧▽≦).
Just to see this spectacular view, the 3-hour trek from Kappa Bridge will totally be worth it!
- To get to the Yokoo Bridge, take any bus services bound for Kamikōchi and get off at the last stop – Kamikōchi Bus Terminal (上高地バスターミナル)
- The Yokoo Bridge is a 3-hour walk from the bus stop.
- Please note that the area is closed to travellers from mid-November to late April.
Click HERE for more information about how to access Kamikochi!
What to Bring to Kamikōchi
- A water bottle with a lot of water inside
- Snacks (as there aren’t that many restaurants around Kamikochi)
- Plastic bags for your own garbage (because there aren’t bins placed around the trekking tracks)
- Rain gear (folded umbrella, and if you have a raincoat with top and bottom separated, this will be the best option)
- Insect repellent
- Sun cream
What to Wear at Kamikōchi
Footwear:
- If you plan to explore only between Taishō Pond and Kappa Bridge, a pair of sneakers will suffice.
- However, if you plan to trek to the Myōjin Area or Yokoo Area, then a pair of trekking or hiking shoes would be a better choice.
Clothing in General:
- The temperature difference between morning and nighttime can be significant in the mountains, and sudden weather changes are also common. This is particularly true in Kamikochi. Therefore, we recommend clothes that can be easily taken off and put back on (such as windbreakers and hoodies). Innerwear that is sweat-absorbing and quick-drying will be handy too.
- Even in mid-summer, Kamikochi rarely has temperatures more than 23 degrees (with the lowest being below 10 degrees). To avoid bug bites and accidental injuries, wearing long sleeves and pants is always recommended.
- Also, wearing a hat will protect you from the occasional dazzling sunlight!
Clothing Depends on the Season:
- From April to mid-May and in October and November: Kamikochi may experience snowfall during these periods of the year. Normal winter clothes suitable for areas like Tokyo are recommended. Wearing a windproof jacket over the fleece or down jacket will keep you really warm!
- The average temperatures in Kamikochi in April and October are 7.4℃ and 12.7℃, respectively.
- From mid-May to the end of June and from mid-August to the end of September: Kamikochi may be frosty during early morning and nighttime. If you are arriving at Kamikochi early or staying overnight, remember to bring a jacket and a pair of gloves.
- Recommended clothing is a thin fleece, a windbreaker, comfortable long pants, a brimmed hat, and thin gloves.
- The average temperatures in Kamikochi in May, June, and September are 14.3℃, 17.1℃, and 17.3℃, respectively.
- From July to mid to late August: On a day with good weather, a T-shirt will suffice, but the temperature will drop in the morning and evening. On a day with bad weather, remember to bring a thin jacket with you.
- The average temperatures in Kamikochi in July and August are 21.2℃ and 21.4℃, respectively.
Tip: A cap on a rainy day is really handy. Even if you have a hoodie on, you can still walk comfortably without poor visibility!
Combine Your Visit With Other Nearby Popular Destinations and Save on Transportation
If you are visiting Kamikochi and visit at least 2 of the following spots, the 4-Day Alps WIDE Free Passport might save you money! The ticket is valid for 4 consecutive days, allowing you ample time to sightsee in each of the destinations!
- Kanazawa
- Shirakawago
- Gokayama
- Takayama
- Matsumoto
For more details about the ticket, please refer to our Chūbu region transportation article HERE (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
