What to Do in the Myōjin Area
Hotaka Shrine (穂高神社) and Myōjin Pond (明神池)
The Myojin Pond consists of a large pond and a smaller pond. Because the Myojin Pond is within Hotaka Shrine’s precinct, to visit the pond, you will need to pay a 500 yen entrance fee (200 yen for elementary school students).
However, if you have the time, we still recommend paying the 500 yen because the view of Mt. Myōjindake (明神岳) as a backdrop, with withered trees at the far end of the pond, is just breathtaking!
Regardless of whether you visit the actual Myojin Pond or not, this is a perfect spot for you to take a rest, as there are a few cafes and toilets around Hotaka Shrine (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
Important:
☛ Please refrain from feeding the wildlife in this area. It is prohibited!
☛ Myojin Pond is another pond where you shouldn’t attempt to have an ice-skating session. Not only is it likely that the pond’s surface won’t be completely frozen, but you also wouldn’t really want to invade God’s backyard either …
Myōjin Ichino Pond (明神一之池)
At the Hotaka Shrine’s Myojin Ichino Pond, there is a place of worship for the shrine’s object of worship, the Hotaka Mountains. There is likely to be a queue in front of the place of worship. It is the best photography spot in the Hokata Shrine.
While you may have to wait a while until it is your turn, it will be worth it!
Myōjin Nino Pond (明神二之池)
Festival at Hotaka Shrine
On October 8 each year, a sacred ritual is performed on Myojin Pond. The priests of Hotaka Shrine will dress in traditional attire and pray to the God of the shrine for the safety of those who enter the Japanese Alps.
It is also a service for those who have had an accident and passed away in the Alps. The aim is to pray for the peace of those spirits.
Hotaka Shrine’s Opening Hours and Access Information
Myōjin Bridge (明神橋)
This magnificent suspension bridge was actually only replaced by the old one in 2003. During the replacement of the Myojin Bridge, the project team decided to relocate the bridge a couple of meters downstream, likely to provide visitors with a better view of Mt. Myojindake (明神岳).
The number of tourists around Myojin Bridge is probably less than half of those around Kappa Bridge. This means you have a great chance to take a photo of just yourself against the spectacular scenery without strangers in the background!
The Toilet Facilities in the Myōjin Area
There are two toilet facilities in the Myojin area. One is close to the Hotaka Shrine, and the other is situated opposite the hotel across Myojin Bridge, Kamikōchi Asayake no Yado Myojinkan.
A donation of 100 yen is required to use the toilet at Hotaka Shrine. There is often a queue to use it too. But if you are not in a hurry, wait until you cross Myojin Bridge. The public toilet across the bridge is free to use.
Discover Other Stunning Spots in Kamikōchi
Surrounded by the magnificent Northern Japanese Alps, Kamikochi 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. The area features rivers, ponds, forests, and wetlands along the tracks. All of these have disappeared from the lives of most people nowadays.
If you want to escape from the daily hustle and bustle, refer to our article on Kamikochi to plan your visit!
