Japan Hokuriku Hidden Gem Japanese Alps Kamikochi Day Tour | Round-trip from Nagoya
- Guaranteed Departure for Solo Traveler, book now on KKday to secure your seat!
- A hiker's paradise, a national geographical park where private cars are not allowed in Japan.
- Stroll through Kamikochi, the Furusato of the Japanese gods, and experience Japan's most spectacular mountain views; unlock Kappa Bridge and Myojin Bridge to enjoy Japan's pure scenery.
- Experience the feeling of trekking at an altitude of 1,500 meters, surrounded by majestic mountains and crystal-clear lakes.
- Kamikochi is rare in Japan for having two titles; it is designated as both a 'Special Place of Scenic Beauty' and a 'Special Natural Monument'.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Transportation method | Transfer from meeting point |
| Minimum participant requirement | 1 traveler |
| Meal arrangement | Arrange yourself |
| Family-friendly | Free for children under 2 (no seat) |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
- Kamikochi is a scenic resort and summer retreat located in the upper reaches of the Azusa River in the southern Hida Mountains, in the western part of Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It is surrounded by the Hotaka Mountain Range, Mount Yake, and the Jonen Mountain Range. At an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters, it is part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park and is designated as a 'Special Place of Scenic Beauty' and a 'Special Natural Monument'. It features hot springs and serves as a base for climbing Mount Hotaka and Mount Yari. Known to the world through the introduction of the 19th-century British missionary Walter Weston, it is also well-known among many mountaineers as a famous Japanese scenic spot. Kamikochi is generally open to visitors from mid-April to mid-November. During the winter, Kamikochi is inaccessible due to heavy snow.
- Kamikochi - Hiking
Recommended Route 1: Kamikochi Bus Terminal > Taisho Pond > Tashiro Pond > Kappa Bridge > Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Taisho Pond → Azusa River Left Bank / approx. 25 min walk (approx. 1.2km) → Tashiro Pond & Tashiro Marsh → approx. 20 min walk (approx. 1.0km) → Tashiro Bridge & Hotaka Bridge → Azusa River Right Bank Trail / approx. 10 min walk (approx. 0.5km) → Weston Relief → approx. 20 min walk (approx. 1.1km) → Kappa Bridge → approx. 6 min walk (approx. 0.3km) → Bus Terminal
Recommended Route 2: Kamikochi Bus Terminal > Kappa Bridge > Dakesawa Marsh > Myojin Bridge > Hotaka Shrine Okumiya & Myojin Pond > Kamikochi Bus Terminal
Kamikochi Bus Terminal ⇄ 5 min (approx. 0.4km) Kappa Bridge ⇄ Azusa River Right Bank Trail / approx. 10 min walk (approx. 0.5km) ⇄ Dakesawa Marsh approx. 40 min walk (approx. 2.0km) ⇄ Myojin Bridge ⇄ Hotaka Shrine Okumiya & Myojin Pond
15:00-15:30 Departure for Nagoya (the actual return time is subject to the guide's notification on the day)
Arrive at the meeting point around 19:30 for dismissal, bringing the pleasant trip to an end.
* If the road to Kamikochi is closed, the itinerary will be changed to a free stroll in Takayama, and the return time will be 2 hours earlier than scheduled.
* In case of traffic congestion, the return time may be delayed.
* In June, the midday temperature in Kamikochi usually rises to 12-17 degrees Celsius. Wearing a thin long-sleeved shirt or sweater is recommended. On cloudy or rainy days, the temperature tends to be lower than the average. In July and August, the midday temperature in Kamikochi usually rises to 18-22 degrees Celsius. In September, the midday temperature in Kamikochi usually rises to 14-18 degrees Celsius. In October, the midday temperature usually rises to 10-13 degrees Celsius. After mid-October, it may snow, so sweaters and coats are recommended.
Recommended items for spring and autumn: long-sleeved shirts, fleece, mountain parka, down jacket, long pants, neck warmer, gloves, and hat.
Recommended items for summer: T-shirt, long-sleeved shirt, windbreaker, shorts, mountain climbing skirt, tights/hat.
- Driver/Guide service (Small group of 1-13 people; bus tour for 14-45 people, subject to adjustment based on the actual number of participants on the day.
- Reference vehicle types: 5-8 seater or equivalent: Toyota Alphard; 9-14 seater: Toyota Hiace or equivalent; 18-22 seater: minibus; 22+ seater: large bus. The above vehicles are for reference only and will be adjusted based on the actual number of participants on the day.
- Children under 3 years old are free if they sit on a lap and do not occupy a seat; if they occupy a seat, they will be charged the adult price; children 3 years old and above are charged the adult price.
Kamikochi Hiking Route ※Estimated time required is about 1 hour, covering a 3.0 km route. ※This time does not include time for observing nature or resting. ※The illustration is for reference only and may not be to scale.
Taisho Pond was formed in 1915 after the eruption of Mount Yakedake, a nearby volcano, which dammed the Azusa River. The 'dead trees' in the lake present different dreamy landscapes depending on the season and time of day.
【Tashiro Pond】 Tashiro Pond is a small pond surrounded by wetlands, located on the hiking trail between Kappa Bridge and Taisho Pond. With new greenery in May and yellow leaves in October, and thanks to underground springs, the pond does not freeze even in winter, offering different scenery throughout the four seasons.
Kappa Bridge is the landmark of Kamikochi, a wooden suspension bridge spanning the Azusa River. Surrounded by restaurants and souvenir shops, it is a popular photo spot for many tourists. Standing on the bridge, you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Hotaka Mountain Range and Dakesawa Valley, as well as the crystal-clear Azusa River. Additionally, Kappa Bridge gained fame from the novel 'Kappa'. It is a 5-minute walk from the bus center.
【Myojin Pond】 It takes about 60 minutes to walk from Kappa Bridge along the upper reaches of the Azusa River to Myojin. This area is known as the sacred ground of the Okumiya of Hotaka Shrine. With its variety of wild plants and birds, it is the perfect place to calm your mind and experience the tranquility surrounded by nature. The view of Mt. Myojin from Myojin Bridge is also spectacular, attracting many photography enthusiasts. In addition, the water in Myojin Pond is crystal clear and surrounded by lush forests, offering beautiful scenery. Compared to other spots in Kamikochi, there are fewer tourists here, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Myojin Pond 2
Purchase Notice
【Travel Conditions】
Departure/Destination: Aichi/Nagano
Duration: Same-day round trip
Transportation: Chartered Bus
Bus Company: AMA Transport, etc.
Meals: Breakfast 0, Lunch 0, Dinner 0
Accommodation: None
Minimum Group Size: 1 (Guaranteed Departure for Solo Traveler)
Tour Leader: 1 (Driver acts as tour leader for groups of 18 or fewer; a dedicated tour leader is included for groups of 19 or more)
Guide: 0
【Travel Planning/Implementation】
Operating Company: KKT Co., Ltd.
Address: 1770-23 Kashiwaimachi, Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture
License Number: Chiba Prefecture Governor Registered Travel Agency No. 2-1131
Reminders
In case of delays caused by traffic, weather, or other force majeure factors resulting in the cancellation of some itinerary attractions, please contact customer service. We will arrange a partial refund for you
In the event of inclement weather such as typhoons or snowstorms, a decision on whether to cancel the tour will be made 1 day(s) before departure (local time 18:00). Notifications will then be sent via email
Travelers with the following conditions or other health issues that could be worsened by excessive stimulation should not participate in this activity: High blood pressure, Heart disease, Acrophobia, Asthma, Epilepsy, Pregnant women
Please arrive at the designated location 15 minute(s) before the scheduled departure time, as the tour will depart on time
Once the order is confirmed, the date cannot be changed arbitrarily. Any losses incurred will be at your own expense.
Please keep your passport and valuables with you at all times during the tour. You are responsible for any loss, theft, or damage.
This tour does not accept individual bookings for customers under 18 years old. If you wish to book, please have a guardian book the tour together with you.
This is a shared fixed-itinerary tour. Participants are required to strictly follow the scheduled stay duration at each attraction and comply with the instructions of the driver/guide. If you prefer a more flexible itinerary, please consider our private charter services.
No refunds will be provided if you fail to participate in or complete the tour due to personal reasons, lateness, etc. Please take note of this.
If you leave the tour group midway, the transaction will be considered void, and no refunds will be provided. You will also be responsible for any consequences regarding your personal safety and property.
Arrival times for each part of the itinerary may change due to traffic, weather, festivals, or crowds on the day. Please understand that we cannot be held responsible for delays or cancellations caused by these or other force majeure factors, and no refunds will be provided on these grounds.
Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for travel on this tour.
Please strictly abide by local Japanese laws and regulations. Do not carry any items prohibited by Japanese law to avoid legal issues that may affect your rights.
In the event of severe weather such as typhoons or blizzards, we will decide whether to cancel the tour the day before departure and will notify you via email at any time.
For day trips, we do not recommend bringing luggage. If you need to bring luggage, please inform our customer service team. Each group is limited to one piece of luggage for free; for 2 or more pieces, a fee of 2,000 JPY per piece will apply.
If the Abo Tunnel is closed, access to Kamikochi will not be possible. In such cases, the itinerary will be changed to Takayama or Magome-juku. Please be aware of this.
FAQ
1. What makes Kamikochi a "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and "Special Natural Monument"?
Kamikochi is renowned for its pristine natural environment within the Northern Alps of Japan. It's recognized for majestic mountains, crystal-clear Azusa River, and serene forests. This untouched landscape, including iconic spots like Kappa Bridge and Myojin Pond, showcases unique flora and fauna, making it a precious ecological and scenic treasure often called "the spiritual Furusato of the Japanese people."
2. What kind of unique experiences can visitors expect during a day trip to Kamikochi?
Visitors can immerse themselves in spectacular mountain scenery, experiencing hiking at 1,500 meters altitude. Explore iconic landmarks like Kappa Bridge for panoramic views and Myojin Bridge for a tranquil, sacred atmosphere near Myojin Pond. The area offers a chance to witness Japan's purest natural beauty, perfect for photography, leisurely walks, and reconnecting with nature away from city bustle.
3. What are the typical operating dates and seasonal access restrictions for Kamikochi?
Kamikochi typically opens from mid-April to mid-November each year. It is closed during the winter months, usually from November 16th to April 14th, due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions. These conditions make roads inaccessible and trails unsafe. This seasonal closure also helps preserve Kamikochi's delicate natural environment.
4. How can visitors access Kamikochi, given its restrictions on private vehicles?
Private cars are restricted from entering Kamikochi to protect its natural environment. Visitors must use authorized public transportation, such as buses or taxis, from gateway hubs like Hirayu Onsen or Matsumoto. Many visitors opt for organized day trips from major cities, which conveniently handle transportation logistics and entry into this protected national park.
5. How long does it typically take to travel to Kamikochi from major cities like Nagoya?
Traveling to Kamikochi from Nagoya typically involves a bus journey. A direct bus trip usually takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and the specific route. This travel time includes reaching an entry point like Hirayu Onsen, where visitors then transfer to authorized shuttle buses for the final segment into Kamikochi itself.
6. What are the main points of interest, like Kappa Bridge and Myojin Bridge, that visitors should explore in Kamikochi?
Key attractions in Kamikochi include the iconic Kappa Bridge, offering stunning views of the Hotaka mountain range and Azusa River. Myojin Bridge leads to Myojin Pond, a sacred spot known for its serene beauty and clear waters. Other notable areas include Taisho Pond, famous for its distinctive dead trees, and Tashiro Pond, all connected by picturesque walking trails.
7. What kind of hiking or walking trails are available for visitors to experience the natural environment of Kamikochi?
Kamikochi offers various well-maintained walking and hiking trails suitable for different fitness levels. Popular routes include the scenic path along the Azusa River, connecting Taisho Pond, Tashiro Pond, and Kappa Bridge. More adventurous hikers can extend their journey to Myojin Pond. These trails provide an immersive experience of pristine alpine forests, clear rivers, and majestic peaks.
8. When is the best time of year to visit Kamikochi to fully appreciate its natural scenery?
The best time to visit Kamikochi for appreciating its diverse natural scenery is during the green season, from late spring (May-June) for fresh greenery and blooming flowers, or autumn (late September-October) for spectacular fall foliage. Summer (July-August) also offers pleasant weather ideal for hiking and exploring the area's natural beauty.
